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Numis

num · LSE Financial Services
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Exchange LSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Financial - Diversified
Employees 51-200
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FY2013 Annual Report · Numis
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AnnuAl RepoRt & Accounts 2013

01 / oveRview

Numis at a Glance 

Financial Highlights  

Joint Chairman & CEO Statement  

02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Introduction 

Our Strategy  

Our Business Model  

Key Performance Indicators 

Review of Performance 

Principal Risks 

Financial Position 

Our People 

Outlook 

03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

Board of Directors  

Corporate Governance Report  

Remuneration Report 

04 / diRectoRs’ Responsibilities & RepoRt

Directors’ Responsibilities  

Directors’ Report 

05 / independent AuditoRs’ RepoRt 

06 / FinAnciAl stAtements

Consolidated Income Statement  

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  

Consolidated Balance Sheet  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  

Company Balance Sheet  

Company Statement of Changes in Equity  

Notes to the Financial Statements  

07 / otheR inFoRmAtion

Notice of Annual General Meeting  

Case Studies – Our Clients’ Successes 

Information for Shareholders 

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Numis smaller Companies Index 
continues to be the defining benchmark  
for the universe of uK smaller companies

Thomson Reuters Extel 2013 survey results

NumIs No. 1 
UK Small & Mid Cap Brokerage Firm  
by company votes

NumIs No. 1 
UK Small & Mid Cap Brokerage Firm by fund 
manager votes

NumIs No. 3 
UK Broking Firm in the Pan European survey

starmine FTsE 250 Best Recommendations
NumIs No. 1  
for last six years based on brokers with the 
most FTSE 250 coverage each year

2013 uK stock market Awards
NumIs VOTED  
“Best Advisor – Corporate Sponsor” 

Acquisition International’s 2013  
Finance Awards
NumIs VOTED  
“Institutional Stockbroking Firm of the Year – UK”

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts01 / oveRview

Numis at a Glance 

Financial Highlights  

Joint Chairman & CEO Statement  

1

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1

01 / oveRview

Numis at a Glance

We offer a full range of research, execution, corporate broking and corporate 
finance services to companies quoted in the UK and their investors. 

We help companies acheive their goals by 
sourcing the capital they need to fuel investment 
in their products, services and people

We serve a diverse range of corporate clients  
across the market place

split of funds raised in 2013, by value

Coverage, number of individual companies

Retail Bonds  
15%

Small Cap  
61

Secondary  
39%

IPO  
46%

Other  
5
FTSE 100  
1

AIM  
58

FTSE 250  
31

We provide in-depth, high quality research 
which is one of the most valuable tools in any 
investment decision

We provide powerful distribution and execution 
giving us a leading market share in UK mid and 
small cap stocks

Coverage, number of individual companies

market share by sector

FTSE 100 
58

Outside 
FTSE 350 
128

FTSE 250 
153

Investment 
Companies  
& Funds 
400

FTSE 250 
6.2%

FTSE Fledgling 
8.1%

AIM 
6.9%

FTSE Small Cap 
12.9%

Source: LSE Direct Customer Business, by value, calendar year  
to 30 September 2013

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts2

01 / oveRview

Financial Highlights

Revenue

2012: £50.1m

statutory basic earnings 
per share

2012: 3.2p

£77.7m

12
13

16.9p

12
13

Adjusted profit before tax*

2012: £7.7m

net assets

2012: £97.1m

£25.0m

£106.8m

12
13

* See reconciliation on page 43

12
13

statutory profit before tax

2012: £4.1m

cash balances

2012: £35.9m

£22.6m

12
13

Adjusted basic earnings 
per share

19.3p

12
13

£71.2m

12
13

2012: 6.4p

total dividend per share

2012: 8.00p

9.00p

12
13

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts01 / oveRview

3

Joint Chairman & CEO Statement
The business performed well during 2013 against a background of improved market 
conditions that were favourable to equity issuance.

We have seen this recently with the ill thought out 
Financial Transaction Tax concept which could lead  
to the cessation of certain markets if implemented  
as initially intended and the so called bankers bonus  
cap which appears to be driving certain bulge bracket 
institutions to a higher fixed cost base environment 
which, it can be argued, reduces their ability to withstand 
market downturns and therefore increases systemic risk. 

We believe that all external regulation, well intentioned  
or otherwise, must be accompanied by a strong  
internal culture which puts the clients’ interests first and 
demands that we strive to attain the highest ethical and 
professional standards. An overarching governance 
framework is essential in ensuring that the principles of 
good governance are maintained and that this culture  
is driven from, and by, the Board downwards. Details  
of our governance framework are described in our 
Corporate Governance Report on page 16. 

Outlook

Buoyant levels of activity in both primary and secondary 
markets have continued into the start of our new financial 
year and our deal pipeline is building strongly. Now that 
the market is open and much more favourable to equity 
issues, we will continue to drive forward in order to 
consolidate our position as one of the leading 
independent UK broking and investment banking 
businesses. Our strategy has served us well in the past 
and, we believe, positions us well for future success.

Sir David Arculus
Chairman

Oliver Hemsley
Chief Executive Officer

13 December 2013

13 December 2013

An increase in revenue to £77.7m (2012: £50.1m) fed 
through to an increase in adjusted earnings per share  
to 19.3p (2012: 6.4p) showing the high degree of 
operational leverage that exists within our business 
model. Our performance in 2013 is reviewed in more 
detail in our strategic report on page 10. 

We also performed well for our clients in helping them 
raise £2.2bn of finance (2012: £717m) through a mix  
of equity and retail bond finance which in aggregate  
is the highest level of activity we have achieved in any  
one reporting period. At the same time we have added 
both quantity and quality to our corporate client base and  
will continue to focus our efforts on providing them with 
exceptional client service and advice. The key performance 
indicators we use to assess our performance are described 
on page 8 and include both financial and non-financial 
performance indicators. 

External recognition of the quality of our people and 
service was reinforced in the 2013 Thomson Reuters 
Extel survey in which Numis was voted No.1 UK Small 
and Mid Cap Brokerage Firm by both companies and 
fund managers. This demonstrates the exceptional 
quality of our research, distribution and execution 
capabilities and is testament to the hard work of our  
staff whose drive and dedication provide the platform  
for the Group’s future success.

Dividend

In view of our robust capital position and confidence in the 
Group’s future prospects, the Board are recommending 
an increase in the final dividend to 5.0p per share (2012: 
4.0p per share) which brings the total dividend for the year 
to 9.0p per share (2012: 8.0p per share). 

It is noteworthy that over the past five years ended  
30 September 2013 we will, including the final dividend 
above, have paid out 41p of dividends to shareholders 
whom have also enjoyed an increase in share price of 
105.75p over the same period. Hence a total return of 
146.75p has been achieved over a particularly challenging 
period of the economic cycle which has re-confirmed our 
belief in the strategy which has served us well over past 
years. This strategy is described in more detail on page 6. 

Regulatory change

Regulatory change, political involvement and intervention 
from Europe have never been more prevalent in the financial 
services industry. Whilst it is clear that regulatory change 
can and should be instrumental in both reducing risk and 
increasing protection, there are undoubtedly damaging 
effects if poorly thought out regulation is targeted at the 
wrong businesses and for the wrong reasons. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts4

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts5

02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Introduction 

Our Strategy  

Our Business Model  

Key Performance Indicators 

Review of Performance 

Principal Risks  

Financial Position 

Our People 

Outlook 

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02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Introduction

We are a leading independent investment banking and stockbroking business. 
Relationships built through continuity and trust combined with exceptional client 
service enable us to create value for our clients and shareholders.

In accordance with Section 414A of the Companies Act 
2006, the directors serving during the year ended  
30 September 2013 and up to the date of signing  
the financial statements are pleased to present their 
Strategic Report on the development and performance 
of the Group during the year ended 30 September 2013, 
the financial position of the Group as at 30 September 
2013 and the principal risks to which the Group is exposed.

This report is a key component of the annual report and 
accounts which provides an opportunity for the directors 
to communicate our strategy and goals (Our Strategy), the 
measures we use to determine how well the business is 
performing (Key Performance Indicators) and the principal 
risks (Principal Risks) faced by the business which could 
prevent these goals being achieved.

We also provide an overview of how our business is 
structured (Our Business Model) and a review of the 
Group’s performance for the year ended 30 September 
2013 (Review of Performance) in order to add context to 
the results shown in the financial statements. This review 
includes commentary on the four main pillars of our 
business model.

Finally, we summarise the financial position of the 
business (Financial Position) and comment on future 
prospects for the business (Outlook).

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts6

02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Our Strategy
Our overarching goal is to retain our position as one of the leading independent 
investment banking and stockbroking businesses in the UK. The key elements 
which we believe are essential to achieving our goal are set out below.

Focus

Focusing on the UK market, where Numis has a clear 
competitive advantage in its core integrated business

Putting clients’ interests first and delivering exceptional 
client service 

benefits: 

Serving our clients needs with outstanding research  
and international distribution coupled with sector aligned 
advisory and broking expertise leads to enduring 
relationships based on trust 

Providing high quality research combined with powerful 
international distribution

Risks: 

Strategic risk - see page 12

Providing expert advisory and broking services in both 
favourable and difficult markets 

partnership

Offering a collegial culture with an emphasis on 
harnessing the combined expertise of the firm

Attracting highly capable and motivated professionals looking 
for an opportunity to serve clients without latent conflicts

Offering the opportunity to make a tangible difference 
and participate in the direction and performance  
of the business

selectivity

Adding research, distribution and client service capability 
to selective sectors so that the business continues to 
strengthen its offering

Building non-UK distribution and alternative  
execution capability

Adding origination capacity and bringing exceptional 
investment opportunities to institutional clients

discipline

Making disciplined operational improvements and 
maintaining a prudent risk management culture

Actively evaluating and managing financial and  
non-financial risks

Continuing to manage our finances, liquidity and  
capital conservatively

benefits: 

Recruitment, development and retention of high  
calibre individuals is essential to the firms stability  
and long-term success

Risks: 

People risk - see page 12

benefits: 

Being selective ensures that the firm maintains an 
integrated approach to its business model and delivery 
of client service

In this way we aim to ensure that additions are both 
accretive and reputationally enhancing

Risks: 

Strategic risk and reputational risk - see page 12

benefits: 

Operational effectiveness is key to maintaining quality  
of service and controlling operational risks

A robust balance sheet and capital position provides 
assurance to our clients, counterparties, shareholders 
and employees

Risks: 

Other operational risk, financial risk and regulatory  
& legal risk - see page 12

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

7

Our Business Model
We employ an integrated approach to our business model in order to harness  
the combined expertise of the firm to the benefit of our clients.

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Corporate 
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Research

Execution

Numis operates as a single integrated business which is 
structured to deliver exceptional service to our clients  
through an emphasis on teamwork and communication.

39

support 
Functions

35

Research

26

corporate 
Finance

34

corporate broking 
& investor Relations

41

execution

service over 800 institutional  
clients in london, europe  
and usA

service 156 corporate clients 
across 16 sectors

Corporate Finance 

The success of our 
Corporate Finance team 
springs from its ability to 
understand our clients’ 
businesses, to know what 
they are looking for and 
where to locate it. Our 
Corporate Finance team 
operates an industry-
focused approach in 
sectors covered by our 
highly rated research 
teams. We provide a full 
range of services including 
advice in relation to  
M&A, public bids, IPOs, 
secondary fundraisings, 
convertible securities, retail 
bonds and private equity.

Corporate Broking  
& Investor Relations

Our dedicated Corporate 
Broking team bridges the 
transactional and advisory 
services of our Corporate 
Finance department and 
the placing power of our 
Institutional Sales and 
Trading teams. Our brokers 
provide ongoing advice to 
our corporate clients on 
market conditions and 
perceptions, and with the aid 
of our dedicated Investor 
Relations team deal with all 
aspects of investor relations 
including the organisation  
of and feedback on 
institutional road show 
presentations to existing 
and potential shareholders. 

Research 

Execution 

Through the recruitment 
of highly ranked specialist 
teams and the development 
and training of talented 
individuals, we are able to 
provide in-depth, quality 
sector coverage. Our research 
is recognised by fund 
managers and corporates 
alike as among the best. 
Our research attracts 
institutional clients, builds 
relationships with them and 
thereby enables us to offer 
superior distribution for our 
corporate clients. 

Our Sales and Trading team 
offer strong distribution 
capabilities in London, 
Europe and the United States 
of America. Working together 
they combine their strengths 
to deliver a substantial 
resource to our institutional 
clients who require best 
execution to capture the value 
of our research and trading 
ideas. Our execution team 
delivers market leading 
execution in over 400 
stocks and has access  
to over 22 trading venues  
and liquidity providers.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8

02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Key Performance Indicators
We use a number of key performance indicators to measure the underlying 
performance of the business

measure

Revenue per head

objective

performance

Our aim is to ensure that sufficient 
productivity levels are maintained 
whilst acknowledging the impact 
that the economic cycle and weaker 
external market conditions can have 
on revenue generation opportunities

Revenue per head has increased to 
£449,000 in 2013 and has benefitted 
from carefully managed reductions 
in average headcount over the last 
4 years

cost: core revenue

(costs exclude charges relating to 
share based payments but include 
annual incentive pay amounts)

Our aim is to ensure that the overall 
cost base is managed effectively and 
that the interest of shareholders and 
employees are aligned over the longer 
term business cycle

We have been able to manage down 
the ratio over the last 5 years through 
a combination of cost control and, in 
2013, higher revenues

corporate client base and  
average market capitalisation

number of Ftse 250 
corporate clients

Funds raised for  
corporate clients

market share in uK mid cap  
and small cap

(source: LSE Direct Customer 
Business, calendar years)

Adjusted earnings per share

(adjusted profit after tax divided 
by basic weighted average 
number of shares)

Our aim is to win corporate clients 
across a broad range of sectors 
ensuring that both the net number 
and quality of our corporate client 
base continues to grow

Further increases in net corporate  
clients numbers and their average  
market capitalistation have been 
achieved during 2013, average 
market capitalisation having 
increased to £467m

Whilst continuing to serve a broad 
range of corporate clients across 
16 sectors, we aim to expand our 
exposure to FTSE 250 clients and 
thereby further diversify the breadth 
of our client base

Our aim is to grow the aggregate 
value of funds raised as this is a key 
driver of primary revenues

Our aim is to dominate market  
share as this is a key driver of 
secondary revenues

We acheived a net addition of  
three FTSE 250 corporate clients 
during 2013

2013 has been a record year for  
the Group as we raised over £2bn  
of funds for our clients for the first time 
in our history. Our ability to raise debt 
finance, in the form of retail bonds, 
as well as equity finance has helped 
diversify our offering

2013 has seen the Group achieve 
further gains in market share in both 
these indices as well as maintaining 
it’s top 3 ranking in FTSE Small Cap 
and AIM market share

Our aim is to grow adjusted earnings  
per share as this reflects, in our view,  
a truer measure of the performance  
of the underlying business 

A significant improvement has been 
achieved as our strategy and actions 
employed during the downturn 
positioned the Group to benefit from 
the improved market conditions

dividend per share

(in respect of the full year)

Our aim is to maintain  
a sustainable dividend across  
the broad economic cycle

The Board has proposed a final 
dividend of 5.00p per share which 
increases the total distribution 
for 2013 by 12.5% to 9.00 per 
share, in recognition of our robust 
cash position, significant excess 
regulatory capital and profitability

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

9

long term performance

expectations for 2014

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

£’000

255 
275 
288 
278 
449

%

97 
86 
85 
85 
68

NO. CORPORATE ClIENTS

122 
133 
140 
144 
156

NO. CORPORATE ClIENTS

16 
26 
25 
28 
31

£m

787 
1,315 
634 
717 
2,162

YEAR

COMBINEd FTSE 250 & SMAll CAP SHARE %

If external market conditions continue their buoyant start to 
the year we would expect to achieve a ratio at or around 
2013 levels despite selective hiring within the business

Improving market conditions may well heighten competition 
for high calibre staff. Regulatory considerations may also 
impact staff remuneration trends as well as certain elements 
of a sell-side firm’s cost base and revenue model. These 
factors are likely to exert upward pressure on this ratio that 
will require careful management

Client losses may occur through M&A and other routes, 
however we are confident that gains will be made on a net 
basis which is the case so far during 2014

We have made good progress in this area to date, future 
additions are unlikely to be made at a significantly faster pace

2013 was a record year in terms of the funds we raised for 
our clients. The market’s appetite for IPO activity will need to 
remain intact in order for similar levels to be achieved in 2014 

We believe our market share will remain at current levels 
as we continue to benefit from investments made in our 
people and platform

12.10 
16.24 
18.97 
18.14 
19.11

PENCE PER SHARE

See comments for cost: core revenue ratio above

3.2 
6.6 
7.3 
6.4 
19.3

PENCE PER SHARE

8.0 
8.0 
8.0 
8.0 
9.0

Will be dependent on our performance during 2014 and 
visibility of future prospects on the conclusion of 2014.  
In any event, will be subject to our overall policy of providing 
sustainable distributions across the business cycle

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

YEAR

09 
10 
11 
12 
13

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts10

02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Review of Performance
We have delivered a significant improvement in performance and are confident that 
the strategy we have in place positions the firm for future success.

Overall Performance

We are pleased to report a significant improvement in  
the performance of the business. During the year ended 
30 September 2013 revenues have increased to £77.7m 
(2012: £50.1m) and adjusted profit before tax to £25.0m 
(2012: £7.7m). There were £3.6m of gains (2012: £2.8m) 
recognised on investments held outside of our market 
making business and £6.0m of charges (2012: £6.3m) 
relating to employee share scheme arrangements.  
This resulted in a statutory profit before tax for the year  
of £22.6m (2012: £4.1m). A reconciliation of the adjusted 
profit to the statutory result is set out in note 2 to the 
financial statements.

Strong inflows of capital into equities and a general 
re-opening of the market to equity issuance helped to 
underpin a buoyant and consistent performance across 
UK equity indices. For the year ended 30 September 
2013 double-digit percentage gains were experienced in 
all the key FTSE indices, with the largest gains recorded 
for the AIM 50 (36.3%), FTSE Small Cap (30.8%) and 
FTSE 250 (27.1%). Similarly, the main Numis Smaller 
Companies Index generated returns of 34.4% over the 
same period demonstrating the continued strong 
performance in this sector of the market.

For the market as a whole, the value of secondary 
trading and equity fundraising on the London Stock 
Exchange also improved. Secondary trading (by value)  
in main market stocks was up 8.6% on the same period 
last year and equity funds raised on AIM and the Main 
Market combined, increased to £23.8bn resulting in a 
year-on-year increase of 119%. In addition, a further 
£1.1bn of finance was raised by way of retail bond 
offerings through the Order book for Retail Bonds (ORB).

We have been able to take advantage of the improved 
market conditions and post a 55% increase in core 
revenues. This includes a record full year result for 
combined institutional commission & trading revenues 
which generated a year-on-year increase of 50% to 
£37.2m (2012: £24.8m). Similarly, income from corporate 
and issuance transactions for the year increased by 75% 
to £33.5m (2012: £19.1m) and was driven by the 
completion of 7 IPOs, 31 secondary market equity 
placings and 5 retail bond offerings bringing the total 
funds raised for our clients during the year to £2.2bn 
(2012: £717m). This is the highest level of activity we have 
achieved in any reporting period.

Our balance sheet remains strong with cash balances 
totalling £71.2m (2012: £35.9m) while net assets have 
increased to £106.8m (2012: £97.1m). Net cash inflows 
during the year largely reflect the significant improvement 
in operating profit, the monetisation of part of our 
investment portfolio held outside of the market making 

business coupled with net inflows from other operating 
activities such as cash collateral placed with stock 
lending counterparties and clearing institutions.

Our investment portfolio is valued at £10.5m (2012: £17.8m) 
the majority of which comprises holdings in quoted 
companies. During the year we monetised £12m of this 
portfolio and recorded net gains of £3.2m which are 
reported through the other operating income line of the 
income statement.

Corporate Finance

We believe in building solid, long-term relationships with 
our clients endeavouring to provide them with service  
of exceptional quality tailored to their needs. Our track 
record reflects the quality of our client relationships and 
the depth of expertise enabling us to deliver original and 
telling solutions. Our focus on debt securities as well as 
equity finance enables us to launch retail bond issues  
on behalf of corporate clients thereby helping them to 
access non-bank finance via different routes. 

Notable deals completed during 2013 included IPOs for 
Foxtons, Crest Nicholson, esure Group, Hellermann Tyton 
and TwentyFour Income Fund and retail bond issuances  
for Enquest, St Modwen, Unite Group, Helical Bar and 
Workspace. In total we raised £1.8bn of equity finance during 
the year (2012: £717m) which equates to 7.7% (2012: 5.4%) of 
total equity fund raising on the London Stock Exchange. In 
the retail bond space we raised £334m during the year which 
represents one third of all funds raised on the London 
Stock Exchange ORB market during the period.

Corporate Broking & Investor Relations

We continue to attract high quality corporate clients with 
28 new clients added during the year bringing the total 
number for whom we act to 156 companies (2012: 144). 
This has helped to achieve a 13% increase in retainer 
fees year-on-year which currently has an annual run rate 
of just under £8m. During the year we won our largest 
ever new broking client by market capitalisation with our 
appointment as joint broker to Daily Mail & General Trust 
(market cap of c. £2.6bn at date of appointment). The 
average market capitalisation of our client base now 
stands at c. £467m (2012: £332m). 

The breadth and quality of our corporate client list is 
significant and includes 31 FTSE 250 clients, one FTSE 100 
company, 61 FTSE Small Caps and 58 AIM companies.  
The offering to our corporate clients includes access to 
worldwide institutional investors, but also to a network of over 
1,500 active private client fund managers (PCFM) providing 
alternative sources of liquidity and investor interaction. With 
access to over 70 regional PCFM houses throughout the UK 
our dedicated PCFM team continues to expand its reach 
and client base which now totals 36 (2012: 32) clients. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

11

companies including around 160 companies with market 
capitalisations of over £1bn, and 180 smaller companies. 
In addition, our investment funds research covers around 
400 investment companies and together this gives us a 
recognised capability across sixteen sectors. We believe 
that we are now one of the leading UK country brokers 
for equity research. 

Further external recognition comes from Starmine’s 
tracking of Broker recommendations. Numis has been 
ranked 1st for the performance of Midcap recommendations 
in every one of the last 6 years, among the leading ten 
brokers for Midcaps researching more than 100 
companies. We believe this performance reflects the 
extensive experience of our analysts and demonstrates 
the consistent and significant insight that our research 
product provides to investors in UK listed companies. 

Execution

Sales & Trading is a highly competitive area. Our clients 
have a strong demand for well-researched ideas combined 
with high quality execution and we believe our platform is 
well placed to improve performance for our 450+ active 
institutional clients across the UK, Europe and the USA. 

Numis provides active execution services in 633 stocks 
(2012: 572) of which 493 are listed on the main market  
(2012: 404). Importantly, Numis had the leading market share 
in 121 (2012: 103) stocks across these markets and was  
a top three service provider in a further 103 stocks (2012: 83). 

Our US office continues to provide an excellent service in 
marketing UK quoted companies to major US institutional 
investors and arranging road shows in the US for FTSE 
350 companies. 

External recognition of our Sales Team and Trading 
capability was achieved in the 2013 Thomson Reuters 
Extel survey in which Numis was voted #2 UK Small & Mid 
Cap Sales as well as #4 UK Small & Mid Cap Trading. 
Further recognition was achieved in the Acquisition 
International’s 2013 Finance Awards in which Numis was 
voted Institutional Stockbroking Firm of the Year – UK. 

In addition our dedicated Investor Relations team provides 
the link between companies, existing shareholders  
and potential investors. This is achieved through the 
organisation of roadshows, site visits and investor 
conferences both here in the UK, Europe and in the USA. 
Roadshow activity has been strong with 3,869 UK 
meetings and 48 European meetings held during the last 
12 months. Over the same period, our team has arranged 
61 roadshows and 40 reverse roadshows in the USA.

These achievements are a testament to the calibre of  
our people and the strength of our dedicated corporate 
broking team which were instrumental in Numis being 
voted #1 UK Small & Mid Cap Brokerage Firm by both 
companies and institutions in the 2013 Thomson Reuters 
Extel survey. In addition, Numis was voted “Best Advisor – 
Corporate Sponsor” in the UK Stock Market Awards 
2013, retaining our 2012 title, giving further evidence of 
the leading role we play in this field and the high regard  
in which our franchise is held. 

Research

High quality research is at the heart of Numis’ business. 
It creates trust-based relationships with our institutional 
clients that are further strengthened by our powerful 
international distribution capability. 

Our research services are recognised as being exceptional 
and have been critical in helping to drive further increases  
in market share during the year. We remain in the top  
5 brokers for FTSE 250 trade (by value traded) based  
on direct customer business, and are top 3 ranked in 
both FTSE Small Cap and AIM trade on this basis.

Numis analysts cover 340 companies (excluding investment 
companies) including 58 of the FTSE 100 as well as 128 
companies that fall outside the FTSE 350. Our 28 recognised 
leading analysts are organised into 16 key sectors. 

Our Alternative Investment Funds research comprises 
coverage of around 400 investment companies and 
funds. In this sector our research-driven approach 
focuses on investment companies with specialist or 
differentiated mandates, including quoted equity, private 
equity, hedge funds, property and other alternative 
assets. The research product (classified as marketing 
communications) includes a daily data sheet covering  
all UK-traded funds as well as regular fund-specific and 
broader-based research offering insight into individual 
companies and specific asset classes.

External recognition of the quality of our research was 
reinforced in the 2013 UK Mid and Smallcap Thomson 
Reuters Extel survey. Out of 18 sectors covered by the 
survey, Numis analysts ranked number 1 in eight sectors 
with no other broker achieving more then two number 1 
analysts votes. Our analysts produce research on 340 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts12

02 / stRAtegic RepoRt

Principal Risks
The Board is ultimately responsible for determining Numis’ risk appetite and for 
ensuring that Numis’ risk framework and management processes are appropriate 
and operating effectively.

The management of risk is embedded in our culture 
and it is the responsibility of each employee to 
ensure that this culture is built into our working 
practices. Specifically, day-to-day management of  
risk is delegated by the Board to senior executives 
across the firm, through appropriate committees, 
systems and controls. Whilst encouraging an 
entrepreneurial and commercial culture that is 
focused on generating value for our clients, the 
Board actively seeks to ensure all relevant risk 
exposures are managed and mitigated. Note 28 to 
the financial statements describes how the Board 
receives input from other key committees and the 
framework employed by the Group to manage the 
risks faced in the normal course of business. In 
financial terms, the Board’s policy is to hold 
regulatory capital that, at a minimum, meets its 
interpretation of the most severe but plausible stress 
test measures thereby maintaining an additional 
capital buffer available for use should adverse 
circumstances materialise that are outside the  
firm’s normal and direct control.

The principal risks to which the business is exposed 
are set out below. Although not exhaustive, this 
highlights the risks that are currently considered  
to be of most significance to the Group’s activities:

People risk

Retaining, attracting and developing key staff, including,  
in particular, significant current and future income generators, 
is essential to the long-term success of the business. The 
Board therefore places particular focus on its remuneration 
policy and strategies, including considering the appropriate 
allocation and mix of cash and share based schemes, 
and maintains formal structured performance-based 
staff evaluations. The nature of the share based schemes 
and their deferral characteristics are described in Note 
24 to the financial statements. Additionally, the on-
boarding, retention and growth of our people remain  
at the top of the Board’s agenda.

Strategic risk

The Board recognises that continued improvement in the way 
in which our strategy is executed is key to our long-term 
success. In particular, the management team is subject 
to healthy and robust challenge from the Board on the 
firm’s strategic direction, execution of strategy and the 
implementation of agreed initiatives. This includes significant 
focus on the risks that threaten the achievement of the firm’s 
strategy as well as those that present the greatest opportunity. 
Our corporate governance structure ensures that the Board 
has sufficient, well articulated, consistent and timely 
information to enable the necessary decisions and choices 
to be made and the appropriate level of assurance obtained.

Regulatory & legal risk

The Board’s policy is to encourage an intense focus  
by senior management on the long-term, sustainable 
success of the business. This specifically includes robust 
corporate governance, mitigating the likelihood of litigation 
and full compliance with the relevant regulatory and legal 
requirements for the jurisdictions in which the Group 
operates. A strong culture of regulatory and legal compliance 
permeates the firm and there is a demonstrated track 
record of transparency and strong relations with the  
key regulatory bodies. Compliance procedures are 
maintained across the Group and our Compliance 
department supports senior management in meeting 
their obligations as well as carrying out risk-based 
monitoring of the Group’s compliance with relevant 
regulation. Similarly the Groups legal obligations are 
overseen by suitably qualified in-house legal resource.

Financial risk

Financial risks are discussed in more detail in Note 28  
to the financial statements and include market, credit, 
concentration and liquidity risks. Applicable external 
regulatory measures along with internal VaR measures are 
utilised and compared with Board approved limits. These 
measures are calculated daily by the Finance team and are 
reported to senior management and, ultimately, to the Board.

Reputational risk

Other operational risk

Whilst entrepreneurial staff are always encouraged to develop 
new clients relationships and streams of income, all new 
business is subject to a rigorous appraisal process supervised 
by the New Business Committee. For all activities, this 
discriminates strongly in favour of high quality clients.  
We place great emphasis on employing and adding highly 
experienced senior staff who are very closely engaged with 
clients. To aid the application of best practice, regulatory 
compliance and consistency, management continue to  
make use of standardised operating procedures. Finally, the 
Board sets the tone by demanding a strong ethical and 
professional culture as the only acceptable standard for the firm.

We aim to be able to sustain operations and client service, 
with minimum disruption, with a combination of business 
continuity planning, duplicated infrastructure, strong supplier 
relations and remote facilities. Evolving control standards are 
applied by suitably trained and supervised individuals, and 
senior management are actively involved in identifying and 
analysing all operational risks to find the most effective and 
efficient means to mitigate and manage them. The use of an 
independent, outsourced Internal Audit function provides 
assurances over the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
systems of internal control throughout the business as well as 
identifying enhancements that provide further risk mitigation.

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13

Financial Position

Our People

A prudent approach to the management of market risk, 
liquidity risk and regulatory capital has helped to ensure 
that we continue to maintain a strong balance sheet  
and capital position. Our balance sheet includes cash 
balances totalling £71.2m (2012: £35.9m) while net assets 
have increased to £106.8m (2012: £97.1m). 

As at 30 September 2013 our Pillar I regulatory financial 
resource requirement was £18.0m (2012: £16.7m) 
including £7.4m (2012: £7.4m) of operational capital 
requirement. Total regulatory capital as at 30 September 
2013 amounted to £85.8m (2012: £72.6m) giving a Pillar I 
solvency ratio of 477% (2012: 436%).

Our focus on high quality clients, high calibre staff and  
a robust capital position has enabled us to deliver underlying 
profits throughout the most extreme and challenging 
times whilst maintaining distributions to shareholders. 

This strategy positioned us well for the improved 
market conditions we are currently experiencing and 
underpins the significant improvement in the Group’s 
performance in 2013. In view of our robust cash 
position, significant excess regulatory capital and 
profitability, the Board has proposed a final dividend 
of 5.00p per share (2012: 4.00p) which increases the 
total distribution for 2013 by 12.5% to 9.00 per share 
(2012: 8.00p). 

The Group’s employees are its greatest asset and, ultimately, 
are the key factor in determining the long term success of the 
business. During the year we have made further quality hires 
across various areas of the business whilst maintaining our 
overall headcount at stable levels. We will continue to look at 
hiring opportunities in order to strengthen our offering and 
service to clients but always in the context of our overall 
strategy to ensure the impact is additive and complementary 
to our integrated business model.

Outlook

Our new financial year has started well with buoyant 
levels of activity in both primary and secondary markets. 
The deal pipeline is building strongly and we expect 
favourable conditions for equity issuance to prevail in the 
short to medium term.

Our strategy of building close relationships through continuity 
and trust combined with a relentless focus on client service 
is appreciated by both institutions and companies. It is this 
focus that underpins the strong performance seen in 2013 
and should ensure that the firm remains well positioned 
to benefit from favourable market conditions. 

This report was approved by the Board on  
13 December 2013 and signed on its behalf by

Oliver Hemsley 
Chief Executive Officer

13 December 2013

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts14

A wide range of experience  
and expertise at both executive 
and non-executive level creates 
the drive and challenge required 
to achieve high standards of 
corporate governance whilst 
maintaining our focus on the 
future success of the business.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts15

03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

Board of Directors  

Corporate Governance Report  

Remuneration Report 

15

16

21

03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

Board of directors

The Board is responsible for overseeing the management of the business and for 
ensuring high standards of corporate governance are maintained throughout the Group. 

Executive Directors

Oliver Hemsley 
Chief Executive Officer

Oliver Hemsley is the founder and Chief Executive Officer  
of Numis. Oliver is responsible for Numis’ strategic 
development as well as the day to day management of 
the main trading entity, Numis Securities Limited which 
has offices based in London and New York employing 
over 170 staff. Oliver is also a non-executive Director of 
The Quoted Companies Alliance and The ECU Group Plc.

Lorna Tilbian 
Executive Director 

Lorna Tilbian is an Executive Director and Head of the 
Media Sector. After a distinguished career as a top ranked 
Media analyst by Institutional Investor and Thomson 
Reuters Extel from 1987 to 2012, Lorna now heads the 
Media banking franchise where the team has won Finance 
Monthly Deal Maker of the Year 2013 (disposal of Future’s 
rock titles) and Finance Monthly Deal of the Month December 
2013 (Chime’s acquisition of JMI). Lorna has multiple duties 
at Numis which include the HR report as well as PR and IR. 
She joined Numis in 2001 after Sheppards (1984-88), SG 
Warburg (Director, 1988-95) and WestLB Panmure 
(Executive Director, 1995-2001). Lorna appears in 
Campaign’s A List 2014 and has served as a C&binet 
Ambassador (an Ambassador for Creative Britain) for the 
DCMS. Lorna is also a Non-executive Director of Jupiter 
Primadona Growth Trust and ProVen VCT Plc. 

Simon Denyer 
Group Finance Director and Company Secretary

Simon Denyer is an Executive Director and is Group 
Finance Director of Numis. Simon is a chartered 
accountant having spent five years with Price Waterhouse 
before moving to the banking arm of Schroders Plc 
where he spent five years performing a number of 
finance and risk roles. Simon then moved to Citigroup 
where he spent a further six years in the investment 
banking arm before joining Numis in 2006. 

Non-Executive Directors

Sir David Arculus 
Non-executive Chairman 

Sir David Arculus is the non-executive Chairman of Numis 
and chairs the Nominations Committee. David brings a 
wealth of experience to Numis having spent 24 years at 
EMAP, the last eight as Group Managing Director leaving 
EMAP in 1997. Outside the media sector he was  

non-executive Director of Severn Trent plc from 1996, 
serving as Chairman from 1998 to 2004. David held  
a range of further non-executive positions including, 
Barclays Bank plc from 1997 to 2006 and Aldermore 
Bank plc from 2010 to 2013. David was Chairman of the 
British Government’s Better Regulation Task Force from 
2002 to 2006 where he reported to the Prime Minister 
and was instrumental in reducing burdens on business. 
David is a Director of Pearson plc and also serves as 
Chairman or director of a number of private equity 
backed companies.

Tom Bartlam 
Independent Non-executive Director

Tom Bartlam is an independent non-executive Director  
of Numis and chairs the Remuneration Committee.  
Prior to his retirement in 2005 Tom was Managing Director  
of Intermediate Capital Group Plc, which he co-founded  
in 1989. Tom is also non-executive Chairman of Jupiter 
Primadona Growth Trust Plc, Pantheon International 
Participations Plc and Polar Capital Holdings Plc and  
a non-executive Director of Diverse Income Trust Plc.  
As announced on 4 December 2013, Tom will be stepping 
down from his position as non-executive Director of the 
Company with effect from 30 December 2013. 

Gerald Corbett 
Independent Non-executive Director

Gerald Corbett is an independent non-executive  
Director of Numis. Gerald’s external appointments 
include the Chairmanship of Betfair Plc, Britvic Plc, 
Moneysupermarket.com Plc and Towry Holdings Limited  
(a private wealth management business). Over a long 
business career, Gerald has been a director of 12 public 
companies, 5 of which he has chaired. Gerald was also 
Chairman of SSL International Plc between 2005 to 2010 
and his executive career included Group Finance Director 
roles with Redland Plc and Grand Metropolitan Plc.  
Gerald was CEO of Railtrack between 1997 and 2000. 

Geoffrey Vero 
Independent Non-executive Director

Geoffrey Vero is an independent non-executive Director of 
Numis and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. Geoffrey 
is a chartered accountant and was an Investment Director 
of ABN Amro Private Equity (previously Causeway Capital 
Limited), Lazard Development Capital and previously held 
senior positions at Diners Club and Savills. Geoffrey Vero is 
Chairman of Albion Development VCT Plc and EPE Special 
Opportunities Plc. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts16

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Corporate Governance Report
A number of appropriately constituted committees ensure the principals of good 
governance and challenge are in place.

Corporate Governance Policy

Board Effectiveness

AIM companies are not required to comply with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 2012 (Principles of good 
governance and standards of good practice in relation  
to board leadership and effectiveness, remuneration, 
accountability and relations with shareholders) adopted  
by the London Stock Exchange. However, the directors 
have chosen to make the following disclosures to meet 
the provisions of the Code deemed most relevant to AIM 
listed companies, and specifically having considered the 
size, nature and scope of the Group’s activities.

The Chairman conducts an annual assessment of the 
effectiveness of the Board and its Committees through  
an internal questionnaire completed by each Director 
followed up by one-to-one discussions with each Director. 
The questionnaire covers a number of areas including 
Board composition, meeting structure, strategic oversight, 
risk management, succession planning, information 
content and format and, finally, performance of the Board 
Committees. The outcomes and principal findings are 
reported to the Board for consideration.

The performance of the Chief Executive Officer is 
appraised annually by the Chairman. The performance  
of the remaining Executive Directors is appraised 
annually by the Chief Executive Officer.

Chairman and Chief Executive

The Chairman is Sir David Arculus and he is responsible 
for leading the Board, ensuring its effectiveness, steering 
its agenda, promoting a healthy culture of challenge and 
debate together with monitoring and evaluating the 
performance of the Chief Executive Officer.

The Chief Executive Officer is Oliver Hemsley who is 
responsible for the executive management of the Group and 
its business on a day-to-day basis. This includes making 
recommendations to the Board in respect of strategy. 

Composition of Board and Committees of the Board

Directors’ Committee memberships, attendance at 
Board meetings and independence for the year ended  
30 September 2013 is set out in the table opposite  
on page 17.

Non-executive directors also attend, by invitation and on 
a rotational basis, the board meetings of the main trading 
entity Numis Securities Limited. There were eight such 
meetings held during the year ended September 2013 of 
which each non-executive director attended at least two. 

Governance Framework

The diagram opposite illustrates the main components  
of the Group’s governance framework, the delegation  
of authority by the Board and how this achieves the 
required level of independent oversight.

The Board

The Board is authorised to manage the business  
of the Company on behalf of the shareholders and  
in accordance with the Company’s Articles of 
Association. This is achieved through its own decision 
making and by delegating responsibilities to the Board 
Committees and authority to manage the business to  
the Chief Executive Officer. The Board is responsible  
for overseeing the management of the business and  
for ensuring high standards of corporate governance  
are maintained throughout the Group.

The Board of Numis Corporation Plc is chaired by  
Sir David Arculus and meets a set number of times  
a year and at other times as necessary, to discuss  
a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved  
for its decision. These matters routinely include:

•  The Groups strategy and associated risks;

•  Acquisitions, disposals and other material 

transactions;

•  Financial performance of the business and approval 

of annual budgets, the half year results, annual report 
and accounts and dividends;

•  Appointments to and removal from the Board and 

Committees of the Board;

•  Risk management strategy and risk appetite;

•  Remuneration strategy;

•  Actual or potential conflicts of interest relating to  

any Director; and

•  Changes relating to the Group’s capital structure  

or the Company’s status as an AIM listed company.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

17

governance Framework

Board

independent oversight  
by non-executive directors

executive committees

direct access to 
Audit & Risk committee

Internal Audit 
Function

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Chief  
Executive 
Officer

management 
Committee

New Business 
Committee

Risk 
Committee

Financial Risk 
Committee

Risk Oversight 
Committee

composition of board and committees of the board

Board

Committee membership

Position

Maximum possible 
attendance

Meetings 
attended

Nominations 
Committee

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Considered 
Independent

Sir David Arculus 

Chairman (non-executive)

Oliver Hemsley 

Chief Executive Officer

Lorna Tilbian 

Executive Director

Simon Denyer 

Group Finance Director

Tom Bartlam 

Non-executive Director

Gerald Corbett 

Non-executive Director

Geoffrey Vero 

Non-executive Director

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

7

8

8

7

8

6

7

√ - Chairman

√

√

√

√

√

√ - Chairman

√ - Chairman

√

√

√ 

√ 

√

√

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

Corporate Governance Report – Continued

Balance and Independence

During the year ended 30 September 2013 the Board 
has comprised a balance of executive and non-executive 
directors, including independent non-executive directors. 
This balance is designed to ensure that no one individual 
or small group of individuals can dominate the Board’s 
decision making.

The UK Corporate Governance Code (The Code) 
requires that at least half the Board, excluding the 
Chairman, should comprise non-executive directors 
determined by the Board to be independent. As at  
30 September 2013 there were seven directors: the 
Chairman, three executive directors, two independent 
non-executive directors and one non-executive director 
(Geoffrey Vero) who does not meet the test of 
independence under the UK Corporate Governance 
Code by virtue of the fact that he has served on the 
Board for more than 9 years.

The Board considers that Geoffrey Vero brings valuable 
and relevant experience to the Board and that he acts in 
the best interests of the Company and the Group, free of 
any conflicts or undue influence. The Board is therefore 
satisfied that he remains independent. 

Senior Independent Director

The Board has determined that the formal appointment 
of a senior independent Director is not necessary given 
the current structure and composition of the Board. 
Furthermore, given the size of the Company, the 
shareholdings in the Company that the current Board 
members hold and the active dialogue with institutional 
shareholders that takes place throughout the year, the Board 
is of the view that an appointment of a senior independent 
Director would not currently provide any further benefit in 
assisting with communication with shareholders.

Committees of the Board

Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee comprises Geoffrey Vero 
(Chairman), Gerald Corbett and Tom Bartlam who are all 
non-executive Directors and meets at least four times 
each year. Internal and external audit team representation 
is invited to attend every meeting of the Committee. 
Other members of the Board, and the Head of Legal, 
Compliance and Risk may also attend by invitation as 
may the chairman of the Board.

The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for the overall 
risk framework, internal control environment and financial 
reporting of the Company and the Group. It receives reports 
from the Group’s management relating to the Group’s risk 
exposures and mitigating controls as well as detailed findings 
arising from internal and external audit reviews. 

The committee reports to the Board on the Group’s full 
and half year results, having examined the accounting 
policies on which they are based and ensured compliance 
with relevant accounting standards. In addition, it reviews 
the scope of internal and external audit, their effectiveness, 
independence and objectivity taking into account relevant 
regulatory and professional requirements.

The committee has direct and unrestricted access  
to the internal and external audit function.

The committee is also responsible for :

•  Monitoring the content and integrity  

of financial reporting;

•  Reviewing the appropriateness  

of accounting judgments;

•  Reviewing the Group’s risk policies and control  

frame work;

•  Reviewing the Group’s regulatory reporting 
procedures and relationship with regulators;

•  Review and recommendation to the Board the 

Groups risk appetite;

•  Review and approval of financial and other risk limits 

and adherence thereto; and

•  Reviewing and challenging the Group’s Internal 
Capital Adequacy Assessment Process and 
Individual Liquidity Adequacy Assessment. 

The composition of the committee and attendance  
for the year ended 30 September 2013 is set out in  
the following table:

Maximum possible 
attendance  

Meetings
attended

Geoffrey Vero 

Tom Bartlam 

Gerald Corbett 

4 

4 

4 

4

4

3

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19

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee comprises Tom Bartlam 
(Chairman), Gerald Corbett and Geoffrey Vero who are all 
non-executive Directors and meets at least twice each year 
and at other times as necessary. Other members of the 
Board and the Head of Human Resources may attend by 
invitation. Its primary responsibility is to review salary 
levels, discretionary variable remuneration and the terms 
and conditions of service of the Executive Directors. The 
Remuneration Committee also reviews the compensation 
decisions made in respect of all other senior executives 
and those members of staff determined to be Code Staff 
under the FCA’s Remuneration Code regulations. 

Finally, the Committee is responsible for determining the 
overall Remuneration Policy applied to the Group and its 
subsidiaries, including the quantum of variable remuneration 
and the method of delivery taking into account relevant 
regulatory and corporate governance developments.

The Remuneration Committee is authorised to seek any 
information it requires in order to perform its duties and 
obtain external legal or other professional advice that it 
considers necessary form time to time. 

The composition of the committee and attendance for 
the year ended 30 September 2013 is set out in the 
following table:

Maximum possible 
attendance  

Meetings
attended

Tom Bartlam (Chairman) 

Gerald Corbett 
Geoffrey Vero 

4 

4 
4 

4

3
4

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee comprises Sir David 
Arculus (Chairman), Tom Bartlam, Gerald Corbett and 
Geoffrey Vero who are all non-executive Directors.  
Other members of the Board and the Head of Human 
Resources may attend by invitation. The committee 
considers appointments to the Board and meets as 
necessary. The committee is responsible for identifying 
and nominating candidates, for making recommendations 
on Board composition and for considering succession 
planning requirements.

The composition of the committee and attendance for  
the year ended 30 September 2013 is set out in the 
following table:

Maximum possible 
attendance  

Meetings
attended

Sir David Arculus (Chairman) 

Tom Bartlam 

Gerald Corbett 

Geoffrey Vero 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1

1

1

1

Executive Operational Committees

Management Committee

The Management Committee, chaired by Oliver Hemsley, 
deals with the implementation of business strategy  
and day-to-day operational matters. It meets weekly  
to discuss the core activities of the Group, current 
performance, progress on management initiatives  
and corporate compliance matters. 

Risk Oversight Committee

The Risk Oversight Committee, chaired by the Group’s 
Head of Legal, Compliance and Risk, meets quarterly 
to consider and assess all significant risk exposures 
faced by the Group. The Committees remit 
encompasses both financial and non-financial risks 
and the methodology applied in order to identify, 
measure and report their impact. One of the key 
responsibilities of the committee is to manage the 
overall method and format of risk reporting into the 
Audit and Risk Committee and the Board.

Financial Risk Committee

The Financial Risk Committee, chaired by the  
Group’s Head of Legal, Compliance and Risk,  
meets fortnightly (or more frequently as it determines 
necessary) to discuss and manage the market, credit, 
liquidity and related operational risks of the Group, 
including amongst other financial risks the market risk  
of the Group’s trading book and investment portfolio. 
The Financial Risk Committee makes recommendations 
to the Audit and Risk Committee on Risk Policy which 
sets various limits at individual stock and overall 
trading book level as well as being responsible for  
the review and approval of counterparty limits.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Corporate Governance Report – Continued

New Business Committee

The New Business Committee, chaired by the Group’s 
Head of Corporate Broking, is responsible for exercising 
senior management oversight across all issues in relation  
to Numis entering into new corporate client relationships, 
underlying transactions on behalf of corporate clients  
and reviewing or terminating relationships with corporate 
clients. It has responsibility for assessing the impact on 
Numis of all such matters and in doing so gives due 
consideration to the reputational, regulatory, execution  
and commercial risks attached.

Risk Committee

In addition to the New Business Committee, further 
approval is required by the Risk Committee prior to the 
launch of a fund raising, issue of a public document which 
contains Numis’ name or in the case of a transaction 
giving rise to significant unusual concerns of significant 
financial or reputational risk to the firm.

Other 

Internal Control

The Board is ultimately responsible for maintaining the 
Group’s risk framework and system of internal control 
and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system of internal 
control is designed to manage rather than eliminate the 
risk of failure to achieve business objectives, as such it 
can provide only reasonable but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss.

The Group’s system of internal control has been actively 
managed throughout the year. The Group has a number 
of committees with formal terms of reference and a 
Compliance department responsible for the Group’s 
adherence to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority 
and other relevant regulators. 

In addition, the Group has a fully independent, outsourced 
Internal Audit function reporting to the Audit and Risk 
Committee in order to provide further assurances over the 
adequacy and effectiveness of the systems of internal control 
throughout the business and ensure that the Group’s 
approach to continuous improvement is maintained.

Advisory Board

An Advisory Board was established during 2011 the 
purposes of which is to provide support to the Executive 
members of the Board and assist the Group enhance  
and develop its business and reach in the market place.  
The Advisory Board is an advisory only body and does 
not make decisions in its own right. 

This report was approved by the Board on  
13 December 2013 and signed on its behalf by

Sir David Arculus 
Chairman

13 December 2013

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21

Remuneration Report
The Board delegates to the Remuneration Committee the determination of the 
executive directors’ remuneration and the overarching remuneration policy and 
principles applied to the Group.

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for setting 
the remuneration policy for executive directors and other 
senior executives in the business. Additionally the 
Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining 
the overall Remuneration Policy applied to the Group, 
including the quantum of variable remuneration and  
the method of delivery. In carrying out its delegated 
responsibilities the Committee receives advice, when 
they consider it to be appropriate, on remuneration, tax, 
accounting and regulatory issues from external advisers 
and internally from both the Human Resources and 
Finance departments.

Remuneration Policy

The Remuneration Committee believes strongly that total 
remuneration should take into account the competition  
for talent in an industry where successful people are 
rewarded and mobile. The Group compensates employees 
through both fixed and variable compensation. 

Fixed compensation comprises principally base salaries 
and the Committee reviews these as part of their overall 
annual review taking into account the performance of the 
individual, comparisons with peer group companies within 
the industry, the experience of the individual and the level of 
responsibility. Other elements related to base salary include 
an employer contribution to a defined contribution pension 
saving scheme of 7% of base salary and an entitlement to 
insured death in service benefits of four times base salary. 

The policy for variable compensation is to recognise 
corporate performance and individual achievement of 
objectives through a discretionary bonus. The discretionary 
bonus pool is determined by the Committee each financial 
year with specific reference to the Group’s adjusted profit 
before tax and other capital considerations as appropriate.  
In this way, the Committee is able to establish clear targets 
when setting the aggregate pool available for variable 
compensation at the Group level, rather than at individual 
level, acknowledging that a certain degree of flexibility  
is required at different stages of the business cycle. 

Discretionary bonus awards can be delivered in two 
main forms:

•  An annual cash bonus; and

•  A deferred bonus which is typically delivered  
via one of the Company’s share schemes. 

The executive directors and other senior executives 
assess individual performance through clearly defined 
objectives and a structured process of review and 
feedback. In particular, the aggregate fixed and variable 
remuneration by individual is determined with regard to 
the performance of the individual, performance of the 
area or function of the business in which the individual 

works or for which the individual is responsible,  
the profitability of the Group and levels of reward  
for comparable roles in the external market.

Executive directors and members of the senior 
management team do not participate in decisions 
concerning their own remuneration.

Remuneration for the year

The total amounts for executive directors’ remuneration 
and other benefits during the year were as follows:

Emoluments 

Money purchase contributions 

2013  
£’000 

1,970 

11 

1,981 

2012 
£’000

922

18

940

One executive director (2012: Two) is a member of a 
money purchase scheme, a form of defined contribution 
scheme. Contributions paid by the Group in respect of 
that director are shown above.

Directors’ Share Options

There are no outstanding, unexercised options to acquire 
ordinary shares in the Company granted to or held by the 
directors as at 30 September 2013 (2012: Nil). 

Directors’ Interests under Share Incentive Schemes

The Company has share incentive schemes through 
which discretionary share based awards may be made. 
The schemes fall into three categories; Long Term 
Incentive Plans (LTIP), Restricted Stock Units (RSU) and 
Option Awards the nature of which are described fully in 
Note 24 to the financial statements. 

The number of LTIP matching shares to which directors 
are prospectively entitled under awards granted, but not 
yet vested, as at 30 September 2013 are as follows: 

2013  
Number 

2012 
Number

Lorna Tilbian 

157,006 

157,006

The constituent parts of directors’ emoluments during 
the year are detailed in Table 1 on page 23 (this table 
does not include awards made under any of the 
Company’s share schemes or pension contributions,  
all of which are detailed elsewhere in this report).

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
  
 
 
22

03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

Remuneration Report – Continued

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration

Remuneration of non-executive directors is set by  
the Board on the recommendation of the executive 
directors taking into account comparisons with peer 
group companies within the industry, the experience  
of the individual and the level of responsibility. 

Remuneration comprises an annual fee only.  
Non-executive directors are not eligible to participate  
in any form of variable compensation, be that 
discretionary cash bonuses or discretionary awards 
under the Group’s share incentive schemes and are  
not eligible for pension benefits.

Non-executive directors do not participate in decisions 
concerning their individual fees. 

Directors’ Service Contracts

Executive Directors

termination as the parties are expected to rely on 
employment rights conferred by law.

Table 2 opposite provides details of service contracts  
of the executive directors who served during the year 
ended 30 September 2013.

Non-executive Directors

Non-executive directors’ appointments are subject to  
the re-election requirements of the Company’s Articles of 
Association and are without a fixed term but are subject  
to one months notice to terminate from either party.  
There are no contractual provisions for non-executive 
directors to receive compensation upon termination.

Table 3 opposite shows the date of appointment of  
the non-executive directors who served during the year 
ended 30 September 2013 together with their next 
re-election date.

The general policy is that executive directors should  
have a rolling contract of employment with mutual notice 
periods of at least six months. Service contracts do not 
contain any provision for compensation upon early 

Letters of appointment and service contracts are 
available for shareholders to view at the Company’s 
registered office and will be available at the Annual 
General Meeting.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts03 / coRpoRAte goveRnAnce

23

directors’ emoluments (table 1)

Base salary/Fees

2013
£’000

Executive Directors
Oliver Hemsley 

Lorna Tilbian 

Simon Denyer 

Non-executive Directors
Sir David Arculus 

Gerald Corbett

Geoffrey Vero

Tom Bartlam 

250

225

163

100

50

50

50

888

Annual  
performance 
award

2013
£’000

575

300

150

-

-

-

-

1,025

Benefits

2013
£’000

36

20

1

-

-

-

-

57

Total

2013
£’000

861

545

314

100

50

50

50

1,970

Total

2012
£’000

285

236

151

100

50

50

50

922

executive directors’ service contracts (table 2)

Date of 
appointment

Nature of 
contract

Notice period 
from Company

Notice period 
from Director

Next  
re-election

Oliver Hemsley 

26 July 1989

Lorna Tilbian 

1 December 2005

Simon Denyer 

1 December 2010

Rolling

Rolling

Rolling

12 months

6 months

6 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

2014

2015

2014

non-executive directors’ Appointment  
(table 3)

Date of 
appointment

Next  
re-election

Sir David Arculus

5 May 2009

2016

Tom Bartlam*

Gerald Corbett

Geoffrey Vero

9 August 2005

Not applicable

5 May 2009

28 April 2003

2016

2015

* Retiring from non-executive position with effect from  
30 December 2013

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
24

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts04 / diRectoRs’ Responsibilities & RepoRt 

Directors’ Responsibilities 

Directors’ Report 

25

26

25

04 / diRectoRs’ Responsibilities & RepoRt

directors’ Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the company’s website. Legislation in the 
United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Directors’ statement as to disclosure of information 
to auditors

The directors who were members of the Board at the time 
of approving the directors’ report are listed on page 15. 
Having made enquiries of fellow directors and of the 
Company’s auditors, each of these directors confirms that:

• 

to the best of each director’s knowledge and belief, 
there is no information relevant to the preparation  
of their report of which the Company’s auditors are 
unaware; and 

•  each director has taken all the steps a director might 
reasonably be expected to have taken to be aware  
of relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
directors have prepared the group and parent company 
financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union. Under company law the directors must 
not approve the financial statements unless they are 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state  
of affairs of the group and the company and of the profit 
of the group for that period. In preparing these financial 
statements, the directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that  

are reasonable and prudent;

•  state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the 

European Union have been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements;

•  prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that 
the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the company and the group and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the company and the group and hence for 
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection 
of fraud and other irregularities.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts26

04 / diRectoRs’ Responsibilities & RepoRt 

directors’ Report

The directors serving during the year ended 30 September 
2013 and up to the date of signing the financial statements 
present their report on the affairs the Company (Numis 
Corporation Plc) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group), 
together with the Company financial statements and 
consolidated financial statements of the Group and the 
associated independent auditors’ report thereon, for the 
year ended 30 September 2013.

Parent Company

The Company acts as a holding company and details of 
its subsidiary undertakings are shown in Note 15 of the 
consolidated financial statements. The Company’s 
standalone financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU and form 
the basis of any future distribution.

Dividends

The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 5.00p 
per share (2012: 4.00p) which, together with the interim 
dividend of 4.00p per share already declared and paid, 
makes a total for the year ended 30 September 2013 of 
9.00p per share (2012: 8.00p). Subject to approval at the 
annual general meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 
14 February 2014 to shareholders on the register of 
members at the close of business on 13 December 2013.

Going Concern 

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group and the Company have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future and therefore continue to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the financial statements presented in 
this Annual Report and Accounts.

Post Balance Sheet Events 

Details of post balance sheet events are set out in  
Note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

Directors and their Interests 
The directors serving during the year ended  
30 September 2013 together with their interests in  
the ordinary shares of 5p each (ordinary shares) of the 
Company, excluding share incentive scheme awards 
granted but not yet vested were as follows:

30 September 2013  30 September 2012
ordinary shares 
Number

ordinary shares  
Number 

Oliver Hemsley 
Lorna Tilbian 
Simon Denyer 
Sir David Arculus* 
Gerald Corbett* 
Tom Bartlam* 
Geoffrey Vero* 

* Non-executive director

12,347,784 
5,282,929 
22,279 
73,338 
nil 
25,000 
20,000 

12,299,865
4,985,528
21,025
73,338
nil
25,000
20,000

There have been no changes in the interests of the serving 
directors in ordinary shares or options over ordinary shares 
during the period 30 September 2013 to 13 December 2013.

Relations with Shareholders

The Chief Executive Officer communicates the Group’s 
strategy and results to shareholders and analysts 
through meetings following the announcement of the 
Group’s preliminary results and the announcement  
of the Group’s half year results. 

Shareholders may also attend the Annual General 
Meeting at which all members of the Board are available 
to answer questions.

The Group’s website contains electronic versions of  
the latest and prior years’ annual report and accounts, 
half year reports along with share price and other 
relevant information. 

Substantial Shareholders 

Except for the directors’ interests previously noted,  
the directors have been notified of the following who 
are interested in 3% or more of the Company as at  
30 September 2013:

Registered holding 
No. of ordinary shares  

% of issued
share capital

11,423,959 

9.89%

EES Nominees 
International Limited 

BlackRock Investment 
Management (UK) Limited 

Aviva Plc 

Mr D Poutney 

11,006,672 

7,114,011 

6,606,578 

Kabouter Management LLC 

5,609,592 

Majedie Asset 
Management Limited 

Mr E Farquhar 

5,471,602 

4,722,824 

9.53%

6.16%

5.72%

4.86%

4.74%

4.09%

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04 / diRectoRs’ Responsibilities & RepoRt 

27

Independent Auditors

Purchase of Shares

A resolution to reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  
will be placed before the Annual General Meeting of  
the Company on 4 February 2014. 

Employment Policy 

The Group’s employment policies are based on  
a commitment to equal opportunities from the  
selection and recruitment process through to  
training, development, appraisal and promotion.

The Group provides employees with information on 
matters of concern to them so that their views can be 
taken into account when making decisions that are likely  
to affect their interests. Employee involvement  
in the Group is encouraged as achieving a common 
awareness on the part of all employees of the financial 
and economic factors affecting the Group plays  
a major role in maintaining its competitive and 
entrepreneurial edge. The Group encourages the 
involvement of employees in its performance through  
the use of employee share schemes.

Change of Control 

Directors’ and employees’ employment contacts do not 
normally provide for compensation for loss of office or 
employment as a result of a change of control.  
The provisions of the Company’s share schemes may 
cause options and awards granted to employees under 
such schemes to vest on a change of control.

Indemnities and Insurance 

Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance is maintained 
by the Group for all directors and officers of the 
Company and the Group. 

To the extent permitted by law, and in accordance with 
its Articles of Association, the Company indemnifies its 
Directors in respect of any loss, liability or expense they 
incur in relation to the Company or any associated 
company of the Company.

Share Capital 
Details of the changes in authorised and issued share 
capital of the Company during the year are set out in 
Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company has an established employee benefit trust 
(the Trust) in respect of the Group share schemes which  
is funded by the Group and has the power to acquire 
ordinary shares from the Company or in the open market 
to meet the Group’s future obligations under these 
schemes. During the year ended 30 September 2013  
the Trust purchased an aggregate of 2,246,079 (2012: 
4,519,491) ordinary shares of the Company having a 
nominal value of £112,304 (2012: £225,975). The shares 
were purchased to satisfy outstanding awards under the 
Group’s shares scheme arrangements.

The number of shares purchased representing  
1.9% of the Company’s issued share capital as at  
30 September 2013 (2012: 3.9%) was for an aggregate 
consideration of £2,321,000 (2012: £3,221,000).

In accordance with shareholder authority, during  
the year 1,751,681 ordinary shares with an aggregate 
nominal value of £87,584 were purchased (2012: Nil)  
and are held in treasury as at 30 September 2013  
(2012: Nil). The aggregate consideration paid was 
£3,269,000 (2012: Nil).

This report was approved by the Board on  
13 December 2013 and signed on its behalf by: 

Simon Denyer 
Company Secretary

13 December 2013 

Numis Corporation Plc 
10 Paternoster Square 
London EC4M 7LT

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts28

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts05 / independent AuditoRs’ RepoRt

29

05 / independent AuditoRs’ RepoRt

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of Numis Corporation Plc

We have audited the group and parent company financial 
statements (the ‘‘financial statements’’) of Numis 
Corporation Plc for the year ended 30 September 2013 
which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows, the Company Balance Sheet, the Company 
Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes. 
The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union and, as regards the parent company 
financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement set out on page 25, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared  
for and only for the company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 
Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving 
these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any 
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report 
is shown or into whose hands it may come save where 
expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts 
and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or 
error. This includes an assessment of: whether the 
accounting policies are appropriate to the group’s and parent 
company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of 
significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and 
the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, 
we read all the financial and non-financial information in the 
Annual Report & Accounts to identify material inconsistencies 
with the audited financial statements and to identify any 
information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, 
or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us 
in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of 
any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we 
consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements 

In our opinion: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the 
state of the group’s and of the parent company’s 
affairs as at 30 September 2013 and of the group’s 
profit and group’s cash flows for the year then ended;

the group financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union; 

the parent company financial statements have been 
properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union and as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006; and

the financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. 

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006

In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report 
and Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the 
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the 
financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following 
matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by 
the parent company, or returns adequate for our 
audit have not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or 

• 

the parent company financial statements are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 

specified by law are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and 

explanations we require for our audit.

Duncan McNab 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 

London
13 December 2013

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts30

06 / financial statements

Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 30 September 2013

Revenue 

Other operating income 

Total income 
Administrative expenses 

Operating profit 

Finance income 

Finance costs 

Profit before tax 

Taxation  

Profit after tax 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of Numis Corporation Plc 

Earnings per share 
Basic 

Diluted 

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Note 

2013 
 £’000 

2012

 £’000

5 

6 

7 

9 

10 

77,658 

50,076

3,550 

2,817

81,208 
(59,150) 

52,893
(48,925)

22,058 

3,968

566 

(5) 

22,619 

363

(182)

4,149

11 

(4,555) 

(848)

18,064 

3,301

18,064 

3,301

25 

25 

16.9p 

15.6p 

3.2p

3.0p

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
06 / financial statements

31

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 30 September 2013

Profit for the year 

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 

Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax 

2013 
£’000 

2012

£’000

18,064 

3,301

(52) 

(52) 

(15)

(15)

Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax, attributable 

to equity holders of Numis Corporation Plc 

18,012 

3,286

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
32

06 / financial statements

Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2013

Non current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Deferred tax 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 

Trading investments 

Stock borrowing collateral 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Financial liabilities 

Current income tax 

Net current assets 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 

Share premium 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings 

Total equity  

Note 

13 

14 

17 

18 

19 

16 

20 

21 

23 

23 

2013 
£’000 

1,652  

124  

2,715  

4,491  

2012

£’000

1,959

82

1,906

3,947 

198,391  

36,203  

292  

779  

71,205  

241,472

38,596

4,511

72

35,854

306,870  

320,505

(193,125) 

(8,046) 

(3,363) 

(215,879)

(11,013)

(485)

(204,534) 

(227,377)

102,336 

93,128

106,827 

97,075

5,865  

35,830  

10,119  

55,013  

5,736

32,461

11,653

47,225

106,827 

97,075

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The financial statements on pages 30 to 71 were approved by the Board on 13 December 2013  

and signed on its behalf by:

Oliver Hemsley 
Chief Executive

Numis Corporation Plc 

Registration No.2375296

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
33

06 / financial statements

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 September 2013

Share 

Capital 

£’000 

Share 

Other 

Premium 

Reserves 

£’000 

£’000 

Retained 

Earnings 

£’000 

Total

Equity

£’000

Balance at 1 October 2012 

 5,736  

 32,461  

 11,653 

 47,225  

97,075

New shares issued 

Dividends paid 

Movement in respect of employee share plans 

Deferred tax related to share based payments 

Purchase of shares into Treasury 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

 129  

 3,369  

– 

(1,482) 

(52) 

– 

(8,570)  

520 

1,043 

(3,269) 

18,064 

3,498

(8,570)

(962)

1,043

(3,269)

18,012

Balance at 30 September 2013 

5,865 

35,830 

10,119 

55,013 

106,827

Balance at 1 October 2011 

 5,622  

 30,767  

 12,809 

 50,393  

99,591

New shares issued 

Dividends paid 

Movement in respect of employee share plans 

Deferred tax related to share based payments 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

 114  

 1,694  

– 

(1,141) 

– 

(8,397)  

1,924 

4 

1,808

(8,397)

783 

4

(15) 

3,301 

3,286

Balance at 30 September 2012 

5,736 

32,461 

11,653 

47,225 

97,075

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

06 / financial statements

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 30 September 2013

Cash from operating activities 

Interest paid 

Taxation paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Purchase of intangible assets 

Interest received 

Net cash from / (used in) investing activities 

Financing activities 
Purchases of own shares – Employee Benefit Trust 

Purchases of own shares – Treasury 

Dividends paid 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 

Opening cash and cash equivalents 

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents 

Exchange movements 

Closing cash and cash equivalents 

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Note 

26 

2013 
£’000 

46,338 

(5) 

(1,442) 

44,891 

(88) 

(104) 

369  

177  

2012

£’000

4,781

(23)

(640)

4,118

(407)

(26)

326 

(107)

(2,321) 

(2,370) 

(5,072) 

(3,221)

–

(6,589)

(9,763) 

(9,810)

35,305 

(5,799)

35,854  

35,305 

46 

41,778

(5,799)

(125)

71,205  

35,854

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
06 / financial statements

Company Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2013

Non current assets 
Investment in subsidiary undertakings 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 

Trading investments 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Current income tax 

Net current assets 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital 

Share premium 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings 

Total equity 

35

Note 

2013 
£’000 

2012

£’000

15 

18 

19 

31,266 

31,266 

27,167

27,167

25,186 

8,450 

22,721

16,570

33,636 

39,291

21 

(1,107) 

(2,016)

(7) 

(4)

(1,114) 

(2,020)

32,522 

37,271

63,788 

64,438

5,865 

35,830 

9,930 

12,163 

5,736

32,461

11,413

14,828

63,788 

64,438

23 

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The financial statements on pages 30 to 71 were approved by the Board on 13 December 2013  

and signed on its behalf by:

Oliver Hemsley 
Chief Executive 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

06 / financial statements

Company Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 September 2013

Share 

Capital 

£’000 

Share 

Other 

Premium 

Reserves 

£’000 

£’000 

Retained 

Earnings 

£’000 

Total

Equity

£’000

Balance at 1 October 2012 

 5,736  

 32,461  

 11,413  

14,828 

64,438

New shares issued 

Purchase of shares into Treasury 

Dividends paid 

Movement in respect of employee share plans 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

129 

3,369 

– 

 (1,483) 

– 

(3,269) 

(8,570) 

5,586 

3,588 

3,498

(3,269)

(8,570)

4,103

3,588

Balance at 30 September 2013 

5,865 

35,830 

9,930 

12,163 

63,788

Balance at 1 October 2011 

 5,622  

 30,767  

 12,554  

10,216 

59,159

New shares issued 

Dividends paid 

Movement in respect of employee share plans 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

114 

1,694 

– 

 (1,141) 

– 

(8,397) 

6,404 

6,605 

1,808

(8,397)

5,263

6,605

Balance at 30 September 2012 

5,736 

32,461 

11,413 

14,828 

64,438

The notes on pages 37 to 71 form an integral part of these financial statements.

The Company had no cash or cash equivalent balances as at 30 September 2011, 30 September 2012 or 30 September 2013. 

Similarly there were no movements in cash or cash equivalents during the year ended 30 September 2012 or the year ended  

30 September 2013. Therefore no cash flow statement is presented for the Company. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2013

1. Accounting policies

Numis Corporation Plc is a UK AIM listed company 
incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. 
The address of its registered office is 10 Paternoster 
Square, London, EC4M 7LT.

The principal accounting policies applied in the 
preparation of the annual report and financial statements 
of the Group and the Company are described below. 
These policies have been consistently applied to the 
years presented, unless otherwise stated.

(a) Basis of preparation 

The Group and the Company financial statements  
have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by  
the European Union (EU) and in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
Committee (IFRIC) interpretations and the Companies Act 
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 
These financial statements have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention as modified by revaluation of 
financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value through profit and loss.

In publishing the Company financial statements together 
with those of the Group, the Company has taken 
advantage of the exemption in s408 of the Companies 
Act 2006 not to present its individual income statement 
and related notes.

The financial statements of the Group and the Company 
have been prepared on a going concern basis as the 
Directors have satisfied themselves that, at the time  
of approving the financial statements and having taken 
into consideration the strength of the Group and Company 
balance sheet and the Group’s cash balances, the Group 
and Company have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for at least the next 12 months.

There were no new standards or amendments to existing 
standards adopted by the Group or Company for the 
accounting period ended 30 September 2013.

The following new standards, amendments and 
interpretations are mandatory for the first time for the 
Group’s accounting period ended 30 September 2013 
but are not currently relevant to the Group:

Amendment to IAS 1 ‘Financial statement presentation’, 
introduces a requirement for entities to group items 
presented in other comprehensive income on the basis 
of whether they are potentially reclassifiable to profit or 
loss subsequently through a reclassification adjustment. 
This amendment has been endorsed by the EU. This is 
not currently relevant to the Group or the Company as  
at present, and historically, neither the Group nor the 
Company have entered into material transactions that 
would be impacted by this amendment. 

Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing 
standards that are not yet effective and have not been 
early adopted by the Group:
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, introduces new 
requirements for classifying and measuring financial 
assets and is therefore likely to have some affect on  
the Group and Company’s accounting for financial 
assets. However, the standard is not applicable until  
the Group’s 2016 accounting year end and has not  
yet been endorsed by the EU. Consequently the  
Group has yet to fully assess the impact of IFRS 9  
but initial indications are that the impact will not prove  
to be material.

IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’, aims to improve 
consistency and provide a precise definition of fair  
value and a single source of fair value measurement  
and disclosure requirements for use across IFRSs.  
The standard is not applicable until the Group’s 2014 
accounting year end but has been endorsed by  
the EU. The Group has yet to fully assess its impact  
but initial indications are that the impact will not prove  
to be material.

Amendment to IAS 12 ‘Income Tax’, introduces 
a presumption that deferred tax assets or liabilities arising 
on investment property measured at fair value will be 
recoverable through sale of the underlying asset rather 
than use. This amendment has been endorsed by the EU. 
This is not currently relevant to the Group or the Company 
as it has no such holdings or investments. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts38

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies (continued)

(b) Basis of consolidation 

(d) Segment reporting

The Group’s financial statements consolidate the financial 
statements of the Company and all its subsidiary 
undertakings. Subsidiaries are all entities (including special 
purpose vehicles) over which the Group has the power  
to govern the financial and operating policies generally 
accompanying a shareholding of more the one half of the 
voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting 
rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are 
considered when assessing whether the Group control 
another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the 
date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are 
de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

All intra Group transactions and balances are eliminated 
on consolidation and consistent accounting policies  
are used throughout the Group for the purposes  
of consolidation.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account 
for the acquisition of businesses and subsidiaries.

(c) Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that the economic benefits associated with the 
transaction will flow into the Group. Revenue comprises 
institutional commissions, net trading gains or losses, 
corporate broking retainers, deal fees and placing 
commissions. Institutional commissions due are 
recognised on trade dates or accrued over the period 
to which they relate if appropriate. Net trading gains or 
losses are the realised and unrealised profits and losses 
from market making long and short positions on a trade 
date basis and comprise all gains and losses from 
changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities 
held for trading, together with any related dividend on 
positions held. Net trading gains or losses also includes 
derivative contracts relating to equity options and 
warrants received in lieu of corporate finance fees. 
Corporate retainers are accrued over the period for 
which the service is provided. Deal fees and placing 
commissions are only recognised once there is a 
contractual entitlement for the Group to receive them.

The Group is managed as an integrated investment banking 
business and although there are different revenue types the 
nature of Group’s activities is considered to be subject to the 
same and/or similar economic characteristics. Consequently 
the Group is managed as a single business unit, namely 
investment banking. The chief operating decision-maker, 
who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing 
performance has been identified as the  
Chief Executive Officer.

(e) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. 
Cost includes the original purchase price of the asset 
and the costs attributable to bring the asset to its 
working condition for its intended use. Depreciation 
is provided for on a straight line basis at the  
following rates:

Office and computer equipment 
Motor vehicles 
Furniture and fittings 

3 years
4 years
5 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight 
line basis over the term of the lease or estimated useful 
economic life whichever is the shorter.

(f) Intangible assets

Acquired computer software licences are capitalised 
where it is probable that future economic benefits that 
are attributable to the asset will flow to the Company  
or Group and the cost of the assets can be reliably 
measured. Software is stated at cost, including those 
costs incurred to bring to use the specific software, less 
amortisation and provisions for impairment, if any. Costs 
are amortised on a straight line basis over the estimated 
useful life of the software.

Costs associated with maintaining or developing the 
software are recognised as an expense when incurred.

(g) Impairment of assets

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment and 
intangibles is reviewed for impairment when events or 
changes in circumstance indicate the carrying value may 
be impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable 
amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of impairment loss.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts06 / financial statements

39

1. Accounting policies (continued)

(h) Financial assets and liabilities

The Group’s financial assets and liabilities comprise 
trading investments, financial liabilities, derivative financial 
instruments, trade and other receivables, stock borrowing 
and lending collateral, cash and cash equivalents, trade 
and other payables and provisions. The Group classifies 
its financial assets and liabilities depending on the purpose 
for which the assets and liabilities were acquired. 
Management determines the classification of its 
investments at initial recognition and re-evaluates this 
designation at each reporting date.

Financial assets carried at fair value through profit  
or loss are initially recognised at fair value and transaction 
costs are expensed in the Income Statement. Financial 
assets are derecognised when the right to receive cash 
flows from the financial assets have expired or where the 
Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards  
of ownership. Financial liabilities are recognised on trade 
date and are derecognised when they are extinguished.

Trading investments and financial liabilities represent 
market making positions and other investments held  
for resale in the near term and are classified as held  
for trading. Purchases and sales of investments are 
recognised on trade date. Gains and losses arising from 
changes in fair value are taken to the income statement. 
Financial liabilities comprise short market making 
positions and include shares listed on the LSE Main  
and AIM markets as well as overseas exchanges.

For trading investments and financial liabilities which  
are quoted in active markets, fair values are determined 
by reference to the current quoted bid/offer price, with 
financial assets marked at the bid price and financial 
liabilities marked at the offer price. Where independent 
prices are not available, fair values are determined using 
valuation techniques with reference to observable  
market data. These may include comparison to similar 
instruments where observable prices exist, discounted 
cash flow analysis and other valuation techniques 
commonly used by market participants.

Financial assets included within trade and other 
receivables are classified as loans and receivables. 
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial 
instruments which have a fixed or easily  
determinable value.

The Group makes an assessment at each balance sheet 
date as to whether there is any objective evidence of 
impairment, being any circumstance where an adverse 
impact on estimated future cash flows of the financial 
asset or group of assets can be reliably estimated.

(i) Derivative financial instruments

The Group utilises forward exchange contracts to manage 
the exchange risk on actual transactions related to amounts 
receivable, denominated in a currency other than the 
functional currency of the business. The Group has not 
sought to apply the hedging requirements of IAS 39.

The Group’s forward exchange contracts do not subject 
the Group to risk from exchange rate movements 
because the gains and losses on such contracts offset 
losses and gains, respectively, on the underlying foreign 
currency transactions to which they relate. The forward 
contracts and related amounts receivable are recorded 
at fair value at each period end. Fair value is calculated 
using the settlement rates prevailing at the period end.

All gains and losses resulting from the settlement  
of the contracts are recorded within finance income/
costs in the income statement.

The Group does not enter into forward exchange 
contracts for the purpose of hedging future  
anticipated transactions.

Equity options and warrants are initially accounted for 
and measured at fair value on the date the Company  
or Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions 
of the derivative contract and subsequently measured  
at fair value. The gain or loss on re-measurement is taken  
to the income statement within revenue, as part of net 
trading gains or losses. Fair values are obtained from 
quoted prices prevailing in active markets, including 
recent market transactions and valuation techniques 
including discounted cash flow models and option 
pricing models as appropriate. All derivatives are 
included in assets when their fair value is positive  
and liabilities when their fair value is negative.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts40

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies (continued)

(j) Deferred tax

Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, 
on all taxable and deductible temporary differences at 
the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial 
reporting purposes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the 
tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when 
the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based  
on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that  
future taxable profit will be available against which  
the deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

(k) Stock borrowing / lending collateral

The Group enters stock borrowing and lending 
arrangements with certain institutions which are  
entered into on a collateralised basis with securities  
or cash advanced or received as collateral. Under  
such arrangements a security is purchased or sold with 
a commitment to return it at a future date at an agreed 
price. The securities purchased are not recognised on 
the balance sheet whereas the securities sold remain  
on the balance sheet with the transaction treated as 
a secured loan made for the purchase or sale price. 
Where cash has been used to effect the purchase  
or sale, an asset or liability is recorded on the balance 
sheet as stock borrowing or lending collateral at the 
amount of cash collateral advanced or received.

Where trading investments have been pledged as 
security these remain within trading investments and the 
value of security pledged disclosed separately except  
in the case of short-term highly liquid assets with an 
original maturity of 3 months or less, which are reported 
within cash and cash equivalents with the value of 
security pledged disclosed separately.

(l) Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at  
fair value and subsequently measured at amortised  
cost using the effective interest method, less provision 
for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade 
receivables is established when there is objective 
evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due. Such evidence includes ageing of the 
debt, persistent lack of communication and internal 
awareness of third party trading difficulties.

The amount of any provision is the difference between 
the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of 
estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective 
interest rate. The amount of provision is recognised in 
the income statement within administrative expenses.

Included within trade and other receivables are client, 
broker and other counterparty balances representing 
unsettled sold securities transactions which are 
recognised on a trade date basis.

(m) Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair 
value, which is the agreed market price at the time goods  
or services are provided and are subsequently recorded 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method.  
The Group accrues for all goods and services consumed 
but as yet unbilled at amounts representing management’s 
best estimate of fair value. Client, broker and other 
counterparty balances represent unsettled purchased 
securities transactions and are recognised on a trade 
date basis.

(n) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits. 
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments 
that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash 
and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes 
in value.

(o) Provisions

Provisions are recognised for present obligations arising 
as consequences of past events where it is probable that 
a transfer of economic benefit will be necessary to settle 
the obligation and it can be reliably estimated. Provisions 
believed to relate to periods greater than 12 months are 
discounted to the net present value using an effective 
discount rate that reliably calculates the present value of 
the future obligation.

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations whose 
existence will be confirmed only by uncertain future 
events or present obligations where the transfer of 
economic benefit is uncertain or cannot be reliably 
measured. Contingent liabilities are not recognised  
in the financial statements; however they are disclosed 
unless their likely occurrence is remote.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts06 / financial statements

41

1. Accounting policies (continued)

(p) Clients’ deposits

All money held on behalf of clients has been excluded 
from the balances of cash and cash equivalents and 
amounts due to clients, brokers and other counterparties. 
Client money is not held directly, but is placed on deposit 
in segregated bank accounts with a financial institution. 
The amounts held on behalf of clients at the balance sheet 
date are included in Note 20.

(q) Pension costs

The Group has a Group Personal Pension Plan and death 
in service benefits that are available to eligible employees 
of the Group. The plan is a defined contribution scheme 
and costs of the scheme are charged to the income 
statement in the year in which they arise.

(r) Operating leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the 
income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease 
term even if the payments are not made on such a basis. 
Lease incentive received are recognised in the income 
statement as an integral part of the total lease expense.

(s) Foreign currency translation

Items included in the financial statements of each of  
the Group’s entities are measured using the currency  
of the primary economic environment in which the entity 
operates (the functional currency). The consolidated 
financial statements of the Group are presented in 
Sterling which is the Company’s functional currency  
and the Group’s presentation currency.

In individual entities, transactions denominated in foreign 
currencies are translated into the functional currency  
at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the 
transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary 
assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign 
currencies are retranslated at rates prevailing on the 
balance sheet date. Exchange differences are taken to 
the income statement, except for exchange differences 
arising on non-monetary assets and liabilities where the 
changes in fair value are taken to other comprehensive 
income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities carried at 
fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair 
value was determined.

On consolidation, the results of overseas businesses are 
translated into the presentation currency of the Group  
at the average exchange rates for the period where these 
approximate to the rate at the date of transaction. If the 
average exchange rates for the period do not approximate 
to the rate at the date of transaction, income and expenses 
are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions. 
Assets and liabilities of overseas businesses are translated 
into the presentation currency of the Group at the exchange 
rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Exchange 
differences arising are classified as other reserves. 
Cumulative translation differences arising after the transition 
to IFRS are taken to the income statement on disposal of 
the net investment.

(t) Taxation

Taxation on the profit for the year comprises both current 
and deferred tax as well as adjustments in respect of 
prior years. Taxation is charged or credited to the income 
statement, except when it relates to items charged or 
credited directly to equity, in which case the tax is also 
included within equity. Current tax is the expected tax 
payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax 
rates enacted, or substantially enacted by the balance 
sheet date.

(u) Employee share ownership plans

The Group has a number of Employee Share Ownership 
Plans (ESOP), as set out in Note 24, which provide a 
mechanism for the Board to reward employees of the 
Group share-based payments on a discretionary basis. 
Employee Benefit Trusts established by the Company 
acquire ordinary shares in the Company to be held on 
trust for the benefit of, and ultimately distributed to, 
employees either on the exercise of share options or 
other remuneration arrangements.

In the case of equity settled awards, the cost of share 
awards made under employee share ownership plans,  
as measured by the fair value of awards at the date of 
granting, are taken to the income statement over the 
vesting period (if any), and disclosed under staff costs 
with a corresponding increase in equity. Fair value is 
based on the market value of the shares on the grant 
date. Where awards provide no entitlement to dividends 
over the vesting period the market value of the shares on 
grant date is discounted by the dividend yield over the 
expected life of the award.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts42

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies (continued)

In the case of cash settled awards, the cost of share 
awards made under employee share ownership plans,  
as measured by the fair value of awards at the date of 
granting, are taken to the income statement over the 
vesting period with a corresponding increase in provisions 
representing the cash obligation. Fair value is based on 
the market value of the shares on the grant date. At each 
subsequent accounting date the fair value of the 
obligation is re-assessed with reference to the underlying 
share price and the provision adjusted accordingly.

On consolidation, the cost of shares acquired by the 
Employee Benefit Trusts is deducted as an adjustment  
to equity. Gains and losses arising on Employee Benefit 
Trust related transactions are taken directly to equity.  
No expense is recognised in respect of option awards 
granted before 7 November 2002 or which have vested 
before 1 October 2005.

(v) Dividends

Dividend distribution is recognised in equity in the financial 
statements in the period in which dividends are paid.  
Final dividends are recognised at the date they are 
approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

(w) Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 
IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions that 
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the 
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts 
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
Although these estimates are based on management’s best 
knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results 
ultimately may differ from those of estimates. The estimates 
and assumptions that have a significant effect on the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are set out below:

Valuation of financial assets where there is no  
quoted price
Such assets principally comprise minority holdings  
in unquoted securities and are valued with reference  
to financial information available at the time of original 
investment updated to reflect all relevant changes  
to that information as at the reporting date. This 
determination may require significant judgement in 
determining changes in fair value since the last valuation 
date. In making this judgement the Group evaluates 
among other factors recent offerings or transaction 
prices, changes in the business outlook affecting  
a particular investment since purchase, performance  
of the underlying business against original projections, 

valuations of similar quoted companies and relevant 
industry valuation techniques, for example, discounted 
cashflow or market approach.

Valuation of quoted financial assets where there is no 
active market
Quoted investments held by the Group may not always 
be actively traded in financial markets. In such cases  
the Group applies appropriate valuation techniques  
to determine fair value.

Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes. Judgement is 
required in determining the extent to which it is probable 
that taxable profits will be available in the future against 
which deferred tax assets can be utilised. Based on 
forecasts the Group expects to materially recover its 
deferred tax assets within the next six years. If the Group 
forecasts were 10% higher or lower the Group would still 
expect to recover its deferred tax assets within the next 
six years.

Provisions
Estimate for provisions arising as a consequence of past 
events where it is probable that a transfer of economic 
benefit will be necessary to settle the obligation are based 
on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event 
or actions. Currently neither the Group nor the Company 
has a requirement to hold provisions.

(x) Exceptional Items

Exceptional items are those significant items which are 
separately disclosed by virtue of their amount and 
incidence to enable a full understanding of the Company’s 
and/or Group’s financial performance.

In addition to the above accounting policies the following 
relate specifically to the Company:

(y) Investment in subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less,  
where appropriate, provision for impairment. Where the 
Company makes equity settled awards for the benefit of 
its subsidiaries, the value of such awards is treated as an 
additional cost of investment in these subsidiaries.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts06 / financial statements

43

2. Adjusted profit measures

The following table reconciles the statutory measures of profit before tax, profit after tax and earnings per share to  
the adjusted measures used by management in their assessment of the underlying performance of the business:

Statutory group profit before tax 
Items not included within adjusted profit before tax: 
Other operating income 
Share scheme charge 
National Insurance provisions related to share scheme awards 
Adjusted group profit before tax 

Statutory group taxation 
Tax impact of adjustments  
Adjusted group taxation 

Adjusted group profit after tax 

Basic weighted average number of shares, number 
Adjusted basic earnings per share, pence 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share, pence 

3. Profit of the Company

2013 
£’000 

22,619 

(3,550) 
4,494 
1,474 
25,037 

(4,555) 
106 
(4,449) 

2012
£’000

4,149

(2,817)
5,591
733
7,656

(848)
(104)
(952)

20,588 

6,704

2013 

2012

106,924,245 
19.3p 
17.8p 

104,184,235
6.4p
6.0p

As provided by Section 408 Companies Act 2006, the income statement and statement of comprehensive income of  
the Company is not presented as part of these financial statements. The Company’s profit after tax for the financial year 
amounted to £3,588,000 (2012: £6,605,000).

4. Segmental information
Geographical information

The Group is managed as an integrated investment banking business and although there are different revenue  
types (which are separately disclosed in note 5) the nature of Group’s activities is considered to be subject to the  
same and/or similar economic characteristics. Consequently the Group is managed as a single business unit,  
namely investment banking.

The Group earns its revenue in the following geographical locations:

United Kingdom 
United States 

2013 
£’000 

70,252 
7,406 
77,658 

2012
£’000

45,101
4,975
50,076

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
  
 
 
 
 
   
44

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

4. Segmental information (continued)
The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of non-current assets (excluding financial instruments and  
deferred tax assets) by the geographical area in which the assets are located

United Kingdom 
United States 

Other information

2013 
£’000 

1,567 
209 
1,776 

2012
£’000

1,769
272
2,041

In addition, the analysis below sets out the revenue performance and net asset split between our core investment  
banking & broking business and the small number of equity holdings which constitute our investment portfolio.

Net institutional income 
Total corporate transaction revenues  
Corporate retainers 
Revenue from Investment Banking & Broking (see note 5) 

Investment activity net gains 
Contribution from Investing Activities 

Total  

Net assets 
Investment banking & broking 
Investing activities 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total net assets 

5. Revenue

Net trading gains 
Institutional commissions  
Net institutional income 

Corporate retainers 
Deal fees 
Placing commissions 

2013 
£’000 

37,218 
33,507 
6,933 
77,658 

3,550 
3,550 

2012 
£’000

24,809
19,128
6,139
50,076

2,817
2,817

81,208 

52,893

25,077 
10,545 
71,205 
106,827 

43,446
17,775
35,854
97,075

2013 
£’000 

8,459 
28,759  
37,218 

6,933  
6,015  
27,492  
77,658  

2012
£’000

3,430
21,379 
24,809

6,139 
8,275 
10,853 
50,076 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
06 / financial statements

45

6. Other operating income

Investment income 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

3,550 

2,817

Investment income represents gains made on trading investments which are held outside of the market making  
portfolio. These are referred to as the Group’s investment portfolio. 

7. Operating profit 

Operating profit is stated after charging:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Operating lease costs 
Staff costs (see note 8) 
Auditors’ remuneration
Audit services

Audit fee for parent company and consolidated accounts 
Year end audit services to the Subsidiaries of the Company 

Other services
Tax services 
Regulatory and other services 

All the above items are reflected in the administrative expenses line of the income statement. 

8. Staff costs

Particulars of employees (including executive directors) are as shown below.

Employee costs during the year amounted to: 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Compensation for loss of office 
Other pension costs (see note 27d) 
Share based payments 

2013 
£’000 

397 
62 
1,700 
41,172 

35 
182 

60 
63 

2012
£’000

373
49
1,751
30,583

48
276

49
62

2013 
£’000 

29,645 
5,396  
251  
1,386  
4,494  
41,172 

2012
£’000

20,122 
3,425 
296 
1,149 
5,591 
30,583 

The share based payment award costs shown above include an amount of £4,099,000 (2012: £5,205,000) in respect of 
share-based payment transactions which are accounted for as equity-settled awards. The share based payment charge 
arises from the combined impact of all historic unvested awards. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
46

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

8. Staff Costs (continued)
Number of staff employed:

Average for the year 
Professional 
Administration 

At the year end 

Details of directors’ emoluments are presented in the Remuneration Report on page 23. 

9. Finance income

Interest income 
Net foreign exchange gains 

2013 
Number 

2012
Number

133 
40 
173 
175 

139
41
180
173

2013 
£’000 

514 
52 
566 

2012
£’000

363 
– 
363 

Interest income comprises interest on surplus cash balances placed on call deposit and interest receivable on certain 
staff loans. 

10. Finance costs

Interest expense 
Net foreign exchange losses 

Interest expense comprises amounts paid on overdrawn balances with clearing institutions.

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

5 
– 
5 

16 
166 
182 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
06 / financial statements

47

11. Taxation

The tax charge is based on the profit for the year and comprises:

Current tax 
Corporation tax at 23.5% (2012: 25%) 
Corporation tax over provided in previous year 
Total current tax 

Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (see note 17) 
Changes in tax rate 
Total tax charge 

Factors affecting the tax charge for the year: 

Profit before tax 
Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of UK corporation tax 
Effects of: 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Non taxable income 
Losses (available for utilisation) / not recognised 
Permanent differences in respect of share based payments 
Corporation tax over provided in previous year 
Changes in tax rate and other temporary differences 
Total tax charge 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

4,364 
(43) 
4,321 

209 
25 
4,555 

2013 
£’000 

22,619 
5,316 

100 
(327) 
(763) 
65 
(43) 
207 
4,555 

557
–
557

158
133
848

2012
£’000

4,149
1,037

149
(619)
144
(362)
–
499
848

The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK changed from 24% to 23% with effect from 1 April 2013. Accordingly, the 
Group’s UK profits for this accounting period are taxed at an effective rate of 23.5%. Future UK corporation tax rates are 
applicable at 21% from 1 April 2014 and 20% from 1 April 2015. 

12. Dividends

Final dividend for year ended 30 September 2012 (4.00p) 
Interim dividend for year ended 30 September 2013 (4.00p) 
Final dividend for year ended 30 September 2011 (4.00p) 
Interim dividend for year ended 30 September 2012 (4.00p) 
Distribution to equity holders of Numis Corporation Plc  

2013 
£’000 

4,243 
4,327 

8,570 

2012
£’000

4,112
4,285
8,397

Dividends declared on shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust that have not been purchased by or vested in 
employees are waived under the terms of the employee share ownership plan arrangements. 

On 2 December 2013 the Board proposed a final dividend of 5.00p per share for the year ended 30 September 2013.  
This has not been recognised as a liability of the Group at the year end as it has not yet been approved by the 
shareholders. Based on the number of shares in issue at the year end the total amount payable would be £5,355,250.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

13. Property, plant and equipment

Group

The movement during the year and the prior year was as follows:

Furniture and  

Leasehold 
fittings  improvements 
£’000 
£’000 

Office and 
computer 
equipment 
£’000 

Motor 
vehicles 
£’000 

Cost 
At 1 October 2012 
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustment 
At 30 September 2013 

Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 October 2012 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustment 
At 30 September 2013 

Net book value 
At 1 October 2012 
At 30 September 2013 

Cost 
At 1 October 2011 
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustment 
At 30 September 2012 

Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 October 2011 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
Exchange adjustment 
At 30 September 2012 

Net book value 
At 1 October 2011 
At 30 September 2012 

738 
– 
(227) 
1 
512 

649 
29 
(227) 
– 
451 

89 
61 

2,437 
26 
– 
2 
2,465 

867 
199 
– 
1 
1,067 

1,570 
1,398 

2,130 
62 
(149) 
2 
2,045 

1,830 
169 
(149) 
2 
1,852 

300 
193 

Total
£’000

5,334
88
(405)
5
5,022

3,375
397
(405)
3
3,370

29 
– 
(29) 
– 
– 

29 
– 
(29) 
– 
– 

– 
– 

1,959
1,652

Furniture and  

Leasehold 
fittings  improvements 
£’000 
£’000 

Office and 
computer 
equipment 
£’000 

Motor 
vehicles 
£’000 

829 
25 
(112) 
(4) 
738 

714 
48 
(112) 
(1) 
649 

115 
89 

2,276 
172 
– 
(11) 
2,437 

699 
171 
– 
(3) 
867 

1,577 
1,570 

2,168 
210 
(240) 
(8) 
2,130 

1,930 
148 
(240) 
(8) 
1,830 

238 
300 

29 
– 
– 
– 
29 

23 
6 
– 
– 
29 

6 
– 

Total
£’000

5,302
407
(352)
(23)
5,334

3,366
373
(352)
(12)
3,375

1,936
1,959

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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49

14. Intangible assets

Group

The movement during the year and the prior year was as follows:

Cost 
At 1 October  
Additions 
Disposals 
At 30 September  

Accumulated amortisation 
At 1 October 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 
At 30 September 

Net book value 
At 1 October  
At 30 September  

15. Investment in subsidiary undertakings

Company

a) Company investment in subsidiaries

As at 1 October 
Additions (see below) 
As at 30 September 

2013 
Purchased 
Software 
£’000 

2012
Purchased
Software
£’000

827 
104 
(208) 
723 

745 
62 
(208) 
599 

82 
124 

873
26
(72)
827

768
49
(72)
745

105
82

2013 
£’000 

27,167 
4,099 
31,266 

2012
£’000

21,962
5,205
27,167

Additions reflect the accounting treatment required by IFRS 2 in relation to awards made under the Group’s share plans 
which are accounted for as equity-settled share transactions and relate to employees in subsidiaries. 

b) Subsidiaries

The Company beneficially owns the issued ordinary share capital of the following companies:

Subsidiary  
Numis Securities Limited  
Numis Securities Inc*  
Numis Nominees (Client) Limited 
Numis Nominees (NSI) Limited* 
Numis Nominees Limited*  
Numis NewCo Limited 

Country of incorporation  
United Kingdom  
United States of America  
United Kingdom  
United Kingdom  
United Kingdom  
United Kingdom  

Principal activity  
Financial services  
Financial services  
Dormant  
Dormant  
Dormant  
Dormant  

Group shareholding
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

* Held through a subsidiary of the Group

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

16. Derivative financial instruments
Group 

At 1 October 
Additions 
Exercise 
Revaluation to fair value in the year recognised in the income statement 
At 30 September 

Included in current assets – listed 
Included in current assets – unlisted 
Included in non-current assets – unlisted 

2013 
£’000 
72  
– 
(273) 
980 
779 

2013 
£’000 

777 
2 
– 
779 

2012
£’000
28
–
–
44
72

2012
£’000

65
7
–
72

The Group holds equity options and warrants over certain securities. Although the options and warrants themselves are 
not listed the underlying securities may be listed or otherwise. In the information presented above the listed and unlisted 
distinction relates to the underlying security. As at 30 September 2013 the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange 
contracts was £2,000 (2012: £7,000).

17. Deferred tax

Group

The movement in the deferred tax balance is as follows:

At 1 October 
Amounts charged to the income statement 
Amounts recognised on share based payments – equity 
At 30 September 

1 October 2012 
(Charged)/credited to income statement 
Recognised in equity 
30 September 2013 

2013 
£000 

1,906 
(234) 
1,043 
2,715 

Other 
£’000 

47 
(19) 

28 

2012
£000

2,192
(290)
4
1,906

Total
£’000

1,906
(234)
1,043
2,715

Capital 
allowances 
£’000 

Share scheme 
arrangements 
£’000 

279 
(109) 

170 

1,580 
(106) 
1,043 
2,517 

As at 30 September 2013 deferred tax assets totalling £2,715,000 (2012: £1,906,000) have been recognised reflecting 
managements’ confidence that there will be sufficient levels of future taxable gains against which the deferred tax asset 
can be utilised. Of this balance £1,050,000 (2012: £812,000) is expected to be recovered within 12 months.

A deferred tax asset totalling £1,640,000 (2012: £1,334,000) relating to unrelieved trading losses has not been recognised 
as there is insufficient supportable evidence that there will be taxable gains in the future against which the deferred tax 
asset could be utilised. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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51

17. Deferred tax (continued)
Company

A deferred tax asset of £630,000 (2012: £1,134,000) relating to unrelieved trading losses incurred by the Company has not 
been recognised as there is insufficient supportable evidence that there will be taxable gains in the future against which 
the deferred tax asset could be utilised. 

18. Trade and other receivables

The following amounts are included within trade and other receivables:

Group
Due from clients, brokers and other counterparties (excluding corporate finance receivables) 
Loans to employees 
Other receivables, including corporate finance receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

179,584 
11,146 
4,515 
3,146 
198,391 

217,056
15,173
6,386
2,857
241,472

Trade and other receivables are stated net of impairment adjustments totalling £178,000 (2012: £216,000). The movement 
in impairment provision during the year comprised £4,000 for utilisation of provisions and £34,000 release to the income 
statement through administrative expenses. Loans to employees principally arise from arrangements under the Group’s 
share schemes. 

Company
Amounts due from subsidiaries 
Other receivables 

19. Trading investments

Group
Listed on the LSE main market 
Listed on AIM 
Listed overseas 
Listed on the LSE ORB market 
Unlisted UK investments 

Company
Listed on AIM 
Unlisted UK investments 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

24,068 
1,118 
25,186 

20,353
2,368
22,721

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

14,818 
12,755 
4,448 
1,799 
2,383 
36,203 

2013 
£’000 

9,233
26,862
1,518
–
983
38,596

2012
£’000

7,950 
500 
8,450 

16,570
–
16,570

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

20. Cash and cash equivalents

Group
Cash and cash equivalents included in current assets 

2013 
£000 

2012
£000

71,205 

35,854

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks and other institutions.

The balances exclude interest-bearing deposits of clients’ monies placed by the Group with banks on an agency basis.  
All such deposits are designated by the banks as clients’ funds and are not available to the banks to satisfy any liability  
the Group may have with them at that time. The balance at 30 September 2013 held on deposit for private clients was 
£98,495 (2012: £95,391). Similarly cash held in segregated bank accounts in respect of other client monies amounted  
to £198,075 (2012: £7,362,533).

21. Trade and other payables

Group
Amounts due to clients, brokers and other counterparties 
VAT payable 
Social security and PAYE 
Sundry payables 
Accruals 

Company
Amounts due to subsidiaries 

22. Provisions

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

169,875 
333 
1,029 
1,779 
20,109 
193,125 

204,252
194
1,133
2,176
8,124
215,879

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

1,107 

2,016

There were no provisions at the beginning of the year or movements in provisions during the year. The movements in 
provisions during the prior year were as follows:

Group
At 1 October 2011 
Recognised in the income statement  
Recognised in equity in respect of vested share awards 
At 30 September 2012 

Share scheme 
arrangements
£’000

298 
69
(367)
–

Provisions related to the cash settled element of the Groups’ share scheme arrangements, and were determined with 
reference to all the unvested awards that were expected to vest (taking into account management’s estimates regarding 
fulfilment of vesting conditions) and the year end share price. During the prior year, amounts recognised in equity relate to 
awards which vested in that year. As at 30 September 2013 there are no unvested cash settled awards. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
06 / financial statements

53

23. Share capital and Other reserves

Share capital

Group and Company

Authorised 
140,000,000 (2012: 140,000,000) 5p ordinary shares 
Allotted, issued and fully paid 
117,291,911 (2012: 114,728,057) 5p ordinary shares 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

7,000 

7,000 

5,865 

5,736

During the year 2,563,854 (2012: 2,284,755) ordinary shares were issued for a total consideration £3,498,000  
(2012: £1,808,000) of which £3,369,000 (2012: £1,694,000) has been included as share premium. Shares issued during 
the year were in respect of scrip dividend elections. Share issuances made during the year in respect of the ESOP  
totalled nil (2012: nil).

During the year 1,751,681 ordinary shares of 5p with an aggregate nominal value of £87,584 were purchased  
(2012: nil) and are held in treasury as at 30 September 2013 (2012: nil). Distributable reserves have been reduced  
by £3,269,000 being the consideration paid for these shares.

Other reserves

Group 

Balance at 1 October 2012 
Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations 
Employee share plans: value of employee service 
Employee share plans: transfer to retained earnings on vesting of awards 
Balance at 30 September 2013 

Balance at 1 October 2011 
Exchange difference on translation of foreign operations 
Employee share plans: value of employee service 
Employee share plans: transfer to retained earnings on vesting of awards 
Balance at 30 September 2012 

Other reserves

Company 

Balance at 1 October 2012 
Employee share plans: value of employee service 
Employee share plans: transfer to retained earnings on vesting of awards 
Other 
Balance at 30 September 2013 

Balance at 1 October 2011 
Employee share plans: value of employee service 
Employee share plans: transfer to retained earnings on vesting of awards 
Balance at 30 September 2012 

Foreign 

exchange  Equity settled  Total other
reserves
share plans 
translation 
£’000
£’000 
£’000 

 240  
(52) 

188 

 255  
(15) 

240 

 11,413  
– 
4,099 
(5,581) 
9,931 

 12,554  
– 
5,205 
(6,346) 
11,413 

 11,653 
(52)
 4,099
(5,581)
10,119

 12,809 
(15)
 5,205
(6,346)
11,653

Equity settled 
share plans
£’000

 11,413 
4,099
(5,581)
(1)
9,930

 12,554 
5,205
(6,346)
11,413

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

24. Employee Share Schemes

The Company has established an employee benefit trust in respect of the Group share schemes which is funded by  
the Group and has the power to acquire shares from the Company or in the open market to meet the Group’s future 
obligations under these schemes. As at 30 September 2013 the trust owned 6,683,549 ordinary 5p shares in the 
Company (2012: 8,651,848) with a market value of £16.4m as at 30 September 2013 (2012: £8.6m).

At 1 October 
Acquired during the year 
Shares vested in employees 
Shares used to satisfy issuances during the year 
Shares used to satisfy option exercises 
At 30 September  

The figures in the above table are presented on a trade date basis.

2013 
Number 
of shares 

8,651,848 
2,246,079 
(4,164,127) 
(50,251) 
– 
6,683,549 

2012
Number
of shares

10,667,733
4,519,491
(6,265,113)
(145,263)
(125,000)
8,651,848

At 30 September 2013 the number of shares held by the trust in respect of awards made to, but not yet vested in, employees 
totalled 4,661,554 (2012: 7,166,074). 

A description of the Groups’ share schemes and their operation is set out below:

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 2003 Scheme

The Board approved this plan on 28 April 2003 and it was approved by shareholders on 5 June 2003.

Eligibility

Any Director of the Company, or a Group company, and any employee of the Company, or a Group company, may be 
invited to participate in the plan.

Nature of plan

The scheme provides a framework by which employees are awarded a free share in exchange for their purchasing a stake 
in the Company.

The free, or “matching”, shares replicate the number of shares purchased by the participant. Both the purchased and 
matching shares are held in trust for five years, after which time the participant has full entitlement if they continue to be 
employed by the Group at that date.

On vesting, the matching shares are sold by the Trustee and the proceeds passed to the participant. The purchased 
shares are transferred into the personal ownership of the participant. Awards granted under this scheme are cash settled.

US Restrictive Stock Plan (USRSP) 2003 Scheme

The Board approved this plan on 28 April 2003 and it was approved by shareholders on 5 June 2003.

Eligibility

Any Director or employee of Numis Securities Incorporated (NSI), the wholly owned subsidiary of Numis Securities Limited 
(NSL), itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Numis Corporation Plc, may be invited to participate in the plan.

Nature of plan

The mechanics of the scheme are the same as the LTIP 2003 scheme. Differences arise in treatment of awards under 
differing tax jurisdictions. Awards granted under this scheme are cash settled. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
06 / financial statements

55

24. Employee Share Schemes (continued)
Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 2008 Scheme

The Board approved this plan on 4 December 2007 and it was approved by shareholders on 29 January 2008.

Eligibility

Any Director of the Company, or a Group company, and any employee of the Company, or a Group company, may be 
invited to participate in the plan.

Nature of plan

The scheme is similar to the 2003 LTIP scheme. The concept of the Company awarding free shares to match the shares 
purchased by the participant at the award date remains the same. However, this scheme is maintained within a separate 
Trust company. The vesting conditions too are different; under this scheme, shares vest in three equal tranches at the end 
of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the award date if the participant continues to be employed by the Group at 
these dates.

On vesting, the matching and purchased shares are transferred into the personal ownership of the participant.  
Awards granted under this scheme are equity settled.

US Restrictive Stock Plan (USRSP) 2008 Scheme

The Board approved this plan on 4 December 2007 and it was approved by shareholders on 29 January 2008.

Eligibility

Any Director or employee of Numis Securities Incorporated (NSI), the wholly owned subsidiary of Numis Securities Limited 
(NSL), itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Numis Corporation Plc, may be invited to participate in the plan.

Nature of plan

The scheme operates in the same way of the LTIP 2008 scheme. Differences arise in treatment of awards under differing 
tax jurisdictions. Awards granted under this scheme are equity settled.

Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) 2008 Plan

The Board approved this plan on 4 December 2007 and it was approved by shareholders on 29 January 2008.

Eligibility

Any Director of the Company, or a Group company, and any employee of the Company, or a Group company, may be 
invited to participate in the plan.

Nature of plan

This scheme is open to both UK and US directors and employees and operates as a deferred bonus payment in the form 
of shares. Awards vest in the hands of the participant in three equal tranches at the end of the first, second and third 
anniversaries following the award date if they continue to be employed by the Group on those dates. Awards granted 
under this scheme are equity settled.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts56

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

24. Employee Share Schemes (continued)
The movement in award shares for each share incentive award scheme is detailed in the tables below:

Award shares at 1 October 2012 
New awards 
Vesting of awards 
Forfeiture of awards 
Award shares at 30 September 2013 

LTIP 2008  USRSP 2008 
Number 
of shares 

Number 
of shares 

RSU 2008 
Number 
of shares 

Total
Number
of shares

6,380,840 
50,251 
(1,841,222) 
(10,945) 
4,578,924 

785,234 
37,678 
(740,282) 
– 
82,630 

3,358,952  10,525,026
3,868,251  3,956,180
(4,164,127)
(1,582,623) 
(55,491)
(44,546) 
5,600,034  10,261,588

LTIP 2003 
Number 
of shares 

USRSP 2003 
Number 
of shares 

LTIP 2008  USRSP 2008 
Number 
of shares 

Number 
of shares 

RSU 2008 
Number 
of shares 

Total
Number
of shares

Award shares at 1 October 2011 
New awards 
Vesting of awards 
Forfeiture of awards 
Award shares at  
30 September 2012 

374,460 
– 
(374,353) 
(107) 

23,336 
978 
(24,314) 
– 

7,441,739 
145,263 
(1,047,315) 
(158,847) 

1,365,882 
117,130 
(680,913) 
(16,865) 

6,430,165  15,635,582
1,187,063  1,450,434
(6,265,113)
(4,138,218) 
(295,877)
(120,058) 

– 

– 

6,380,840 

785,234 

3,358,952  10,525,026

Under the share schemes shown above, awards of 3,956,180 shares (2012: 1,450,434 shares) were granted during the 
year at a weighted average share price of 138.1p (2012: 83.9p ). The weighted average market price on grant date for all 
awards made during the year was 160.9p (2012: 93.8p).

Option Scheme

The Group operates an employee option scheme which was originally formulated and approved in 2001. Under this scheme 
an option cannot be exercised later than the tenth anniversary after the grant date. The earliest date of exercise is usually 
three years after the date of grant. As at 30 September 2013 there were 4,363,303 unexercised options outstanding 
(2012: 3,536,025) details of which are shown below. 

Movements in the number of outstanding share options during the year and their weighted average exercise prices  
are as follows:

At 1 October 
Granted 
Exercised 
At 30 September 

2013 

2012

Average  
exercise 

Average  
exercise 

price (pence  Outstanding 
options 

per share) 

price (pence  Outstanding
options

 per share) 

 20.38  
48.35 
– 
25.69 

 3,536,025  
827,278 
– 
4,363,303 

 31.61  
15.83 
46.20 
20.38 

 1,261,025 
2,400,000
(125,000)
3,536,025

The date range over which the above options may be exercised is set out in the table below. The overall weighted average 
life of the remaining options is 7.05 years (2012: 7.44 years).

The weighted average share price, at exercise date, of options exercised during the year was Nil (2012: 93.0p).  
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was £1.02 (2012: 60p). 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
06 / financial statements

57

24. Employee Share Schemes (continued)
At 30 September 2013 the following options granted to employees to acquire ordinary shares in the Company were 
outstanding: 

Grant date  

15 May 2001  
15 June 2012  
2 July 2012  
2 July 2012  
6 March 2013  
13 May 2013  
13 May 2013  
4 June 2013  
4 June 2013  
4 June 2013  

Number of options 
outstanding  

Exercise price  

Earliest 
exercise date  

Latest
exercise date

 1,136,025  
1,800,000  
200,000  
400,000  
114,942  
162,336  
125,000  
141,667  
141,667  
141,666  

30.0p  
 0.0p  
 0.0p  
 95.0p  
 0.0p  
 154.0p  
 120.0p  
 0.0p  
 0.0p  
 0.0p  

 15 May 2005  
 15 June 2015  
 2 July 2015  
 2 July 2015  
 6 March 2016  
 13 May 2016  
 13 May 2016  
 4 June 2015  
 2 June 2016  
 2 June 2017  

 15 May 2015
 15 June 2022
 2 July 2022
 2 July 2022
 6 March 2023
 13 May 2023
 13 May 2023
 4 June 2023
 4 June 2023
 4 June 2023

In accordance with IFRS 1 ‘First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards’, the Company and Group has 
chosen not to apply IFRS 2 ‘Share Based Payments’ (“IFRS 2”) to share options granted before 7 November 2002 that had 
not vested by 1 October 2005. Consequently there is no requirement to provide fair values for those outstanding options.

Options granted after 7 November 2002 were measured at fair values at the date of grant. The fair value determined is 
expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the number of shares that will 
eventually vest. Fair value is measured by use of a Black-Scholes valuation model. The expected life used in the model 
has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate and behavioural considerations. Expected volatility has been 
estimated with reference to the share price of the Company over a period commensurate with the expected life of the option. 

25. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated on a profit after tax of £18,064,000 (2012: 3,301,000) and 106,924,245  
(2012: 104,184,235) ordinary shares being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. 
Diluted earnings per share takes account of contingently issuable shares arising from share scheme award arrangements 
where their impact would be dilutive. In accordance with IAS 33, potential ordinary shares are only considered dilutive 
when their conversion would decrease the profit per share or increase the loss per share from continuing operations 
attributable to the equity holders. Therefore shares that may be considered dilutive while positive earnings are being 
reported may not be dilutive while losses are incurred. 

The calculations exclude shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust on behalf of the Group.

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issued during the year – basic 
Dilutive effect of share awards 
Diluted number of ordinary shares 

2013 
Number 

2012
Number
Thousands  Thousands

106,924 
8,718 
115,642 

104,184
7,444
111,628

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
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06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

26. Consolidated statement of cash flows

Group

Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash from operating activities:

Profit before tax  
Net finance income  
Depreciation charges on property, plant and equipment 
Amortisation charges on intangible assets 
Share scheme charges 
Decrease/(increase) in current asset trading investments 
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 
Net movement in stock borrowing /lending collateral 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 
Increase in derivatives 
Cash flows from operating activities 

Company 

2013 
£000 

2012
£000

22,619  
(561) 
397  
62  
4,494 
2,393  
39,584 
4,219  
(26,162)  
(707) 
46,338 

4,149 
(181)
373 
49 
5,591
(7,862) 
(21,699)
(3,181) 
27,586 
(44)
4,781

The Company does not hold any cash balances, and cash based transactions are effected on its behalf by  
Numis Securities Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. The operating profit of the Company includes fair value gains on 
investments of £3,227,000 (2012: £1,674,000) and investing activity related dividend income of £332,000 (2012: £915,000) 
that passed through intercompany accounts. The issuance of shares during the year did not involve any cash flows.

27. Guarantees and other financial commitments
a) Capital commitments 

Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements amounted to £nil for the Group (2012: £nil). 

b) Contingent liabilities 

In the ordinary course of business, the Group has given letters of indemnity in respect of lost certified stock transfers  
and share certificates. No claims have been received in relation to the year ended 30 September 2013 (2012: nil).  
The contingent liability arising thereon cannot be quantified, although the directors do not believe that any material  
liability will arise under these indemnities. 

The Company currently has in place unlimited guarantees to the Company’s bankers, Barclays Bank plc for the  
debts of Numis Securities Limited and Numis Securities Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.  
As at 30 September 2013 the company did not have any indebtedness to Barclays Bank plc (2012: nil). 

The Company has given a guarantee to Pershing LLC for any indebtedness of Numis Securities Inc. Pershing LLC 
provides securities clearing and settlement services to Numis Securities Inc. for some of its broker activities.  
As at 30 September 2013 that company did not have any indebtedness to Pershing LLC (2012: nil).

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
  
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59

27. Guarantees and other financial commitments (continued)
c) Operating leases

At 30 September 2013 the Group had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of land 
and buildings of £1,701,000 (2012: £1,751,000). The total future aggregate minimum lease payments are as follows:

Within one year 
In two to five years 
After five years 

Property 
2013 
£’000 

Property
2012
£’000

1,911 
7,646 
4,748 
14,305 

1,962
7,850
6,710
16,522

The annual property rental on the principal property leased by the Group was subject to review in September 2011 and 
remains unchanged. The next review date is September 2016 with the end of the lease period being September 2021. 

d) Pension arrangements

The pension cost charge for the year was £1,386,000 (2012: £1,149,000). 

A defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan has been in operation since 6 April 1997 for all eligible employees of the 
Group. The Group Personal Pension Plan is funded through monthly contributions. The Group contributes 7% of members’ 
salaries with members contributing at least 2.5% of their salary. Employees are also eligible for death-in-service benefits.

28. Financial risk management

Group

Risk Management

The Group places great weight on the effective management of exposures to market, credit, liquidity and operational risk 
and our risk management policies and framework are designed to identify, monitor and manage such exposures to ensure 
that the operating activities of the Group are managed within the risk parameters set out by the Plc Board (the Board).

The Group’s risk management framework is designed to incorporate all material risks to which the Group is or may be 
exposed. The Board is responsible for supervision of the risk management framework, approval of risk management 
policies and setting the overall risk appetite of the Group. All risk management functions ultimately report to the Board. 
The Board receives regular risk management reporting which provides an assessment of the exposures across the Group 
together with more detailed reports on market, credit and liquidity risk amongst others.

Risk exposures are monitored, controlled and overseen by separate but complementary committees which consist of 
senior management from revenue generating areas, compliance and finance. Management oversight and segregation  
of duties are fundamental to the risk management framework.

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for the evaluation and maintenance of the Group’s control framework and 
ensuring that policies are in place and operating effectively to identify, assess, monitor and control risk throughout the 
Group. The Audit & Risk Committee receives risk updates which detail the Group’s exposure to market, credit, liquidity, 
and operational risks. Controls and polices are reviewed and challenged to ensure their effectiveness and to reflect 
changes in requirements and best practice.

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Notes to the financial statements

28. Financial risk management (continued)
The Risk Oversight Committee is responsible for exercising senior level oversight of all risk-related issues (both financial 
and non-financial). It has specific responsibility for the in-depth assessment and reporting of all material risks faced by the 
Group including the selection and scoring of the risks, the implementation of appropriate key risk indicators and controls 
designed to provide risk mitigation. 

The Financial Risk Committee is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day operating activities are managed within the 
financial risk appetite and controls framework approved by the Board and the Audit & Risk Committee, The Financial Risk 
Committee has delegated responsibility for preparing the financial risk management policies for review and approval by 
the Board and the Audit & Risk Committee. It also reviews the detailed components of market, credit and liquidity risk 
exposures of the business to ensure that such risks are monitored and assessed appropriately. The Committee met 16 
times during the year. As a minimum, the Financial Risk Committee reviews:

•  market risk exposures associated with our equity and derivative positions 

• 

trading book and individual stock Value-at-Risk (VaR) with comparison to limits resulting excesses

•  performance of the trading book overall and at individual stock level 

•  credit risk exposures to trading counterparties and deposit-taking counterparties

• 

liquidity and concentration risk of the cash and cash equivalent assets

•  currency risk exposures of foreign currency denominated deposits

•  capital resources of the Group compared to the Capital Requirements Directive Pillar I capital requirement  

and additional internal economic capital measures

•  client asset requirements and resources

The Finance department has day-to-day responsibility for monitoring and reporting financial risk exposures within the 
Group and escalation of issues to senior management. In addition to daily reporting of market, credit and liquidity risk  
key indicators to senior management, the trading system has real-time trading book, stock and VaR limit alerts to flag 
individual stock holdings and trading book positions which are approaching their predefined limit. Margin requirement at 
Central Counterparties is also monitored continuously and automated intraday reporting is in place for credit exposures 
and associated credit limit breaches (hourly).

Independent assurance of the suitability and effectiveness of the Group’s risk management framework and controls  
is provided to the Audit & Risk Committee by the utilisation of an outsourced, independent Internal Audit function.

Market Risk-Equity Risk

The Group is affected by conditions in the financial markets and the wider economy through its holdings of equity 
investments arising through the normal course of its market making, trading and investing activities. Equity risk arises from 
the exposures of these holdings to changes in prices and volatilities of equity prices. An adverse movement in the fair 
value of our holdings has consequences for the capital resources of the Group and therefore it is important for 
management to understand the potential impact of such movements.

The Group utilises a VaR model to measure market risk. The model uses a “Historical Simulation” approach which shocks 
market risk positions by the actual daily market moves observed during a rolling 256 business day window. The sum of the 
simulated returns for each of the 256 days is calculated and the VaR is defined as being the 3rd worst loss during this period. 
This approach is an accepted industry standard and gives the Group an understanding of the market risks being taken. 

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61

28. Financial risk management (continued)
VaR limits are set at both individual stock level and portfolio level and are approved by the Board. Such limits are 
incorporated into the Group’s front office trading system so that real time monitoring of VaR exposures is available to both 
front office staff and relevant risk management staff. On a daily basis the Finance department computes the Historical 
Simulation VaR risk measure based on the end of day portfolio of holdings. The results are reported to senior management 
at the end of each day against limits with all resulting excesses highlighted. Similarly the risk measures are also compared 
to the daily revenue performance and our capital resources. Alongside the use of VaR limits, there are absolute monetary 
trading book limits at gross and net position level. 

The table below shows the highest, lowest, and average total long, short, gross, and net position in listed securities during 
the year, together with positions at year end. 

Highest position 
Lowest position 
Average position 
As at 30 September 2013 

Highest position 
Lowest position 
Average position 
As at 30 September 2012 

Long 
£’000 

43,130 
28,277 
33,997 
34,597 

Long 
£’000 

39,938 
28,094 
35,606 
37,678 

Short 
£’000 

(14,732) 
(5,660) 
(12,102) 
(8,046) 

Short 
£’000 

(15,610) 
(3,743) 
(9,920) 
(11,013) 

The table below shows the highest, lowest, average, and year end equity VaR.

Highest VaR 
Lowest VaR 
Average VaR 
As at 30 September 

Gross 
£’000 

57,239 
38,920 
46,099 
42,642 

Gross 
£’000 

55,072 
34,286 
45,526 
48,691 

2013
Net
£’000

29,021
14,904
21,895
26,551

2012
Net
£’000

33,650
20,914
25,686
26,665

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

508 
172 
301 
425 

456
202
295
240

In addition the Group holds positions totalling £2,383,000 (2012: £983,000) in unlisted securities. These are reported to 
senior management together with positions in listed securities on a daily basis. 

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Notes to the financial statements

28. Financial risk management (continued)
Trading investments

Equity risk on the trading investments held within the market making book is the day to day responsibility of the Head  
of Trading, whose decision making is independently monitored. Trading investments held outside the market making 
activities are monitored by the CEO, Finance Director and senior management.

Equity risk is managed through a combination of cash investment limits applied to the entire trading book coupled  
with VaR limits set at individual stock level and portfolio level. These limits are approved by the Board, the Audit & Risk 
Committee, and the Financial Risk Committee, and monitored and reported by the Finance department daily. Breaches  
of the stock and portfolio limits are initially flagged in real time on the trading platform and monitored by the traders and 
the Finance department. Breaches are either addressed by the traders or, if they are unable to take corrective action,  
will be discussed with the Finance department and reported to senior management as part of the routine end of day 
reporting mechanism. Breaches are also summarised weekly and presented to the Financial Risk Committee along  
with reasons for the breaches and corrective action required to bring them within limits. 

An annual sensitivity analysis based on a 10% increase/decrease in underlying equity prices on the trading investments 
held at the year end indicates that the impact of such a movement would be to increase/decrease respectively profit in  
the income statement by £3,620,000 (2012: £3,860,000).

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities comprise short positions in quoted stocks arising through the normal course of business in facilitating 
client order flow. Equity risk on financial liabilities is the day to day responsibility of the Head of Trading. Exposures of this 
nature are monitored in exactly the same way as trading investments above as these positions form part of the trading book. 

A sensitivity analysis based on a 10% increase/decrease in underlying equity prices on the financial liabilities held at the 
year end indicates that the impact of such a movement would be to decrease/increase respectively profit in the income 
statement by £805,000 (2012: £1,101,000).

Derivatives financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments comprise equity options and warrants over listed and unlisted securities and are predominantly 
received by the Group as non-cash consideration for advisory and other services. This category may also include foreign 
exchange contracts used to hedge known transactional exposures arising from normal operational activities. 

Equity risk arising on derivatives is the day to day responsibility of the Head of Trading. Exposures are measured using  
the Group’s VaR methodology and reported to senior management daily along with a detailed inventory of options and 
warrant holdings which are either in-the-money or close to being in-the-money. 

A 10% increase/decrease in underlying equity prices of the derivative financial instruments held at the year end indicates 
that the impact of such a movement on the profit in the income statement would be an increase of £118,000  
(2012: £38,000) and decrease of £111,000 (2012: £30,000) respectively. 

Market Risk-Currency Risk

Currency risk arises from the exposure to changes in foreign exchange spot and forward prices and volatilities of foreign 
exchange rates. The Group is exposed to the risk that the Sterling value of the assets, liabilities or profit and loss could 
change as a result of foreign exchange rate movements. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts06 / financial statements

63

28. Financial risk management (continued)
There are three sources of currency risk to which the Group may be exposed. Firstly, foreign currency denominated 
financial assets and liabilities arising as a result of trading in foreign securities, secondly, foreign currency financial assets 
and liabilities as a result of foreign currency denominated corporate finance fees, supplier payments or Treasury activities 
and finally foreign currency denominated investments in subsidiaries of the Group. The Finance Department is responsible 
for monitoring the Group’s currency exposures which are reported to senior management daily.

Currency risk is measured using a similar VaR methodology as that used for the Group’s measurement of equity risk.  
The table below shows the highest, lowest and average foreign currency VaR.

Highest VaR 
Lowest VaR 
Average VaR 
As at 30 September 

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

69 
17 
53 
48 

99
35
52
50

The Group’s net assets by currency as at 30 September 2013 were as follows:

Sterling 
£’000 

Euro 
£’000 

Canadian $ 
£’000 

US $ 
£’000 

Other 
£’000 

Total
£’000

2013 
Sterling equivalent 
2012 
Sterling equivalent 

97,080 

85,708 

(950) 

(533) 

67 

10,336 

294 

106,827

703 

10,950 

247 

97,075

The Group hedges all significant transactional currency exposures arising from trading activities using spot or forward foreign 
exchange contracts. Derivative financial instruments held to manage such currency exposure as at 30 September 2013 
had a fair value of £2,000 (2012: £7,000). The Group does not hedge future anticipated transactions. Currency exposure 
to foreign currency denominated corporate finance receivables and supplier payables is not considered material.

The table below shows the impact on the Group’s results of a 10 cent movement in the US$ and Euro in terms of 
transactional and translational exposures.

10 cent increase (strengthening £):

Profit before tax 
Equity 

10 cent decrease (weakening £):

Profit before tax 
Equity 

US $ 
£’000 

(298) 
(154) 

US $ 
£’000 

338 
174 

Euro 
£’000 

Total
£’000

74 
74 

(224)
(80)

Euro 
£’000 

(46) 
(46) 

Total
£’000

292
128

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Notes to the financial statements

28. Financial risk management (continued)
Market Risk-Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk arises as a result of changes to the yield curve and the volatilities of interest rates. 

The Group’s interest bearing assets are predominantly held in cash or cash equivalents. Excess cash funds may be 
invested in Gilts, held on short term floating rate terms or placed on overnight or short-term deposit. Investment of excess 
funds into cash equivalent instruments may occur from time-to-time depending on the management’s view of yields on 
offer, liquidity requirements, and credit risk considerations. As the Group has limited exposure to interest rate risk and has 
no external debt (2012: £nil) it does not use derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk.

The table below shows the interest rate profile of the Group’s cash and cash equivalent investments and, while not interest 
bearing, also shows the Group’s exposure to listed investments as these have an indirect sensitivity to significant changes 
and volatility of interest rates. 

Currency 

Sterling 
US Dollars 
Euro 
Canadian Dollars 
Other 
At 30 September 

Fixed Rate 
Floating Rate 

Cash 
cash and 
equivalents 
£’000 

Listed  
 investments 
£’000 

23,411 
2,076 
1,064 
– 
– 
26,551 

61,359 
1,624 
592 
2,245 
5,385 
71,205 

– 
71,205 

2013 

Total 
£’000 

84,770 
3,700 
1,656 
2,245 
5,385 
97,756 

2012

Total
£’000

53,627
7,292
711
647
242
62,519

Cash 
and cash 
equivalents 
£’000 

Listed  
investments 
£’000 

23,616 
2,578 
471 
– 
– 
26,665 

30,011 
4,714 
240 
647 
242 
35,854 

 –  
 35,854 

In addition to the above, cash collateral balances of £3,111,000 (2012: £5,131,000) and net stock borrowing/(lending) 
balances of £292,000 (2012: £4,511,000) are subject to daily floating rate interest.

A sensitivity analysis based on a 100 basis point increase/decrease to prevailing market rates of interest as at 30 September 
2013 indicates that the impact of such a movement on the profit in the income statement and equity would be a decrease 
of £nil (2012: £nil) and increase of £nil (2012: £nil) respectively. This reflects the fact that the Group has no material exposures 
to fair value movements arising from changes in the market rate of interest as at 30 September 2013 or 2012.

Fair value estimation

Disclosure of financial instruments that are measured on the balance sheet at fair value is based on the following fair value 
measurement hierarchy:

•  Level 1: Quoted prices unadjusted in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

•  Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,  

either directly as prices or indirectly derived from prices; and

•  Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability which are not based on observable market data.

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65

28. Financial risk management (continued)

As at 30 September 2013:

Current assets 
Trading investments 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Financial liabilities 
Total liabilities 

As at 30 September 2012:

Current assets 
Trading investments 
Derivative financial instruments 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Financial liabilities 
Total liabilities 

Level 1 
£’000 

Level 2 
£’000 

Level 3 
£’000 

Total
£’000

 33,820  
 779 
 34,599  
 34,599  

(8,046) 
(8,046) 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  

 –  
 –  

 2,383  
 –  
 2,383  
 2,383  

 36,203 
 779
 36,982 
 36,982 

 –  
 –  

(8,046)
(8,046)

Level 1 
£’000 

Level 2 
£’000 

Level 3 
£’000 

Total
£’000

 37,613  
 72  
 37,685  
 37,685  

(11,013) 
(11,013) 

 –  
 –  
 –  
 –  

 –  
 –  

 983  
 –  
 983  
 983  

 38,596 
 72 
 38,668 
 38,668 

 –  
 –  

(11,013)
(11,013)

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the year (2012: nil).

Movements in financial assets categorised as Level 3 during the year were:

At 1 October  
Total gains included in other operating income in the income statement 
Additions 
At 30 September  

2013 
£’000 

983  
–  
1,400  
2,383 

2012
£’000

761 
26 
196 
983

The carrying value of assets and liabilities not held at fair value (cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade 
and other payables, provisions and stock borrowing and lending collateral) are not significantly different from fair value. 

Credit Risk-Counterparty Risk

Credit risk is the potential loss that the Group would incur if a counterparty fails to settle its contractual obligations or there is 
a failure of a deposit taking institution. Credit risk exposure therefore arises as a result of trading, investing, and financing 
activities. The primary source of credit risk faced by the Group is that arising from the settlement of equity trades carried 
out in the normal course of business. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
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Notes to the financial statements

28. Financial risk management (continued)
The credit risk on a particular equity trade receivable is measured by reference to the original amount owed to the Group 
less any partial payments less any collateral to which the Group is entitled. For example, in accordance with the delivery 
versus payment principle, the potential exposure at default sustained by the Group would not be the amount of the 
outstanding receivable balance, but rather the amount representing commission due to the Group and any residual 
exposure from market risk on the underlying equity after a sell-out (or buy-in) has been carried out. 

An internal stress test is employed in order to measure the credit risk exposure faced by the Group. This is a historical 
20-day VaR methodology based on both the severe stock market movements during 2008-09 and a conservative 
judgment of the likelihood of counterparty default. This assessment is applied to the end of day equity trade receivable 
and payable balances and the results are reported to senior management on a daily basis. 

Credit risk exposures are also managed by the use of individual counterparty limits applied initially on the categorisation  
of the counterparty (for example, hedge fund, long only fund, broker, etc.) and assessed further according to the results  
of an external credit rating and/or relevant financial indicators and/or news flow. From time to time certain counterparties  
may be placed on an internal watch list in reaction to adverse news flow or market sentiment. The Finance department 
prepares a summary daily report for senior management which indentifies the top 40 individual counterparty exposures 
measured against their limits, the major stock positions which make up the exposure and a list of the largest failing trades.  
This reporting incorporates the Sterling equivalent gross inward, outward and net cash flow exposure. Finally, automated 
hourly intra-day reporting of all gross inward, outward and net cash flow exposures by individual counterparty against 
assigned limits is monitored by the Finance department to ensure appropriate escalation and mitigation action is taken. 

Trade receivables relating to fees due on the Group’s corporate finance and advisory activities are monitored on  
a weekly basis.

Cash and cash equivalents are with large UK based commercial clearing banks all of whom have had credit ratings  
at or above A Fitch investment grade throughout the year. Credit exposures may be further reduced by diversification 
of deposits across a number of institutions. 

The Group’s financial assets are analysed by their ageing in the table below and represent the maximum exposure to 
credit risk as at 30 September 2013 of balance sheet financial instruments before taking account of any collateral held  
or other credit enhancements. As at 30 September 2013 there were no collateral amounts held by the Group as security 
against amounts receivable (2012: £nil). 

Overdue not impaired

As at
30 September 2013 
(£’000): 

Derivative financial  
instruments 
Trade and other  
receivables 
Trading investments 
Stock borrowing  
collateral 
Cash and cash  
equivalents 

Not 

9 to 12 
3 to 6 
Overdue  months  months  months  months 

0 to 3 

6 to 9 

Over 
1 year 

Impaired 

Total

779 

– 

– 

181,715 
36,203 

13,476 
– 

972 
– 

292 

– 

– 

71,205 
290,194 

– 
13,476 

– 
972 

– 

19 
– 

– 

– 
19 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

19 
– 

– 

– 
19 

– 

779

178  196,379
36,203

– 

– 

292

– 

71,205
178  304,858

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
  
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67

28. Financial risk management (continued)

Overdue not impaired

As at
30 September 2012 
(£’000): 

Derivative financial  
instruments 
Trade and other  
receivables 
Trading investments 
Stock borrowing  
collateral 
Cash and cash  
equivalents 

Not 

0 to 3 
Overdue  months 

9 to 12 
6 to 9 
3 to 6 
months months  months 

Over 
1 year 

Impaired 

Total

72 

– 

213,565 
38,596 

26,290 
– 

4,511 

– 

35,854 
292,598 

– 
26,290 

– 

21 
– 

– 

– 
21 

– 

15 
– 

– 

– 
15 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

23 
– 

– 

– 
23 

– 

72

216  240,130
38,596

– 

– 

4,511

– 

35,854
216  319,163

Credit Risk-Concentration Risk

Concentration risk is the risk arising from exposures to groups of connected parties, counterparties in the same sector,  
or counterparties undertaking the same activity. Concentration risk arises, in particular, with respect to the Group’s 
exposures to unsettled securities trades. These exposures are monitored intra day on an hourly basis using the credit risk 
exposure reports and process outlined above. In addition, as orders are taken, system-generated warnings are given  
of any counterparties whose order is likely to grow above £5m in size.

As at 30 September 2013 the exposure to the following categories of counterparty was as follows: brokers £86m  
(2012: £117m), long only funds £47m (2012: £45m), hedge funds £1m (2012: £7m) and other £46m (2012: £48m). 

Concentration of credit risk to a particular counterparty or issuer may also arise from deposits placed with commercial 
banks, investments in cash equivalents and as a result of normal trading activity through Central Counterparties, such as 
the London Clearing House. The credit quality of these counterparties is kept under review by management. Concentration 
of trading investments by market is disclosed in note 19. There are no significant concentration risks arising in any other 
class of financial asset as at 30 September 2013 (2012: £nil).

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that funds are either not available to service day-to-day funding requirements or are only available at a 
high cost or need to be arranged at a time when market conditions are unfavourable and consequently the terms are onerous. 
Liquidity is of vital importance to the Group to enable it to continue operating in even the most adverse circumstances. 

The Group assesses its liquidity position on a daily basis and computes the impact of various stress tests to determine 
how liquidity could be impacted under a range of different scenarios. The Group currently maintains substantial excess 
liquidity so that it can be confident of being able to settle transactions and continue operations even in the most difficult 
foreseeable circumstances.

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Notes to the financial statements

28. Financial risk management (continued)
The Group’s financial liabilities are expected to mature in the following periods:

As at 30 September 2013 (£’000):

Trade and other payables 
Financial liabilities 

As at 30 September 2012 (£’000):

Trade and other payables 
Financial liabilities 

Capital Risk

Less than 
3 months 

3 months 
to 1 year 

1 to 5 years  Over 5 years 

Total

188,842 
8,046 
196,888 

3,901 
– 
3,901 

559 
– 
559 

355 
– 
355 

193,657
8,046
201,703

Less than 
3 months 

3 months 
to 1 year 

1 to 5 years  Over 5 years 

Total

212,517 
11,013 
223,530 

720 
– 
720 

254 
– 
254 

11 
– 
11 

213,502
11,013
224,515

The Group manages its capital resources on the basis of regulatory capital requirements under Pillar 1 and its own 
assessment of capital required to support all material risks throughout the business (Pillar 2). The Group manages its 
regulatory capital through an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (known as the ICAAP) in accordance with 
guidelines and rules governed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Under this process the Group is satisfied that 
there is either sufficient capital to absorb potential losses or that there are mitigating controls in place which make the 
likelihood of the risk occurring remote. 

Both the minimum regulatory capital requirement and the Pillar 2 assessment are compared with total available regulatory 
capital on a daily basis and monitored by the Finance department. The excess capital resources, under both measurements, 
are reported to the Financial Risk Committee daily and to the Audit & Risk Committee and the Board at each time they meet. 

As at 30 September 2013, the UK regulated entity had £86m (2012: £73m) of regulatory capital resources, which is significantly 
in excess of both its regulatory capital requirement (Pillar 1) and the internally measured capital requirement (Pillar 2).

For Pillar 1 capital, the Group has adopted the standardised approach to credit risk and market risk and the basic 
indicator approach for operational risk. Compliance with FCA capital related regulatory requirements was maintained 
throughout the year.

Operational Risk

Operational risk is the risk of loss arising from short-comings or failures in internal processes, people or systems, or from 
external events. Operational risk can also be impacted by factors such as the loss of key staff, the quality of execution of 
client business, the maintenance of performance management controls, and a major infrastructural failure and/or terrorist event.

The Group takes steps to identify and avoid or mitigate operational risk wherever possible. Continuously evolving control 
standards are applied by suitably trained and supervised individuals and senior management is actively involved in 
identifying and analysing operational risks to find the most effective and efficient means to mitigate and manage them. 
Enhancements to staff training programmes and Internal Audits occur throughout the year.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
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69

28. Financial risk management (continued)
Company

The risk management processes for the Company are aligned with those of the Group as a whole and fully integrated into 
the risk management framework, processes and reporting outlined in the Corporate Governance Report on pages 16 to 
20 and in the Group section of this note starting on page 59. The Company’s specific risk exposures are explained below:

Equity risk

The Company is exposed to equity risk on its trading investments, derivative financial instruments and investments in 
subsidiaries. Trading investments comprise holdings in quoted and unquoted securities whereas derivative financial 
instruments have historically comprised warrants over unquoted securities.

In addition to risk measures reported on the Group’s equity-based holdings as a whole, a sensitivity analysis based on  
a 10% increase/decrease in the underlying equity prices on the aggregate trading investments and derivative financial 
instruments held at the year end has been performed and indicates that the impact of such a movement would be to 
increase/decrease respectively profit in the income statement by £845,000 (2012: £1,657,000).

Currency risk

The Company has no material exposure to transactional or translational foreign currency risk as it rarely undertakes 
transactions in currencies other than Sterling and consequently rarely has financial assets or liabilities denominated  
in currencies other than Sterling.

Interest rate risk 

The Company has no material exposure to interest rate risk as it has limited interest bearing assets and liabilities. 

Credit risk

The Company has exposure to credit risk from its normal activities where there is a risk that a counterparty will be unable 
to pay in full amounts when due. The Company’s counterparties are primarily its subsidiaries or employees of the Group 
and therefore it has limited external credit risk exposure.

Liquidity risk

The Company has no cash and cash equivalent balances. The management of the Group’s ability to meet its obligations 
as they fall due is set out in the Group section of this note. The Company manages its liquidity risk by utilising surplus 
liquidity within the Group through transactions which pass through intercompany accounts when it is required to meet 
current liabilities.

Fair value estimation

Disclosure of financial instruments that are measured on the balance sheet at fair value is based on the following fair value 
measurement hierarchy:

•  Level 1: Quoted prices unadjusted in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

•  Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability,  

either directly as prices or indirectly derived from prices; and

•  Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability which are not based on observable market data.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts70

06 / financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

28. Financial risk management (continued)

As at 30 September 2013: 

Current assets 
Trading investments 
Total assets 

As at 30 September 2012: 

Current assets 
Trading investments 
Total assets 

Movements in financial assets categorised as Level 3 during the year were:

At 1 October 
Additions 
Total losses included in other operating income in the income statement 

At 30 September 

Level 1 
£’000 

Level 2 
£’000 

Level 3 
£’000 

Total
£’000

8,450
8,450

Total
£’000

– 
– 

Level 2 
£’000 

500 
500 

Level 3 
£’000 

7,950 
7,950 

Level 1 
£’000 

16,570 
16,570 

– 
– 

– 
– 

16,570
16,570

2013 
£’000 

2012
£’000

–  
500  
–  

500 

211
– 
(211) 

–

There is no material difference between the book values and fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities.

29. Post Balance Sheet Events
Final dividend 

A final dividend of 5.00p per share (2012: 4.00p) was proposed by the directors at their meeting on 2 December 2013. 
These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable. 

30. Related Party Transactions 

Group 

a) Intra-group trading 

Transactions or balances between Group entities have been eliminated on consolidation and, in accordance with IAS 24, 
are not disclosed in this note.

b) Key management compensation 

The compensation paid to key management is set out below. Key management has been determined as the executive 
management teams of the Group operating subsidiaries, who are also directors of those subsidiaries:

Short term employment benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share based payments 

The above amounts include those amounts paid to directors of the Company.

2013 
£’000 

5,625 
85 
1,351 
7,061 

2012
£’000

2,127
77
1,296
3,500

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
06 / financial statements

71

30. Related Party Transactions (continued)
c) Share scheme loans 

Under the terms of the Group’s share scheme arrangements, participants may be offered a loan in order to fund their 
purchased shares. The loans outstanding to key management as at 30 September 2013 amounted to £1,362,000  
(2012: £2,030,000). Such loans are made at market rates and the amounts outstanding are secured by shares held within 
the Employee Benefit Trust and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received and no expense for 
bad or doubtful debts has been recognised in the year in respect of amounts owed (2012: £nil).

d) Dealings with Directors

During the year, Urless Farm, a company controlled by Mr and Mrs O Hemsley charge the Group £nil (2012: £34,560) in 
respect of services provided.

Company 

a) Transactions between related parties 

Details of transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, are set out 
as follows: amounts owed to the Company from subsidiaries are disclosed in note 18 and amounts owed by the Company 
to subsidiaries are disclosed in note 21.

b) Key management compensation 

The compensation paid to key management is set out below. 

Short term employment benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share based payments 

2013 
£’000 

1,970 
11 
36 
2,017 

2012
£’000

922
18
46
986

Details of the remuneration of each director, including the highest paid director, can be found within the Remuneration 
report on page 23. The compensation in the above table has been paid and recognised by a subsidiary of the Company.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts 
 
  
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07 / other information

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Please see the explanatory notes attached to this notice.

NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Numis Corporation Plc (the “Company”) will be held at  
The London Stock Exchange Building, 10 Paternoster Square, London EC4M 7LT on Tuesday 4 February 2014, at 11.00 
a.m. to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, of which resolutions 1 to 6 will be proposed as ordinary 
resolutions and resolutions 7 and 8 will be proposed as special resolutions:

1.  To receive and adopt the Company’s annual accounts for the financial year ended 30 September 2013, together with 

the directors’ report and auditors’ report for such year.

2.  To declare a final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2013 of 5.0p per ordinary share payable on 14 February 

2014 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 13 December 2013.

3.  To reappoint as a director Mr Oliver Hemsley, who is retiring by rotation in accordance with the Company’s Articles  

of Association and, being eligible, offers himself for election.

4.  To reappoint as a director Mr Simon Denyer, who is retiring by rotation in accordance with the Company’s Articles  

of Association and, being eligible, offers himself for election.

5.  To reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors, to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting until the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company at which accounts are laid and to authorise the 
directors to fix their remuneration.

Ordinary resolution – authority to allot relevant securities

6.  That:

(i) 

 The directors be generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 
(“the Act”) to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to 
subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Relevant Securities”), up to a maximum 
aggregate nominal amount equal to £1,952,910.00 (equivalent to 39,058,206), provided that:

a) 

 this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or (if earlier) 
unless previously revoked, varied or renewed by the Company in a general meeting;

b) 

 the Company shall be entitled to make, prior to the expiry of such authority, any offer or agreement which would 
or might require Relevant Securities to be allotted after the expiry of this authority and the directors may allot 
Relevant Securities pursuant to such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and

c) 

 all prior authorities to allot Relevant Securities be revoked but without prejudice to any allotment of Relevant 
Securities already made thereunder.

Special resolution – disapplication of statutory pre-emption rights

7.  That, subject to and conditional upon the passing of resolution 6 set out in the notice of this meeting, the directors  
be generally empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined in section 
560 of the Act) for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by the said resolution 6, as if section 561(1) of the Act  
did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

a) 

 the allotment of equity securities in connection with an issue by way of rights (including, without limitation, under  
a rights issue, open offer or similar arrangement) in favor of ordinary shareholders on the register on a date fixed 
by the directors in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held 
by them on that date, but subject to such exclusions and/or other arrangements as the directors may deem 
necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or any legal, regulatory or practical difficulties under 
the laws of any territory, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange, or as regards shares  
in uncertificated form; and,

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts07 / other information

73

b) 

 the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph a) above) of equity securities having an aggregate 
nominal amount not exceeding £293,230.00 (equivalent to 5,864,596 shares), and this power shall expire at the 
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or (if earlier), unless previously revoked, varied  
or renewed, save that the Company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might 
require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities in pursuance 
of such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 Special resolution – authority to purchase Company’s own shares

8.  That the Company be generally authorised pursuant to section 701 of the Act to make market purchases (within the 
meaning of section 693(4) of the Act) of ordinary shares of 5p each in the capital of the Company on such terms and 
in such manner as the directors shall determine, provided that:

a) 

 the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased is limited to an aggregate of 
11,729,191 shares (equivalent to £586,460.00 nominal value);

b) 

 the minimum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for each ordinary share is 5p;

c) 

 the maximum price, exclusive of any expenses, which may be paid for each ordinary share is an amount equal  
to 105 per cent. of the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share of the Company as derived 
from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the date on 
which such share is contracted to be purchased;

d) 

 this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or (if earlier), 
unless previously revoked, varied or renewed; and,

e) 

 the Company may make a contract to purchase ordinary shares under this authority prior to the expiry of this 
authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority, and may make  
a purchase of ordinary shares pursuant to any such contract as if such authority had not expired.

By order of the Board

Simon Denyer 
Group Finance Director & Company Secretary 
13 December 2013

Registered Office 
10 Paternoster Square  
London 
EC4M 7LT

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts74

07 / other information

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notes:

Right to appoint a proxy

Members of the Company are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of their rights to attend and to speak and 
vote at a meeting of the Company. A proxy does not need to be a member of the Company. A member may appoint more 
than one proxy in relation to a meeting provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different 
share or shares held by that member.

A proxy form which may be used to make such appointment and give proxy directions accompanies this notice. If you do not 
receive a proxy form and believe that you should have one, or if you require additional proxy forms in order to appoint more 
than one proxy, please contact the Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor Services PLC, on 0870 707 1203.

Procedure for appointing a proxy

To be valid, the proxy form must be received by post or (during normal business hours only) by hand at the office of the 
Company’s Registrar, Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS99 6ZY, no later 
than 2 February 2014 at 11.00 a.m. (or, in the case of any adjournment, not later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the 
adjourned meeting). It should be accompanied by the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed 
or a notarially certified copy of such power or authority.

The return of a completed proxy form will not preclude a member from attending the Annual General Meeting and voting 
in person if he or she wishes to do so.

Record date

To be entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (and for the purpose of the determination by the Company 
of the votes they may cast), members must be registered in the register of members of the Company as at 11.00 a.m. on  
2 February 2014 or, in the event of any adjournment, 48 hours before the time of the adjourned meeting). Changes to the 
register of members after the relevant deadline will be disregarded in determining the right of any person to attend and 
vote at the meeting.

Corporate representatives

Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all 
of its powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same shares.

Communications

Members who have general enquiries about the meeting should use the following means of communication.  
No other means of communication will be accepted. You may:

•  call our members’ helpline on 0870 707 1203 or 

•  write to Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS99 6ZZ

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts75

07 / other information

Explanatory Notes to the  
Notice of 2014 Annual General Meeting 

In the following notes, references to the “current” issued share capital of the Company are to the 117,291,911 issued 
ordinary shares of 5p each in the capital of the Company in issue as at the close of business on 6 January 2014 (being the 
latest practicable date before the publication of this document).

Resolution 1 – Report and accounts

The directors are required to present the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2013 to the meeting.

Resolution 2 – Declaration of final dividend

A final dividend can only be paid if it is recommended by the directors and approved by the shareholders at a general 
meeting. The directors propose that a final dividend of 5.0p per ordinary share be paid on 14 February 2014 to ordinary 
shareholders who are on the Register of Members at the close of business on 13 December 2013. Shareholders are being 
offered the option to receive new ordinary shares as an alternative to cash in respect of this dividend. 

Resolutions 3 and 4 – Reappointment of directors

The Articles of Association of the Company require the nearest number to one third of the directors to retire at each 
Annual General Meeting. In addition, any director who has been appointed since the last Annual General Meeting must retire 
and may offer him or herself for re-election and such directors are not counted in calculating the number of directors to 
retire by rotation. There were no new director appointments made during the year and consequently, Mr Hemsley and  
Mr Denyer are the only directors subject to rotation and re-election. 

Resolution 5 – Reappointment of auditors

The Company is required to appoint auditors at each Annual General Meeting to hold office until the next such meeting  
at which accounts are presented. The resolution proposes the reappointment of the Company’s existing auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and authorises the directors to agree their remuneration.

Resolution 6 – Authority to allot relevant securities

The Company requires the flexibility to allot shares from time to time and with effective from October 2009, the 
Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) abolished the requirement for a company to have an authorised share capital.  
The directors will still be limited as to the number of shares they can at any time allot because allotment authority 
continues to be required under the Companies Act 2006, save in respect of employee share schemes.

The directors’ existing authority to allot “relevant securities” (including ordinary shares and/or rights to subscribe for  
or convert into ordinary shares), which was granted (pursuant to section 551 of the Companies Act 2006) at the Annual 
General Meeting held on 5 February 2013, will expire at the end of this year’s Annual General Meeting. Accordingly, 
paragraph (i) of resolution 6 would renew and increase this authority (until the next Annual General Meeting or unless such 
authority is revoked or renewed prior to such time) by authorising the directors (pursuant to section 551 of the Act) to allot 
relevant securities up to an aggregate nominal amount equal to approximately one third of the current issued share capital 
of the Company. Save in respect of the issue of new ordinary shares pursuant to the Company’s share incentive schemes 
or as a result of scrip dividends, the directors currently have no plans to allot relevant securities, but the directors believe it 
to be in the interests of the Company for the Board to be granted this authority, to enable the Board to take advantage of 
appropriate opportunities which may arise in the future.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts76

07 / other information

Explanatory Notes to the  
Notice of 2014 Annual General Meeting 

Resolution 7 – Disapplication of statutory pre-emption rights

This resolution seeks to disapply the pre-emption rights provisions of section 561 of the Act in respect of the allotment  
of equity securities for cash pursuant to rights issues and other pre-emptive issues, and in respect of other issues of 
equity securities for cash up to an aggregate nominal value of £293,230.00 (5,864,596 shares), being an amount equal to 
approximately 5 per cent. of the current issued share capital of the Company. If given, this power will expire at the same 
time as the authority referred to in resolution 6. The directors consider this power desirable due to the flexibility afforded 
by it. Save in respect of the issue of new ordinary shares pursuant to the Company’s share incentive schemes, the 
directors have no present intention of issuing any equity securities for cash pursuant to this disapplication.

Resolution 8 – Authority to purchase Company’s own shares

The Articles of Association of the Company provide that the Company may from time to time purchase its own shares 
subject to statutory requirements. Such purchases must be authorised by the shareholders at a general meeting.  
This resolution seeks to grant the directors authority (until the next Annual General Meeting or (if earlier), unless such 
authority is revoked or renewed prior to such time) to make market purchases of the Company’s own ordinary shares,  
up to a maximum of 11,729,191 shares, being an amount equal to approximately 10 per cent. of the current issued share 
capital of the Company. The maximum price payable would be an amount equal to 105 per cent. of the average of the 
middle market quotations for an ordinary share of the Company for the five business days immediately preceding the date 
of purchase and the minimum price would be the nominal value of 5p per share. Although the directors have no current 
intention to make such purchases, they consider that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to 
keep the ability to make market purchases of the Company’s own shares in appropriate circumstances, without the cost 
and delay of a general meeting. The authority would only be exercised if the directors believe the purchase would enhance 
earnings per share and be in the best interests of shareholders generally. The Company may hold in treasury any of its 
own shares that it purchases in accordance with the authority conferred by this resolution. This would give the Company 
the ability to re-issue treasury shares quickly and cost-effectively and would provide the Company with greater flexibility in 
the management of its capital base.

Documents available for inspection

There will be available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours on any weekday 
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays), and for at least 15 minutes prior to and during the Annual General 
Meeting, copies of:

1 

the service contract of each executive director and the letter of appointment of each non-executive director; and,

2 

the Articles of Association of the Company.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts07 / other information

Left blank for your notes

77

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts78

07 / other information

Case Studies
Our contribution to our clients’ successes and the track record of our corporate 
client service teams continues to attract high quality corporate clients. Numis’ 
involvement in our client success during 2013 includes:

foxtons is a leading london  
estate agency, offering 
residential property sales 
and lettings services through  
its foxtons business. 

twentyfour income fund limited  
is a Guernsey incorporated closed-
ended fund which aims to generate 
attractive risk-adjusted returns,  
by investing in a diversified 
portfolio of UK and european  
asset backed securities. 

Kier Group Plc is a leading 
construction, services and property 
group specialising in building and 
civil engineering, support services, 
commercial property development 
and structured property financing 
and private and affordable housing.

Foxtons Group plc

TwentyFour Income Fund Limited 

Kier Group Plc

£429m Placing and £649m Admission  
to Main Market in September 2013 

£150m Placing, Offer for Subscription 
and Admission to the Official List in 
March 2013

£221m Acquisition of May Gurney 
Integrated Services plc in July 2013 

Numis acted as Joint Bookrunner  
and Joint Sponsor

Numis acted as Sponsor, Broker and 
Financial Adviser

Numis acted as Joint Sponsor, Financial 
Adviser and Broker 

The Group currently focuses on high 
volume, high value markets in London. 
In 2012, the Group generated total 
revenue of £120.0 and Adjusted  
EBITDA of £38.3m.

Numis acted as joint bookrunner 
alongside Credit Suisse. The offer was 
priced at the top end of the range at 230p 
per share. The price range was initially 
190p – 230p and then later narrowed  
to 220p – 230p. The IPO generated 
considerable interest amongst investors 
with nearly 200 institutions meeting 
management over a 9 day roadshow 
covering US, UK and Europe. The placing 
consisted of gross primary proceeds  
of £55m, which was used to pay down 
debt, and gross secondary sales of 
£374m. The free float was 60%, with 
management selling 50% of their holding 
(retaining c.12%) and BC Partners selling 
62% (retaining c.28%).

As at close on 7 November 2013, the 
Company’s market capitalisation was 
£891m, up 37% since IPO.

The Company targets net total return of 
7-10% p.a. including a yield of at least 
5% in year one and 6% thereafter.

The structure of the Company 
incorporates an innovative discount 
control mechanism, constructed by 
Numis, which offers shareholders  
the opportunity to elect for a full 
redemption of their holding after  
an initial 3 year period.

Numis raised gross proceeds through 
the IPO of £150m from a diverse range of 
institutional and private wealth managers 
through the IPO. Subsequently Numis 
has placed a further £125m of new 
shares through the placing programme 
established at IPO.

As at 1 November 2013, TFIF had 
generated NAV return of 12% including 
dividends, and its shares were trading at 
113.25p, a 5.25% premium to NAV. 

The acquisition of May Gurney was 
effected by way of a recommended offer 
and implemented through a scheme of 
arrangement. The total consideration 
was £221m, which consisted of £186m 
in new Kier shares and £35m cash. The 
offer represented a premium of 34% to 
the competing bid from Costain and 
71% premium to the pre bid speculation 
share price. The acquisition will enhance 
Kier’s existing services division through 
a substantial increase in scale, breadth 
of offering and geographic reach.

The acquisition is expected to be 
significantly value enhancing and is 
targeted to deliver 15% ROCE by 
December 2015. The acquisition has 
created a combined Group with total 
revenue of £2.8bn, an order book of 
£5.7bn and revenue for the services 
division of over £1.0bn.

As at close on 7 November 2013,  
the Company’s market capitalisation  
was £993m. 

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts07 / other information

79

enQuest is a ftse 250 
independent oil and gas 
development and production 
company, focused on turning 
opportunities into value by 
targeting maturing assets  
and undeveloped oil fields. 

aim-listed emis is the UK’s leading 
supplier of clinical software and 
related services to GP practices 
and other primary and community 
healthcare practitioners, with more 
than 39 million patient records 
entrusted to its systems. 

Primary health Properties (“PhP”) 
was incorporated in 1995 following 
the purchase of a small portfolio 
of primary care premises, and has 
been listed on the london stock 
exchange since 1998. 

EnQuest plc

EMIS Group plc

Primary Health Properties plc

£145m 5.5% 9 year retail bond in 
February 2013 

£57.5m acquisition of Ascribe Group 
Ltd and related £27.1m placing in  
September 2013

£68.5m Firm Placing and Placing,  
Open Offer and Offer for Subscription  
in May 2013 

Numis acted as Sole Lead Manager

Numis acted as Financial Adviser, NOMAD 
and Sole Broker to EMIS Group plc 

Numis acted as Sole Sponsor, Joint 
Bookrunner and Joint Broker

They are the largest UK independent  
oil producer in the UK North Sea, and 
assets include producing oil fields, major 
new developments and a portfolio of 
discoveries. The Company has also 
established a presence in oil basins 
outside the UK North Sea, as part of its 
long term growth strategy.

Numis acted as sole lead manager on  
the 2022 Sterling denominated 5.5% 
senior unsecured bond. The issue was 
oversubscribed and investors were 
attracted by the fact EnQuest has a 
strong track record of cashflows, a visible 
pipeline of production and that it was the 
first Oil & Gas sector retail bond issue. 

Numis has carved out a leading market 
position in retail bonds following several 
highly successful deals in 2012 and 2013. 
The £145m EnQuest offer was the largest 
retail bond issue led by a single bank 
(other than banks in their own name).

With 25 years’ software development 
experience, EMIS is known for delivering 
systems and solutions that really work for 
their customers, coupled with market 
leading support and training.

In September 2013, EMIS successfully 
completed the acquisition of Ascribe 
Group Limited from ECi Partners and 
management for an initial enterprise 
value of £57.5m. Ascribe is a leading 
software and IT services provider to  
the UK’s secondary healthcare market. 

Numis advised and supported the  
EMIS management team through all  
the stages of this competitive auction 
process. As part of this transaction, 
Numis also placed 4.4 million new 
ordinary shares (representing 7.5% of 
the Company’s existing ISC) at a price 
of 615 pence per share, raising £27.1m, 
in order to fund part of the consideration 
due under the acquisition. 

In 2007, PHP became the UK’s first 
dedicated healthcare Real Estate 
Investment Trust (‘REIT’). PHP specialises 
in the ownership of freehold or long 
leasehold interests in modern purpose-
built healthcare facilities, the majority of 
which are leased to general practitioners 
and other associated healthcare users. 
The Group’s portfolio comprises over one 
hundred and fifty primary healthcare 
facilities, both completed and committed, 
the majority of which are GP surgeries, 
with other properties let to Primary Care 
Trusts (PCTs), pharmacies and dentists.

In May 2013, PHP announced a proposed 
Firm Placing and Placing, Open Offer 
and Offer for Subscription at 315 pence 
per share (discount of 6.3 per cent. to 
the then share price of 336.25p).

The Company successfully raised 
£68.5m, exceeding its initial stated 
target of up to £60m.

As at close on 7 November 2013, 
EnQuest’s market capitalisation  
was £1,105m.

As at close on 7 November 2013, EMIS’s 
market capitalisation was £394m.

As at close on 7 November 2013,  
PHP’s market capitalisation was £316m.

Numis Corporation Plc 2013 Annual Report & Accounts80

07 / other information

Information for Shareholders

financial calendar

December  
January  
february  
may  
July  

Year end results announced 

Annual Report issued 

Final dividend paid 

Half year results announced and half year report issued 

Interim dividend paid

Company Registration Number

Independent Auditor

2375296

Registered Office

10 Paternoster Square
London
EC4M 7LT

Nominated Broker

Numis Securities Ltd
10 Paternoster Square
London
EC4M 7LT

Nominated Adviser

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
7 More London
Riverside
London
SE1 2RT

Registrar

Computershare Investor Services plc
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 6ZZ

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 
7 More London
Riverside
London
SE1 2RT

Bankers

Barclays Bank plc
Level 28, 1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP

Numis Corporation Plc 

10 Paternoster Square
London
EC4M 7LT

mail@numiscorp.com 
www.numiscorp.com

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Numis Corporation Plc 
The London Stock Exchange Building
10 Paternoster Square
London EC4M 7LT

+44 (0)20 7260 1000
mail@numiscorp.com

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