The Ashmore plc Board intends to pay a progressive ordinary dividend over time, taking into consideration factors such as the prospects for the Group's earnings, demands on the Group's financial resources, and the markets in which the Group operates.
Accordingly, the Board has determined that an interim dividend of 4.80 pence per share (H1 2018/19: 4.55 pence per share) will be paid on 30 March 2020 to all shareholders on the register on 6 March 2020.
Other financial highlights include:
- Assets under management (AuM) increased 28% YoY and 7% over the period to US$98.4 billion
- Diversified net inflows of US$5.7 billion and positive investment performance of US$0.9 billion
- Active management continues to deliver long-term outperformance
- 75% of AuM outperforming benchmarks over three years and 98% over five years
- 24% outperforming over one year, reflecting combination of market volatility and adding risk at attractive price levels in line with Ashmore's disciplined investment approach
- Progress across all three phases of Ashmore's long-term growth strategy
- Higher allocations: new and existing clients increasing allocations to Emerging Markets
- Diversification: delivering outperformance in global equities products and generating client flows
- Mobilise Emerging Markets capital: Ashmore Indonesia listed at premium valuation
- Strong operating and financial performance
- Adjusted net revenue growth of 20% driven by 18% increase in net management fees
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 24% to £122.5 million, delivering an adjusted EBITDA margin of 69%
- Seed capital return of £8.4 million
- Profit before tax of £132.4 million, 42% higher than prior year
- Diluted EPS increased 56% to 15.8p reflecting operational performance, seed capital profit and lower effective tax rate
