Quilter plc Net client cash flows have continued to be affected by the challenging markets

Quilter plc (LON:OLT) reports resilient NCCF in a challenging market

Highlights

· First quarter Net Client Cash Flow (NCCF) of £0.5 billion, excluding Quilter Life Assurance (Q4 2018: £0.6 billion).

· AuMA of £114.9 billion (+5.1% from 31 December 2018) supported by market performance.

· Integrated net flows of £0.6 billion continuing to demonstrate the robustness of the Quilter business model.

· Outflows of £0.9 billion within Quilter Life Assurance included £0.6 billion in respect of the deliberate run-off of the institutional book.

· Offer for Lighthouse Group plc announced on 3 April 2019.

Quilter plc highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2019

Overview

First quarter NCCF of £0.5 billion, excluding Quilter Life Assurance, remained resilient in the context of the challenging market conditions and was broadly as indicated with our full year results. In contrast, the first quarter of 2018 was particularly strong for both gross and net flows. First quarter 2019 NCCF, excluding Quilter Life Assurance, represented 2% of opening AuMA on an annualised basis and reflects the impact that the uncertain UK political environment continues to have on discretionary investor sentiment. Notwithstanding the challenging flow environment, the rebound in equity markets and strong investment performance have supported overall AuMA which stood at £114.9 billion at the end of the first quarter (+5.1% from 31 December 2018). This was ahead of the prior year (£111.6 billion) and in line with the average for 2018 (£114.7 billion).

Overall trends in gross sales and outflows across each business were similar to the last quarter of 2018. The expected loss of a £0.2 billion institutional-like portfolio within Quilter Cheviot is not reflected in the first quarter results but is anticipated to be withdrawn during the second quarter. The Group delivered good levels of integrated flows of £0.6 billion relative to total NCCF for the quarter, underlining the value of Quilter’s integrated advice-led model and customer proposition. Outflows of £0.9 billion within Quilter Life Assurance included £0.6 billion in respect of the deliberate run-off of the institutional book, in line with expectations. Defined Benefit to Defined Contribution gross sales of £0.2 billion in the first quarter of 2019 contrasted with £0.6 billion in the first quarter of 2018 as the Group’s attitude towards this source of new business remains cautious.

The Lighthouse Scheme document was circulated to shareholders on 15 April 2019. Completion of the acquisition continues to be expected towards the end of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of the outstanding conditions including Lighthouse shareholders’ approval and FCA consent.

Paul Feeney, CEO of Quilter plc, commented:

“As indicated at our full year results, net client cash flows have continued to be affected by the challenging markets. However, we continue to be encouraged by the resilience of integrated flows which have remained robust during this period, and the high level of customer asset retention across our businesses which was broadly stable on 2018 at 89%. While near-term headwinds remain, this demonstrates that our clients and their advisers value Quilter’s integrated advice-led model, and continues to be supportive of our operating margin and revenue outlook.

“To support our continued strategic progress, we were delighted to announce the recommended cash offer for Lighthouse Group. The Scheme document was posted to their shareholders earlier this week and we look forward to their advisers joining the Quilter family, and helping to secure our position as the best place to go for trusted financial advice in the UK.”