Listed asset manager Liontrust today posted an impressive set of half year results to 30 September.

Adjusted pre-tax profit improved 17 percent to £17 million on a year-on-year basis with net inflows during the period of £1.37 billion, again a marked improvement on the prior year.

Outside the reporting period but of great importance to the firm is the acquisition of Neptune which went live on the 1 October adding £2.7 billion to Liontrust’s £14.6 billion of assets under management.

Unsurprisingly, these results have pleased John Ions, chief executive. He said in a statement: “"I am delighted to report another strong period of performance for Liontrust. The success of the business reaffirms our continued strategy of investing in our fund management capability, distribution, brand and administration.

“At a challenging time for the asset management industry, our clear focus on the fundamentals for success has enabled us to produce strong results.”

To hammer home the point, Mr Ions said that these results, specifically the firm’s inflows, come at a time of record net outflows from equity funds.

Despite the great results, the market was largely unmoved, with the shares broadly flat at 900p (up 0.45 percent). However, the company has enjoyed a decent rally already this year and given the expanded opportunity set with the incorporation of the Neptune team already priced-in, a half percentage point increase may be notable after all.