Shares in IG Group topped the FTSE 250 leaderboard Tuesday morning as investors cheered the spread-bettor's interim results, which confirmed the company enjoyed robust trading for the six months to 30 November 2006, leading to a 33% increase in its half-year dividend to 4 pence.
Despite the numbers having been flagged at the company's pre-close statement, Tuesday's market was happy to have a success story to focus on, particularly following the previous trading session's dismal performance from the financial sector. By 10.00am today, IG shares led the mid-cap risers with an increase of 17% or 37.5 pence to 259.75 pence, while the FTSE 250 index took on 59.95 points at 6,275.44.
IG Group this morning confirmed revenues for the six months grew by 47% year on year to £126.5 million, with adjusted pretax profit up 21% to £58.2 million and adjusted EPS 17% higher at 11.73 pence. The company also said it experienced record levels of account opening and client activity.
Chief Executive Tim Howkins commented: "Against a backdrop of challenging capital market and economic conditions, IG has again delivered strong growth in both revenue and profits, enabling us to increase the half-year dividend by 33%." Howkins added that current trading is strong across the group and said IG is well positioned to deliver further growth.
Reacting to the results, Keith Baird at Oriel Securities noted that with the numbers having been flagged at an earlier stage today’s announcement is nothing new but he added that the results are still “excellent” and the outlook “also very good.”
“One of the main points to focus on is the top-line,” Baird said. “The company’s top-line growth is very impressive.” Baird also pointed out that in an economic downturn, bad debt and concessionary spending are key areas, adding that “IG is fairly relaxed on both these so this is also encouraging.”
Oriel Securities has a Buy recommendation on the stock.