(Alliance News) - AJ Bell PLC on Thursday declared a record level of shareholder returns, as the company hailed its business model after its full-year results showed strong earnings growth.
The Manchester, England-based retail investment platform operator said its revenue increased by 23% in the year that ended September 30, to GBP269.4 million from GBP218.2 million year-on-year.
Pretax profit also increased by 29% to GBP113.3 million from GBP87.7 million last year.
The company declared a final dividend of 8.25 pence per share, up by 14% on last year's 7.25p final dividend.
The total dividend for the year was 16% higher at 12.50p from 10.75p in financial 2023.
AJ Bell also launched a share buyback programme of up to GBP30 million, which is expected to end no later than the start of June 2025.
The company said the strong growth was supported by a 14% increase to customer numbers, up by 66,000 to 542,000.
AJ Bell also said it now has a record level of assets under administration, which were up by 22% to GBP86.5 billion at September 30, from GBP70.9 billion the year before.
The company said there are strong structural growth drivers in the market and it is "well positioned to capitalise on this growing demand".
It also said that further reductions to the Bank of England's base rate would increase the attractiveness of investing.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Summersgill said: "I am pleased to report on another excellent year for AJ Bell, with our dual-channel platform delivering strong growth in both customers and AUA...Backed by our strong profitability and highly cash-generative business model, we have accumulated significant surplus capital above our regulatory requirements. We have today announced a record level of shareholder returns, reflecting the Board's confidence in the long-term outlook for AJ Bell.
"Looking ahead, I am confident in the outlook for both AJ Bell and the broader platform market. The long-term structural growth drivers of the market remain strong, as more individuals recognise the importance of taking control of their financial future...We will continue to reinvest the benefits of scale in our platform propositions, ensuring that we are well equipped to serve both existing and new customers, delivering great value to them alongside strong profitability and shareholder returns."
Shares in AJ Bell were up 1.9% to 506.00 pence each in London on Thursday morning. Jefferies raised its price target to 565.00 pence from 530.00 pence and maintained a buy rating.
By Michael Hennessey, Alliance News reporter
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