Cautious but positive, the statement detailed that the recent increase in market volatility and a growth in client numbers helped it to increase quarterly group revenues to £76m (2010: £69m) to the end of Feb.
The interim results released on the 18th Jan (Post: Has the sun set on IG Index?) saw the share price fall significantly from 528p (6th Jan) to 423p (24th Feb), on the back of a significant downward revision of the prospects in its Japanese investment so it is no surprise that:
"The troublesome Japanese business saw revenue dive 11% to £4.5m from £5m, with both revenue per client and the number of active clients hitting the skids, after local leverage restrictions were introduced in August 2010 and January 2011." (Sharecast Thu. 10 Mar 2011).
...Unfortunately, recent events are likely to have impacted the Japanese operations further!
The company does caution that stronger comparatives will make improvements more difficult in the final quarter (Mar - May) of its financial year, but remain positive for the long term.
It appears that IG is a company that seems to thrive (from a sales perspective) when markets are volatile as the very volatility that seems to rock the confidence of investors, seems to be the attraction for clients of IG.
This does not always seem to come through in the share price at the time, which is a shame as it could have given the shares a defensive or counter strategic position in a portfolio.
Possibly it shows some misunderstanding of IG's business model but could therefore represent a buying opportunity in a contrarian strategy when markets are falling. Although recent setbacks (credit crunch bad debts, Japan etc) have possibly done more damage to investor confidence.
The increase in client numbers is good news and remains key to how investors view the company. But, with its Japanese prospects now being downgraded, growth must come from the US and its existing markets.
In the background it also has a market leading position and a track record of dividend growth; supported by no "net" debt, growing cash balances and good cash-flows which bodes well for the future.
Currently, IG is in the Growth portfolio, which I am still comfortable with, as recent setbacks seem to be priced in, but it will need keeping an eye on if growth slows rapidly and profit margins deteriorate.
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Previous posts:
- 18th Jan: Has the sun set on IG Index?
- 27th Jan: IG Group: FSCS sticks the boot in!
- 28th Jan: IG: Update to FSCS Post.
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