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Investing.com -- Abrdn PLC (LON:ABDN) reported stronger-than-expected annual profit on Tuesday as CEO Jason Windsor outlined a strategy update, including a goal to boost profit by at least 18% within two years.
The asset manager posted an adjusted operating profit of £255 million ($324 million) for the year, a 2% increase from £249 million in the prior period. The result slightly exceeded analyst expectations, which averaged £249 million, according to company-compiled estimates.
Abrdn also declared a dividend of 14.6 pence per share.
The company’s shares jumped 12% in London trading by 08:32 GMT.
Looking ahead, the company updated its financial targets for fiscal 2026, citing growing momentum. It now aims for an adjusted operating profit of at least £300 million and net capital generation of around £300 million.
"We believe none of our businesses is yet operating at its full potential, despite 2024 having been a year of progress and positive realignment," Chief Finance Officer Ian Jenkins said.
In its interactive investor division, the company is targeting annual customer growth of 8%, while its Adviser business aims to generate at least £1 billion in net inflows by 2026.
For the second half of 2024, Abrdn’s operating profit exceeded company-compiled consensus by 5%, driven by in-line revenues and slightly adjusted operating expenses 1% better-than-expected.
Adjusted profit before tax (PBT) came in 14% above consensus, benefiting from significantly higher net financing and investment returns.
JPMorgan analysts said they believe the operational beat in the second half and the "ambitious" targets for 2026 will be "well-received" by investors.
Separately, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) analysts said they also expect a positive reaction, "though 2026 improvement looks somewhat dependent on improving top line and Investments profitability."
Alongside its earnings release, Abrdn announced it would revert to using "Aberdeen" as its primary trading name, reversing a controversial 2021 rebrand that removed vowels from its name. The previous change from Aberdeen Standard Life to "abrdn" was widely criticized in the media.
The company also revealed plans to begin searching for a new chairperson, with Douglas Flint set to step down. "With a board refresh also completed last year, it is now an appropriate time to commence the search for my own successor," Flint said. Senior independent director Jonathan Asquith will oversee the process.