Nvidia’s results, Indian tariffs, French markets - what’s moving markets
Investing.com -- Shares of AJ Bell (LSE:AJB) edged down 0.5% as the company announced the sale of its non-core Platinum business for up to £25 million, which is approximately 1.5% of its market cap. The transaction is seen as a strategic move to streamline the company’s portfolio and focus on its core growth strategies.
The disposed Platinum business, which has been consistently referred to as non-core since AJ Bell’s IPO, represents the majority of the revenues within the "non-platform" segment of the group.
Despite the sale, AJ Bell has stated that there will be no impact on its financial year 2025 (FY25) guidance, likely due to the timing of the deal. However, with Platinum contributing £10 million to group revenues in the financial year 2024 (FY24), a similar profit before tax (PBT) headwind to group revenues is expected in FY26.
The company will receive £17.5 million in upfront cash consideration, which is anticipated to contribute to the capital surplus at the year-end. Analysts predict that this surplus could potentially be returned to shareholders through a buyback, which might offset the expected earnings per share (EPS) headwind.
RBC analysts commented on the deal, stating, "We see the deal as effectively tidying up the portfolio of businesses in the group, and whilst we could envisage a minor EPS headwind in FY26, it arguably simplifies the group’s risk profile (given the provision of non-standard products) and removes a drag on earnings growth looking forwards."
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.