19th May 2010 07:00
Company Name IFG Group plc
Headline Interim Management Statement
IFG Group plc - Interim Management Statement
19th May 2010
IFG Group plc, the financial advice and administrative firm, issues the following update covering its business year to date and expected performance in 2010.
Performance and Outlook
Performance at a group level is in line with expectations. We are comfortable with, and in line to meet, consensus forecasts for 2010 based on our progress through the 4 months to April 2010.
While markets are unstable and risk aversion high we are confident that our businesses are currently delivering and will continue to do so. We have a strong balance sheet which will rapidly degear and with our recent acquisition of James Hay have an opportunity to reach scale in our UK and International divisions.
Divisional Update
International
The International Division (65% of 2009 profits) which provides Trustee and Corporate Services is performing to expectation.
After 2009, which was marked by a lack of transaction activity, there are now some early signs our clients are beginning to look outward again. While the effects of this are not immediate we are confident that the business will resume the growth levels it traditionally enjoyed from 2011.
The current performance shows Isle of Man, Jersey, Cyprus, and Switzerland all performing to plan. We expect to see activity levels rising as tax planning and related structuring becomes increasingly important to existing and potential clients. Our position as a transparent, high quality independent provider of trust and corporate services with multi-jurisdictional presence in well-regulated centres will allow us to harness changes in the competitive landscape driven by increased regulation, transparency and supervision.
UK
The UK Division (32% of 2009 profits) is now our largest division with its share of the overall group operating profit expected to be in excess of 60% in 2010. This division consists of two businesses, Pensioneer and Trustee (which incorporates our recent acquisition, James Hay) and Financial Advisory which is dominated by our fee based advisor Saunderson House.
Both businesses have had a good start to the year and are on target. New business flows are healthy. This is significant as we have now operated in the revised pensions taxation environment for a full tax year. Our ex James Hay SIPP book continues to grow with c.500 new SIPPs in the first four months. In fee based Financial Advisory our new client wins have run at approximately twice the 2009 rate.
James Hay
The James Hay acquisition was completed in March on foot of FSA approval on March 10.
We have moved at pace in extracting the business from Santander Private Banking, initiated a rationalisation of the businesses and are developing our product offering.
The process of absorption of the business and the first phase in re-invigorating the James Hay brand is expected to be achieved in a 15 month timeframe and is on schedule. We will issue further details on this at our AGM.
Ireland
Our Pension and Advisory business has performed well through April in terms of client wins and profitability.
The property related business continues to operate in a difficult environment due to a lack of capital and transactions. Focus in this business remains on achieving neutral contribution.
Financial Management
Margins are being maintained at prior year levels within the business which is now largely annuity stream in income profile. Our objective of building a platform of highly stable revenue streams with longevity has been achieved. Growing this and occupying the leading position in our chosen markets continues to dominate our agenda.
The group is focused on cash management and maintaining low gearing risk. This is considered prudent given the on-going volatility in financial markets.
With the acquisition of James Hay and with operating cash generation we expect the business will degear rapidly over the coming year.
We also expect to refinance our debt in 2010 and we will denominate our debt in sterling principally. This is an appropriate hedging strategy as both revenues and related cost are now largely in sterling.
Our Balance Sheet strength gives us the scope to finance expansion organically and through acquisition.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Mark Bourke Niamh Hore
Chief Executive Investor Relations Manager
IFG Group plc IFG Group plc
Tel +353 1 275 2800 Tel: +353 1 275 2866
IFG Group plc
Booterstown Hall,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin
www. ifggroup.com
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