AI And Technology Investments Will Improve Operational Efficiency

Key Takeaways

• Strategic positioning as a market leader and growth in technology solutions could enhance customer satisfaction and expand revenue growth potential.
  
• Expanding adviser network and ongoing innovations are likely to boost earnings and attract a broader customer demographic.
  
• Increased competition, market volatility, rising costs, and technological demands may pressure HUB24's margins and growth prospects amidst economic uncertainties.

Catalysts

A financial services company, provides integrated platform, technology, and data solutions to wealth industry in Australia.

• The strategic positioning of HUB24 as a market leader with strong growth in funds under administration (FUA) suggests potential for ongoing revenue growth, as indicated by a 4-year CAGR of 42% in group revenue. This is complemented by a substantial increase in market share from 6.6% to 7.9% over the last 12 months.
  
• Enhancement and integration of technology solutions, such as the launch of Engage and improvements in compliance features, aim to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, potentially increasing net margins by reducing costs and enhancing service offerings.
  
• The significant increase in the adviser network, with 361 net additions, indicates an expanding customer base, which is likely to boost future earnings. With the average FUA per adviser doubling over four years and further potential for growth, revenue from this segment is poised to increase.
  
• Planned innovations and strategic alliances to introduce new investment opportunities and retirement solutions are set to cater to a broader customer demographic. These enhancements can lead to higher revenue streams as they attract more clients and assets under management.
  
• Automation and AI investments aimed at improving operational quality and service delivery could enable further cost savings and scalability, translating into improved net margins and increased earnings as operations become more efficient and less human resource-intensive.

HUB24 Future Earnings and Revenue Growth

Assumptions

• Analysts are assuming HUB24's revenue will grow by 15.6% annually over the next 3 years.
• Analysts assume that profit margins will increase from 16.1% today to 24.0% in 3 years time.
• Analysts expect earnings to reach A$135.5 million (and earnings per share of A$1.53) by about April 2028, up from A$58.8 million today. However, there is a considerable amount of disagreement amongst the analysts with the most bullish expecting A$150.6 million in earnings, and the most bearish expecting A$98.2 million.
• In order for the above numbers to justify the analysts price target, the company would need to trade at a PE ratio of 49.2x on those 2028 earnings, down from 88.9x today. This future PE is greater than the current PE for the AU Capital Markets industry at 14.1x.
• Analysts expect the number of shares outstanding to remain consistent over the next 3 years.
• To value all of this in today's terms, we will use a discount rate of 7.07%, as per the Simply Wall St company report.

HUB24 Future Earnings Per Share Growth

Risks

• The competitive landscape may intensify with new entrants or existing players potentially lowering prices to capture market share, potentially impacting HUB24's revenue margins.
  
• Any significant downturn in equity markets could adversely affect funds under administration (FUA) growth and platform revenues, given the sensitivity to market movements.
  
• Increasing operational expenses may outpace revenue growth if headcount expands significantly to service growth, which could impact net margins and overall profitability.
  
• Advancement in technology by competitors or insufficient innovation from HUB24 might pressure HUB24's margin as they may need to increase investment in technology to sustain their market position.
  
• Dependence on continued favorable market conditions and investor sentiment for high net inflows mean unexpected economic downturns could reduce earnings and growth prospects.

Valuation

• The analysts have a consensus price target of A$67.846 for HUB24 based on their expectations of its future earnings growth, profit margins and other risk factors. However, there is a degree of disagreement amongst analysts, with the most bullish reporting a price target of A$85.0, and the most bearish reporting a price target of just A$31.0.
• In order for you to agree with the analyst's consensus, you'd need to believe that by 2028, revenues will be A$564.4 million, earnings will come to A$135.5 million, and it would be trading on a PE ratio of 49.2x, assuming you use a discount rate of 7.1%.
• Given the current share price of A$64.48, the analyst price target of A$67.85 is 5.0% higher. The relatively low difference between the current share price and the analyst consensus price target indicates that they believe on average, the company is fairly priced.
• We always encourage you to reach your own conclusions though. So sense check these analyst numbers against your own assumptions and expectations based on your understanding of the business and what you believe is probable.