Hargreaves Lansdown shares rise on takeover bid, Citi upgrades

Investing.com -- Shares of Hargreaves Lansdown PLC (LON:HRGV) rose on Friday following its FY 2024 results and a binding cash offer from a consortium. Citi Research in a note said that the offer is priced at £11.40 per share, which includes a £11.10 cash consideration plus a 30p final dividend for FY 2024.

At 6:36 am (1037 GMT), Hargreaves Lansdown was trading 2.2% higher at £1,102.

The results for FY 2024 align with consensus expectations, with revenues of £396.7 million slightly below the forecasted £397.7 million. Fund revenues of £128.9 million and cash revenues of £127.9 million were also close to predictions, while share revenues and other income slightly missed forecasts. 

Despite this, underlying operating profit met expectations, with net finance income contributing to a 4% beat in underlying PBT.

The binding offer terms remain consistent with the previous non-binding proposal. The consortium, through Harp Bidco, has outlined a strategy focused on investments in digital technology and fee reductions. 

This includes potential cuts to basic platform and trading fees, which Citi Research expects will make Hargreaves Lansdown’s offerings more competitive, particularly given its substantial market share in the direct-to-consumer sector.

Citi Research has upgraded its rating on Hargreaves Lansdown to Neutral and set a target price of £11.10 per share, reflecting the offer price and excluding the 30p final dividend. 

The brokerage suggests that the proposed changes under private ownership could enhance Hargreaves Lansdown's market position, which is significant considering its c40% share of the direct-to-consumer market.