PraxisIFM have reported solid interim results and demand for services remaining strong amid market headwinds, as results point to improved margins across the business.
Interim Report for the six-month period to 31st October 2021 highlights:
- Revenue for the period £29.5m (2021 H1: £29.8m)
- Net Debt reduced to £6.2m (2021 H1: £10.9m)
- Gross profit margin increased 170 bps to 56.1% (2021 H1: 54.4%)
- Operating cash flow increased to £1.6m (2021 H1: £1.1m)
In the period, PraxisIFM reported revenue of £29.5m, in line with the prior period and adjusted EBITDA of £5.1m, compared with £5.9m a year earlier. The gross profit margin increased to 56.1%, compared to 54.4% in H1 2021. In the period, the Group reduced Net Debt to £6.2m from £10.9m in H1 2021, representing a further strengthening of the business.
As the Group looks to 2022, PraxisIFM’s 50th anniversary year, the Board continues to refocus the business towards delivering strong outcomes in private wealth and corporate services. To reinforce the Group’s reputation for excellence, PraxisIFM will invest in technology and people – supporting the Group’s targets for organic revenue growth of 5% per annum and reaching a gross profit margin of 65%.
Following the completion of the Fund Services division sale to Sanne Holdings Limited for £54m, the Group announced that £40m of the proceeds would be returned to shareholders. This return of capital will be subject to approval by shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting, the details of which will be communicated shortly. The Board intends to use the remaining proceeds to further reduce the Group’s borrowing, as well as reinvesting in the business. It expects to resume payment of a regular dividend and it is expected the first dividend will be declared in the interim results for the six months to 30th June 2022.
Robert Fearis, PraxisIFM CEO, commented: “The last six months was a period still dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic and supply chain disruption, so I am proud of staff across PraxisIFM for continuing to deliver excellent service to clients new and established. This commitment to client services has allowed us to broadly maintain our revenue and grow our gross profit margin despite macro-economic pressures.
“As we reduce Net Debt and invest in our people and technology, PraxisIFM is well-positioned to drive towards our revenue and gross margin growth targets, by delivering flagship private wealth and corporate services with renewed focus.”
The Board has also announced that Richard Morris, the Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will join the Group Board as an executive director on 1 February 2022. Richard has been with the business since 2016 and has been the CFO since 2020.
The full unaudited interim results for the six months to the 31 October 2021 can be downloaded and viewed here.
