RE: Upside v Broker Target / Tips11 Feb 2021 15:34
Business restructuring company Begbies Traynor (LSE:BEG) has remained highly profitable, even though the number of insolvencies has declined in the past year. That decline is not likely to continue in 2021 as the government withdraws and reduces Covid-19- related financial support.
Recent interims showed a one-quarter increase in pre-tax profit to £5 million, while the dividend was raised by 11%. Begbies moved into a net cash position. Both the business restructuring and property services divisions grew revenues organically, although there was a lower profit contribution from the latter.
Management believes that Begbies is still on course for a full-year pre-tax profit of £9.8 million despite the headwinds this year. A jump in profit to £13 million is anticipated for 2021-22. There is potential for further acquisitions plus the recruitment of teams of professionals, like the Grant Thornton team that joined earlier this year, that can enhance earnings.
The shares are trading on 15 times prospective 2020-21 earnings, falling to less than 12 the following year. AIM-quoted rival FRP Advisory Group (LSE:FRP) is trading on a higher rating for the current year and its growth next year is expected to be more modest than for Begbies. Buy.