RE: Does the valuation make sense?2 Jun 2026 13:39
I actually don't understand how it's possible to run a wealth management business in 2026, offering portfolio-based investment solutions during likely the MOST SUSTAINED BULL MARKET IN DECADES, but still end up with a share price that is close to a decade-long low?! So , for that reason, I'm not convinced management is "improved". Rather, it looks like the team who grew this business from a few bill AUM to its current size are all gone and the replacements seem to have scant experience of upscaling, growing, or turning a business around.
Best guess is that the current share price represents fair value, unfortunately, noting the drift towards poorer quality of earnings (lower margin products; "new" revenue driven by buying bolt-ons more than from true "organic" growth). I assume this is the reason that there appears to have been no PE interest, despite the share price being at these levels for months and months.