First Derivatives plc (LON:FDP), an expert in the area of investment and derivatives technology, earlier today reported its preliminary financial results for the full year to February 28, 2015. After a year rich in strategic moves, the group today boasted a solid growth in revenues and profits.
Talking of strategic moves, we cannot skip mentioning the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Kx Systems in October last year, as well as the purchase of Prelytix in February this year. This drive continued in the new fiscal year too, as First Derivatives took over two other businesses: Affinity Systems and Activate Clients.
Although such deals are always resource-demanding, they also seem to be beneficial for the corporate financial status. At least this is what the financial data for the full year to the end of February 2015 showed.
Let’s check out the numbers.
- Revenue £83.2m (2014: £69.9m) +19%
- Adjusted EBITDA £15.5m (2014: £12.5m) +24%
- Profit before tax £17.5m (2014: £7.9m) +120%
- Adjusted profit before tax £10.8m (2014: £9.2m) +17%
- Adjusted fully diluted EPS 38.8p (2014: 34.2p) +13%
- Full year dividend 13.5p per share (2014: 12.2p) +11%
- Net debt £15.7m (2014: £11.2m)
The company highlighted the positive impact on revenues from new clients for Delta Flow, Delta Stream and Delta Algo, as well as the further growth and strategic progress in consulting, with a total of six new Master Service agreements sealed in the period.
Seamus Keating, Chairman of FD, commented:
“This was a very successful year for FD, with the purchase of a majority stake in Kx Systems enabling the Group to broaden its strategy. The subsequent investment across the business, including three strategic acquisitions in 2015, positions FD as a leading player in Big Fast Data across multiple vertical markets. This has been achieved while maintaining a strong focus on current trading, with a strong second half performance from both our consulting and software activities enabling the Group to report record results for FY 2015 and upgrade expectations for the current financial year. We will continue to invest to maximise the growth potential of the business and view the future with confidence.”
The company struck an upbeat note for the new year, saying it expected strong growth slightly ahead of consensus market expectations.
To view the official announcement, click here.