Milestone marked for FY25 with growing M&A deal size in Money Management

Count Financial has reached a significant milestone in FY25, marking a pivotal year for the business with the successful completion of the Diverger integration. The acquisition of Diverger in March 2024 allowed Count to surpass its initial cost synergy targets, achieving $5.1 million instead of the projected $3 million. Count Chief Executive, Hugh Humphrey, highlighted the renegotiation of contract terms, reduction in leasing costs, deduplication of roles, and listings as contributing factors to the increased savings.

Humphrey emphasized the impact of the Diverger integration, stating, “We have had a milestone year given the integration of Diverger. The deal was done some time ago, but it is only now that we are fully integrated. We have seen strong revenue growth and made our highest dividend payment in eight years.” This successful integration resulted in a revenue increase of 28% to $143.6 million, showcasing robust growth across all three operational segments – wealth, equity partnerships, and services.

Funds under advice saw a significant growth of 10% to $37.8 billion, while funds under management reached $3.9 billion, attributed to net inflows and favorable investment performance. Count Financial declared a final dividend of 2.75 cents per share, bringing the total FY25 dividend to 4.5 cents per share. The firm’s active engagement in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities was evident, with an acquisition completed every five weeks during the year. Notably, the size and strategic value of the acquisitions trended upward, with the average annual revenue of equity partner firms standing at $8 million.

The success of Count Financial’s integration efforts and financial performance in FY25 underscore its commitment to growth and strategic expansion. The exceeding of cost synergy targets from the Diverger acquisition reflects the company’s adeptness in capitalizing on synergies and optimizing operational efficiencies. Additionally, the strong revenue growth and dividend payment further solidify Count’s position as a leading player in the financial planning sector.

Looking ahead, Count Financial is well-positioned to capitalize on its momentum and continue its growth trajectory. With a robust financial foundation, a dedicated focus on M&A activities, and a track record of successful integrations, the firm is poised for further expansion and value creation. The strategic approach to acquisitions, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence, sets Count Financial apart as a key player in the financial services industry.