The FTSE Russell released its Indicative Quarterly Review on Tuesday. The review stated that Abrdn (LSE: ABDN) will potentially exit the FTSE 100.
With its share price at 150p, the UK Investment stock has seen a staggering 44% decline in the last year. Its half-year report included missed sales targets, running it down 5.5% this month alone. A decline in the share price decreases the stock’s market capitalisation, pushing it closer to FTSE relegation.
But is there a chance for Abrdn shares to rally before the final decision, due next week? And is this plummeting stock perhaps a cheap addition to my portfolio? Let’s take a look.
Interactive Investor
The company’s interim report raised concerns for many investors. Financial downturns, and a costly acquisition, have prompted many to sell their shares.
Some growth sectors have seen large falls this year. Indeed, the FTSE techMARK 100 reported a 13% fall in tech constituents since January. This has taken a big swing at Abrdn’s growth-focused investment strategy. Since half-year FY21, losses from investment increased from £4.6bn to £5.2bn. Pre-tax profits fell 83% to a total loss of £320m. Management said it would refocus on the real asset market (such as property) to better position it against future volatility. But such intentions are unlikely to move the share price enough in time to avoid FTSE relegation
The company’s £1.4bn acquisition of Interactive Investor in late May possibly scared off some shareholders. The cost-of-living crisis suggests interest in the investment platform would have dwindled as the market is increasingly disrupted. However, the platform actually saw increased customer acquisition, subscription revenue growth, and operating leverage. This led to Interactive Investor driving £0.2bn of a total £0.3bn of Abrdn’s net cash flow.
Management took a risk in such a big expense, but it seems to be paying off. Yet a £1.4bn acquisition during tough times like these has clearly dampened investor interest, I feel.
Managing investor relations
Abrdn has shown continued commitment to its shareholders however. A strong dividend yield and share buyback indicates the company possesses some strength.
Its dividend yield currently sits at an impressive 9.74%. Management again delivered a 7.3p interim payout. Indeed, the company intends a 14.6p annual payout for the year. This builds upon a strong dividend history. The company has generally increased its final payouts since 2009. This makes Abrdn something of a Dividend Aristocrat, in my opinion.
The £300m share buyback has progressed. With a current £150m financed, shareholders should be able to look forward to their share value increasing as Abrdn buys up its shares. The company reported a £0.6bn capital surplus (after its acquisition of Interactive Investor ). This gives me confidence that it can deliver the declared buyback, alongside continued dividend payouts.
So why have shareholders continued to jump ship? Abrdn has been hit particularly hard by the market’s turbulence this year. Pre-tax profits and investment inflows plummeted, alongside that untimely acquisition of Interactive Investor. I think many investors have seen the financial instability of this wealth manager, and decided not to stick around for the FTSE Russell decision.
I believe Abrdn’s market cap will continue to drop, and with it, the company’s FTSE 100 presence will end. Because of this, I won’t be looking to add Abrdn shares to my portfolio any time soon.
The post Is this FTSE 100 stock waving goodbye to the index? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK.
Why this £5 stock could be set to surge
Are you on the lookout for UK growth stocks? If so, get this FREE no-strings report now while it’s still available.
You’ll discover what we think is a top growth stock for the decade ahead… and the performance of this company really is stunning. In 2019, it returned £150 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.
We believe its financial position is about as solid as anything we’ve seen.
Since 2016, annual revenues increased 31%
In March 2020, one of its senior directors LOADED UP on 25,000 shares – a position worth £90,259
Operating cash flow is up 47%. (Even its operating margins are rising every year!)
Quite simply, we believe it’s a fantastic Foolish growth pick. What’s more, it deserves your attention today! So please don’t wait another moment…
Get the full details on this £5 stock now
setButtonColorDefaults(“#5FA85D”, ‘background’, ‘#5FA85D’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#43A24A”, ‘border-color’, ‘#43A24A’);
setButtonColorDefaults(“#FFFFFF”, ‘color’, ‘#FFFFFF’);
})()
More reading
Abrdn shares are dirt-cheap with a juicy dividend yield! Should I buy shares?
2 top dividend stocks to help fight double-digit inflation!
Here’s why Abrdn shares look like a no-brainer buy to me
Here’s why I’m selling Abrdn shares and buying Hargreaves Lansdown!
Should I buy Abrdn shares just for the 9.1% dividend?
Hamish Cassidy has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.