Count Limited Surges with 28% Revenue Growth and Strategic Acquisitions in FY2025
Count Limited reported a robust FY2025 with significant revenue and earnings growth, driven by strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies. The company’s expansion in wealth management and services segments highlights its evolving market leadership.
- Statutory revenue up 28% to $143.6 million
- Underlying EBITA margin improved with $5.1 million cost synergies from Diverger acquisition
- Funds under advice grew 10% to $37.8 billion; funds under management increased 24% to $3.9 billion
- Launch of Managed Discretionary Accounts and expanded adoption of CARE investment philosophy
- Strong cash flow generation and fully franked final dividend of 2.75 cents per share
Robust Financial Performance
Count Limited has delivered a standout FY2025, posting a 28% increase in statutory revenue to $143.6 million, alongside a remarkable 144% rise in EBITA and a 705% surge in net profit after tax. These gains reflect the company’s strategic focus on organic growth, disciplined cost management, and targeted acquisitions, which have collectively enhanced profitability and operational scale.
The company’s underlying EBITA margin improved notably, supported by $5.1 million in cost synergies from the Diverger acquisition; significantly exceeding initial expectations of $3 million. This efficiency gain underscores Count’s ability to integrate acquisitions effectively while streamlining back-office functions.
Growth in Wealth and Services Segments
Count’s Wealth segment demonstrated strong momentum, driven by the widespread adoption of its CARE investment philosophy, which now underpins $3.9 billion in funds under management; a 24% increase year-on-year. The launch of Managed Discretionary Accounts further diversifies the product suite, catering to high-net-worth clients and sophisticated investment strategies. The company’s position as the second largest licensee in Australia reinforces its market influence.
The Services segment expanded its footprint through actuarial certificates, consulting, education, and IT managed services. Count’s leadership in actuarial certificates and education services was bolstered by delivering solutions to key corporates, government agencies, and large accounting and wealth firms. The rollout of a unified CRM and branding platform is expected to enhance client engagement and operational efficiency further.
Strategic Acquisitions and Integration
Count continued its disciplined acquisition strategy, completing the merger with Johnston Grocke, which significantly strengthened its Equity Partnerships segment in South Australia. This move exemplifies Count’s approach to consolidating quality advisory firms to build scale and leadership depth. The company’s equity partnership model fosters alignment and long-term value creation, with tuck-in acquisitions delivering strong returns on investment, typically around 20%.
Technology-enabled scalability remains a core pillar, with AI and automation initiatives driving a 15% revenue increase and a 21% reduction in administrative wages. Over 60% of staff have developed and deployed their own automations, saving more than 2,000 hours annually and enhancing client service quality.
Strong Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns
Count’s proactive cash management resulted in robust operating cash flow, enabling net debt reduction and maintaining significant headroom for future acquisitions. The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 2.75 cents per share, reflecting confidence in sustainable earnings and cash flow generation. Dividend reinvestment plans remain available, supporting shareholder flexibility.
Looking Ahead
Count’s refreshed strategic plan focuses on expanding its integrated accounting and wealth services platform through four pillars – advice value chain expansion, education and expertise elevation, investment capability enhancement, and capitalising on equity partnerships. With a strong foundation in technology, governance, and market positioning, Count aims to continue its growth trajectory in FY2026 by increasing funds under management, driving M&A activity, and deepening client relationships.
Bottom Line?
Count Limited’s FY2025 results set a high bar, but sustaining growth will hinge on seamless acquisition integration and scaling new investment solutions.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Count sustain its margin improvements amid ongoing acquisition and integration costs?
- What is the potential impact of Managed Discretionary Accounts on future funds under management growth?
- How effectively can Count leverage AI and automation to maintain competitive advantage in advisory services?