Beta Systems — Underlying positive trends

Beta Systems Software (DB: BSS)

Last close As at 04/11/2024

38.40

−0.20 (−0.52%)

Market capitalisation

184m

More on this equity

Research: TMT

Beta Systems — Underlying positive trends

While FY18 numbers dipped as management expected, revenue and EBITDA were in the top half of guidance. The results reflected weaker software licence renewals, which reduced revenues and slashed margins. FY18 cash generation was strong, with operating cash flow up nearly 60% at €8.3m and the maintenance book continued to grow with the help of acquisitions. In our view, the shares are attractive, noting the potential sub 6x FY20 EV/EBITDA ratio, given the strong cash generation and high level of recurring revenues (we estimate 80%+ in FY18).

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

TMT

Beta Systems

Underlying positive trends

Technology

Scale research report - Update

31 January 2019

Price

€18.30

Market cap

€88m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

BSS

Listing

Deutsche Börse Scale

Shares in issue

4.8m

Last reported net cash as at December 2018, including €30.1m on deposit

€35.6m

Business description

Beta Systems provides data centre intelligence (DCI) solutions that enable efficient and secure bulk processing of data and identity access management (IAM) solutions. The company’s headquarters are in Berlin and has sales and support offices in 18 markets globally. Approximately 70% of sales are derived in the DACH region.

Bull

Market leader in mainframe environments and DCI in Europe.

FY19 and FY20 should be more typical renewal years in DCI.

Strong balance sheet.

Bear

Mature mainframe market backdrop.

Subscale IAM business.

FY18 affected by down-cycle in licence renewals.

Analyst

Richard Jeans

+44 203 077 5700

While FY18 numbers dipped as management expected, revenue and EBITDA were in the top half of guidance. The results reflected weaker software licence renewals, which reduced revenues and slashed margins. FY18 cash generation was strong, with operating cash flow up nearly 60% at €8.3m and the maintenance book continued to grow with the help of acquisitions. In our view, the shares are attractive, noting the potential sub 6x FY20 EV/EBITDA ratio, given the strong cash generation and high level of recurring revenues (we estimate 80%+ in FY18).

FY18 results: Ahead of guidance

Revenue slipped 8% to €45.9m (comfortably ahead of €41–43m guidance), while EBITDA nearly halved to €5.5m (€5.3m; mid-point of guidance). The result included €3m revenues and a €0.6m EBITDA loss from acquisitions. Net cash fell to €35.6m (including €30.1m on deposit) from €44.1m, due to the impact of a €11.5m share buyback and two acquisitions. A dividend of €0.23 per share is proposed.

Guidance: EBITDA margins expected to recover

FY19 management guidance is for revenues of €46.5–49.5m, which implies c 5% growth at the mid-point, and for EBITDA margins of c 15%. For FY20, the guidance is for moderate revenue and EBITDA growth, with an EBITDA margin of 15–20%.

M&A will continue to feature

The group has made four acquisitions in the last four years (HORIZONT in FY15, LYNET and AUCONET in FY18 and Categis in FY19) and it continues to seek acquisitions to bulk up its divisions and diversify revenue streams. Beta Systems has a €35.6m war chest to help it to pursue its acquisition strategy.

Valuation: Modest valuation after adjusting for cash

After stripping out net cash of €35.6m, the group enterprise value is c €52m. Based on the mid-point of management’s FY19 EBITDA guidance, this implies an EV/EBITDA ratio of a modest 7.1x. Based on the longer-term guidance, EV/EBITDA could feasibly fall below 6x in FY20 (eg, 5% revenue growth and 17.5% margins implies 5.9x EV/EBITDA). In our view, these valuations are very modest for a software business that has the potential to deliver 20%+ EBITDA margins and writes off all its R&D expenditure (c 20% of sales) in the year incurred. Additionally, the group’s main division, DCI, could benefit from the disruptions caused by the acquisitions of its two major competitors, BMC and CA, in 2018.

Historical financials

Year
end

Revenue
(€m)

EBITDA
(€m)

PBT
(€m)

EPS

(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

09/16

46.4

7.0

5.7

0.99

0

18.5

N/A

09/17

49.8

10.8

9.3

1.51

0.41

12.1

2.2

09/18

45.9

5.5

4.3

0.76

0.23

24.1

1.3

Source: Company accounts

Edison Investment Research provides qualitative research coverage on companies in the Deutsche Börse Scale segment in accordance with section 36 subsection 3 of the General Terms and Conditions of Deutsche Börse AG for the Regulated Unofficial Market (Freiverkehr) on Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse (as of 1 March 2017). Two to three research reports will be produced per year. Research reports do not contain Edison analyst financial forecasts.

FY18 results: In the top half of guidance

FY18 revenue slipped by 8% to €45.9m (comfortably ahead of €41–43m guidance), while EBITDA nearly halved to €5.5m (€5.3m mid-point of guidance). Excluding acquisitions, revenues were €42.9m and EBITDA was €6.1m. Hence, excluding acquisitions, revenue and EBITDA were also above the mid-points of the guidance ranges. The revenue decline related to the renewal cycle, which saw a peak in FY17, and hence there was a 36% decline in licence revenues in FY18. Nevertheless, both the group’s divisions experienced significantly higher volumes of new orders in FY18 and in spite of the fluctuating revenues and EBITDA, net cash from operating activities improved in the fourth consecutive year.

The group has two continuing divisions: data centre intelligence (DCI, solutions for data centre automation) and identity access management (IAM, solutions for central user and access management). A third division, digitalisation (DIG), has been established via the acquisition of LYNET during the year.

The bulk of group software is sold on a rental basis and Beta recognises rental revenues on a similar basis to a traditional licence (eg c 60% of total revenues of a three-year rental contract are recognised in the first year, with c 20% in each of year two and three). This adds volatility to revenues and brings revenues forward compared with a cash flow model. This revenue recognition policy is in line with IFRS15. Due to a renewal cycle, licence revenues jumped in FY17 but fell back in FY18. However, maintenance revenues continued to increase for the fourth consecutive year, rising 3%, boosted by the acquisitions. New business in both IAM and DCI also developed well.

The predominant rental model means that c 80%+ of group revenues are recurring (licences and maintenance) while much of services revenues have a recurring feature, which would take the recurring revenues to more than 90% of the total.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

€m

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Year-end 30 September

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

Income statement

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

37.7

33.8

41.6

46.4

49.8

45.9

Revenue growth

-9%

-10%

23%

12%

7%

-8%

Gross margin

91%

91%

94%

94%

96%

95%

EBITDA

2.3

-1.3

3.53

6.95

10.8

5.5

EBITDA margin

6.1%

-3.8%

8.5%

15.0%

21.7%

12.0%

Total opex

-36.5

-36

-42.1

-41

-40.8

-42.1

EBIT

1.2

-2.2

-0.5

5.3

9

3.8

EBIT margin

3.2%

-6.5%

-1.2%

11.4%

18.1%

8.3%

Profit before tax (as reported)

1.5

-1.9

-0.3

5.7

9.3

4.3

Net income (as reported)

0.4

-2.2

2.8

5.2

8

4

EPS (as reported) (€)

0.08

-0.51

0.71

0.99

1.51

0.76

Dividend per share (€)

0

0

0

0

0.41

0.23

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

1.9

2.7

14.4

14

11.5

16.1

Total current assets

50.3

46.4

48.6

54.1

60.9

51.4

Total assets

52.1

49.1

63

68.1

72.4

67.4

Total current liabilities

-15.5

-15

-25.9

-18.7

-15.5

-18

Total non-current liabilities

-2.9

-2.8

-2.9

-3.9

-2.8

-3

Total liabilities

-18.3

-17.7

-28.7

-22.5

-18.2

-21

Total equity

33.8

31.4

34.2

45.6

54.2

46.4

Cash flow statement

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

4.2

3.3

4.5

5

5.3

8.3

Net cash from investing activities

0.9

0

-6.1

-17.9

0.1

-10.4

Net cash from financing activities

-0.6

-0.4

7.2

-0.7

-0.1

-11.5

Net cash flow

4.4

-7.7

5.5

-13.5

5.3

-13.6

Cash

29.5

21.8

27.4

13.8

19.1

5.5

Cash on deposit

0

0

7.5

25

25

30.1

Net cash and equivalent

29.5

21.8

34.9

38.8

44.1

35.6

Source: Company accounts

Exhibit 2: Revenues by classification (€m)

Exhibit 3: EBITDA and EBITDA margin profile

Source: Beta Systems, Edison Investment Research

Source: Beta Systems, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 2: Revenues by classification (€m)

Source: Beta Systems, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 3: EBITDA and EBITDA margin profile

Source: Beta Systems, Edison Investment Research

The group spent €9.9m on R&D in FY18 (22% of sales), up from €9.1m in FY17 (18% of sales), which was expensed as incurred. The group had 127 employees working in R&D at the period end, representing 39% of the group’s 322 total.

Net cash fell to €35.6m (including €30.1m on deposit) from €44.1m, due to the impact of a €11.5m share buyback and two acquisitions. The 23c dividend that has been proposed will cost c €1.1m, compared with 41c last year (€2.2m cost).

Divisional review and acquisitions

Revenues from the DCI division fell by 13% to €32.6m while IAM fell 10% to €11.4m. The addition of the new DIG division through the acquisition of LYNET, helped to moderate the group decline to 8%. Licence sales fell in both the continuing divisions due to the renewal cycle, which overshadowed a rise in new business in both divisions. Maintenance revenue increased, mainly due to acquisitions and services revenue jumped due to strong business in the DCI segment and the acquisition of LYNET - c 60% of LYNETs revenues are services. Other activities mainly comprise third-party hardware and software solutions in connection to LYNET products.

The group made two acquisitions in the period – LYNET and AUCONET.

Beta acquired LYNET, effective from 1 January 2018, for €2m. LYNET is an IT services, website design and e-commerce business that has operated for 22 years. LYNET has a broadly diversified customer base in northern Germany comprised of more than 450 small and medium-sized enterprises as well as public and social institutions. In FY18, LYNET contributed €1.9m revenues and EBITDA of €0.5m for the nine-month period. LYNET is being managed as an independent company within the group and comprises the group’s new DIG division.

Beta acquired the assets of the then AUCONET and the then AUCONET Technologies with effect from 31 January 2018 and 1 February 2018 respectively. The combined purchase price was €3m. AUCONET has been developing and selling IT operations management (IOM) software for more than 10 years, which complements Beta Systems' DCI product portfolio. In FY18, AUCONET contributed €1.1m revenues and an EBITDA loss of €1.1m for the eight-month period. AUCONET is budgeting for a small positive EBITDA in the FY18/19.

After the period-end, Beta acquired Categis for a nominal €1 with a further €125k payment expected in 2020. Categis is a small IT business based in Bad Brückenau, Bavaria, focused on medium-sized companies in the DACH region. Categis operates in two locations in India, via its Bangalore subsidiary, Categis Software. The primary objective of the acquisition is to access developer resources in India, in light of the challenging IT shortage of skilled workers in Germany.

Exhibit 4: Revenue breakdown (m)

 

2017

2018

Change

 

DCI

IAM

Total

DCI

IAM

DIG

Total

DCI

IAM

Total

Licence

16.3

2

18.3

10.0

1.7

0.0

11.8

(39%)

(13%)

(36%)

Maintenance

18.6

5.6

24.1

19.4

5.4

0.1

24.9

5%

(4%)

3%

Services

2.4

4.9

7.4

3.2

4.3

1.2

8.6

32%

(13%)

16%

Other sales

0

0

0

0.0

0.0

0.6

0.6

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total

37.3

12.6

49.8

32.6

11.4

1.9

45.9

(13%)

(10%)

(8%)

Source: Beta Systems

Balance sheet and cash flow

Despite the profit decline, cash generation was strong with operating cash flow rising by c 57% to €8.3m. This was due to a big swing in working capital, which predominantly relates to the upfront revenue recognition policy. The company repurchased 0.5m of its shares in July 2018 at €23 per share, which resulted in a cash outflow of €11.5m whereas the acquisitions of LYNET and AUCONET cost €5.1m. Consequently, net cash fell to €35.6m from €44.1m a year earlier. The group has no debt. The latest net cash number includes €30.1m on deposit (with a c six-month notice to draw) as part of its arrangement with its largest shareholder, Deutsche Balaton. Hence the group has ample finances available to support ongoing portfolio development and modernisation as well as acquisitions.

Management guidance

Licences tend to be renewed on a three- to five-year cycle and FY17 benefited from a high number of large value clients renewing. However, this does not affect cash flows as the bulk of revenues are on a recurring rental basis.

FY19 management guidance is for revenues of €46.5–49.5m, which implies c 5% growth at the mid-point, and for EBITDA of €6.3–8.3m, ie with margins of c 15%. The EBIT guidance is €4.5–6.5m; we note the difference between EBITDA and EBIT is most explained by amortisation of acquired intangibles. For FY20, the guidance is for moderate revenue and EBITDA growth. Management has a long-term goal to achieve an EBITDA margin of 15–20%.

Exhibit 5: Management’s FY19e and FY20e guidance

€m

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19e

FY20e

Revenues

33.8

41.6

46.4

49.8

45.9

46.5-49.5

moderate increase

Licences

7.6

10.4

14.5

18.3

11.8

11.5-12.5 

 

Maintenance

19.8

23

23.8

24.1

24.9

26-27 

 

Other

6.4

8.1

8

7.4

9.3

9-10 

 

EBITDA

-1.3

3.5

6.9

10.8

5.5

6.3-8.3

moderate increase

EBITDA margin

N/A

8%

15%

22%

12%

15%

Liquidity

21.8

27.4

39

44.1

35.6

 

 

Source: Company accounts

General disclaimer and copyright

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a) (11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas,

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a) (11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas,

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Beta Systems Software

View All

Latest from the TMT sector

View All TMT content

Research: Investment Companies

Murray Income Trust — Positioned to perform in challenging conditions

Murray Income Trust (MUT) seeks to provide investors with a high and growing income, as well as capital growth, by investing mainly in UK equities. Lead manager Charles Luke and deputy manager Iain Pyle run a relatively focused portfolio of 30–70 companies chosen for their attractive yields and dividend and capital growth prospects. They seek good-quality businesses with strong balance sheets and competitive positions, and may invest up to 20% of the portfolio overseas in order to diversify sources of income, and access opportunities unavailable in the UK. Following the merger of Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life, MUT has access to a significantly expanded UK equity team, with in-depth coverage of large, medium-sized and smaller companies, and has increased its exposure to higher-growth mid and small caps as a result. MUT has a 45-year record of dividend growth and currently offers a yield of 4.5%, above the average for its AIC UK Equity Income peer group.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free