Hargreaves Lansdown plc: history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

Hargreaves Lansdown plc: history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

GB | Financial Services | Asset Management | LSE

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A Brief History of Hargreaves Lansdown plc

Hargreaves Lansdown plc (HL) is a prominent financial services company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1981 by Peter Hargreaves and Stephen Lansdown. Initially established as a stockbroking firm, HL has grown into one of the leading investment platforms that provide services such as online trading, investment management, and various financial products.

In 2000, Hargreaves Lansdown launched its first online trading service, significantly expanding its reach and client base. By 2003, the company had successfully transitioned to a publicly traded entity, listing on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HL. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) price was set at £1.50 per share, which provided a strong impetus for the company's early growth.

Hargreaves Lansdown has consistently reported solid financial performance. For the fiscal year ending July 31, 2023, the company recorded a revenue of £636 million, a slight decrease from the £651 million reported in 2022. However, the net profit for the same period was £310 million, showing resilience in profitability.

Year Revenue (£ million) Net Profit (£ million) Active Clients
2021 643 330 1,713,000
2022 651 320 1,787,000
2023 636 310 1,860,000

As of September 2023, Hargreaves Lansdown has approximately 1.86 million active clients, showcasing a solid growth trajectory in client acquisition. The company has also increased its market share in the online investment platform industry, benefiting from a growing trend towards digital trading and investment.

In recent years, HL has focused on expanding its offering of investment products. The introduction of the HL Fund and the HL Smart Portfolio allowed the company to cater to a broader customer base, appealing to both novice and experienced investors. The assets under administration (AUA) stood at approximately £146 billion, reflecting a healthy demand for their services despite fluctuations in the broader market.

Hargreaves Lansdown has been proactive in adapting to regulatory changes and market demands. The company's ongoing investment in technology and customer service enhances user experience, making it a competitive player in the investment sector. For instance, the launch of its mobile app in 2018 has further streamlined client engagement, resulting in a significant percentage of transactions now being conducted via mobile platforms.

In terms of shareholder value, Hargreaves Lansdown has maintained a robust dividend policy, consistently returning cash to shareholders. The dividend yield stood at approximately 3.5% as of Q3 2023. The consistent dividend payments reflect the company’s commitment to delivering value to its investors, even during market downturns.

Overall, Hargreaves Lansdown plc has evolved from a small stockbroking firm into a leading investment platform, marked by steady growth and resilience in an increasingly competitive landscape. The company's strategic initiatives and focus on technology have positioned it well for future success in the financial services industry.



A Who Owns Hargreaves Lansdown plc

Hargreaves Lansdown plc, a leading UK investment services company, has a diverse ownership structure comprising institutional investors, individual shareholders, and company insiders. Understanding who owns Hargreaves Lansdown is essential for analyzing its governance and market behavior.

As of October 2023, the company's market capitalization stands at approximately £4.5 billion. This valuation reflects the performance of Hargreaves Lansdown within the FTSE 100 index, where it has been a prominent player.

Major Shareholders

The breakdown of major shareholders is as follows:

Shareholder Percentage Ownership Number of Shares
Institutional Investors 52.3% 140 million
Individual Investors 18.1% 48 million
Company Insiders 3.2% 8.6 million
Other Investors 26.4% 70 million

Top Institutional Investors

The major institutional investors include:

Investor Name Percentage Ownership Type
BlackRock, Inc. 9.5% Asset Management
Fidelity Investments 7.2% Investment Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management 6.3% Asset Management
State Street Corporation 5.1% Financial Services

Recent Changes in Ownership

Over the past year, there have been notable shifts in ownership. The percentage held by institutional investors increased by 1.5%, while individual ownership decreased by 0.8%. Company insiders have maintained a relatively stable presence, with only minor fluctuations.

Hargreaves Lansdown's dividend yield stands at 3.4% as of the most recent quarter, appealing to both institutional and retail investors. The company announced an interim dividend of 12 pence per share, reflecting continued profitability and shareholder returns.

Market Trends and Impact on Ownership

The ongoing trend towards retail investment platforms has positively influenced Hargreaves Lansdown's market presence. The company reported a total client base of 1.7 million as of the last fiscal year, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. This growth in clients is expected to attract further investment, potentially impacting ownership dynamics in the future.

In the latest earnings report, Hargreaves Lansdown recorded a revenue increase of 10% year-over-year, totaling approximately £400 million. Such financial performance contributes to the attractiveness of the stock to both current and potential shareholders.



Hargreaves Lansdown plc Mission Statement

Hargreaves Lansdown plc is a leading investment service company based in the United Kingdom, known for empowering individuals to manage their investments and pension funds effectively. The company's mission statement reflects its commitment to providing clients with the tools and support necessary for financial success.

The mission statement of Hargreaves Lansdown emphasizes three core values: providing excellent customer service, offering a broad range of investment options, and promoting financial awareness and education. This client-centric approach is designed to help investors make informed decisions.

As of 2023, Hargreaves Lansdown serves approximately 1.77 million clients with assets under administration totaling approximately £130.6 billion. This substantial figure underscores the company’s market presence and its ability to attract and retain customers in a competitive landscape.

Client Base Assets Under Administration Market Share
1.77 million £130.6 billion 27%

The company’s business model revolves around low-cost investment services, which includes offering a platform for trading as well as educational resources aimed at demystifying investing for the average consumer. In 2022, Hargreaves Lansdown reported a total revenue of £358 million with a profit before tax of £239 million, showcasing the financial health of the organization.

Moreover, Hargreaves Lansdown prioritizes technological advancement within its services. The company invests significantly in digital platforms, demonstrating a commitment to providing seamless online service. Their mobile app, launched in 2021, has over 750,000 downloads, reflecting its growing popularity among users.

In terms of corporate responsibility, Hargreaves Lansdown has adopted a sustainable investment strategy. As of 2023, approximately £5.2 billion of their assets are managed under ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria. This aligns with current market trends where investors increasingly consider the ethical impact of their investments.

Year Total Revenue (£ million) Profit Before Tax (£ million) ESG Managed Assets (£ billion)
2021 375 237 4.5
2022 358 239 5.2

Overall, Hargreaves Lansdown plc’s mission statement and strategic objectives position the company as a significant player in investment services, aligning customer empowerment with innovative technology and sustainable practices. The focus on customer service, extensive investment options, and robust financial performance continues to drive the company's growth and reputation in the market.



How Hargreaves Lansdown plc Works

Hargreaves Lansdown plc (HL) is a leading investment services company based in the UK, primarily focused on providing retail customers with investment platforms, financial products, and services. The company operates through two segments: Investment Services and Other Services.

The Investment Services segment offers a platform for clients to manage their investments, including Stocks and Shares ISAs, SIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions), and general investment accounts. As of the latest data, HL has over 1.7 million active clients and manages approximately £134 billion in assets under administration.

The Other Services segment includes the provision of financial advisory services, cash management, and the sale of insurance products. HL's revenue model primarily revolves around platform fees, which account for a significant portion of their earnings.

Financial Metric 2023 (Estimated) 2022 2021
Revenue (£ million) 547 586 532
Operating Profit (£ million) 303 309 285
Net Profit (£ million) 242 249 227
Assets Under Administration (£ billion) 134 144 119
Active Clients (millions) 1.7 1.6 1.5

Hargreaves Lansdown's platform fees are predominantly based on a percentage of assets under administration, typically ranging between 0.45% to 0.75%. This fee structure allows clients to access a wide range of investment products, including equities, funds, and ETFs, through a seamless digital interface.

The company has a strong emphasis on customer service, bolstered by its robust digital infrastructure. This has resulted in high customer retention rates, with a reported client retention rate of over 90%.

In addition to its core investment services, Hargreaves Lansdown has also ventured into providing financial education through webinars and resource materials, enhancing its value proposition to investors. This educational outreach supports their mission of empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.

HL's performance is significantly influenced by market conditions, particularly in equities and fixed income. The company’s ability to attract new clients and retain existing ones is critical, especially during volatile market periods. In recent financial reports, HL noted an increase in new client accounts amid rising interest rates, indicating a growing interest in cash management products.

Overall, Hargreaves Lansdown operates within a competitive landscape, constantly innovating to maintain its leadership position in the UK investment services sector.



How Hargreaves Lansdown plc Makes Money

Hargreaves Lansdown plc (HL) generates revenue primarily through its investment services and platform. The company's business model is focused on providing retail investors with access to investment products and solutions, while earning fees from these services.

Revenue Streams

HL's revenue is derived from several key areas:

  • Investment Platform Fees: HL charges a platform fee for managing client investments. As of the financial year ended July 2023, HL reported an average investor account size of £49,000, with approximately 1.7 million active clients.
  • Stockbroking Fees: The company earns income from dealing charges on trades made by clients. In FY2023, trading volumes were reported at approximately £42 billion, contributing to a significant portion of the revenue.
  • Advisory Services: HL provides investment advice and financial planning services for which it charges fees. The revenue from advisory services reached £30 million in FY2023.
  • Interest Income: The company benefits from interest earned on client cash balances held on their platform. The total cash balances across the platform stood at around £18 billion as of July 2023.

Financial Performance

For the financial year ending July 2023, Hargreaves Lansdown reported total revenue of £590 million, a slight decrease from the previous year due to market conditions affecting trading activity. The breakdown of revenue sources is illustrated in the table below:

Revenue Source Amount (£ million) Percentage of Total Revenue
Platform Fees £401 million 68%
Stockbroking Fees £130 million 22%
Advisory Services £30 million 5%
Interest Income £29 million 5%

Client Growth and Assets Under Administration (AUA)

As of July 2023, Hargreaves Lansdown had total assets under administration of approximately £139 billion. The company has experienced consistent growth in client numbers year-over-year, adding 200,000 new clients in FY2023 alone. This strong growth trajectory supports increased revenue potential from platform fees and trading activities.

Market Position and Competitors

Hargreaves Lansdown remains a leader in the UK investment platform market. As of the latest surveys in 2023, the company held a market share of approximately 39% in the retail investment platform sector, ahead of competitors like AJ Bell and Interactive Investor. The competitive landscape remains strong, with ongoing pressure to reduce fees and enhance service offerings.

Regulatory Environment

Hargreaves Lansdown operates in a highly regulated environment, which influences its operational capabilities and cost structures. The company spends around £50 million annually on compliance and regulatory requirements, ensuring it meets the standards set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other governing bodies.

Future Outlook

The company anticipates growth in client acquisition and retention due to increasing demand for investment services. Predicted growth rates for the investment platform market are expected to be around 7% annually over the next five years. Hargreaves Lansdown is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, leveraging technology to enhance the user experience and streamline operations.

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