Investing.com -- J.P. Morgan analysts have upgraded Aberdeen Group (LON:ABDN) to “overweight” from “neutral” and raised their price target for the stock to 218 pence from 164 pence, sending the stock up by over 8% on Tuesday.
The analysts attributed the upgrade to the company’s expected recovery in adviser platform flows and continued strength in interactive investor, its direct-to-consumer business.
The brokerage said Aberdeen’s pricing overhaul for its adviser platform, known as Wrap, is now among the most competitive in the market.
This follows fee reductions rolled out to existing clients in February, with steep cuts for higher-value portfolios. J.P. Morgan analysts said this move could reverse persistent net outflows from the adviser segment that have dogged the firm since early 2023.
"Aberdeen’s Wrap platform charges look very competitive relative to peers, especially for wealthier customers," the analysts said. "We expect a combination of greater gross flows, as well as a decline in redemptions, which should drive net flows into positive territory."
The brokerage pointed to a drop in complaints and rising net promoter scores as signs of improving customer satisfaction, which, together with the upgraded FNZ technology platform, could help Aberdeen stabilize adviser outflows.
J.P. Morgan drew a comparison to Quilter (LON:QLT), which saw net flows turn positive shortly after it reduced fees last year.
The brokerage also flagged growing momentum at Aberdeen’s interactive investor unit, citing strong net inflows and expanding market share, particularly in the retail brokerage space.
The platform’s flat-fee model appeals to wealthier clients, with average assets per user nearly double those at peer firms.
"Interactive investor’s flat fee is particularly appealing to wealthier customers," the analysts wrote, noting a trend of rising customer assets and SIPP penetration.
The analysts estimate that for every 50,000 new customers added, the platform could generate an additional 3% in earnings per share in fiscal 2026 due to increased treasury income.
“We think that an improvement in flows from the Adviser vector, paired with continued strength at ii, could result in a strong positive share price reaction,” the analysts said.
The brokerage raised its fiscal 2025 to 2027 earnings estimates for Aberdeen by up to 5%, placing its 2026 and 2027 EPS forecasts 2% and 9% above Bloomberg consensus, respectively.