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Ashmore Group PLC (GB:ASHM)
LSE:ASHM

Ashmore Group PLC (ASHM) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:ASHM

Ashmore Group PLC

(LSE:ASHM)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
275.00p
▲(22.66% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:02/17/26
The score is driven primarily by strong profitability and an exceptionally low-leverage balance sheet, supported by constructive price momentum and an attractive income valuation (6.81% yield, P/E 14.343). The main constraints are declining revenue, weaker operating cash conversion, and earnings-call risks around performance-fee timing and gradual fee pressure.
Positive Factors
High Profitability and Margins
Ashmore’s fee-based model is delivering very high gross and net margins, reflecting low variable costs and operational leverage. These durable margins support reinvestment, dividends and the ability to absorb temporary AUM volatility while maintaining strong shareholder returns over months.
Very Strong Balance Sheet & Liquidity
Extremely low leverage and significant excess financial resources provide durable financial flexibility. This lets management seed strategies, support redemptions, invest in product/geographic expansion and sustain distributions without forcing asset sales in stressed EM cycles.
AUM Growth, Net Inflows & Investment Outperformance
Sustained inflows and AUM growth, supported by broad outperformance, indicate durable client demand and successful investment capability. Consistent net inflows and positive performance underpin long-term management-fee revenue and improve scale economics across strategies.
Negative Factors
Material Revenue Decline
A 16% revenue drop reflects sensitivity to fee mix and performance fees. Because management fees link to AUM and performance fees are lumpy, revenue volatility can persist, complicating multi-quarter planning for costs, dividends and investment whether markets or flows ebb.
Weaker Cash Conversion
Declining FCF growth and sub‑par operating cash conversion reduce the firm’s internal funding capacity. Over several months this can constrain seed recycling, slow product investment, increase reliance on realizations for performance fees and create timing risk for shareholder payouts.
Fee Margin Pressure & Performance-Fee Timing Risk
Management anticipates structural fee compression and uncertain performance‑fee realizations. Even small persistent bps erosion across AUM can materially affect recurring management-fee revenue, while lumpy performance fees increase earnings volatility and planning risk over the next 12–24 months.

Ashmore Group PLC (ASHM) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Ashmore Group PLC Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAshmore Group plc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to retail and institutional clients. It manages separate client-focused equity and fixed income portfolios. The firm also launches and manages equity and fixed income mutual funds for its clients. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets in emerging markets across the globe. The firm employs combination of fundamental analysis to make its investments. Ashmore Group Plc was founded in 1992 and is based in London, United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyAshmore Group generates revenue primarily through management fees and performance fees from its investment funds. The company earns management fees based on the assets under management (AUM), which grow as more capital is allocated to its investment products. Performance fees are charged when the funds outperform a specified benchmark, incentivizing the firm to deliver strong investment returns. Additionally, Ashmore benefits from strategic partnerships with institutional investors and financial intermediaries, which help attract new investments. The firm's focus on emerging markets, combined with its strong historical performance, contributes to its ability to maintain and grow its revenue streams.

Ashmore Group PLC Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 12, 2026
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Sep 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Overall the call conveyed a positive operational and investment story: strong investment outperformance, meaningful seed gains boosting statutory profits, double-digit AuM growth (+10%) and improved flows (subscriptions +39%, redemptions -35%) supported a material rise in PBT (+64%) and EPS (+89%). The main weaknesses were lower reported revenue (-16%) driven by reduced performance fees, temporary fee mix impacts from alternatives, timing uncertainty around future performance fees, and short-term cash pressure from seed deployment. Given robust balance-sheet liquidity, continued product and local-office expansion, and a healthier pipeline, the positives materially outweigh the negatives.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Assets under Management Growth
Total AuM increased by 10% over the half to $52.5bn, driven by investment outperformance (+$2.6bn) and net inflows (+$2.3bn).
Strong Net Flows and Subscriptions
Subscriptions rose 39% year-on-year to $5.7bn while redemptions fell 35% to $3.4bn, producing net inflows of approximately $2.3bn for the period.
Robust Profitability Driven by Seed Gains
Seed capital delivered pretax gains of GBP 55.4m, contributing to profit before tax increasing 64% to GBP 81.9m and diluted EPS rising 89% to 10.1p (excluding seed returns diluted EPS was 3.1p).
Operating Efficiency and Margins
Adjusted EBITDA was GBP 20.9m with an operating margin of 31%; total operating costs were broadly flat, up ~1% year-on-year, reflecting tight cost control.
Balance Sheet Strength and Liquidity
Total financial resources of GBP 573.6m vs. capital requirements of GBP 93.3m, implying excess financial resources of GBP 480m (67p per share); cash at period end GBP 261m and seed investments market value GBP 391m.
Product and Geographic Expansion
Equities AUM grew 17% to $8.8bn and local offices AUM rose 8% to $8.4bn (equities 17% of group assets; local offices 16%), with new products launched (regional LatAm equity strategy) and new offices operational (Qatar; Mexico regulatory approval expected).
Investment Performance Outperformance
82% of the firm's assets outperformed peers over 1 year (70% over 3 years, 58% over 5 years); broader EM indices outperformed developed markets (EM Equity +30% vs MSCI World +20%; EM local currency bonds ~+20%).
Improving Pipeline and Client Demand
Management reports a healthier client pipeline versus prior periods, with stronger institutional interest and increasing retail engagement in equities and local currency products.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline Year-on-Year
Adjusted net revenue fell 16% year-on-year, attributable to lower average AuM (3% lower) and materially reduced performance fees versus the prior period.
Management Fees and Performance Fees Weakness
Net management fees were down 9% to GBP 62.1m (fee margin ~34bps, 2bps lower than a year ago); performance fees were only GBP 0.8m in the half with full-year guidance of up to GBP 5m but timing is uncertain and dependent on alternative realizations.
Alternatives and Fee Mix Pressure
Alternatives margin in the first half was depressed by the return of higher-margin capital to investors and by recently raised private debt not yet earning full run-rate fees (pro forma fully invested alternatives margin ~110bps).
Reported Margin Impact from VC Accrual Treatment
The inclusion of realized life-to-date seed gains (GBP 14.8m) and interest income in the VC accrual—but not in EBITDA—reduced the operating margin by approximately 10% in the reported period.
Lower Cash Balances from Seed Activity and Timing Risk
Average cash balances were lower (period end cash GBP 261m) due in part to incremental seed investments; operating cash generation typically stronger in H2 and total cash will depend on seed recycling and realizations.
Uncertain Timing of Performance Fee Realizations
Performance fee generation from alternative vintages and realizations is ongoing but timing is inherently uncertain, creating revenue volatility risk for the remainder of the year.
Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Risks
Headwinds include U.S. tariffs (inflationary for trade), China exporting deflation and domestic property/youth employment challenges, plus persistent geopolitical uncertainty that could intermittently affect flows and returns.
Competitive Margin Pressure
Management expects industry-wide fee pressure (guidance of ~1–2bps decline over 12–24 months) and acknowledges active competition that could erode fees by osmosis.
Localized Redemption Event
Ashmore Saudi experienced some institutional redemptions early in the half, highlighting localized client volatility in certain markets.
Company Guidance
The guidance was constructive and metric‑rich: management expects full‑year non‑VC operating costs to be about twice H1’s £29m (with slightly higher non‑cash depreciation from the new London lease), continues to accrue variable compensation at ~32.5% of pre‑bonus profit (subject to remco review in July), and assumes modest fee margin pressure of ~1–2 bps every 12–24 months; performance‑fee guidance remains up to £5m for the year (H1 perf fees £0.8m). Seed activity should help fund growth (H1 seed gains £55.4m of which £9.6m realised; seed market value £391m; commitments £81m), the balance sheet is strong (total financial resources £573.6m v. capital requirements £93.3m; excess £480m or 67p per share; cash £261m), and management expects continued AUM and flow momentum (AUM +10% H1 to $52.5bn, net inflows $2.3bn, subscriptions +39% to $5.7bn, redemptions -35% to $3.4bn, investment outperformance added $2.6bn) while noting timing of funding and performance‑fee realisations is uncertain and macro tailwinds for EM (expected rate cuts, dollar softness) should support further growth in local and equity businesses.

Ashmore Group PLC Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability (gross margin 83.5%, net margin 56.2%) and a very strong balance sheet (debt-to-equity 0.0059, equity ratio 86.2%) are key positives. Offsetting this are a notable revenue decline (-16%) and weaker cash-flow quality/trajectory (free cash flow growth -35.4%, operating cash flow to net income 0.46).
Income Statement
65
Positive
Ashmore Group PLC has shown strong profitability with a high gross profit margin of 83.5% and a net profit margin of 56.2% in the latest year. However, the company has experienced a significant revenue decline of 16% compared to the previous year, indicating challenges in revenue growth. The EBIT and EBITDA margins remain robust at 75.4% and 77.6%, respectively, showcasing operational efficiency despite the revenue drop.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a very low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.0059, indicating minimal leverage and financial risk. The return on equity is healthy at 10.4%, reflecting efficient use of equity capital. The equity ratio stands at 86.2%, suggesting a solid equity base relative to total assets.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Ashmore Group PLC's cash flow performance shows a decline in free cash flow growth by 35.4%, which is a concern. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.46, indicating that operating cash flow is less than net income, which may affect liquidity. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is nearly 1, suggesting that the company is generating sufficient free cash flow relative to its net income.
BreakdownTTMJun 2025Jun 2024Jun 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue144.50M144.40M186.80M219.30M199.50M424.90M
Gross Profit107.20M120.60M101.70M153.10M126.10M344.60M
EBITDA99.50M112.00M131.50M86.60M107.60M276.80M
Net Income113.50M81.20M93.70M83.30M88.50M240.10M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets961.50M908.10M979.70M1.01B1.10B1.11B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments288.30M687.20M745.50M764.30M849.40M815.20M
Total Debt16.90M4.60M6.40M5.80M8.00M9.80M
Total Liabilities180.70M117.30M88.90M95.70M131.40M175.30M
Stockholders Equity771.80M782.60M882.60M898.80M945.00M911.60M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow62.30M48.40M88.30M140.00M158.10M154.30M
Operating Cash Flow62.70M48.60M89.10M140.40M158.60M155.00M
Investing Cash Flow107.10M33.60M-108.40M-5.20M70.30M-32.50M
Financing Cash Flow-112.70M-156.10M-151.20M-170.00M-173.30M-121.10M

Ashmore Group PLC Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price224.20
Price Trends
50DMA
217.00
Positive
100DMA
190.67
Positive
200DMA
172.02
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.93
Positive
RSI
40.53
Neutral
STOCH
11.68
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:ASHM, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 224.2 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 241.74, above the 50-day MA of 217.00, and above the 200-day MA of 172.02, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 2.93 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.53 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 11.68 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:ASHM.

Ashmore Group PLC Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
£4.55B5.7141.56%5.93%4.28%5.18%
76
Outperform
£616.93M5.6831.19%8.73%7.71%-7.39%
74
Outperform
£955.23M8.257.11%2.70%-4.38%
73
Outperform
£2.93B19.5712.23%5.71%-10.85%-42.02%
72
Outperform
£1.46B4.199.75%9.91%-28.89%-12.14%
70
Outperform
£2.20B17.894.75%4.91%14.05%-3.07%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:ASHM
Ashmore Group PLC
224.20
90.96
68.27%
GB:JUP
Jupiter Fund Management Plc
191.20
118.07
161.44%
GB:EMG
Man Group plc
272.20
78.25
40.34%
GB:POLR
Polar Capital Holdings
644.00
254.48
65.33%
GB:RAT
Rathbones Group PLC
2,135.00
615.78
40.53%
GB:N91
Ninety One
245.40
113.67
86.29%

Ashmore Group PLC Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Ashmore lifts profit as emerging markets rally drives AuM growth
Positive
Feb 12, 2026

Ashmore Group plc reported a 10% rise in assets under management to US$52.5 billion for the six months to 31 December 2025, driven by US$2.3 billion of net inflows and US$2.6 billion of performance gains as emerging markets outperformed developed markets. Equities and locally managed strategies expanded, with equities AuM up 17% to US$8.8 billion and EM client-sourced assets rising to 39% of the total, highlighting the firm’s efforts to diversify its product base and deepen its presence in on-the-ground markets.

Despite adjusted net revenue falling 16% year-on-year to £67.5 million due to lower average AuM and reduced performance fees, Ashmore delivered a 64% increase in profit before tax to £81.9 million and an 89% jump in diluted EPS to 10.1 pence, supported by higher seed capital returns and tight cost control. The group maintained a strong balance sheet with £480 million of excess financial resources, kept its interim dividend at 4.8 pence per share, and said it is well positioned to benefit from a supportive emerging markets backdrop of higher growth, easier monetary conditions and a weaker US dollar, reinforcing its competitive positioning in active EM asset management.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ASHM) stock is a Buy with a £293.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ashmore Group PLC stock, see the GB:ASHM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Ashmore’s Assets Under Management Rise 8% on Emerging Markets Inflows
Positive
Jan 15, 2026

Ashmore Group reported an 8% increase in assets under management to an estimated $52.5 billion as of 31 December 2025, driven by $2.6 billion of net inflows and $1.2 billion of positive investment performance, with growth concentrated in fixed income and equities, particularly external debt and local currency strategies. Management highlighted that strong emerging markets returns in 2025, continued economic outperformance versus developed markets, falling or low inflation, rate cuts in many EM countries, and a weaker US dollar are encouraging investors to rebalance away from US-heavy portfolios, reinforcing Ashmore’s positioning to capture further allocations and deliver alpha through active management.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ASHM) stock is a Hold with a £205.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ashmore Group PLC stock, see the GB:ASHM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividends
Ashmore Group Director Acquires Shares Reflecting Confidence in Company
Positive
Dec 9, 2025

Ashmore Group PLC has announced a transaction involving Clive Adamson, a director of the company, who acquired ordinary shares using cash proceeds from the final ordinary dividend paid on December 8, 2025. This transaction reflects internal confidence in the company’s financial health and strategic direction, potentially impacting investor perceptions and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ASHM) stock is a Hold with a £181.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ashmore Group PLC stock, see the GB:ASHM Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 17, 2026