SSP Holdings

Recommended as a strong buy at 136.5p last month, shares in SSP Holdings have skipped 16 per cent higher on news of an approach, and remain compelling fare based on further bid excitement as well as the group’s attractions as an independent.

Following upwards momentum in the share price, the largest provider of software and services to the UK general insurance sector confirmed it is in early-stage discussions with a financial buyer, which, in well-worn form, ‘may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company’.

The predator in question is no doubt attracted to the various merits of the business that we highlighted not long ago. Namely, it provides ‘business-critical’ systems to insurers and insurance intermediaries, with its client roster including the likes of Fortis Insurance, Norwich Union and Swinton. Moreover, its high-margin and highly cash-generative revenue model is a source of strength, combining subscription licence fees, transaction fees and long-term managed service contracts, lending the company a high proportion of recurring revenue and high earnings visibility.

Even if a bid fails to materialise, SSP is a superior business worth backing for the long-term, with its exposure to the cash-rich general insurance market as well as industry consolidation playing into its hands.

Next month, SSP is forecast to unveil annual profits of £11.6m and 10.9p of earnings, from turnover of £63.2m, ahead of £15.6m and 13.6p for March 2009. Trading on forward earnings multiples of 14.5 and 11.6, the shares still look great value and investors might consider adding to existing holdings.

Growth Company Investor subscribers have full access to all our AIM and small-cap share recommendations. To subscribe today with a half-price offer, and gain immediate access to all the recommendations, click here.