3i lifts dividend 15% as set for "high-quality realisations"

3i Group PLC announced on Thursday that it is well-positioned for the coming year, with a strong pipeline of investment realizations, despite facing an uncertain geopolitical landscape and sluggish growth across Europe.

3i lifts dividend 15% as set for "high-quality realisations"

The London-based private equity and venture capital firm reported a 20% increase in diluted net asset value per share, rising to 2,261 pence as of September 30, up from 1,886 pence a year earlier. The return on opening shareholders' funds remained steady at 10%, unchanged from the previous year. Operating profit before tax grew by 22% to £2.0 million, compared to £1.7 million. 3i also proposed an interim dividend of 30.5p, a 15% increase from 26.5p. Looking ahead, the company highlighted a strong pipeline of "high-quality realizations" for the next 12 months.

CEO's comment

CEO Simon Borrows said: "Despite the uncertain geopolitical environment and weak growth across much of Europe, we enter the second half of FY2025 with a portfolio that is well-positioned to build on a solid first half. Action remains the key driver of our returns, delivering sector-leading growth." He added, "With a strong business and financial model, and significant opportunities for expansion, we believe this growth will continue for many years. Additionally, leading companies in our portfolio are performing well, and several that faced challenges in 2023 are beginning to recover and see improved trading."