Results analysis from Kepler Trust Intelligence

Edinburgh Investment Trust PLC

19 November 2024

 

Edinburgh Investment Trust (EDIN)

19/11/2024

Results analysis from Kepler Trust Intelligence

Edinburgh Investment Trust (EDIN) has released its half-year results for the six months to September 2024, reporting NAV total returns of 8.3% and a share price total return of 10.8%, outperforming the FTSE All-Share Index return of 6.1%. The board declared a first interim dividend of 6.90p per share, up 3.0% from the previous year's 6.70p. The portfolio's underlying revenue also increased, climbing 13.3% from 11.54p to 13.08p. Net income at the end of the period was £19.6m, an improvement from the same period last year. However, the board expects dividends paid to shareholders to modestly exceed this level of income, resulting in a slight reduction in reserves. As of the period end, revenue reserves stood at c. £45.3m, accounting for approximately 95% of last year's dividend.

Kepler View

Imran Sattar, the lead manager of Edinburgh Investment Trust (EDIN), truly believes in the total return philosophy, focussing unashamedly on building a well-diversified portfolio that balances growth, value, and recovery stocks that can deliver a combination of capital and income growth over time. This strategy has helped deliver strong relative performance over the latest reporting period, the first of interim results of his tenure, with EDIN's NAV and share price rising 8.3% and 10.8%, respectively, outperforming the FTSE All-Share Index's 6.1% return. We think the outperformance is noteworthy given the current landscape marked by challenges such as geopolitical tensions, polarised political climates and uncertainties around the speed of interest rate cuts, and what stands out is the breadth of contributors.

Rather than being driven by a single sector or heavily weighted stock, returns came from across the portfolio. Key performers included Tesco and NatWest, which benefitted from improved consumer and interest rate conditions, alongside cash-generative businesses such as Dunelm and AutoTrader, which delivered strong results and have effectively allocated capital. Imran has used this success to trim several positions in high-performing stocks like Marks & Spencer, Centrica and BAE Systems, reallocating capital to take advantage of undervalued opportunities elsewhere. Despite the UK market's reputation for housing out-of-favour or downtrodden sectors, Imran views the current undervaluation of many stocks as an opportunity rather than a limitation, recognising the potential for long-term recovery and a chance to unlock long-term value in this overlooked market.

UK equities have faced years of investor apathy, with persistent outflows driving valuations to historic lows. However, we think a few key catalysts are emerging. UK companies are leading the way in share buybacks, which, when coupled with strong dividends, are boosting shareholder returns and signalling growing confidence in the UK market's potential. Imran also believes that Chancellor Reeves' inaugural budget, now in the past, means UK consumers can plan their finances with greater certainty, leading to growing consumer confidence. When coupled with easing inflation and a downward trajectory for interest rates, this offers the potential to foster stronger corporate investment.

Against this backdrop, we think EDIN stands out as a compelling option for investors. Imran's focus on quality companies that are well-positioned to deliver strong total returns throughout market cycles, may mean the portfolio can capitalise on a strengthening economy whilst offering resilience during periods of uncertainty. Its well-diversified holdings, many with strong earnings growth potential, also support a robust dividend growth profile, aligning with EDIN's appeal to investors seeking a balance of capital growth, current income, and income growth. Overall, EDIN presents itself as a solid core holding for investors, blending economic recovery potential with defensive qualities in a volatile market. If the strong performance and dividend growth persist, then we see potential for the discount to narrow, providing an additional boost to shareholder returns.

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