3i Infrastructure shares up as firm turns in 'strong' portfolio performance

3i Infrastructure described its portfolio performance as “strong” in its full-year results on Thursday, with a 15.4% total return on opening net asset value, falling from 28.6% in 2018.

The FTSE 250 company said its total return for the year ended 31 March was £258m, down from £480m, with the net asset value per share ending the period at 234.7p, which was up from 211p in the prior year.

“The company continued to outperform,” said 3i Infrastructure chair Richard Laing.

“We are confident in our portfolio and in our ability to deliver on our strategy and objectives.”

Net realisation proceeds in the 12 months totalled £333m, while new investments and commitments were £377m, which was down from £525m.

The 3i Infrastructure board confirmed a full-year dividend for the financial year of 8.65p, up from 7.85p year-on-year, as well as a target dividend per share for the 2020 financial year of 9.2p.

“It has been another strong year for the company,” said Phil White, managing partner of infrastructure at the firm’s investment manager 3i Investments.

“The portfolio is performing well, we made another excellent realisation and we have continued to make attractive new investments in a very competitive market.”

As at 0935 BST, shares in 3i Infrastructure were just above the waterline, rising 0.11% to 276.31p.