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LONDON - Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC announced its final results for the year ending March 31, 2025, showcasing a net asset value (NAV) total return of 11.2% with borrowings at fair value, which outperformed the 5.5% return of the FTSE All-World Index. The share price total return was 6.0% for the same period.
The company’s performance, as stated by the Chair in the preliminary results announcement, reflects a positive year despite market volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions and economic policies. After a significant selloff in early April due to U.S. tariff threats and China’s retaliatory measures, the investment sector faced challenges, yet Scottish Mortgage managed a robust annual outcome.
Over the past decade, Scottish Mortgage’s investment strategy has delivered shareholder outperformance, with the NAV per share increasing by 320%, surpassing the FTSE All-World Index’s 182% rise on a total return basis. The long-term approach, however, has witnessed fluctuations in share price, underscoring the inherent volatility in growth investment strategies.
The ongoing charges for the year were reported at 0.31%, positioning Scottish Mortgage as a low-cost option for investors seeking access to both public and private companies within a single portfolio. The company emphasized its commitment to value for money and keeping investment costs low.
Financially, Scottish Mortgage maintained strategic use of borrowing, taking advantage of the investment trust structure. Gearing increased to 13% by the year’s end, with an average interest rate cost of 3.1% on the company’s debt. The earnings and dividend section highlighted an overall revenue earnings per share decrease due to the write-off of income accrued from the Northvolt promissory note.
In terms of liquidity, the company addressed the widening share price discount to NAV, which expanded from 4.5% to 9.0%, by buying back 210 million shares at a cost of £1.9 billion. This action was part of a buyback initiative announced in March 2024, with the company having bought back shares for a total consideration of £2.0 billion since then.
The Board also recommended a total dividend increase of 3.3% to 4.38 pence per share, with a final dividend payment scheduled for July 10, 2025, subject to shareholder approval.
The company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations were addressed, with the Board monitoring engagement and voting activities, which can be found on the company’s website.
Looking forward, the Chair’s statement reflected on key investment themes of resilience, adaptability, and innovation, with a focus on supporting growth companies for the long term.
This information is based on a press release statement.
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