12 November 2024
Results for the six months to 30 September 2024
The portfolio continues to generate attractive value growth, ahead of 3i Infrastructure's target return of 8-10% per annum. We are on track to deliver the FY25 dividend target of
Performance highlights
Total return for the period (30 September 2023:
|
5.1% Total return on opening net asset value ('NAV') (30 September 2023: 6.3%)
|
Continued growth in NAV ahead of target |
NAV (31 March 2024:
|
374.7p NAV per share (31 March 2024: 362.3p)
|
|
Total income and non-income cash (30 September 2023:
|
6.325p Interim dividend per share (FY24 interim dividend: 5.95p per share)
|
On track to deliver the FY25 dividend target, 6.3% higher than FY24 |
Valorem expected sale proceeds to be used to reduce drawn balance on revolving credit facility ('RCF')
|
+15% Increase based on expected EUR realisation proceeds versus March 2024 valuation |
+31% expected uplift over September 2023 valuation, before the Valorem sale process was initiated
|
+15% Future Biogas partial syndication implied premium to the March 2024 valuation |
|
Premium to 31 March 2024 valuation implied by recent syndication of Future Biogas |
Richard Laing, Chair of 3i Infrastructure plc ('3i Infrastructure', '3iN' or the 'Company')
"The portfolio continues to perform well, with our largest assets in particular seeing strong earnings momentum. We are pleased with the outcome of the realisation process for Valorem, with expected proceeds achieving a significant uplift in value and a money multiple of 3.5x cost over the life of this investment. We are on track to deliver our FY25 dividend target, which is a 6.3% increase on last year's dividend."
Performance
The Company generated a total return of 5.1% on opening NAV for the first half of the year, ahead of our target return of 8% to 10% per annum. The NAV per share increased to
Interim dividend
The Board is announcing an interim dividend of
As an investment trust, the Company is permitted to designate dividends wholly or partly as interest distributions for
Corporate governance
The Company's Annual General Meeting ('AGM') was held on 4 July 2024. All resolutions were approved by shareholders.
Wendy Dorman and Samantha Hoe-Richardson did not seek re-election as Directors at the AGM and, accordingly, they ceased to be Directors of the Company at the conclusion of the AGM.
Martin Magee, non-executive Director of the Company, succeeded Wendy Dorman as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee with effect from the conclusion of the AGM. On 15 July 2024, Milton Fernandes was appointed as a non-executive Director of the Company. Milton has over 20 years' experience in infrastructure investment including previous roles as CFO and Managing Director of Infracapital and CFO of Innisfree Limited.
Richard Laing
Chair
For further information, please contact:
Thomas Fodor, investor enquiries |
Tel: 020 7975 3469 |
Kathryn van der Kroft, press enquiries |
Tel: 020 7975 3021 |
Notes
This report contains Alternative Performance Measures ('APMs'), which are financial measures not defined in International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'). These include Total return on opening NAV, NAV per share, Total income and non-income cash, Investment value including commitments, Total portfolio return percentage and Total liquidity. More information relating to APMs, including why we use them and the relevant definitions, can be found in the Financial review section and the Company's Annual report and accounts 2024. The Total return for the period is the total comprehensive income for the period under IFRS.
For further information regarding the announcement of the results for 3i Infrastructure plc, please visit www.3i-infrastructure.com. The analyst presentation will be made available on this website.
Notes to editors
3i Infrastructure plc is a Jersey-incorporated, closed-ended investment company, an approved
3i Investments plc (the 'Investment Manager'), a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3i Group plc, is authorised and regulated in the
This statement has been prepared solely to provide information to shareholders. It should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose. It and the Company's Half-yearly report may contain statements about the future, including certain statements about the future outlook for 3i Infrastructure plc. These are not guarantees of future performance and will not be updated. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements about the future outlook may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different.
This press release is not for distribution (directly or indirectly) in or to
3i Infrastructure plc Half-yearly report 2024
Review from the Managing Partners
3i Infrastructure's portfolio continues to demonstrate value growth driven by fundamental earnings growth. Our companies have been carefully selected because they operate in markets displaying long-term growth mega-trends, whilst also typically demonstrating low cyclicality of earnings, positive value correlation to inflation and defensive return characteristics. As a result, 3i Infrastructure's portfolio provides a differentiated proposition to shareholders; diversification from fixed income products alongside well-proven capital growth potential.
We work closely with our portfolio company management teams to maximise value creation throughout our ownership. Our active management is centered around three key pillars; demonstrating high quality of earnings, investing in return-accretive growth capex and defining white space growth potential in preparation for our eventual exit.
The agreement to sell Valorem and partial syndication of Future Biogas that we announced during the period are good illustrations of the success of our model and are discussed in further detail below.
Valorem
On 7 October 2024, we announced that we had received a binding offer for our 33% stake in Valorem from AIP Management P/S and certain other co-investors. Subject to acceptance of the binding offer and the receipt of regulatory clearance, we expect the transaction to complete in Q1 2025. At the point of exit, we expect our investment in Valorem to have generated a 21% gross annual IRR and 3.5x gross multiple of invested capital. The expected net proceeds of
We initially invested in Valorem in 2016. During our ownership period we guided the company's successful transformation from an asset developer in
Following the completion of Valorem, 3iN will have delivered a realised track record since inception of 23% IRR, and realised proceeds of
Valorem is the seventh consecutive core-plus realisation from 3i Infrastructure's portfolio achieved at a premium to last reported NAV, extending our track record of successful value creation on exits, and demonstrating the continued appetite for 3i Infrastructure's investments amongst the private markets infrastructure community. The weighted-average premium to the previously reported valuation achieved from these realisations is 37%.
Future Biogas
During the period, Future Biogas acquired a 51% stake in a portfolio of six gas-to-grid Anaerobic Digestion ('AD') plants, that it had developed and was operating under management contract with JLEN Environmental Assets Group Limited ('JLEN'), for
In September 2024, 3iN completed the syndication of 23% of its stake in Future Biogas to RWE Energy Transition Investments ('RWE') for proceeds of
Portfolio review
In addition to the successful transactions at Valorem and Future Biogas, we are generally pleased with performance across the rest of the portfolio. In particular, we note the following:
TCR outperformed expectations during the period. Demand for its rental product remains strong, driven by growth in air traffic and the increasing rate of leasing adoption within TCR's markets. TCR continues to support the decarbonisation of its customers' operations by investing in new electric Ground Support Equipment ('GSE'), now accounting for 38% of its GSE total motorised fleet. It is also continuing to gain traction on its GSE pooling solution at major airports worldwide.
ESVAGT had a strong first half, driven by increasing vessel day rates and high levels of vessel utilisation. The company currently operates nine Service Operation Vessels ('SOV') supporting the offshore wind sector, with a further four currently under construction, each being built to service long-term charter agreements. The near-term pipeline for new SOVs is strong. During the period, ESVAGT closed a further
Infinis's landfill gas generation assets performed ahead of expectations, offsetting lower margins from its power response assets. The company continues to make significant progress in developing a high-quality 1.4GW solar and battery pipeline and has strengthened its development team to accelerate planning and construction processes. The Ford Oaks Solar Park (44 MW), a 45-hectare site close to Exeter Airport, and Oaklands Solar Farm (54 MW) in
Tampnet had a good first half, exceeding EBITDA targets in both the North Sea and Gulf of
GCX outperformed expectations due to progress converting its sales pipeline into signed contracts. Demand for GCX's bandwidth is driven by the increasing need for capacity on GCX's routes. GCX continues to explore a number of attractive network investment opportunities along the
Joulz performed in line with expectations during the period. The sales pipeline is progressing well. In August 2024, Joulz completed a refinancing of its debt on favourable terms providing additional capital to fund future growth projects.
Ionisos performed below expectations for the first half of the year due to unplanned stoppages at its E-Beam plants and weakness in those volumes related to the German construction industry. However, demand for Ionisos's services in its core medical and pharmaceutical markets continues to grow. The construction of a new greenfield X-ray facility in north-east
Oystercatcher's financial performance was ahead of expectations during the period. Its
SRL performed behind expectations in the first half of the year due to a challenging market backdrop. Local Authorities in the
DNS:NET is demonstrating early momentum in rolling out its fibre-to-the-home network in the
The portfolio is analysed below.
Portfolio - Breakdown by value at 30 September 2024 |
|
TCR |
16% |
ESVAGT |
14% |
Infinis |
11% |
Tampnet |
9% |
GCX |
9% |
Joulz |
8% |
Ionisos |
8% |
Valorem |
6% |
Oystercatcher |
6% |
SRL |
6% |
DNS:NET |
4% |
Future Biogas |
3% |
Sustainability
We continue to actively engage with our portfolio companies on Environmental, Social and Governance matters, with particular focus on climate change and occupational health and safety. Following the approval of 3i's science-based targets by the Science Based Targets initiative ('SBTi'), we are working closely with our portfolio companies to support their efforts in developing emission reduction strategies that are aligned with the ambition of the SBTi. Two of our portfolio companies have now had their targets verified by the SBTi. We are supporting more of our companies to progress towards this goal.
Outlook
The Company is on track to deliver its target return for this financial year.
We are pleased with the progress being made across our portfolio. Our portfolio companies are strategically positioned to benefit from long-term growth drivers, and private market investors continue to recognise their quality, as demonstrated by the transactions at Future Biogas and Valorem during the period; the latest in a long-line of successfully managed sale processes.
Proceeds from the sale of Valorem will be used to reduce the outstanding balance on the RCF. We will continue to support our portfolio companies' growth journeys and are excited about the potential for further value creation across the portfolio. We are confident that our approach will deliver long-term sustainable returns for investors.
Scott Moseley and Bernardo Sottomayor
Managing Partners and Co-Heads of European Infrastructure
3i Investments plc
11 November 2024
Financial review
The portfolio delivered another strong performance during the period.
On 7 October 2024, the Company announced that it had received a binding offer for its 33% stake in Valorem for expected net proceeds of
We are on track to deliver the full-year dividend target, which we expect to be fully covered.
The weighted average discount rate ('WADR') remained unchanged compared to March 2024 at 11.3% (31 March 2024: 11.3%). The change in the valuation methodology for Valorem from a discounted cash flow basis to a sales basis had only a marginal impact on the WADR. The agreement to sell Valorem at a significant premium to NAV and the partial syndication of Future Biogas, also at a premium to NAV, provide tangible support for our approach to valuation.
Portfolio and returns
The Company generated a total return for the six-month period of
Table 1 summarises the valuation and movements in the portfolio, as well as the return for each investment, for the period.
Table 1: Portfolio summary (30 September 2024, £m)
|
Directors' |
|
|
|
|
|
Directors' |
Allocated |
Underlying |
Portfolio |
|
valuation |
Investment |
Divestment |
Accrued |
|
Foreign |
valuation |
foreign |
portfolio |
total |
|
31 March |
in the |
in the |
income |
Value |
exchange |
30 September |
exchange |
income in |
return in |
Portfolio assets |
2024 |
period |
period |
movement |
movement |
translation |
2024 |
hedging |
the period |
the period1 |
TCR |
608 |
52 |
- |
5 |
20 |
(14) |
624 |
15 |
11 |
32 |
ESVAGT |
531 |
252 |
- |
1 |
1 |
(6) |
552 |
5 |
26 |
26 |
Infinis |
421 |
- |
- |
9 |
15 |
- |
445 |
- |
9 |
24 |
Tampnet |
343 |
- |
- |
3 |
34 |
(12) |
368 |
10 |
3 |
35 |
GCX |
345 |
242 |
- |
(7) |
10 |
(21) |
351 |
15 |
16 |
20 |
Joulz |
306 |
52 |
(2) |
- |
15 |
(8) |
316 |
8 |
4 |
19 |
Ionisos |
306 |
- |
- |
5 |
5 |
(8) |
308 |
8 |
5 |
10 |
Valorem |
230 |
12 |
- |
- |
26 |
(6) |
251 |
6 |
2 |
28 |
Oystercatcher |
248 |
- |
(5)3 |
- |
10 |
(3) |
250 |
3 |
1 |
11 |
SRL |
240 |
- |
- |
11 |
(19) |
- |
232 |
- |
11 |
(8) |
DNS:NET |
164 |
- |
- |
7 |
(7) |
(4) |
160 |
4 |
7 |
- |
Future Biogas |
100 |
352,4 |
(30)5 |
(2) |
12 |
- |
115 |
- |
3 |
15 |
Total portfolio reported in the Financial statements |
3,842 |
95 |
(37) |
32 |
122 |
(82) |
3,972 |
74 |
98 |
212 |
1 |
This comprises the aggregate of value movement, foreign exchange translation, allocated foreign exchange hedging and underlying portfolio income in the period. |
2 |
Capitalised interest totalling |
3 |
Shareholder loan repayment (non-income cash). |
4 |
Follow-on investment in Future Biogas of |
5 |
Syndication of investment. |
Portfolio return by asset
Table 2 below shows the portfolio return in the period for each asset as a percentage of the aggregate of the opening value of the asset and investment in the asset in the period (excluding capitalised interest). Note that this measure does not time-weight for investments in the period.
Table 2: Portfolio return by asset (six months to 30 September 2024, not annualised)
Portfolio assets |
|
TCR |
5.3% |
ESVAGT |
4.9% |
Infinis |
5.7% |
Tampnet |
10.2% |
GCX |
5.8% |
Joulz |
6.2% |
Ionisos |
3.3% |
Valorem1 |
12.2% |
Oystercatcher |
4.4% |
SRL |
(3.3)% |
DNS:NET |
-% |
Future Biogas |
14.9% |
Total portfolio return2 |
5.5% |
1 |
Valorem valuation includes a small execution risk discount to expected proceeds. |
2 |
Portfolio returns include FX net of hedging. |
Sensitivities
Our approach to valuation is consistent with previous years. The sensitivity of the portfolio to key inputs to our valuations is shown in Table 3.
Our inflation assumptions for the first two years of our projections reflect current and forecast consensus inflation levels. The longer-term inflation assumptions beyond two years remain consistent with central bank targets, e.g.
The weighted average discount rate is 11.3%. Increasing the discount rate used in the valuation of each asset by 1% would reduce the value of the portfolio by
The portfolio valuations are partially protected against changes in interest rates as long-term fixed rate or hedged debt is in place across the majority of our portfolio. Increasing the cost of borrowing assumption for unhedged borrowings and any future uncommitted borrowing and the cash deposit rates used in the valuation of each asset by 1% would reduce the value of the portfolio by
These sensitivities are indicative and are considered in isolation, holding all other assumptions constant. Timing and quantum of price increases will vary across the portfolio and the sensitivity may differ from that modelled. Changing the inflation rate assumption may necessitate consequential changes to other assumptions used in the valuation of each asset. Sensitivities to key inputs to our valuations are described in more detail in Note 3 to the accounts.
Table 3: Portfolio sensitivities
|
|
£m |
% Impact |
Discount rate |
(1)% |
372 |
9.4% |
+1% |
(329) |
(8.3)% |
|
Inflation (for two years) |
(1)% |
(52) |
(1.3)% |
+1% |
53 |
1.3% |
|
Interest rate |
(1)% |
186 |
5.0% |
+1% |
(187) |
(5.0)% |
Total return
An analysis of the elements of the total return for the period is shown in Table 4 below. The Company generated a total return for the six-month period of
Table 4: Summary total return (six months to 30 September, £m)
|
2024 |
2023 |
Capital return (excluding exchange) |
122 |
132 |
Foreign exchange movement in portfolio |
(82) |
(15) |
Capital return (including exchange) |
40 |
117 |
Movement in fair value of derivatives and exchange on EUR borrowings |
74 |
19 |
Net capital return |
114 |
136 |
Total income1 |
98 |
98 |
Costs including (non-portfolio) exchange movements |
(43) |
(43) |
Total return |
169 |
191 |
1 |
Includes interest receivable on cash balances held of less than |
The capital return is the largest element of the total return. The portfolio generated a value gain of
The value increase in Valorem of
In a volatile period for the currency markets, the movement in foreign exchange rates generated a loss of
Total income was
Table 5: Total income and non-income cash (six months to 30 September, £m)
|
2024 |
2023 |
Total income |
98 |
98 |
Non-income cash |
5 |
6 |
Total |
103 |
104 |
Costs
Management and performance fees
During the period to 30 September 2024, the Company incurred management fees of
The annual performance hurdle of 8% was not exceeded in the first half of the year, as the total return for the period was 5.1%, resulting in no performance fee accrual (30 September 2023: none).
Other operating and finance costs
Operating expenses, comprising Directors' fees, service provider costs and other professional fees, totalled
Finance costs of
Ongoing charges ratio
The ongoing charges ratio measures annual operating costs, as disclosed in Table 6 below, against the average NAV over the reporting period.
The Company's ongoing charges ratio is calculated in accordance with the methodology recommended by the Association of Investment Companies ('AIC') and was 1.60% for the period to 30 September 2024 (30 September 2023: 1.61%).
The AIC methodology does not include performance fees or finance costs. However, the AIC recommends that the impact of performance fees on the ongoing charges ratio is noted, where performance fees are payable. The cost items that contributed to the ongoing charges ratio are shown below. There was no performance fee accrual in the period to 30 September 2024 (30 September 2023: nil).
Table 6: Ongoing charges (six months to 30 September, annualised £m)
|
2024 |
2023 |
Investment Manager's fee |
50.4 |
47.3 |
Auditor's fee |
0.8 |
0.8 |
Directors' fees and expenses |
0.6 |
0.5 |
Other ongoing costs |
2.6 |
2.3 |
Total ongoing charges |
54.4 |
50.9 |
Ongoing charges ratio |
1.60% |
1.61% |
Balance sheet
The NAV at 30 September 2024 was
Table 7: Summary balance sheet (£m)
|
As at 30 September 2024 |
As at 31 March 2024 |
Portfolio assets |
3,972 |
3,842 |
Cash balances |
1 |
5 |
Derivative financial instruments |
109 |
77 |
Borrowings |
(595) |
(510) |
Other net liabilities |
(31) |
(72) |
NAV |
3,456 |
3,342 |
Cash is principally held in AAA-rated money market funds. The Company has a
At 30 September 2024,
Derivative financial instruments reflect the foreign exchange hedging programme described previously.
Other net liabilities predominantly comprise a performance fee accrual of
NAV per share
The total NAV per share at 30 September 2024 was
Dividend
The Board has announced an interim dividend for the period of
(30 September 2023:
Alternative Performance Measures ('APMs')
We assess our performance using a variety of measures that are not specifically defined under IFRS and are therefore termed APMs. The APMs that we use may not be directly comparable with those used by other companies. These APMs provide additional information on how the Company has performed over the period and are all financial measures of historical performance. The table below defines our APMs and should be read in conjunction with the Annual report and accounts 2024. The APMs are consistent with those disclosed in prior periods.
APM |
Purpose |
Calculation |
Reconciliation to IFRS |
Total return on opening NAV |
A measure of the overall financial performance of the Company. |
It is calculated as the total return of |
The calculation uses IFRS measures. |
NAV per share |
A measure of the NAV per share in the Company. |
It is calculated as the NAV of |
The calculation uses IFRS measures and is set out in Note 6 to the accounts. |
Total income and non-income cash |
A measure of the income and other cash receipts by the Company which support the payment of expenses and dividends. |
It is calculated as the total income from the underlying portfolio and other assets plus non-income cash, |
Total income uses the IFRS measures; Investment income and Interest receivable.
The non-income cash, being the proceeds from partial realisations of investments, is shown in the Cash flow statement. The realisation proceeds which result from a partial sale of an underlying portfolio asset are not included within non-income cash. |
Investment value including commitments |
A measure of the size of the investment portfolio including the value of further contracted future investments committed by the Company. |
It is calculated as the portfolio asset value plus the amount of the contracted commitment. At 30 September 2024, the Company had no investment commitments. |
The portfolio asset value is the 'Investments at fair value through profit or loss' reported under IFRS. At 30 September 2024, the Company had no investment commitments. |
Total portfolio return percentage |
A measure of the financial performance of the portfolio. |
It is calculated as the total portfolio return in the period of |
The calculation uses capital return (including exchange), movement in fair value of derivatives, underlying portfolio income, opening portfolio value and investment in the period. The reconciliation of all these items to IFRS is shown in Table 1, including in the footnotes. |
Total liquidity |
A measure of the Company's ability to make further investments and meet its short-term obligations. |
It is calculated as the cash balance of |
The calculation uses the cash balance, which is an IFRS measure, and undrawn balances available under the Company's revolving credit facility as described in Note 4 to the accounts. |
Risk Review
Review of principal risks and uncertainties
The Company's approach to risk governance, the risk review process and risk appetite is set out in the Risk report in the Annual report and accounts 2024, which can be found on our website www.3i-infrastructure.com.
The principal risks to the achievement of the Company's objectives are unchanged from those reported on pages 68 to 71 of the Annual report and accounts 2024. Developments in relation to these principal risks during the period are outlined below.
External risks - market and competition
During the period, we saw evidence that the interest rate cycle has turned in the countries in which we invest. Inflation in the
There are no material refinancing requirements in the portfolio until 2026 and over 92% of drawn long-term debt facilities are either hedged or fixed rate.
The Company is exposed to movements in sterling exchange rates against a number of currencies, most significantly the euro. During the period, sterling appreciated c.3% against the euro. The Company operates a hedging programme which substantially offsets any foreign exchange movements.
Despite the infrastructure market continuing to display lower transaction volumes, we have still been able to generate a premium on exit for our high-quality infrastructure businesses as demonstrated by the expected sale of Valorem, the partial syndication of Future Biogas and, in the prior year, the realisation of Attero.
There is evidence of increasing pressure on government deficits in the markets in which we invest, which may cause changes in fiscal and economic policies creating uncertainty for businesses.
Strategic risks
The Company actively manages its balance sheet and liquidity position, seeking to maintain adequate liquidity to pursue investment opportunities, without diluting shareholder returns by holding surplus cash. At 30 September 2024, there was
Statement of comprehensive income
for the six months to 30 September
|
|
Six months to |
Six months to |
|
|
|
30 September 2024 |
30 September 2023 |
|
|
Notes |
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|
|
|
£m |
£m |
|
Net gains on investments |
3 |
40 |
117 |
|
Investment income |
|
98 |
97 |
|
Interest receivable |
|
- |
1 |
|
Investment return |
|
138 |
215 |
|
Movement in the fair value of derivative financial instruments |
|
58 |
14 |
|
Management and performance fees |
2 |
(25) |
(24) |
|
Operating expenses |
|
(1) |
(1) |
|
Finance costs |
|
(17) |
(16) |
|
Exchange movements |
|
16 |
3 |
|
Profit before tax |
|
169 |
191 |
|
Income taxes |
|
- |
- |
|
Profit after tax and profit for the period |
|
169 |
191 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the period |
|
169 |
191 |
|
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted (pence) |
6 |
18.3 |
20.7 |
Statement of changes in equity
for the six months to 30 September
|
|
Stated |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
capital |
Retained |
Capital |
Revenue |
shareholders' |
For the six months to 30 September 2024 |
|
account |
reserves |
reserve |
reserve |
equity |
(unaudited) |
Notes |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
Opening balance at 1 April 2024 |
|
879 |
1,282 |
1,173 |
8 |
3,342 |
Total comprehensive income for the period |
|
- |
- |
98 |
71 |
169 |
Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company during the period |
7 |
- |
- |
- |
(55) |
(55) |
Closing balance at 30 September 2024 |
|
879 |
1,282 |
1,271 |
24 |
3,456 |
|
|
Stated |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
capital |
Retained |
Capital |
Revenue |
shareholders' |
For the six months to 30 September 2023 |
|
account |
reserves |
reserve |
reserve |
equity |
(unaudited) |
Notes |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
Opening balance at 1 April 2023 |
|
879 |
1,282 |
940 |
- |
3,101 |
Total comprehensive income for the period |
|
- |
- |
131 |
60 |
191 |
Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company during the period |
7 |
- |
- |
- |
(51) |
(51) |
Closing balance at 30 September 2023 |
|
879 |
1,282 |
1,071 |
9 |
3,241 |
Balance sheet
as at 30 September
|
|
30 September 2024 |
31 March 2024 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
(audited) |
|
|
Notes |
£m |
£m |
|
Assets |
||||
Non-current assets |
||||
Investments at fair value through profit or loss |
3 |
3,972 |
3,842 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
3 |
66 |
49 |
|
Total non-current assets |
|
4,038 |
3,891 |
|
Current assets |
||||
Derivative financial instruments |
3 |
50 |
33 |
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
2 |
3 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
1 |
5 |
|
Total current assets |
|
53 |
41 |
|
Total assets |
|
4,091 |
3,932 |
|
Liabilities |
||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||
Trade and other payables |
|
(9) |
(32) |
|
Loans and borrowings |
|
(595) |
(510) |
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
(604) |
(542) |
|
Current liabilities |
||||
Derivative financial instruments |
3 |
(7) |
(5) |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
(24) |
(43) |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
(31) |
(48) |
|
Total liabilities |
|
(635) |
(590) |
|
Net assets |
|
3,456 |
3,342 |
|
Equity |
||||
Stated capital account |
5 |
879 |
879 |
|
Retained reserves |
|
1,282 |
1,282 |
|
Capital reserve |
|
1,271 |
1,173 |
|
Revenue reserve |
|
24 |
8 |
|
Total equity |
|
3,456 |
3,342 |
|
Net asset value per share |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted (pence) |
6 |
374.7 |
362.3 |
The Financial statements and related Notes were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on
11 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Richard Laing
Chair
Cash flow statement
for the six months to 30 September
|
Six months to |
Six months to |
|
30 September 2024 |
30 September 2023 |
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|
£m |
£m |
Cash flow from operating activities |
||
Purchase of investments |
(31) |
(60) |
Proceeds from partial realisations of investments |
37 |
6 |
Investment income1 |
2 |
18 |
Operating expenses paid |
(1) |
(2) |
Interest received |
- |
1 |
Management and performance fees paid |
(67) |
(61) |
Amounts received on the settlement of derivative contracts |
26 |
36 |
Net cash flow from operating activities |
(34) |
(62) |
Cash flow from financing activities |
||
Fees and interest paid on financing activities |
(16) |
(16) |
Dividends paid |
(55) |
(51) |
Drawdown of revolving credit facility |
134 |
310 |
Repayment of revolving credit facility |
(33) |
(179) |
Net cash flow from financing activities |
30 |
64 |
|
||
Change in cash and cash equivalents |
(4) |
2 |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
5 |
5 |
Effect of exchange rate movement |
- |
(1) |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
1 |
6 |
1 |
Investment income includes dividends of |
Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
These financial statements are the unaudited Half-yearly condensed financial statements (the 'Half-yearly Financial Statements') of 3i Infrastructure plc (the 'Company'), a company incorporated and registered in Jersey for the six-month period ended 30 September 2024.
The Half-yearly Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting ('IAS 34'). The accounting policies are consistent with those set out in the Annual report and accounts 2024 and those which we expect to adopt for the Annual report and accounts 2025, which will be prepared in accordance with
Going concern
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, as the Directors are satisfied that the Company has the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. In making this assessment, the Directors have considered a wide range of information relating to present and future conditions, including the Company's cash and liquidity position, current performance and outlook, which considered the impact of the inflationary and interest rate environment, ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and current and expected financial commitments, using the information available up to the date of issue of these Financial statements.
The Company is in a strong position in relation to its ability to continue to operate and the Company has sufficient resources to meet its ongoing needs. At 30 September 2024, the Company's liquidity totalled
(31 March 2024:
The Half-yearly Financial Statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 11 November 2024.
The Half-yearly Financial Statements do not constitute statutory accounts. The financial statements for the year to
31 March 2024, prepared in accordance with
Key judgements and sources of estimation uncertainties
The preparation of the Half-yearly Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Board to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates
are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. All judgements used in the preparation of the Half-yearly Financial Statements are consistent with those stated in the Annual report and accounts 2024.
The key area where estimates are significant to the Half-yearly Financial Statements and have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in future periods is in the valuation of the investment portfolio. The majority of assets in the investment portfolio are valued on a discounted cash flow basis which requires assumptions to be made regarding future cash flows and the discount rate to be applied to these cash flows. The portfolio is well diversified by sector, geography and underlying risk exposures. The valuation of each asset has significant estimation in relation to asset specific items and the potential impact of macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rate expectations. The key risks to the portfolio are discussed in further detail in the Risk review section. A key focus of the portfolio valuations at 30 September 2024 was an assessment of the impact of the macroeconomic environment on the operational and financial performance of each portfolio company. We have incorporated into our cash flow forecasts a balanced view of future income receipts and expenses.
Notes to the accounts
1 Operating segments
The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment of business being investment in Core-plus infrastructure. The internal information shared with the Directors on a monthly basis to allocate resources, assess performance and manage the Company presents the business as a single segment comprising the total portfolio of investments.
The Company is an investment holding company and does not consider itself to have any customers. Given the nature of the Company's operations, the Company is not considered to be exposed to any operational seasonality or cyclicality that would impact the financial results of the Company during the period or the financial position of the Company at 30 September 2024.
2 Management and performance fees
|
Six months to |
Six months to |
|
30 September 2024 |
30 September 2023 |
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|
£m |
£m |
Management fee |
25 |
24 |
Performance fee |
- |
- |
|
25 |
24 |
Total management and performance fees payable by the Company for the period to 30 September 2024 were
3 Investments at fair value through profit or loss and financial instruments
All financial instruments for which fair value is recognised or disclosed are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level |
Fair value input description |
Financial instruments |
Level 1 |
Quoted prices (unadjusted and in active markets) |
Quoted equity investments |
Level 2 |
Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable in the market either directly (ie. as prices) or indirectly (ie. derived from prices) |
Derivative financial instruments held at fair value |
Level 3 |
Inputs that are not based on observable market data |
Unquoted investments and unlisted funds |
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by reassessing the categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) for each reporting period.
The table below shows the classification of financial instruments held at fair value into the fair value hierarchy at
30 September 2024. For all other assets and liabilities, their carrying value approximates to fair value. During the period ended 30 September 2024, there were no transfers of financial instruments between levels of the fair value hierarchy (31 March 2024: none).
Trade and other receivables on the Balance sheet includes
Financial instruments classification
|
As at 30 September 2024 |
|||
|
(unaudited) |
|||
|
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
Financial assets |
||||
Investments at fair value through profit or loss |
- |
- |
3,972 |
3,972 |
Derivative financial instruments |
- |
116 |
- |
116 |
|
- |
116 |
3,972 |
4,088 |
Financial liabilities |
||||
Derivative financial instruments |
- |
(7) |
- |
(7) |
|
- |
(7) |
- |
(7) |
|
As at 31 March 2024 |
|||
|
(audited) |
|||
|
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
Financial assets |
||||
Investments at fair value through profit or loss |
- |
- |
3,842 |
3,842 |
Trade and other receivables |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
Derivative financial instruments |
- |
82 |
- |
82 |
|
- |
83 |
3,842 |
3,925 |
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial instruments |
- |
(5) |
- |
(5) |
|
- |
(5) |
- |
(5) |
Reconciliation of financial instruments categorised within Level 3 of fair value hierarchy
|
As at 30 September 2024 |
As at 31 March 2024 |
|
(unaudited) |
(audited) |
Level 3 fair value reconciliation |
£m |
£m |
Opening fair value |
3,842 |
3,641 |
Additions |
95 |
256 |
Disposal proceeds and repayment |
(37) |
(224) |
Movement in accrued income |
32 |
(11) |
Fair value movement (including exchange movements) |
40 |
180 |
Closing fair value |
3,972 |
3,842 |
All unrealised movements on investments and foreign exchange movements are recognised in profit or loss in the Statement of comprehensive income during the period and are attributable to investments held at the end of the period.
The holding period of the investments in the portfolio is expected to be greater than one year. Therefore, investments are classified as non-current unless there is an agreement to dispose of the investment within one year and all relevant regulatory approvals have been received. It is not possible to identify with certainty where any investments may be sold within one year.
Investment income of
(30 September 2023:
Unquoted investments
The Company invests in private companies which are not quoted on an active market. These are measured in accordance with the International Private Equity Valuation guidelines with reference to the most appropriate information available at the time of measurement. Further information regarding the valuation of unquoted investments can be found in the Portfolio valuation methodology section of the Annual report and accounts 2024.
The Company's policy is to fair value both the equity and shareholder debt investments in infrastructure assets together where they will be managed and valued as a single investment, were invested at the same time and cannot be realised separately. The Directors consider that equity and debt share the same characteristics and risks and they are, therefore, treated as a single unit of account for valuation purposes and a single class for disclosure purposes. As at 30 September 2024, the fair value of unquoted investments was
The fair value of the investments is sensitive to changes in the macroeconomic assumptions used as part of the portfolio valuation process. As part of its analysis, the Board has considered the potential impact of a change in a number of the macroeconomic assumptions used in the valuation process. By considering these potential scenarios, the Board is well positioned to assess how the Company is likely to perform if affected by variables and events that are inherently outside of the control of the Board and the Investment Manager.
The majority of the assets held within Level 3 are valued on a discounted cash flow basis; hence, the valuations are sensitive to the discount rate assumed in the valuation of each asset. Other significant unobservable inputs include the inflation rate assumption, the interest rate assumption used to project the future cash flows and the forecast cash flows themselves.
Increasing the discount rate used in the valuation of each asset by 1% would reduce the value of the portfolio by
The majority of assets held within Level 3 have revenues that are linked, partially linked or in some way correlated
to inflation. The long-term CPI assumption for the country of domicile of the investments in the portfolio is 2.0% (31 March 2024: 2.0%). The long-term RPI assumption for
The valuations are sensitive to changes in interest rates, which may result from: (i) unhedged existing borrowings within portfolio companies; (ii) interest rates on uncommitted future borrowings assumed within the asset valuations; and (iii) cash deposits held by portfolio companies. These comprise a wide range of interest rates from short-term deposit rates to longer-term borrowing rates across a broad range of debt products. Increasing the cost of borrowing assumption for unhedged borrowings and any future uncommitted borrowing and the cash deposit rates used in the valuation of each asset by 1% would reduce the value of the portfolio by
Over-the-counter derivatives
The Company uses over-the-counter foreign currency derivatives to hedge foreign currency movements. The derivatives are held at fair value which represents the price that would be received to sell or transfer the instruments at the balance sheet date. The valuation technique incorporates various inputs including foreign exchange spot and forward rates and uses present value calculations. For these financial instruments, significant inputs into models are market observable and are included within Level 2.
Valuation process for Level 3 valuations
The valuations on the Balance sheet are the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Investment Manager provides a valuation of unquoted investments, debt and unlisted funds held by the Company on a half-yearly basis. This is performed by the valuation team of the Investment Manager and reviewed by the valuation committee of the Investment Manager. The valuations are also subject to quality assurance procedures performed within the valuation team. The valuation team verifies the major inputs applied in the latest valuation by agreeing the information in the valuation computation to relevant documents and market information. The valuation committee of the Investment Manager considers the appropriateness of the valuation methods and inputs and may request that alternative valuation methods are applied to support the valuation arising from the method chosen. On a half-yearly basis, the Investment Manager presents the valuations to the Board. This includes a discussion of the major assumptions used in the valuations, with an emphasis on the more significant investments and investments with significant fair value changes. Any changes in valuation methods are discussed and agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee before the valuations on the Balance sheet are approved by the Board.
4 Loans and borrowings
The Company has a
The RCF is secured by a floating charge over the bank accounts of the Company. Interest is payable at EURIBOR or SONIA plus a fixed margin on the drawn amount. This fixed margin is subject to a small adjustment annually based upon performance against agreed sustainability metrics. As at 30 September 2024, the Company had
There was no change in total financing liabilities for the Company during the period as the cash flows relating to the financing liabilities were equal to the income statement expense. Accordingly, no reconciliation between the movement in financing liabilities and the cash flow statement has been presented.
5 Issued capital
|
As at 30 September 2024 |
As at 31 March 2024 |
||
|
(unaudited) |
(audited) |
||
|
Number |
£m |
Number |
£m |
Authorised, issued and fully paid |
|
|
|
|
Opening balance |
922,350,000 |
1,598 |
922,350,000 |
1,598 |
Closing balance |
922,350,000 |
1,598 |
922,350,000 |
1,598 |
Reconciliation to Stated capital account
|
As at |
As at |
|
30 September 2024 |
31 March 2024 |
|
£m |
£m |
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares |
1,598 |
1,598 |
Transfer to retained reserves on 20 December 2007 |
(693) |
(693) |
Cost of issue of ordinary shares |
(26) |
(26) |
Stated capital account closing balance |
879 |
879 |
6 Per share information
The earnings and net assets per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company are based on the following data:
|
Six months to |
Six months to |
|
|
30 September 2024 |
30 September 2023 |
|
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|
Earnings per share (pence) |
|
||
Basic and diluted |
18.3 |
20.7 |
|
Earnings (£m) |
|
||
Profit after tax for the year |
169 |
191 |
|
Number of shares (million) |
|
||
Weighted average number of shares in issue |
922.4 |
922.4 |
|
|
As at |
As at |
|
30 September |
31 March |
|
2024 |
2024 |
|
(unaudited) |
(audited) |
Net asset value per share (pence) |
|
|
Basic and diluted |
374.7 |
362.3 |
Net assets (£m) |
|
|
Net assets |
3,456 |
3,342 |
7 Dividends
|
Six months to 30 September 2024 |
Six months to 30 September 2023 |
||
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
||
Declared and paid during the period |
pence per share |
£m |
pence per share |
£m |
Prior year final dividend paid on ordinary shares |
5.950 |
55 |
5.575 |
51 |
The Company proposes paying an interim dividend of
8 Related parties
Transactions between the Company and 3i Group
3i Group plc ('3i Group') holds 29.2% (31 March 2024: 29.2%) of the ordinary shares of the Company. This classifies 3i Group as a 'substantial shareholder' of the Company as defined by the Listing Rules. During the period, 3i Group received dividends of
3i Investments plc, a subsidiary of 3i Group, is the Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager and provides its services under an Investment Management Agreement ('IMA'). 3i plc, another subsidiary of 3i Group, together with 3i Investments plc, provides support services to the Company (which are ancillary and related to the investment management service) which it is doing pursuant to the terms of the IMA.
Fees under the IMA consist of a tiered management fee and time weighting of the management fee calculation and a one-off transaction fee of 1.2% payable in respect of new investments. The applicable tiered rates are shown in the table below. The management fee is payable quarterly in advance.
Gross investment value |
Applicable tier rate |
Up to |
1.4% |
|
1.3% |
Above |
1.2% |
For the period to 30 September 2024,
Under the IMA, a performance fee is payable to the Investment Manager equal to 20% of the Company's total return in excess of 8%, payable in three equal annual instalments. The second and third instalments will only be payable if either (a) the Company's performance in the year in which that instalment is paid also triggers payment of a performance fee in respect of that year, or (b) if the Company's performance over the three years, starting with the year in which the performance fee is earned, exceeds the 8% hurdle on an annual basis. There is no high water mark requirement.
The performance hurdle requirement was not exceeded for the period to 30 September 2024 and, therefore, no performance fee accrual was recognised (30 September 2023: nil). The outstanding balance payable as at 30 September 2024 was
Year |
Performance fee (£m) |
Outstanding balance at 30 September 2024 (£m) |
Payable in FY25 (£m) |
FY24 |
26 |
17 |
9 |
FY23 |
45 |
15 |
15 |
Under the IMA, the Investment Manager's appointment may be terminated by either the Company or the Investment Manager giving the other not less than 12 months' notice in writing, or by giving the other six months' notice in writing if the Investment Manager has ceased to be a member of 3i Group, or with immediate effect by either party giving the other written notice in the event of insolvency or material or persistent breach by the other party. The Investment Manager may also terminate the agreement on two months' notice given within six months of a change of control of the Company.
9 Subsequent events
On 7 October 2024, the Company announced that it had received a binding offer for its 33% stake in Valorem for expected net proceeds of
Independent review report to 3i Infrastructure plc
Conclusion
We have been engaged by 3i Infrastructure plc ('the Company') to review the condensed set of financial statements in the Half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2024 which comprises the Statement of comprehensive income, the Statement of changes in equity, the Balance sheet, the Cash flow statement, the accounting policies section and related notes 1 to 9.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2024 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with
Basis for Conclusion
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (
As disclosed in the accounting policies, the Annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with
Conclusion Relating to Going Concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the Directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the Directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.
This Conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (
Responsibilities of the directors
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the
In preparing the Half-yearly financial report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the review of the financial information
In reviewing the Half-yearly financial report, we are responsible for expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the Half-yearly financial report. Our Conclusion, including our Conclusion Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with ISRE (
Deloitte LLP
Date: 11 November 2024
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors, who are required to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is not appropriate, are satisfied that the Company has the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future
and that the financial statements continue to be prepared on a going concern basis.
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
• the condensed set of financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the
• the Half-yearly report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance; and
• the Half-yearly report includes a fair review of the information required by the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules (4.2.7 R and 4.2.8 R).
The Directors of 3i Infrastructure plc and their functions are listed below.
By order of the Board
Richard Laing
Chair
11 November 2024
Board of Directors and their functions
Richard Laing |
Independent non-executive Chair and Chair of the Nomination Committee, Disclosure Committee and the Management Engagement Committee. |
|
Doug Bannister |
Independent non-executive Director. |
|
Wendy Dorman (resigned 4 July 2024) |
Independent non-executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. |
|
Jennifer Dunstan |
Non-executive Director. |
|
Milton Fernandes (appointed 15 July 2024) |
Independent non-executive Director. |
|
Stephanie Hazell |
Senior Independent non-executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. |
|
Samantha Hoe-Richardson (resigned 4 July 2024) |
Independent non-executive Director. |
|
Martin Magee |
Independent non-executive Director, and appointed Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee 4 July 2024. |
|
Information for Shareholders
Financial calendar
Ex-dividend date for interim dividend |
21 November 2024 |
Record date for interim dividend |
22 November 2024 |
Interim dividend expected to be paid |
13 January 2025 |
Full year results expected date |
8 May 2025 |
Designation of dividends as interest distributions
As an approved investment trust, the Company is permitted to designate dividends wholly or partly as interest distributions for
3i Infrastructure plc
Registered office
IFC6, The Esplanade
St. Helier
Jersey JE2 3BZ
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