12th Oct 2021 11:05
Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Cos Investment Trust PLC - investment trust focused on UK smaller companies - For the six months ended July 31, net asset value total return is 23.3%, compared to the benchmark index - the Numis Smaller Cos Index (excluding investment companies) - which returned 18.8%.
As at July 31, net asset value per share increased 21% over the period to 684.74 pence from 565.76p at the end of January. Invesco Perpetual's share price at the end of July was 622.00p, reflecting a 9.2% discount to NAV.
The trust attributed the stronger performance on the relaxation of restrictions and the success of vaccination programmes against Covid-19 allowing for a strong economic recovery, as well as a surge in takeover activity, with cheap debt and lower valuations for UK stocks proving attractive to private equity funds.
Declares interim dividend of 3.75p per share, in line with a year prior.
"Uncertainties, particularly those relating to Covid-19, appear to be lifting. The UK economic recovery is expected to continue through the second half of the year, however, the strength of gains is unlikely to match those experienced over the recent past. Policy makers now have the difficult task of managing the return to normality, the repayment of debt incurred during the Pandemic while at the same time making sure economic recovery is not stifled," said Chair Jane Lewis.
Current stock price: 588.08 pence
Year-to-date change: up 15%
By Dayo Laniyan; [email protected]
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