5th Mar 2025 14:15
This announcement replaces RNS 4998Z and includes the number of shares bought back since the Company's year-end, NAV total return and share price total return for the 12 months to 28 February 2025.
Ecofin Global Utilities and Infrastructure Trust plc
("EGL" or the "Company")
AGM statement
EGL, the essential utilities and infrastructure asset investment trust, will hold its Annual General Meeting, ("AGM") at 3:00 pm today in the Clermont Hotel, 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0SJ.
At the AGM the Chairman, David Simpson, will say:
"I am pleased to report that EGL delivered a robust performance last year and benefits from a variety of exciting opportunities in the future.
"Our net asset value total return per share increased by 25.9% in the year to 30 September 2024 and our share price total return increased by 24.8%, outperforming the nearest benchmark indices to our investment universe. The portfolio benefited from strategic exposures in regulated utilities and infrastructure assets, sectors that continue to demonstrate resilient earnings and strong growth potential.
"Notably, our stock selections in the US energy market performed exceptionally well, supported by demand for infrastructure linked to the energy transition and the demands created by decarbonisation. We believe that this performance underscores the effectiveness of our long-term strategy, which balances capital preservation with exposure to high-quality growth opportunities.
"Your board is very aware of the pressures on the investment trust sector as a whole and on our obligations to be proactive and responsive to shareholders' needs.
"We have continued to devote considerable effort to addressing the discount to NAV and further improving shareholder outcomes:
· We bought back over 5.8 million shares during the year and a further 2.7 million shares since the year end.
· Our Investment Manager became RWC Asset Management (Redwheel) on 1 October 2024:
· Our portfolio investment team is unchanged; and
· Redwheel brings significant expertise, resources and depth.
· We are streamlining our administrative and shareholder communication arrangements transitioning to Frostrow for AIFM and a package of other services and appointing specialist communications advisers.
· Our investment management fee was reduced on 1 October 2024.
· We have increased our dividends above the rate of inflation.
"We are now taking more steps to strengthen our engagement with shareholders. We have invited questions ahead of the AGM, enabling us to address shareholders' enquiries more comprehensively. Additionally, we have established a presence on LinkedIn, providing a platform for current and prospective shareholders to engage with us and stay updated on the Investment Manager's latest insights.
"In the coming months we will further enhance the quality of our investor communications and disclosure, ensuring clearer communication around EGL's focus, strategy and performance. We are confident that these efforts will deepen our relationship with shareholders and reinforce our position as an essential component of a diversified, long-term investment portfolio."
The portfolio management team, led by Jean-Hugues de Lamaze, will provide an update to shareholders on EGL and its performance. The presentation will be made available on the Company's website, together with a companion video following the conclusion of the AGM. No new material information will be disclosed in this presentation.
Over the 12 months to 28 February 2025, the NAV total return was 19.9% and the share price total return was 29.4%.
The Company's investor relations pages can be viewed at: www.redwheel.com/uk/en/individual/ecofin-global-utilities-and-infrastructure-trust-plc/
- Ends -
For more information
EGL c/o Montfort Communications
| |
Montfort Communications Gay Collins Olly Scott Charlotte Merlin-Jones Michael Schutzer-Weissmann
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RWC Asset Management LLP (Redwheel) Investment Manager
| +44 (0)20 7227 6000 |
Apex Fund Administration Services (UK) Limited Company Secretary
| +44 (0)12 4539 8317 |
About Ecofin Global Utilities and Infrastructure Trust plc
Ecofin Global Utilities and Infrastructure Trust plc, (LSE: EGL) invests in essential utilities and infrastructure assets that underpin modern economies and enable them to grow. It aims to achieve a high, secure dividend yield on its investments and realise long term growth in the value of the portfolio while taking care to preserve capital through difficult market phases.
EGL is managed by Redwheel's Ecofin team, which is led by Jean-Hugues de Lamaze and has a combined 100+ years of directly relevant global sector experience, focusing on opportunities in listed utilities, environmental services, transport and adjacent infrastructure sub-sectors.
An experienced, independent Board oversees the Company, protecting shareholders' interests, providing best practice governance and ensuring accountability.
LEI: 2138005JQTYKU92QOF30
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