3i Infrastructure on track for target return as refinancing boosts flexibility

(Sharecast News) - Investment firm 3i Infrastructure said on Wednesday that it delivered continued growth across its portfolio in the six months ended 30 September, with most assets meeting or exceeding return expectations and the business remaining on track to hit its target return. 3i said growth momentum remained strong across its wider portfolio, with Joulz signing its largest microgrid project to date, FLAG securing major customer commitments, and Infinis adding three ready‑to‑build solar projects in Northamptonshire.

Refinancing activity was also robust, with Joulz and Tampnet raising a combined €1.1bn of debt on improved terms, while Infinis secured additional capex funding to support its investment programme. 3i said it remained on track to deliver its FY27 dividend target of 14.30p, up 6.3% year‑on‑year and expected to be fully covered by net income.

Total income and non‑income cash for the period came in ahead of expectations at £195m, including a £92m distribution from Joulz, while the firm's balance sheet remained strong, with £267m of cash and an undrawn £900m revolving credit facility, giving up to £1.2bn of available liquidity.

The FTSE 250-listed business also noted that it had completed the sale of TCR and the acquisition of the Lefdal Mine Datacenter platform, with new third‑party capital managed by 3i investing alongside the company. 3i now manages 90% of LMD's equity.

Bernardo Sottomayor, head of European infrastructure at investment manager 3i Investments, said: "We had a productive first half of the financial year. The majority of our portfolio companies are performing in line with or ahead of expectations and continue to make good progress against their growth plans.

"We remain active in managing and evolving the portfolio, completing the sale of TCR and our new investment in the Lefdal Mine Datacenter platform, alongside a number of refinancing and growth initiatives across our portfolio companies. As a result, the company remains on track to deliver its target return and dividend target for FY27."

As of 1115 BST, 3i shares had ticked up 0.90% to 393.50p.







Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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