3i Group Cautious on New Investments Amid Uncertainty

3i Group reported a 6.6% increase in net asset value to 2,711 pence in the first half of its financial year, driven by a foreign exchange boost. The investment firm's private equity portfolio showed a "resilient performance," and Action's sales grew 6.8% in the six months to June 29. However, 3i is taking a cautious approach to pricing new investments due to uncertainty in the macro-economic and geopolitical environment.

3i Group PLC reported a 6.6% increase in its net asset value (NAV) to 2,711 pence in the first half of its financial year, driven by a significant foreign exchange boost of £392 million [2]. The investment firm, which focuses on private equity and infrastructure, attributed the rise to a robust performance from its portfolio and the strong sales growth of Action, its significant holding.

Action, a discount store chain based in Zwaagdijk, Netherlands, saw its net sales rise by 18% during the six months to June 29. The company added 125 stores and ended the period with a total of 3,043 stores in 13 nations, including opening its 3,000th store in early June. Action's like-for-like sales growth was 6.8% [2].

3i Group's private equity portfolio also demonstrated a "resilient performance," while its infrastructure arm, 3i Infrastructure PLC, saw its share price rise by 8% during the period [2]. The firm owns around 29% of the FTSE 250-listed infrastructure investor.

Despite the positive performance, 3i Group is taking a cautious approach to pricing new investments. The uncertainty in the macro-economic and geopolitical environment has prompted the company to remain vigilant in its asset management strategy [2]. This cautious stance was echoed by Simon Borrows, the Chief Executive of 3i Group, who stated, "Against an uncertain macro-economic and geopolitical environment, we continue to focus on actively managing our portfolio and remain cautious on pricing for new investment" [2].

3i shares were down 1.8% to 4,266.00p each in London on Thursday morning, reflecting the market's response to the cautious approach on new investments [2].

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025-07-24:newsml_RSX4260Sa:0-reg-murray-inc-trust-plc-net-asset-value-s/
[2] https://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/market/1753349105854478700/3i-group-cautious-on-pricing-for-new-investment-amid-uncertainty
[3] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_TUC7QXMR1:0-3i-group-posts-nav-per-share-increases-to-2-711-pence/