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RNS Number : 4224V
Murray International Trust PLC
15 August 2025
 

MURRAY INTERNATIONAL TRUST PLC (the "Company")

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI):  549300BP77JO5Y8LM553

 

HALF-YEARLY REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

 

Murray International Trust PLC is a globally-diversified investment trust aiming to deliver an attractive and growing income, alongside long-term capital growth.

 

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During the period the Company delivered a NAV total return of +6.0% and a share price total return of +11.6%, this compares a +1.0% increase in the Reference Index.

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The Company declared two dividend distributions for the period of 2.6 pence per share each and remains committed to a progressive dividend policy.

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The discount ended the period at -2.7% compared to -7.5% at 31 December 2024.

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The diversification evident in the portfolio emerged in the key drivers of robust performance with an international consumer staple company (Philip Morris International), a Central American airport operator (Grupo ASUR), a leading Asian stock exchange (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing), an Asian communication services business (Singapore Telecommunications), and a European-based utility (Enel) making up the top five performing stocks for the period.

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The most significant detractors during the period were Merck & Co., Bristol Myers Squibb, Diageo, Pernod Ricard and GlobalWafers.

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During the period, new positions were initiated in Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto, Indian IT service company Infosys and Italian financial services provider Intesa Sanpaolo.

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Murray International achieved AIC 'Dividend Hero' status, having delivered an increased dividend for the 20th consecutive year in 2024.

 

Virginia Holmes, the Company's Chair, commented:

 

"We are pleased to report six months of robust returns for our shareholders in a particularly turbulent period for global investors, with a NAV total return of +6.0% significantly outperforming the Company's reference index and stronger share price performance of +11.6% as the discount to net assets at which the Company's shares traded narrowed significantly.

 

During this period, from Wall Street to Asia's tech-driven markets, investors eventually looked through turbulence experienced earlier in the year and risk appetite recovered sharply by mid-year leading many markets to reach new all-time highs. However, the path ahead is likely to remain uneven and challenging.

 

In this environment, investors will benefit from a patient, globally diversified, and risk-aware approach, which is central to our Manager's strategy in pursuing Murray International's aim of achieving an above average dividend yield, with long-term growth in dividends and capital ahead of inflation."

 

The Directors of Murray International Trust PLC report the unaudited results of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2025.

 

Performance Highlights

Net asset value total returnA  

Share price total returnA  

Six months ended 30 June 2025

Six months ended 30 June 2025

+6.0%

+11.6%

Year ended 31 December 2024

+8.1%

Year ended 31 December 2024

+4.5%


Reference index total returnB

Discount to net asset valueA

Six months ended 30 June 2025

As at 30 June 2025

+1.0%

-2.7%

Year ended 31 December 2024

+19.8%

As at 31 December 2024

-7.5%

Ongoing charges ratioA

Net gearingA

As at 30 June 2025

As at 30 June 2025

0.51%

5.8%

As at 31 December 2024

0.52%

As at 31 December 2024

6.1%

A Alternative Performance Measure (see definition below).

B FTSE All World TR Index.



Financial Calendar and Highlights

 

Payment dates of quarterly dividends

15 August 2025
18 November 2025
17 February 2026
18 May 2026

Financial year end

31 December

Expected announcement of results for
year ending 31 December 2025

March 2026

Annual General Meeting

23 April 2026

Financial Highlights

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

% change

Total assets less current liabilities (before deducting loan notes)

£1,816.0m

£1,788.8m

+1.5

Net assets

£1,706.1m

£1,678.8m

+1.6

Share price per Ordinary share (mid market)A

280.0p

257.5p

+8.7A

Net Asset Value per Ordinary share

287.9p

278.4p

+3.4A

Discount to Net Asset Value per Ordinary shareB

-2.7%

-7.5%

Net gearingB

5.8%

6.1%

Ongoing charges ratioB

0.51%

0.52%

A The movement relates to capital only and does not take account of the reinvestment of dividends.

B Considered to be an Alternative Performance Measure. See definition below.



Interim Board Report - Chair's Statement

Background

The year began with positive momentum in financial markets driven by President Trump's return, along with expectations for tax cuts and deregulation. However, this optimism quickly diminished after the "Liberation Day" sell off in April. This downturn was fuelled by President Trump's threats of tariffs, fiscal concerns, tensions with the Federal Reserve, and unpredictable policy decisions. Geopolitical risks escalated with a direct conflict between Israel and Iran; however, a swift ceasefire helped restore some market stability. Sentiment improved following a surprising trade truce between the U.S. and China, along with a framework deal with the UK, and more trade agreements elsewhere. From Wall Street to Asia's tech-driven markets, investors eventually looked through the turbulence experienced earlier in the year and risk appetite recovered sharply by mid-year leading many markets to reach new all-time highs.

Performance and Dividends

The net asset value (NAV) total return, with dividends reinvested, for the six months to 30 June 2025 was 6.0% compared with 1.0% for the Company's Reference Index (the FTSE All World TR Index in GBP). Over the six-month period, the share price total return was 11.6%, as the discount to the NAV narrowed significantly to -2.7% from
-7.5% at 31 December 2024. The Manager's Review contains more information about both the drivers of performance in the period and activity within the portfolio.

The first interim dividend of 2.6 pence per share (2024: 2.5p) in respect of the six months to 30 June 2025 is payable on 15 August 2025. The Board has declared a second interim dividend of 2.6 pence per share (2024: 2.5p) for the current year which will be paid on 18 November 2025 to shareholders on the register on 3 October 2025.

The Board remains committed to the Company's progressive dividend policy given the Company's investment objective to provide growing levels of income. This means that, in some years, revenue will be added to reserves while, in others, revenue may be taken from reserves to supplement earned revenue for that year to pay the annual dividend. Shareholders should not be surprised or concerned by either outcome as, over time, the Company will aim to pay out what the underlying portfolio earns.  As a long-established investment trust, the Company has the benefit of over £78.5 million of distributable revenue reserves on its balance sheet at 30 June 2025, which equates to 1.12 times the dividend in respect of 2024.

MSCI ACWI High Dividend Yield Index

During the year, the Board reviewed the appropriateness of using the FTSE All-World Index as the Company's "Reference Index". As a result of this review, the Board concluded that it would be more helpful for shareholders if the index against which the portfolio's performance is measured was more reflective of the Company's investment style. The Board has therefore determined that with effect from 1 July 2025, the previous reference index should be changed and the MSCI ACWI High Dividend Yield Index adopted in its place as the Company's benchmark index from that date.

Management of Premium/Discount

Your Board continues to believe that, in normal market conditions, it is appropriate to seek to address temporary imbalances in the supply and demand for the Company's shares which might otherwise result in a recurring material discount or premium. The Board believes that this process is in all shareholders' interests as it seeks to reduce volatility in the discount or premium to underlying NAV whilst also making a small positive contribution to the NAV.  While we saw discounts generally narrow across the industry over the period, investment trust discounts remained wider than the long-term average. The Company bought back 10.5 million Ordinary Shares of 5p for Treasury during the period representing 1.8% of the issued share capital, at a total cost of £27.9 million and at a weighted average discount of -8.6%.

At 13 August 2025, the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Half Yearly Report, the NAV (including income) per share was 303.1p and the share price was 291.5p equating to a discount of 3.8% per Ordinary share.

Gearing

The Company's borrowings consist of £110 million of unsecured loan notes which are fully drawn with £50m repayable in 2031 and the balance in 2037. The weighted cost of these fixed-rate loan notes is 2.56%. The borrowings represented a net gearing level of 5.8% based on the Company's NAV at 30 June 2025 (31 December 2024: 6.1%). The Board continues to monitor options for further gearing but has concluded that interest rates at the present time remain too high. The Board will continue to keep this under review.

Ongoing Charges Ratio ("OCR")

During the review period, the OCR remained broadly flat, ending the six months at 0.51% (31 December 2024: 0.52%). The Board remains focused on controlling costs and delivering value to shareholders. A full breakdown of the OCR calculation is provided below.

Board Composition

As part of the Board's long-term succession planning, Alexandra Mackesy retired from the Board at the conclusion of the AGM in April 2025 and, as previously announced, the Directors welcomed Jeroen Huysinga to the Board as an independent non-executive Director on 1 May 2025. Jeroen is a highly experienced investment professional with a strong background of over 20 years in global equities and the management of investment trusts having been managing director global equities at JP Morgan Asset Management until his retirement in 2020.

Outlook

Global equity markets are navigating a complex macroeconomic environment. Although there was resilient performance in the first half of the year, there have also been periods of volatility and weakness, and the path ahead is likely to remain uneven. Despite these challenges, compelling opportunities exist. Earnings growth is gradually expanding beyond just the mega-cap technology companies. Central banks, particularly the European Central Bank, have implemented modest rate cuts, and there are expectations that the Federal Reserve will follow suit. This should support valuations and sustain investor sentiment. In emerging markets, lower interest rates and a weaker U.S. dollar may attract capital inflows, especially in Asia and Latin America. However, risks remain. Geopolitical tensions could lead to potential shocks, and concerns about the fiscal position of the United States persist. Trade tensions may also influence market dynamics and have a spillover effect on inflation, which could restrict central banks' ability to ease monetary policy as currently anticipated. In this environment, investors will benefit from a patient, globally diversified, and risk-aware approach, which is central to how our Manager aims to meet the investment objectives.

Shareholder Engagement

The Board was pleased to note that almost 280 investors joined the pre-AGM webinar we hosted in April and many more have subsequently viewed the recording on the Company's website. The Board sees this as a very helpful means of connecting with current and potential shareholders and addressing their questions. We expect that this process will be repeated ahead of the Annual General Meeting next April.

Shareholders' views are very important to the Board and I encourage you to email me if you have feedback on the Company at VirginiaHolmes.Chair@abrdn.com .

Virginia Holmes
Chair
14 August 2025



Interim Board Report - Manager's Review

Summary

The first half of 2025 proved to be a rollercoaster for global markets, underscoring both their vulnerability to shocks and their capacity for opportunity and recovery. Investors were whipsawed by a volatile mix of political developments, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical flashpoints that tested confidence across asset classes. Markets kicked off the year on a high note, lifted by renewed investor enthusiasm following President Trump's return to office. Hopes for sweeping tax reforms and deregulation sparked a wave of optimism. But that sentiment quickly soured. April's dramatic "Liberation Day" marked a turning point, as markets reacted sharply to a flurry of destabilising signals: tariff threats, fiscal instability, friction with the Federal Reserve, and erratic policy moves from Washington. Tensions abroad added to the unease. A brief but intense military confrontation between Israel and Iran rattled global investors, though the fact that it did not escalate and a ceasefire was agreed very quickly helped contain the fallout.

Unfortunately, efforts to broker peace in other conflict zones-namely between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas-have not progressed at the same rate, casting a shadow over broader geopolitical stability. Despite the turbulence, a shift in tone emerged by mid-year. A surprise trade détente between the U.S. and China, along with a new framework agreement with the UK, helped ease fears of a global trade breakdown. Additional trade negotiations were reported to be underway, further lifting sentiment. By summer, risk appetite had returned, and equity markets across the globe-particularly in the U.S. and Asia-rallied to new highs. The first six months of 2025 serve as a vivid reminder of the risks and opportunities that global equity markets offer.

Which stocks have performed well?

Below we discuss the most significant contributors to relative performance this year. The diversification across geographies and industries evident in the portfolio emerges as a key driver of robust performance with an international consumer staple company, a Central American airport operator, a leading Asian stock exchange, an Asian communication services business, and a European-based utility making up the top five performing stocks for the six months.

Philip Morris International ("Philip Morris") , the portfolio's single largest holding, has been the best performing investment during the first half of the year in relative terms. The company is a formidable business, generating substantial earnings growth and free cash flows as it leverages its traditional tobacco business to facilitate its transition into reduced-risk and smoke-free products, which now account for approximately 40% of its revenues. It has proven itself to be relatively immune to the tariff noise that has plagued markets at times, and its defensive, growing earnings stream is attractive given the environment. Given the strength of the share price, we have reduced the Company's holding marginally during the period under review, recycling that capital into other companies that have performed less strongly but remain attractive. While we remain comfortable with the investment outlook for Philip Morris, it is unlikely to be a recipient of fresh capital at this juncture, given its very strong performance over the last twelve months.

Grupo ASUR is the owner and operator of sixteen airports across Mexico, Puerto Rico and Colombia. Its most significant assets are its Mexican airports, including Cancun and Cozumel. Whilst growth in passenger numbers has been more subdued in its Mexican operations recently, its assets in Puerto Rico and Colombia have offset that to some degree. The business has consistently grown its commercial revenues-the revenues that passengers spend while in their terminals-at very attractive rates over the long term, resulting in a high-margin, cash-generative business. Earlier this year, the company announced its intention to return some of the excess cash on its balance sheet to shareholders via a significantly higher-than-expected regular dividend, followed by two special dividends later this year. This announcement, which means the stock yields a very attractive 14%, was received positively by the market.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing ("HKEX") is one of the world's leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivatives, commodities, fixed income, and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metal Exchange. It is also the world's leading IPO market and a world-leading capital raising venue for Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese issuers, while acting as the frontline regulator of companies listed in Hong Kong. The share price jumped in February and again in May, driven by strong results. HKEX led global initial public offering activity in the first half of the year with 42 new company listings. Trading activity and clearing volumes also surged, driven by record northbound and southbound flows through Stock Connect. This mutual market access programme links the stock markets of Mainland China with Hong Kong.

Enel operates as a multinational power company and an integrated player in the global power, gas, and renewables markets. The company produces energy and distributes electricity to business and household users and manages wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower plants all over the world. Enel's strong start to 2025 has been driven by several factors: operational outperformance, with solid profits and full-year guidance; geographic diversification, where strong performances in Spain and Latin America offset softness in Italy; and solid growth across its renewables business. These were all underpinned by strong free cash flow generation, enabling the company to reduce debt and deliver attractive dividend growth.

Singapore Telecommunications ("Singtel") is one of Asia's leading communications technology groups, offering fixed and mobile phone services, broadband, TV and digital services. Along with its regional associates, Airtel, AIS, Globe, Optus, and Telkomsel, it provides services to over 780 million customers across 20 countries in Asia, Australia, and Africa. Singtel delivered robust performance in the first half of 2025, with underlying net profit up 6% compared to the prior year period, driven by improved mobile performance and disciplined cost management at Optus, its Australian business, as well as margin expansion and solid bookings at NCS, its tech & digital services segment. Free cash flow increased by 9% and the company raised its final dividend by 26%, putting it on a c.4.5% dividend yield.

What detracted from performance in the first half of 2025?

Given the volatility in markets that we have seen, it is inevitable that not every stock has delivered positive performance in the period. A more pronounced pattern is evident in the areas of the portfolio that have performed poorly over the last six months, with healthcare and alcohol producers among the poorest performing stocks.

Merck & Co. ("Merck") is a global healthcare company that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, and animal health products. Despite solid first-quarter results, the business disappointed the market with a more subdued outlook for the rest of the year, trimming its earlier guidance and citing a slowdown in sales of its HPV vaccine, Gardasil, in China. Tariff-related headwinds and uncertainties, as well as broader sector concerns about the regulatory and pricing environment in the United States, have also weighed on sentiment. Share price weakness also reflects investor concerns over the patent expiry of Keytruda, its leading cancer treatment, which occurs in 2028. We have taken advantage of the share price weakness we've seen this year to increase the size of this holding in the portfolio. The stock's healthy balance sheet and robust cash flows have enabled Merck to invest in a broader and later-stage pipeline, which could mitigate the impact of the Keytruda patent loss. In our view, the stock is undervalued for the growth it should be able to deliver on both a near- and long-term basis.

Bristol Myers Squibb ("Bristol Myers") is another healthcare company listed in the United States that struggled during the first half despite reasonable results in the first quarter. It has also been caught up in similar tariff and sector specific issues along with Merck ; it also faces challenges with key drugs, such as the anticoagulant Eliquis and myeloma treatment Pomalyst, which are expected to experience pricing pressures due to price negotiations with the U.S. Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. As with Merck, we have used the relative weakness in the stock as an opportunity to increase our holding size. Bristol Myers has a robust balance sheet and generates attractive levels of free cash flow to support internal research & development, as well as potential mergers. The business remains a formidable player in the field of haematology, with multiple new drug launches underway, the most notable being the schizophrenia treatment, Cobenfy.

Diageo's share price has continued to struggle this year, which has been frustrating, as the company has faced numerous challenges. The threat of tariffs on alcohol imports into the United States, its largest market, has been a key concern, and it has seen inventory builds and sales declines in markets such as Latin America and the Caribbean. Being positioned at the more premium end of the brand spectrum has also hindered it, as consumers become increasingly price-aware due to the current economic uncertainty. The company recently parted ways with CEO Debra Crew, with CFO Nik Jhangiani taking the role on an interim basis. Since Nik Jhangiani arrived as CFO in early 2024, there has been greater clarity on what Diageo can do to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and deleverage its balance sheet. Diageo boasts an impressive and broad portfolio of brands across beer and spirits and has been innovative in developing and acquiring low- and no-alcohol brands to adapt to shifting consumer tastes. The appointment of the new CEO and the company's anticipated strategy for re-positioning the business for the future will be an essential step for the company and its fortunes going forward.

Elsewhere in the alcoholic beverages sector, Pernod Ricard ("Pernod") has been caught up in trade disputes, as China imposed additional duties on cognac, a key product for Pernod, in retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The company has also faced weaker than expected sales in key markets, such as the United States and China. It too faces similar questions on whether the industry is facing a temporary cyclical slowdown or a more permanent structural shift in consumers and their attitude to alcohol consumption. The latter also presents an opportunity for both Pernod and Diageo; if they can utilise their expertise and scale to invest in and position new and existing brands at the forefront of this trend, then this could represent an attractive growth and higher-margin opportunity for the companies that get this right. Philip Morris is an example of a consumer company that has navigated this transition successfully.  We used the share price weakness in both beverages companies as an opportunity to increase the positions during the first half of the year, believing that they can overcome the challenges they currently face and deliver positive returns for our shareholders over the coming years.

GlobalWafers is a Taiwanese manufacturer of silicon wafers, crystal rods, and semiconductor ingots for the semiconductor industry. One might think this company would benefit from the opportunity around Artificial Intelligence (AI); however, it is not that straightforward. GlobalWafers relies on broader-based wafer demand in the areas of consumer electronics and autos, rather than just chips related to AI. Demand in these areas has been weak, and this has come at a time when the business is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in six countries overseas. This has led to higher depreciation, labour and logistics expenses, which have weighed on margins. The company reduced its dividend by 42% this year and we became increasingly concerned that if non-AI demand remains soft while the company continues to expand capacity globally, the risk of underutilised fabrication facilities would continue to hamper margins and returns on invested capital. We decided to exit the position earlier in the year due to these concerns.

Income Generation

Despite all the noise impacting equity markets from a capital perspective, the income picture, both in terms of the portfolio and more generally, remains more stable. The portfolio's total income in the period under review increased by £6 million, or 13% compared to the first half of last year, to £52 million. The portfolio's underlying dividend outlook remains strong. Of the 25 companies that have declared full year dividend intentions 22 increased their full-year dividend distributions, with TSMC , Telkom Indonesia and Siemens increasing their dividends by 27%, 19% and 11% respectively. These were all beaten by the airport operator, Grupo ASUR , which declared a substantial cash return to shareholders, representing a 281% increase over the prior year's distribution. Of the 80 pesos that Grupo ASUR are to pay out this year, two special dividends, totalling 30 pesos, are to be paid out in the second half of the year. It is likely therefore that the scale of dividend will not be repeatable in future years.

Conversely, only three dividend reductions have been declared. Walmart de Mexico , while increasing its regular dividends from the prior year, reduced the special distributions it typically makes, resulting in a 22% decrease in the combined dividend payout. The special dividend has fluctuated over the years, and the weaker macroeconomic conditions in Mexico, where GDP growth has been slowing, made this outcome expected. The Mercedes-Benz Group , a company that has been caught in the middle of tariff-related uncertainty, also reduced its dividend payout by 19% compared to the previous year. Even with this cut, it remains one of the highest yielding companies in the portfolio. GlobalWafers cut its payout by 42% subsequent to our sale of the stock as the business contends with subdued demand for non-AI semiconductor materials alongside an ambitious overseas investment plan, supporting our decision to sell.

We are constantly alert to the potential impact of currency fluctuations, particularly when investing globally with an unhedged portfolio, where over 90% of assets are denominated in currencies other than Sterling. You will recall the impact that currency headwinds had last year, as Sterling was strong against most major currencies, with notable moves against the Canadian Dollar, Norwegian Krone, Brazilian Real, and Mexican Peso. So far this year, the currency picture is more balanced. While the British Pound has continued to be strong against the U.S. Dollar in particular, its movements against the Canadian and Singapore Dollars are not as pronounced. Thus, it is not all one-way traffic as it was last year, as during 2025 Sterling has continued to weaken against the Euro and Latin American currencies, such as the Mexican Peso and Brazilian Real.

Changes made to the portfolio

Turnover has been 8.3% of gross assets thus far this year, which is in line with both the prior half year period and expectations, given the volatility present in equity markets. As discussed earlier, a considerable amount of that trading has been reducing holdings which have been performing well, such as Philip Morris International , and buying into the share price weakness displayed by holdings including Merck , Bristol Myers , Pernod Ricard and Diageo . Other positions that have been reduced for similar reasons include North American midstream company Enbridge and Singaporean bank OCBC . German industrial giant Siemens and Swiss-based Zurich Insurance Group also saw their positions reduced slightly due to the strength of their share prices during the first six months of the year. Semiconductor and infrastructure software giant Broadcom was another portfolio position to be reduced at the margin, as it continues to see impressive demand for its AI infrastructure products.

We reinvested the capital raised from these sales by increasing existing positions in communication services companies, including Telenor and Telkom Indonesia . The holdings in UK housebuilder Taylor Wimpey and Mercedes-Benz Group were also increased, as were positions in healthcare firms Medtronic and Sanofi . In terms of outright disposals from the portfolio, as mentioned earlier, we exited the holding in GlobalWafers as the dividend outlook for the business continues to look challenging. We sold the position in the Swedish industrial group, Atlas Copco , in the early part of the year. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Atlas Copco as a business but its valuation was elevated and it faces risks around demand within its compressor, industrial, and power business segments. Being one of the lower-yielding stocks in the portfolio its position in the portfolio was more dependent on capital appreciation. On balance, with some near-term questions around operations and valuation, we decided to exit the holding. It is a stock that we could revisit at a more attractive price should that opportunity present itself as it clearly meets our quality threshold and is an attractive business to own at lower valuations.

We also sold our holding in the Chilean lithium miner, Sociedad Quimica Y Minera de Chile ("SQM") . Lithium prices are currently at low levels compared to where they have been over the last five years, despite demand for electric vehicles having improved globally, even as major manufacturers have been revising their targets regarding electric vehicles replacing internal combustion engine powered vehicles in overall production numbers. The flip side is ongoing oversupply which has made us uncertain about the timing for a sustainable price rebound in the commodity itself and therefore in SQM's share price. The business is ramping up capacity, which is not the worst strategy, as prices, although low, are still above its breakeven point. This approach allows it to avoid ceding market share in the long term. The impact, unfortunately, will be that in that scenario, leverage will trend higher, and cash flows will be tighter if not negative, limiting dividend payouts over the next couple of years.

We also sold the Chinese property business, China Resources Land , in the latter part of the period under review. This was, unfortunately, an investment where the thesis had not played out as intended. The expectation was that the Chinese authorities would have acted more quickly and substantially regarding the issues the property market has been facing, but this has not in fact happened. China Resources Land has one of the better-quality investment property portfolios and has not faced the severe balance sheet issues that many of its competitors have. This should enable it to be one of the beneficiaries in any recovery, as it ought to win market share and become a larger operator in a smaller but more stable property market. This thesis may still come to pass but this is dependent on predicting Chinese government policy which has become hard to do.  In our investment process there must be tangible waypoints that we can use to assess the company's progress towards our anticipated outcome. Having re-examined the outlook for China Resources Land we concluded that these waypoints were no longer visible enough and the decision was made to exit.

Finally, we note the ongoing reduction of fixed income securities within the portfolio. We sold the Indonesian and Dominican Republic Government bonds, recycling the capital into Mercedes-Benz Group and Intesa Sanpaolo , both of which presented opportunities for higher yields compared to the fixed income securities, while also aligning with our decision to gradually reduce our exposure to fixed income securities when opportunities present themselves.

In terms of new additions to the portfolio, we initiated a new holding in the Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto , reinvesting the proceeds raised from the disposal in SQM . Rio Tinto offers a higher and potentially more stable dividend relative to SQM, as well as a greater diversity in commodity exposures. This allows us to remain exposed to lithium, thanks to their acquisition of Arcadium Lithium , which was completed earlier this year. 

We initiated a new holding in the Indian IT Service company, Infosys . This enabled us to diversify the portfolio's exposure to information technology, which has been skewed towards semiconductors over the last few years, while also investing in a higher-yielding opportunity relative to holdings such as TSMC and Broadcom . There are near-term risks for us to be mindful of regarding businesses cutting their discretionary spending as a result of the uncertain environment. Over the long term, however, we view Infosys as a key beneficiary of global IT trends, including Generative AI, enterprise cloud, and digital automation adoption across various industries. The company generates attractive returns on equity, has a net cash position on its balance sheet and its cost control initiative, Project Maximus, still has more levers to pull, which could drive long-term margin expansion.

The final new position in the portfolio is an Italian financial services provider, Intesa Sanpaolo . Intesa is the number one domestic bank in Italy, which is a relatively fragmented market. Despite this, it still generates relatively high returns on tangible equity, and there is still the opportunity for loan growth, as household debt as a percentage of GDP in Italy is considerably lower, at 47%, than in countries such as the United States and the UK where it is 71% and 80% respectively. The senior management team has been in place for many years and has done an impressive job of focusing domestically and achieving efficiency through consolidation and scale, while focusing on higher growth areas like wealth management. The company is well-capitalised with a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 14%, and its cost-to-income ratio of below 40% is very impressive for a large bank. The company pays an attractive dividend of 7% at the time of writing.

Outlook

Global equity markets have demonstrated a degree of resilience in the first half of 2025; however, the broader environment remains highly complex and uncertain. While many indices have posted gains, the journey so far has been far from smooth, marked by intermittent bouts of volatility, shifting macroeconomic signals, and persistent geopolitical tensions. Looking ahead, the investing environment remains complex, and investors should be prepared for a similarly challenging path as the year wears on. Geopolitical uncertainty remains a key concern. Ongoing conflicts and unresolved tensions in several regions pose the risk of sudden market shocks, which could disrupt global supply chains, energy markets, and investor confidence. In addition, the fiscal trajectory of the United States continues to raise questions. Persistent deficits and rising debt levels may eventually lead to higher long-term interest rates or renewed political brinkmanship, both of which could unsettle markets. Trade relations also remain fragile. While some progress has been made on bilateral agreements, the potential for renewed trade disputes-particularly between major economies-could reintroduce inflationary pressures and complicate the policy outlook for central banks. If inflation proves more persistent than expected, it may limit the scope for further rate cuts, which could disappoint current expectations and undermine one of the key supports for equity valuations. Market conditions may continue to shift rapidly, and the balance between opportunity and risk is likely to remain delicate. It is pleasing to see the portfolio exhibit robustness during the bouts of volatility that we have experienced this year. This is no more than we would expect from a portfolio of this style. It is also pleasing to see the portfolio keep pace with the rebound that we have seen since the lows of April 7th to the half-year point. Regardless of the prevailing market environment, delivering a globally diversified portfolio, with a focus on quality and income, will remain our primary focus.

Martin Connaghan Senior Investment Director

Joined Aberdeen in 1998 and has been involved in the management of global equity portfolios for over 20 years and directly involved with managing the Company since 2017

Samantha Fitzpatrick Senior Investment Director

Joined Aberdeen in 1998 and has been involved in the management of global equity portfolios for over 20 years and directly involved with managing the Company since 2019

abrdn Investments Limited 14 August 2025



Interim Board Report - Directors' Disclosures

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Board has approved a matrix of the key risks that, in its assessment, affect the business. The major financial risks associated with the Company are detailed in note 18 of the 2024 Annual Report and the other principal risks are summarised below. These risks represent the principal risks anticipated for the remaining six months of the year. They can be summarised into the following categories:

-  Investment Strategy and Objectives;

-  Investment Portfolio Performance Risk;

-  Operational and Governance Risks;

-  Financial Risks; and

-  Macro and Geopolitical Risks.

Details of the management of the risks and the Company's internal controls are disclosed on pages 40 to 42 of the 2024 Annual Report.

The Board also has a process in place to identify emerging risks.  If any of these are deemed to be significant, these risks are categorised, rated and added to the Company's risk matrix. 

The Board monitors emerging risks and has reviewed the principal risks and uncertainties including prevailing geo-political concerns. The Board notes the Manager's robust and disciplined investment process which continues to focus on long-term company fundamentals including balance sheet strength and deliverability of sustainable earnings growth.  The Board, aided by the Manager, closely monitors all third-party service arrangements.

Related Party Transactions

Details of the transactions with the Manager including the fees payable to Aberdeen Group Plc group companies are disclosed in note 11 of this Half Yearly Report.

Going Concern

In accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting, the Directors have undertaken a rigorous review and consider that there are no material uncertainties and that the adoption of the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate.  This review encompassed the global geopolitical environment which is increasingly destabilised by conflicts, tensions and other uncertainties.  The Company's assets consist of a diverse portfolio of listed equities and bonds and the portfolio in most circumstances is realisable within a very short timescale. The Directors believe that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue its operational existence for the foreseeable future and for 12 months from the date of this Half Yearly Report. Accordingly, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

Directors' Responsibility Statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Half Yearly Financial Report in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

-  the condensed set of Financial Statements has been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 (Interim Financial Reporting);

-  the Half Yearly Board Report includes a fair review of the information required by rule 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of Financial Statements and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year); and

-  the Half Yearly Board Report includes a fair review of the information required by rule 4.2.8R (being related party transactions that have taken place during the first six months of the financial year and that have materially affected the financial position of the Company during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do so).

The Half Yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 June 2025 comprises the Half Yearly Board Report, the Directors' Responsibility Statement and the condensed set of Financial Statements.

For and on behalf of the Board of Murray International Trust PLC

Virginia Holmes
Chair
14 August 2025



Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

Six months ended

Six months ended

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Gains on investments

-

54,843

54,843

-

53,304

53,304

Income

2

52,259

-

52,259

46,079

-

46,079

Investment management fees

11

(1,089)

(2,540)

(3,629)

(1,063)

(2,479)

(3,542)

Administrative expenses

(890)

-

(890)

(799)

-

(799)

Currency losses

-

(297)

(297)

-

(962)

(962)

Net return before finance costs and taxation

50,280

52,006

102,286

44,217

49,863

94,080

Finance costs

(424)

(990)

(1,414)

(502)

(1,171)

(1,673)

Return before taxation

49,856

51,016

100,872

43,715

48,692

92,407

Taxation

3

(4,837)

(205)

(5,042)

(4,577)

320

(4,257)

Return attributable to equity shareholders

45,019

50,811

95,830

39,138

49,012

88,150

Return per Ordinary share (pence)

5

7.57

8.54

16.11

6.35

7.95

14.30

The total column of the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income is the profit and loss account of the Company.  

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Condensed Statement of Financial Position (unaudited)

As at

As at

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

Note

£'000

£'000

Fixed assets

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

1,788,727

1,764,994

Current assets

Prepayments and accrued income

14,039

7,591

Other debtors

11,559

10,577

Cash at bank and in hand

4,141

8,732

29,739

26,900

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other creditors

(2,468)

(3,129)

(2,468)

(3,129)

Net current assets

27,271

23,771

Total assets less current liabilities

1,815,998

1,788,765

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

2.24% Senior Unsecured Loan Note 2031

(49,941)

(49,936)

2.83% Senior Unsecured Loan Note 2037

(59,980)

(59,980)

Net assets

1,706,077

1,678,849

Capital and reserves

Called-up share capital

32,353

32,353

Share premium account

363,461

363,461

Capital redemption reserve

8,230

8,230

Capital reserve

1,223,415

1,200,623

Revenue reserve

78,618

74,182

Equity shareholders' funds

1,706,077

1,678,849

Net asset value per Ordinary share (pence)

6

287.9

278.4

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 



Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

Six months ended 30 June 2025  

Share

Capital

Share

premium

redemption

Capital

Revenue

capital

account

reserve

reserve

reserve

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 31 December 2024

32,353

363,461

8,230

1,200,623

74,182

1,678,849

Return after taxation

-

-

-

50,811

45,019

95,830

Dividends paid (see note 4)

-

-

-

-

(40,583)

(40,583)

Buy back of shares to Treasury

-

-

-

(28,019)

-

(28,019)

Balance at 30 June 2025

32,353

363,461

8,230

1,223,415

78,618

1,706,077

Six months ended 30 June 2024

Share

Capital

Share

premium

redemption

Capital

Revenue

capital

account

reserve

reserve

reserve

Total

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Balance at 31 December 2023

32,353

363,461

8,230

1,189,686

75,132

1,668,862

Return after taxation

-

-

-

49,012

39,138

88,150

Dividends paid (see note 4)

-

-

-

-

(41,298)

(41,298)

Buy back of shares to Treasury

-

-

-

(18,328)

-

(18,328)

Balance at 30 June 2024

32,353

363,461

8,230

1,220,370

72,972

1,697,386

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

Six months ended

Six months ended

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

Notes

£'000

£'000

Net return before finance costs and taxation

102,286

94,080

Decrease in accrued expenses

(18)

(553)

Overseas withholding tax

(6,222)

(4,386)

Decrease/(increase) in accrued income

2,717

(1,389)

Interest paid

(1,409)

(1,749)

Gains on investments

(54,843)

(53,304)

Currency losses

131

962

Increase in other debtors

(5)

(147)

Net cash from operating activities

42,637

33,514

Investing activities

Purchases of investments

(149,895)

(115,389)

Sales of investments

172,044

173,806

Net cash from investing activities

22,149

58,417

Financing activities

Equity dividends paid

4

(40,583)

(41,298)

Ordinary shares bought back to Treasury

(28,663)

(18,502)

Loan repayment

-

(30,000)

Net cash used in financing activities

(69,246)

(89,800)

(Decrease)/increase in cash

(4,460)

2,131

Analysis of changes in cash during the period

Opening balance

8,732

5,878

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

(131)

(962)

(Decrease)/increase in cash as above

8

(4,460)

2,131

Closing cash and cash equivalents

4,141

7,047

Represented by:

Cash at bank and in hand

4,141

7,047

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Notes to the Financial Statements (unaudited)

For the six months ended 30 June 2025

1.

Accounting policies - Basis of preparation

The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 (Interim Financial Reporting) and with the Statement of Recommended Practice for 'Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts'. They have also been prepared on a going concern basis and on the assumption that approval as an investment trust will continue to be granted. Annual financial statements are prepared under Financial Reporting Standard 102.

 

2.

Income

Six months ended

Six months ended

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

£'000

£'000

Income from investments

UK dividends

5,992

3,615

Overseas dividends - revenue

42,745

37,921

Overseas interest

3,261

4,207

51,998

45,743

Other income

Deposit interest

14

61

Stocklending

247

275

261

336

Total income

52,259

46,079

 

3.

Taxation

The taxation expense reflected in the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income is based on the estimated annual tax rate expected for the full financial year. The estimated annual corporation tax rate used for the year to 31 December 2025 is the current standard rate of 25% (2024 - standard rate of 25%). 

The tax expense represents the sum of tax currently payable and deferred tax. Any tax payable is based on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net return as reported in the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible.

4.

Ordinary dividends on equity shares

Six months ended

Six months ended

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

£'000

£'000

Third interim dividend 2024 of 2.5p (2023 - 2.4p)

15,078

14,898

Final dividend 2024 of 4.3p (2023 - 4.3p)

25,505

26,400

40,583

41,298

A first interim dividend for 2025 of 2.6p (2024 - 2.5p) will be paid on 15 August 2025 to shareholders on the register on 4 July 2025. The ex-dividend date was 3 July 2025.

A second interim dividend for 2025 of 2.6p (2024 - 2.5p) will be paid on 18 November 2025 to shareholders on the register on 3 October 2025. The ex-dividend date is 2 October 2025.

 

5.

Return per Ordinary share (pence)

Six months ended

Six months ended

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

£'000

Per Ordinary share (p)

£'000

Per Ordinary share (p)

Returns are based on the following figures:

Revenue return

45,019

7.57

39,138

6.35

Capital return

50,811

8.54

49,012

7.95

Total return

95,830

16.11

88,150

14.30

Weighted average number of Ordinary shares

595,003,144

616,408,026

 

6.

Net asset value

The net asset value per share and the net asset value attributable to the Ordinary shares at the period end calculated in accordance with the Articles of Association were as follows:  

As at

As at

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

Attributable net assets (£'000)

1,706,077

1,678,849

Number of Ordinary shares in issue (excluding Treasury)

592,603,288

603,129,219

Net asset value per share (pence)

287.9

278.4

7.

Transaction costs

During the period expenses were incurred in acquiring or disposing of investments classified as fair value through profit or loss. These have been expensed through capital and are included within gains on investments in the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income. The total costs were as follows:  

Six months ended

Six months ended

30 June 2025

30 June 2024

£'000

£'000

Purchases

366

182

Sales

135

168

501

350

 

8.

Analysis of changes in net debt

At

At

31 December

Currency

Cash

Non-cash

30 June

2024

differences

flows

movementsA

2025

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 Cash at bank and in hand

8,732

(131)

(4,460)

-

4,141

 Debt due after more than one year

(109,916)

-

-

(5)

(109,921)

(101,184)

(131)

(4,460)

(5)

(105,780)

At

At

31 December

Currency

Cash

Non-cash

30 June

2023

differences

flows

movementsA

2024

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

 Cash at bank and in hand

5,878

(962)

2,131

-

7,047

 Debt due within one year

(29,996)

-

30,000

(4)

-

 Debt due after more than one year

(109,905)

-

-

(5)

(109,910)

(134,023)

(962)

32,131

(9)

(102,863)

 A Figures reflect amortisation of finance costs and a movement in maturity dates.  

A statement reconciling the movement in net funds to the net cash flow has not been presented as there are no differences from the above analysis.

 

9.

Fair value hierarchy

FRS 102 requires an entity to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following classifications:  

Level 1:

Unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.

Level 2:

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable (ie developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:

Inputs are unobservable (ie for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.

The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the Condensed Statement of Financial Position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy at the reporting date as follows:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

As at 30 June 2025

Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Quoted equities

a)

1,725,080

-

-

1,725,080

Quoted preference shares

b)

-

3,984

-

3,984

b)

-

59,663

-

59,663

1,725,080

63,647

-

1,788,727

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

As at 31 December 2024

Note

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Quoted equities

a)

1,654,770

-

-

1,654,770

Quoted preference shares

b)

-

6,907

-

6,907

b)

-

103,317

-

103,317

1,654,770

110,224

-

1,764,994

a)

Quoted equities. The fair value of the Company's investments in quoted equities has been determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. Quoted equities included in Fair Value Level 1 are actively traded on recognised stock exchanges.  

b)

Quoted preference shares and bonds. The fair value of the Company's investments in quoted preference shares and bonds has been determined by reference to their quoted bid prices at the reporting date. Investments categorised as Level 2 are not considered to trade in active markets.  

10.

Share capital

As at 30 June 2025 there were 592,603,288 (31 December 2024 -  603,129,219) Ordinary shares of 5p each in issue. Ordinary shares held in Treasury were 54,456,727 (31 December 2024 - 43,930,796). Subsequent to the period end 965,645 Ordinary shares were bought back to be held in Treasury at a cost of £2,739,000.

 

11.

Transactions with the Manager

The Company has agreements with abrdn Fund Managers Limited ('aFML' or the 'Manager') for the provision of investment management, secretarial, accounting and administration and promotional activity services.

The management fee has been charged on net assets (i.e. excluding borrowings for investment purposes) averaged over the six previous quarters at a rate of 0.5% per annum up to £500 million, and 0.4% per annum thereafter. A fee of 1.5% per annum is chargeable on the value of any unlisted investments. No fees are chargeable in the case of investments managed or advised by the Aberdeen Group. The investment management fee is chargeable 30% against revenue and 70% against realised capital reserves. During the period £3,629,000 (30 June 2024 - £3,542,000) of investment management fees was payable to the Manager, with an amount of £1,818,000 (30 June 2024 - £1,778,000) being payable to aFML at the period end.

No fees are charged in the case of investments managed or advised by the Aberdeen Group. The management agreement may be terminated by either party on the expiry of six months' written notice. On termination the Manager is entitled to receive fees which would otherwise have been due up to that date.

The promotional activities fee is based on a current annual amount of £277,000 (30 June 2024 - £400,000), payable quarterly in arrears. During the period £139,000 (30 June 2024 - £200,000) of fees was payable, with an amount of £69,000 (30 June 2024 - £100,000) being payable to aFML at the period end.

 

12.

Segmental information

The Company is engaged in a single segment of business, which is to invest in equity securities and debt instruments. All of the Company's activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent on the others. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based on the Company as one segment.

 

13.

Half Yearly Report

The financial information in this Report does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 - 436 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2024 has been extracted from published accounts that have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and on which the report of the Company's auditor was unqualified and contained no statement under Section 498 (2), (3) or (4) of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed interim financial statements have been prepared using the same accounting policies as contained within the preceding annual financial statements.

The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2025 and 30 June 2024 has not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor.

 

14.

This Half Yearly Financial Report was approved by the Board on 14 August 2025.



Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative performance measures are numerical measures of the Company's current, historical or future performance, financial position or cash flows, other than financial measures defined or specified in the applicable financial framework. The Company's applicable financial framework includes FRS 102 and the AIC SORP. The Directors assess the Company's performance against a range of criteria which are viewed as particularly relevant for closed-end investment companies.  

Discount to net asset value per Ordinary share

The discount is the amount by which the share price is lower or higher than the net asset value per share, expressed as a percentage of the net asset value.

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

NAV per Ordinary share (p)

a

287.9

278.4

Share price (p)

b

280.0

257.5

Discount

(b-a)/a

-2.7%

-7.5%

Ongoing charges

The ongoing charges ratio has been calculated in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC as the total of investment management fees and administrative expenses and expressed as a percentage of the average published daily net asset values with debt at fair value throughout the year. The ratio for 30 June 2025 is based on forecast ongoing charges for the year ending 31 December 2025.

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

Investment management fees (£'000)

7,268

7,122

Administrative expenses (£'000)

1,582

1,798

Less: non-recurring chargesA (£'000)

(12)

(106)

Ongoing charges (£'000)

8,838

8,814

Average net assets (£'000)

1,718,353

1,694,445

Ongoing charges ratio

0.51%

0.52%

A Professional services comprising new Director recruitment costs and legal and advisory fees unlikely to recur.   

The ongoing charges ratio provided in the Company's Key Information Document is calculated in line with the PRIIPs regulations, which includes amongst other things, the cost of borrowings and transaction costs.

Net gearing

Net gearing measures the total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents dividend by shareholders' funds, expressed as a percentage. Under AIC reporting guidance cash and cash equivalents includes amounts due to and from brokers at the period end as well as cash and cash equivalents.

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

Borrowings (£'000)

a

109,921

109,916

Cash (£'000)

b

4,141

8,732

Amounts due (from)/to brokers (£'000)

c

(7,012)

647

Shareholders' funds (£'000)

d

1,706,077

1,678,849

Net gearing

(a-b+c)/d

5.8%

6.1%

Total return

NAV and share price total returns show how the NAV and share price has performed over a period of time in percentage terms, taking into account both capital returns and dividends paid to shareholders. Share price and NAV total returns are monitored against open-ended and closed-ended competitors, and the Reference Index, respectively.  

Share

Six months ended 30 June 2025

NAV

price

Opening at 1 January 2025

a

278.4p

257.5p

Closing at 30 June 2025

b

287.9p

280.0p

Price movements

c=(b/a)-1

3.4%

8.7%

Dividend reinvestmentA

d

2.6%

2.9%

Total return

c+d

+6.0%

+11.6%

Share

Year ended 31 December 2024

NAV

price

Opening at 1 January 2024

a

268.8p

258.0p

Closing at 31 December 2024

b

278.4p

257.5p

Price movements

c=(b/a)-1

3.6%

-0.2%

Dividend reinvestmentA

d

4.5%

4.7%

Total return

c+d

+8.1%

+4.5%

A NAV total return involves investing the net dividend in the NAV of the Company with debt at par value on the date on which that dividend goes ex-dividend. Share price total return involves reinvesting the net dividend in the share price of the Company on the date on which that dividend goes ex-dividend.



Summary of Net Assets

Valuation

Valuation

30 June 2025

31 December 2024

£'000

%

£'000

%

Equities

1,725,080

101.1

1,654,770

98.6

Preference shares

3,984

0.2

6,907

0.4

Bonds

59,663

3.5

103,317

6.1

Total investments

1,788,727

104.8

1,764,994

105.1

Net current assets

27,271

1.6

23,771

1.4

Total assets

1,815,998

106.4

1,788,765

106.5

BorrowingsA

(109,921)

(6.4)

(109,916)

(6.5)

Net assets

1,706,077

100.0

1,678,849

100.0

A All long-term loan notes.



Summary of Investment Changes

Valuation

Appreciation/

Net purchases/

Valuation

31 December 2024

(depreciation)

(sales)

30 June 2025

£'000

%

£'000

£'000

£'000

%

Equities

UK

128,125

5.3

(1,477)

13,051

139,699

7.8

North America

565,927

32.1

16,999

7,964

590,890

33.1

Europe ex UK

405,457

24.9

22,223

14,614

442,294

24.7

Asia Pacific ex Japan

412,778

23.4

3,191

8,621

424,590

23.7

Latin America

142,483

8.1

17,843

(32,719)

127,607

7.2

1,654,770

93.8

58,779

11,531

1,725,080

96.5

Preference shares

UK

6,907

0.4

(102)

(2,821)

3,984

0.2

6,907

0.4

(102)

(2,821)

3,984

0.2

Bonds

Europe ex UK

1,703

0.1

(9)

(1,694)

-

-

Asia Pacific ex Japan

43,237

2.4

(2,880)

(27,465)

12,892

0.8

Latin America

43,342

2.5

(977)

(10,707)

31,658

1.7

Africa

15,035

0.8

34

44

15,113

0.8

103,317

5.8

(3,832)

(39,822)

59,663

3.3

Total investments

1,764,994

100.0

54,845

(31,112)

1,788,727

100.0



Investment Portfolio

As at 30 June 2025

Valuation

Valuation

Security

Country

£'000

%

Philip Morris International

USA

85,427

4.8

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan

74,143

4.1

Broadcom Corporation

USA

69,403

3.9

CME Group

USA

60,309

3.4

Aeroporto del Sureste

Mexico

60,158

3.4

Oversea-Chinese Bank

Singapore

50,697

2.8

AbbVie

USA

49,021

2.7

BE Semiconductor

Netherlands

48,955

2.7

Zurich Insurance

Switzerland

48,284

2.7

Cisco Systems

USA

47,810

2.7

Top ten investments

594,207

33.2

TotalEnergies

France

44,629

2.5

Telus                    

Canada

44,445

2.5

Hong Kong Exchanges

Hong Kong

43,993

2.5

Singapore Telecommunications

Singapore

43,660

2.4

Enbridge

Canada

43,121

2.4

Verizon Communications

USA

40,398

2.3

Enel

Italy

40,227

2.3

British American Tobacco

UK

38,071

2.1

Tryg

Denmark

36,628

2.0

UnileverA

UK & Netherlands

35,423

2.0

Top twenty investments

1,004,802

56.2

Merck

USA

34,633

1.9

Mercedes-Benz

Germany

34,083

1.9

Sanofi

France

33,798

1.9

Johnson & Johnson

USA

32,634

1.8

Samsung Electronics

Korea

32,611

1.8

Shell

UK

31,153

1.8

Bristol-Myers Squibb

USA

30,395

1.7

Walmart de Mexico

Mexico

29,735

1.7

Danone

France

29,707

1.7

Hon Hai Precision Industry

Taiwan

29,360

1.6

Top thirty investments

1,322,911

74.0

Diageo

UK

28,144

1.6

Telenor

Norway

28,141

1.6

Pernod-Ricard

France

27,538

1.5

Intesa Sanpaolo

Italy

27,205

1.5

Medtronic

USA

26,720

1.5

Coca-Cola

USA

26,574

1.5

Infosys

India

26,262

1.5

Siemens

Germany

26,257

1.5

BHP Group

Australia

24,444

1.3

Taylor Wimpey

UK

23,750

1.3

Top forty investments

1,587,946

88.8

SCB X

Thailand

23,637

1.3

Ping An Insurance

China

23,147

1.3

Woodside Energy

Australia

19,098

1.1

Telefonica Brasil

Brazil

18,868

1.1

Vale do Rio Doce

Brazil

18,846

1.0

Telkom Indonesia

Indonesia

17,619

1.0

Rio Tinto

Australia

15,919

0.9

United Mexican States 5.75% 05/03/26

Mexico

15,194

0.8

Republic of South Africa 7% 28/02/31

South Africa

15,113

0.8

Petroleos Mexicanos 6.75% 21/09/47

Mexico

10,571

0.6

Top fifty investments

1,765,958

98.7

HDFC Bank 7.95% 21/09/26

India

6,454

0.4

Power Finance Corp 7.63% 14/08/26

India

6,438

0.4

Petroleos Mexicanos 5.5% 27/06/44

Mexico

5,893

0.3

Santander 10.375% Non Cum Pref

UK

3,984

0.2

Total investments

1,788,727

100.0

AHolding comprises UK and Netherlands securities, split £18,581,000 and £16,842,000 respectively.

 

The Half Yearly Report will be printed and issued to shareholders in late August and further copies will be available on the Company's web site murray-intl.co.uk*.

 

* Neither the Company's website nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on it (or any other website) is (or is deemed to be) incorporated into, or forms (or is deemed to form) part of this announcement.

 

 

By order of the Board

 

ABRDN HOLDINGS LIMITED, SECRETARY

14 August 2025

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