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3i Group PLC (GB:III)
LSE:III

3i Group plc (III) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:III

3i Group plc

(LSE:III)

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Outperform 78 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
3,683.00p
▲(15.56% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:12/07/25
3i Group plc's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are the most significant factors driving the score. The technical analysis suggests caution due to bearish trends, but the low P/E ratio and insider confidence through share purchases provide a positive outlook. Challenges in specific markets and macroeconomic conditions are risks to monitor.
Positive Factors
Cash generation
3i's strong free cash flow growth and solid operating cash flow to net income ratios indicate durable cash conversion. That supports recurring distributions, funds follow-on investments, and ability to cover fees or buybacks, improving resilience through cycles and financing flexibility.
Profitability and revenue growth
Consistently high gross and net margins plus substantial revenue expansion point to operational efficiency and scalable economics. Sustainable margins enable reinvestment in portfolio support, cover management costs, and enhance long-term returns for the balance-sheet and managed funds.
Proven portfolio value creation
A 13% total return and meaningful NAV uplift reflect effective private equity and infrastructure value creation. Demonstrated ability to grow portfolio companies (e.g., Action) supports repeatable exit potential and fee/carry generation, underpinning durable earnings for the investment manager.
Negative Factors
Country/market exposure risk
Weakness in France, a core market for a major portfolio holding, can meaningfully dent portfolio earnings and NAV. Prolonged underperformance in that geography would reduce cash distributions and exit values, pressuring long-term return generation and strategic deployment plans.
Concentration in a single holding
Holding over 60% of a single high-profile asset creates material concentration risk: the firm's NAV and equity returns become highly sensitive to that company's operational and refinancing outcomes, amplifying volatility and downside if that asset underperforms or faces structural headwinds.
Cautious deployment amid macro uncertainty
A selective, cautious investment posture can preserve capital but may slow deployment and management-fee growth. Over several months this conservatism can reduce deal flow, limit value-creation opportunities, and compress earnings visibility for an investment manager reliant on new investments and exits.

3i Group plc (III) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

3i Group plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description3i Group plc is a private equity firm specializing in mature companies, growth capital, middle markets, infrastructure, and management leveraged buyouts and buy-ins. The firm also provides infrastructure financing and debt management. For debt management, it invests in senior and mezzanine corporate debt in typically large and private companies in United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and North America. It makes private equity investments in business and technology services, financial services, consumer, healthcare, consumption and distribution, media and telecom, renewable energy, wind, and industrial sector. Within business and technology services, the firm seeks to invest in sub sectors such as testing, inspection and certification; BPO and consultancy; human capital including staffing, governance, risk and compliance, services to pharmaceutical companies, vertical application software, education and training businesses; facilities management; support services to industrial sectors such as oil and gas and utilities; human resources outsourcing and advising; recruitment; logistics and infrastructure support services including distribution, waste, and rental. In the consumer sector, it focuses on polarization, health and wellness, ageing population, millennials, consumer goods; e-commerce; retail; food and drinks; and leisure. In the healthcare sector, the firm focuses on pharmaceuticals and biotechnology including specialty pharma, generics / OTC, drug delivery, and animal health; healthcare Services including activities such as elderly and specialty care, including caring for people in their own homes, in hospital and in community facilities, as well as operational services such as outsourced support, clinical services and B2B contract services; medical devices and technology including devices, medical equipment and consumables, diagnostics, and healthcare IT. In the industrial sector, it focuses on automotive, chemicals, construction and building products, electronics and electrical components, flow control and filtration, life science manufacturing, mobility, packaging, software, oil, gas and power. Through 3i BIFM Limited and 3i Infrastructure plc the firm makes infrastructure investments where it focuses principally on the utilities including energy transmission and storage, electricity and gas distribution, water, power generation, and communication network; transportation including airports, ports, ferries, toll roads, and rail; and social infrastructure sector including primary and secondary PFI, public private partnerships, healthcare, education, and government accommodation. In infrastructure it invests primarily in utilities, transportation and social infrastructure in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Europe, and Ireland. The firm prefers to invest in companies across Europe, France, United States, South America, and Asia. It seeks to make new investments in Northern Europe and North America. The firm typically invests between 5 million ($5.59125 million) and 300 million ($335.475 million) in companies with an enterprise value typically between 100 million ($111.825 million) and 500 million ($559.125 million) and sales value between 80 million ($89.46 million) and 1500 million ($1677.38 million). It seeks to take either majority or minority stakes. It seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies with regards to infrastructure investments. The firm invests through a combination of third-party and proprietary capital. It invests through its personal capital. 3i Group plc was founded in 1945 and is based in London, United Kingdom with additional offices across Europe, North America, and Asia.
How the Company Makes Money3i Group generates revenue primarily through management fees and performance fees associated with its investment funds. The company earns management fees by managing private equity and infrastructure portfolios, typically calculated as a percentage of committed capital or assets under management. Performance fees are earned based on the profits generated from investments exceeding certain benchmarks, aligning the interests of 3i with its investors. Additionally, 3i Group may realize gains from the sale of its investments, contributing to its revenue through capital appreciation. Strategic partnerships with other investment firms and co-investments also enhance its ability to leverage resources and increase returns, further supporting its earnings.

3i Group plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 13, 2025
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 07, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a generally positive outlook with strong performance metrics and growth in key areas such as Action and Royal Sanders. However, challenges in the French market and macroeconomic concerns present notable risks.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
3i Group delivered a total return of 13%, with a net asset value per share increasing to GBP 28.57 from GBP 22.61, and a gross investment return of 14% from private equity and 9% from infrastructure.
Action's Continued Growth
Action expanded with net sales up 17.4% and operating EBITDA up 16.3% to GBP 1.563 billion. Like-for-like sales increased by 5.7%, and the company opened 272 new stores, with a target of 380 by year-end.
Successful Debt Management
Action raised EUR 1.6 billion in the U.S. and European debt markets with strong demand, and achieved interest cost savings of EUR 14 million through refinancing.
Royal Sanders Performance
Royal Sanders delivered good organic growth and excellent cash flow, contributing to the positive performance of the private equity portfolio.
Positive Currency Impact
Foreign exchange movements contributed a positive 78p to the net asset value per share, driven by the depreciation of the pound against the euro.
Negative Updates
Challenges in France
Action's like-for-like sales in France were negative in October due to challenging macroeconomic conditions, political uncertainty, and high food inflation, impacting overall group performance.
Seasonal Performance Concerns
There is uncertainty about the seasonal performance due to softer start and potential for lower margin product clearance in the Christmas period.
Macro Environment Caution
Continued caution regarding the general macro environment and careful evaluation of new investment opportunities, reflecting challenges in core markets.
Company Guidance
During the 3i Group plc Half Year Results Presentation, the company reported a total return of 13%, with a net asset value (NAV) per share increasing to GBP 28.57 from GBP 22.61 the previous year. The gross investment return was 14% from private equity and 9% from infrastructure, with private equity showing strong earnings growth, where 86% of the portfolio by value grew earnings by more than 10%. Action, a significant part of their portfolio, demonstrated impressive performance with net sales up 17.4% and operating EBITDA increasing by 16.3% to GBP 1.563 billion. The company opened 272 new stores, with plans to reach approximately 380 by year-end, reflecting a 13% increase in store numbers. The French market posed challenges, potentially affecting the 6.1% like-for-like sales growth guidance, but the company remains optimistic about the Christmas season's impact. The investment in Action increased to 62.3%, with a significant refinancing deal completed in October, raising EUR 1.6 billion, mostly at a fixed euro cost under 4.6%, resulting in pro forma leverage of 3x. The broader private equity portfolio was valued at GBP 27.1 billion, with positive contributions from Royal Sanders and Audley, and the infrastructure portfolio valued at GBP 2.2 billion, contributing to a consistent compounding return on equity.

3i Group plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
3i Group plc demonstrates strong financial performance with high profitability and efficient cost management. The income statement shows robust revenue and profit margins, while the balance sheet reflects prudent leverage management and strong equity returns. Cash flow is positive, indicating effective cash generation and management.
Income Statement
92
Very Positive
3i Group plc has shown impressive performance in its income statement metrics. The gross profit margin is high, indicating efficient cost management. The net profit margin is robust, reflecting strong profitability. Revenue growth over recent years has been substantial, showcasing excellent growth trajectory. Additionally, EBIT and EBITDA margins are very healthy, underscoring operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
85
Very Positive
The balance sheet of 3i Group plc is strong, marked by a low debt-to-equity ratio that signifies prudent leverage management. The return on equity is exceptional, indicating effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio is solid, reflecting a strong capital structure. However, the company's asset growth could be more aggressive to support expansion.
Cash Flow
88
Very Positive
3i Group plc's cash flow statement is very positive, with a strong free cash flow growth rate highlighting effective cash generation capability. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is solid, indicating good cash conversion efficiency. Additionally, the free cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, demonstrating effective cash management.
BreakdownTTMMar 2024Mar 2023Mar 2022Mar 2020Mar 2019
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.78B5.27B3.98B714.00M238.00M1.36B
Gross Profit3.29B5.19B3.98B4.14B225.00M1.36B
EBITDA5.81B5.05B3.82B4.03B1.87B1.25B
Net Income6.28B5.04B3.84B4.01B1.85B1.24B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets29.64B26.06B21.64B13.95B10.33B8.72B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments408.00M412.00M358.00M212.00M216.00M983.00M
Total Debt1.29B1.24B1.25B994.00M992.00M575.00M
Total Liabilities1.42B1.45B1.47B1.19B1.17B812.00M
Stockholders Equity28.23B24.61B20.17B12.75B9.16B7.91B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow373.00M747.00M363.00M132.00M-66.00M485.00M
Operating Cash Flow387.00M763.00M366.00M132.00M-65.00M488.00M
Investing Cash Flow383.00M-16.00M-3.00M306.00M-541.00M-53.00M
Financing Cash Flow-740.00M-690.00M-164.00M-446.00M53.00M-423.00M

3i Group plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price3187.00
Price Trends
50DMA
3268.22
Negative
100DMA
3482.12
Negative
200DMA
3762.12
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-21.75
Positive
RSI
43.48
Neutral
STOCH
12.92
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:III, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 3187 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3322.95, below the 50-day MA of 3268.22, and below the 200-day MA of 3762.12, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -21.75 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.48 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 12.92 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:III.

3i Group plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
£31.76B3.0025.05%2.44%62.80%48.86%
78
Outperform
£4.55B5.7141.56%5.93%4.28%5.18%
76
Outperform
£9.08B11.958.30%5.37%4.78%-4.86%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
£4.63B5.3724.36%4.13%28.34%44.04%
61
Neutral
£14.40B23.716.81%8.29%-38.98%-31.14%
61
Neutral
£7.18B6.43-1.53%7.09%9.86%-134.41%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:III
3i Group plc
2,929.00
-813.20
-21.73%
GB:ICG
Intermediate Capital
1,632.00
-456.25
-21.85%
GB:LGEN
Legal & General
257.90
33.56
14.96%
GB:SDR
Schroders
585.50
181.16
44.80%
GB:MNG
M&G Plc
304.50
111.18
57.51%
GB:N91
Ninety One
242.20
106.34
78.28%

3i Group plc Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Discloses Director Share Awards Under Incentive Plan
Neutral
Mar 2, 2026

3i Group plc has reported transactions under its Share Incentive Plan in which several directors and persons discharging managerial responsibilities acquired ordinary shares in the company. The latest allotments consisted of Partnership Shares purchased at a set subscription price and Matching Shares granted for no consideration, reflecting ongoing use of equity-based incentives in management compensation.

Named executives, including K J Dunn, J H Halai, A Lissaman, J Marie and B Sottomayor, each became beneficially interested in between 12 and 15 additional shares through a mix of purchased and matched awards. The company was notified of these off-market transactions on 2 March 2026, underscoring routine governance disclosures rather than a shift in overall ownership structure or strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £4000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Updates Total Voting Rights After Share Incentive Allotment
Neutral
Feb 27, 2026

3i Group plc has updated its total voting rights following an allotment of shares under the company’s Share Incentive Plan on 27 February 2026. The company now has 1,024,701,366 issued ordinary shares in circulation, each carrying one voting right and with none held in treasury, establishing the denominator for regulatory disclosures under the FCA’s transparency rules.

This new total voting rights figure will be used by shareholders and other obligated parties to determine whether they must notify any interests or changes in interests in 3i Group plc. The disclosure, made under UK disclosure and transparency regulations, confirms that the company’s home member state for transparency purposes remains the United Kingdom, reinforcing its compliance framework for market participants.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £4000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
3i Director Stephen Daintith Joins Kingfisher Board as Non-Executive Director
Neutral
Feb 3, 2026

3i Group plc has announced that board director and person discharging managerial responsibilities Stephen Daintith has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Kingfisher PLC, effective 1 April 2026. The move expands Daintith’s external board portfolio and may enhance 3i’s broader corporate network and governance reach, although he will continue in his role at 3i while contributing independent oversight at the FTSE-listed retailer.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Sell with a £3000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Directors Increase Stakes Through Share Incentive Plan Awards
Positive
Jan 30, 2026

3i Group plc has disclosed changes in the shareholdings of several directors and persons discharging managerial responsibilities under its Share Incentive Plan. On 30 January 2026, five named executives acquired additional ordinary shares through a combination of partnership shares they purchased, matching shares granted at no cost, and dividend shares bought via reinvested dividends, with individual totals ranging from 70 to 311 shares. The transactions, all executed outside a trading venue and notified to the company the same day, incrementally increase management’s beneficial ownership and reinforce the use of equity-based incentives to align leadership with shareholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £47.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Updates Total Voting Rights After New Share Allotment
Neutral
Jan 30, 2026

3i Group plc has increased its issued share capital following the allotment and admission to trading of 31,353,859 new ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange on 30 January 2026, alongside an allotment under The 3i Group Share Incentive Plan. As a result, the company’s total issued share capital now comprises 1,024,699,476 ordinary shares, each carrying one voting right, with no shares held in treasury. This updated total voting rights figure will serve as the reference denominator for shareholders and other obliged parties when assessing and notifying changes in their holdings under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, confirming the United Kingdom as 3i’s home member state for transparency purposes.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £47.40 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group CEO Simon Borrows Increases Stake with £1m Share Purchase
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

3i Group plc disclosed that its Chief Executive, Simon Borrows, has increased his personal stake in the company by purchasing 30,000 ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange at a price of £34.897837 per share. The director dealing, reported under UK Market Abuse Regulation, signals additional alignment between senior management and shareholders, and may be interpreted by investors as a vote of confidence in 3i’s current strategy and future prospects.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Sell with a £3000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
3i Group Lifts NAV and Deepens Bet on Action After Another Strong Quarter
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

3i Group reported another strong quarter, lifting net asset value per share to 3,017p at 31 December 2025 and delivering a 20% total return over the first nine months of FY2026, supported by currency gains, portfolio realisations and dividends. The performance was driven largely by discount retailer Action, which posted 16% net sales growth to €16bn and 14% operating EBITDA growth to €2.37bn in 2025, opened a record 384 new stores and continued to see robust like-for-like sales despite softer French consumer demand, while 3i increased its stake in the business to 62.3% following a capital restructuring and later agreed to acquire a further c.2.9% interest from GIC via new 3i shares. Across the wider portfolio, 3i highlighted solid trading from consumer and private label assets such as Royal Sanders and Audley Travel, completed the profitable disposal of MAIT, and benefited from a rising share price and dividends from 3i Infrastructure, leaving the group with £995m of gross cash, minimal gearing of 1% and what management describes as strong momentum into the final quarter of its financial year.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Sell with a £3000.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Directors Increase Holdings Through Share Incentive Plan
Positive
Jan 7, 2026

3i Group plc has disclosed that several directors and persons discharging managerial responsibilities have increased their beneficial holdings in the company through its Share Incentive Plan. On 6 January 2026, five senior individuals acquired a mix of Partnership Shares, bought at a subscription price of 3241.0 pence per share, and Matching Shares awarded for no consideration, resulting in total allocations ranging from 12 to 15 ordinary shares each. The transactions, notified to the company on 7 January 2026 and executed outside a trading venue, underscore continued insider participation in 3i’s equity-based remuneration scheme, aligning management interests with those of shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £47.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Updates Market on Total Voting Rights After Share Allotment
Neutral
Jan 6, 2026

3i Group plc has updated the market on its share capital, confirming that following an allotment of shares under The 3i Group Share Incentive Plan on 6 January 2026, the company now has 993,335,520 issued ordinary shares admitted to trading, each carrying one vote, with no shares held in treasury. The revised total voting rights figure will serve as the reference denominator for shareholders and other obliged parties when assessing whether they must disclose holdings or changes in holdings under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, with the UK confirmed as the company’s Home Member State for transparency purposes.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £47.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
3i Group Confirms No Exposure to Certain Closed-Ended Investment Funds at Year-End 2025
Positive
Jan 2, 2026

3i Group plc has disclosed, in line with UK Listing Rule 11.7.8R, that as of the last business day of December 2025 it held no investments in listed closed-ended investment funds that themselves lack a policy to limit their exposure to other listed closed-ended funds. The statement underscores 3i’s compliance with regulatory requirements around fund-of-funds exposure and provides reassurance to investors and regulators that the group’s portfolio does not carry additional indirect concentration risk via such investment structures at that reporting date.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:III) stock is a Buy with a £47.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on 3i Group plc stock, see the GB:III Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025