The Australian Foundation Investment Co.Ltd. (ASX: AFI) share price is under the spotlight after releasing its FY21 result.
AFIC’s FY21 result
AFIC is one of the oldest and largest listed investment companies (LICs). It invests in a diversified portfolio of ASX shares. The business aims to provide income and capital growth over the medium to long term. Its annual management cost is 0.14%, with no performance fees.
Operating revenue was down 0.6% to $262.8 million. In dollar terms, the FY21 profit was $235.1 million, down 2.2% from FY20. However, that included a demerger ‘dividend’ of $36.5 million from the Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV) demerger from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW). Excluding that, profit was $198.6 million, which saw a drop in dividends due to COVID-19.
In percentage terms, its portfolio return for the year (including franking credits and after costs) was 31.9%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index return of 29.1%. Over the last decade, its return of 11% was better than the index’s return of 10.8%.
Some of the companies that assisted with this return were Reece Ltd (ASX: REH), ARB Corporation Limited (ASX: ARB), James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) and ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ). Its largest purchase was participating in the PEXA Group Limited (ASX: PXA) initial public offering (IPO).
The company also said it has invested $48 million (0.5% of the portfolio) into global shares in FY21. It’s looking for businesses with strong competitive advantages, good growth potential and across a broad range of industries.
Dividends
AFIC’s board has decided on a final dividend of $0.14 per share, the same as last year. That adds to the $0.10 half year dividend, bringing the full year dividend to $0.24 per share, the same as last year.
Outlook and my thoughts on the AFIC share price
AFIC noted that inflation is rising and could cause disruption for certain companies. It believes that its portfolio is well positioned because of market strength and the ability to leverage efficiencies. AFIC said it would buy more of its preferred companies at attractive prices, if share prices declined.
Considering its net tangible assets (NTA – the underlying value) was $7.45 at 30 June 2021, the share price seems pricey at $8.11 when you can just buy an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for the same value of assets you’re getting.
But if you’re only focused on income I suppose it’s not a bad choice, it’s just that I think there are other ASX dividend shares which may be better options for income.
