Should I buy 3i Group stock in 2025?
Is it the right time to buy 3i Group?
3i Group plc, a leading UK-listed investment company, currently trades at around 4,071 pence with a recent average daily volume of 1.76 million shares. Its £39.8 billion market capitalisation underlines its dominance in the financial services and private equity sector. Despite slightly trailing analyst expectations in its most recent annual results, 3i Group posted robust net profit growth of 31% year-on-year and delivered a notable 25% total return. The group’s significant investment in Action—Europe's fast-growing discount retailer—continues to underpin portfolio performance, complemented by dynamic expansion across infrastructure assets and an increasing focus on sustainable, ESG-aligned returns. Notably, Action's ambitious growth plans and progress on climate objectives are contributing to positive investor sentiment. While its strong exposure to Action presents a point worth monitoring, 3i’s broad sectoral expertise and disciplined long-term approach remain key strengths in a rapidly evolving market landscape. The current consensus among more than 14 national and international banks establishes a target price of 5,292 pence, suggesting broad confidence in 3i's sustained growth trajectory. For investors seeking a blend of income and capital appreciation within a resilient sector, 3i Group presents a compelling opportunity to consider at current levels.
- ✅Consistently strong long-term total returns, outperforming the broader financial sector.
- ✅Significant portfolio exposure to Action, a thriving pan-European discount retail leader.
- ✅Expertise in private equity and infrastructure, driving resilient and compound growth.
- ✅Attractive dividend yield of 1.77%, adding a regular income stream for shareholders.
- ✅Recognised market leadership in ESG and sustainable investing across Europe.
- ❌High portfolio concentration to Action increases exposure to its performance swings.
- ❌Earnings sensitive to broader economic cycles affecting private equity and infrastructure.
- ✅Consistently strong long-term total returns, outperforming the broader financial sector.
- ✅Significant portfolio exposure to Action, a thriving pan-European discount retail leader.
- ✅Expertise in private equity and infrastructure, driving resilient and compound growth.
- ✅Attractive dividend yield of 1.77%, adding a regular income stream for shareholders.
- ✅Recognised market leadership in ESG and sustainable investing across Europe.
Is it the right time to buy 3i Group?
- ✅Consistently strong long-term total returns, outperforming the broader financial sector.
- ✅Significant portfolio exposure to Action, a thriving pan-European discount retail leader.
- ✅Expertise in private equity and infrastructure, driving resilient and compound growth.
- ✅Attractive dividend yield of 1.77%, adding a regular income stream for shareholders.
- ✅Recognised market leadership in ESG and sustainable investing across Europe.
- ❌High portfolio concentration to Action increases exposure to its performance swings.
- ❌Earnings sensitive to broader economic cycles affecting private equity and infrastructure.
- ✅Consistently strong long-term total returns, outperforming the broader financial sector.
- ✅Significant portfolio exposure to Action, a thriving pan-European discount retail leader.
- ✅Expertise in private equity and infrastructure, driving resilient and compound growth.
- ✅Attractive dividend yield of 1.77%, adding a regular income stream for shareholders.
- ✅Recognised market leadership in ESG and sustainable investing across Europe.
- 3i Group
- The price of 3i Group stock
- Our full analysis of 3i Group stock
- How to Buy 3i Group Stock in the UK
- 7 tips for buying 3i Group stock
- The latest news about 3i Group
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe ?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been tracking the performance of 3i Group for over three years. Every month, over a million users in the UK trust us to decipher market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by 3i Group.
3i Group
Indicator | Value | Analysis |
---|---|---|
🏳️ Nationality | United Kingdom | British-based investment firm with a leading role in European private equity. |
💼 Market | London Stock Exchange (LSE) | LSE listing ensures high visibility and strong liquidity for UK investors. |
🏛️ ISIN code | GB00B1YW4409 | UK ISIN identifies 3i Group as eligible for ISA and SIPP. |
👤 CEO | Simon Borrows | CEO since 2012, he has successfully driven growth and strategic transformation. |
🏢 Market cap | £39.8 billion | 3i Group is a large-cap company, reflecting relevance and portfolio strength. |
📈 Revenue | £5.15 billion (FY2025) | Revenue has grown strongly, driven by outstanding returns from core assets like Action. |
💹 EBITDA | Not disclosed separately (see net income) | Net profit is high, but lack of separate EBITDA may affect deep comparability. |
📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 7.83 | Low P/E suggests attractive valuation or possible risks, but earnings are robust. |
The price of 3i Group stock
The price of 3i Group stock is rising this week. As of now, 3i Group is trading at 4,071 pence per share, up 0.52% in the past 24 hours but slightly lower by 0.15% over the week. The company’s market capitalisation stands at £39.8 billion, with a healthy three-month average daily volume of 1.76 million shares. The P/E Ratio is 7.83, the dividend yield is 1.77%, and the stock has a beta of 1.00, indicating market-level volatility. With its strong performance and manageable risk profile, 3i Group remains an attractive choice for many UK investors.
Our full analysis of 3i Group stock
We have reviewed 3i Group's latest financial results and analysed the stock's performance over the past three years, drawing on a combination of rigorous financial indicators, real-time technical signals, global market data, and comparative analysis with direct competitors using our proprietary algorithms. Our holistic, data-driven approach aims to highlight both strengths and upward catalysts for investors. So, why might 3i Group stock once again become a strategic entry point into the European private equity and asset management sector in 2025?
Recent performance and market context
3i Group has delivered an impressive shareholder return, with the stock currently trading at 4,071 pence, up more than 35% over the past year and showing resilience despite a marginal 0.15% dip this week. This strong price action has been underpinned by a robust operational track record, with rising revenues and growing net profit, thanks especially to stellar performance from its flagship investment, the discount retail brand Action. Notably, 3i Group remains well-insulated from domestic macro volatility due to the breadth of its European and international exposure. The wider environment remains broadly supportive: persistently low interest rates across Europe, a persistent trend towards alternative assets, and high demand for private equity have created a favourable backdrop for the group’s core business.
Key recent positive events include a substantial additional investment of £768 million into Action, reflecting management’s confidence in its largest holding, and continued success in expanding infrastructure investments. The group’s decisive focus on high-growth, resilient companies positions it to benefit further from the recovery in European consumption and the ongoing hunt for yield as traditional fixed-income products offer limited upside.
Technical analysis
Technical indicators for 3i Group continue to send constructive signals. The stock’s RSI (Relative Strength Index) is at 51.60, firmly in neutral territory and indicating a balanced market with neither overbought nor oversold conditions. The MACD remains slightly bearish at 6.88, reflecting recent short-term consolidation; however, this is counteracted by a structurally bullish setup, as prices remain comfortably above major moving averages: 20-day (4,087p), 50-day (4,046p), 100-day (3,941p), and 200-day (3,701p). This clustering of support across multiple timeframes highlights a well-entrenched uptrend.
Crucially, the stock is trading just above its main support zone (4,010–4,064p), with resistance visible around 4,174–4,228p. The proximity to key technical support levels offers investors an attractive risk/reward setup, especially as upside triggers remain active. The underlying structure confirms a powerful medium-term bullish momentum that favours continued accumulation.
Fundamental analysis
3i Group’s fundamentals are particularly impressive, delivering both growth and value. For the financial year ending March 2025, revenue surged to £5.15 billion, a year-on-year increase of 29%. Net profit reached £5.04 billion, up by 31%, driving earnings per share to 5.20 GBP. This robust profitability is underpinned by consistently high returns from cornerstone investments like Action, now geared for further European store expansion.
The stock is trading at a notably attractive valuation, with a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 7.83—substantially lower than many peers in finance and private equity. This indicates either conservatism or an overlooked growth opportunity, especially considering 3i Group’s consistent double-digit total shareholder returns (25% in FY2025, up from 23% the previous year). The current dividend yield stands at 1.77%, with a 0.73 GBP final payment scheduled for July, sustaining its appeal to income-oriented investors.
- A solid reputation as a European leader in private equity and infrastructure,
- A diversified asset portfolio that is strategically focused on resilient, high-growth sectors,
- Long-standing expertise in value creation and active portfolio management,
- A proven brand recognised by institutional and retail investors alike.
Overall, the company’s long-term holding philosophy continues to generate powerful compounding returns, making it an outstanding candidate for investor portfolios focused on growth and stability.
Volume and liquidity
With an average daily trading volume of 1.76 million shares over the past three months and a market capitalisation approaching £40 billion, 3i Group enjoys deep liquidity and robust market confidence. The freely-traded float and the concentration of institutional shareholders contribute to efficient price discovery and dynamic valuations. Such sustained activity often reflects the strong conviction of investors and confirms the wide appeal and relevance of the stock on the LSE.
For those considering entry, high liquidity ensures that orders can be executed easily and at competitive spreads. This is particularly valuable in times of heightened volatility or during periods of notable news flow, as it allows investors flexibility and precision in managing their exposure.
Catalysts and positive outlook
- The ongoing expansion of Action, which plans to triple its European store count, opens the door to rapid growth across key consumer markets.
- An increasing focus on ESG and sustainable investment criteria enhances the group’s profile with a new generation of investors demanding responsible stewardship and measurable impact.
- Advances in the infrastructure segment, including new investments via 3i Infrastructure, enable portfolio diversification and resilience against swings in the economic cycle.
- Strategic management decisions, such as decisive reinvestment into winning assets and prudent capital deployment, create a formula for sustained value creation.
Looking ahead, 3i Group stands poised to benefit from accelerating trends including urbanisation, the digital economy, and rising European consumer spending. Its adherence to long-term investment horizons and its ability to successfully navigate macroeconomic shifts mean that it is optimally placed to capitalise on future upswings.
Investment strategies
The timing to consider an entry in 3i Group seems particularly opportune, with both technical and fundamental signals aligning to favour a positive outcome. For short-term investors, the stock’s proximity to key support levels suggests a favourable entry point, especially if upcoming news from core holdings like Action or infrastructure wins spark renewed momentum. Medium-term traders may appreciate the historically low P/E valuation and resilient earnings growth as attractive “mean reversion” opportunities. For long-term investors, the group's proven track record of compounding returns and its focus on structurally advantaged sectors support continued conviction.
- Positioning after minor pullbacks near support levels to maximise risk/reward,
- Gradual accumulation in anticipation of key growth catalysts,
- Taking advantage of dividend dates for additional yield,
- Adding exposure on technical confirmations or following especially favourable news flow from core investments.
In all cases, prudent allocation, diversification within the broader sector, and periodic portfolio reviews ensure that risk remains well controlled while maximising upside potential.
Is it the right time to buy 3i Group?
3i Group’s combination of robust revenue growth, compelling valuation, resilient income, and technical strength makes it one of the most attractive stories in European private equity. Its performance is underpinned by powerful catalysts, from the remarkable expansion of Action to a unique blend of traditional and alternative assets. The positive technical setup, deep liquidity, and continued income stream from dividends complement its strategic advantages, offering favourable conditions to all investor profiles.
With the broader alternative asset sector enjoying renewed interest and 3i Group demonstrating both the discipline and creativity to exploit new growth drivers, the fundamentals justify renewed interest in the stock. 3i Group’s resilience and forward-thinking investment approach seem to represent an excellent opportunity for those seeking balanced growth and defensive qualities in a single holding.
For investors seeking a compelling entry point into Europe’s evolving asset management universe, 3i Group stands out as a leading candidate, poised to deliver attractive returns and long-term value. Now may be the moment to give this stock the consideration it truly deserves.
How to Buy 3i Group Stock in the UK
Buying 3i Group stock online is simple, secure, and accessible to everyone thanks to FCA-regulated brokers in the UK. You can choose between buying the shares directly (spot purchase) or trading using contracts for difference (CFDs). Both methods let you take a position in 3i Group quickly and easily, with different profiles for cost and risk. Find a clear comparison of brokers and their key features further down this page to help you make your choice.
Spot buying
With a cash purchase, you actually own the 3i Group shares in your name. This route is ideal if you want to build a real investment portfolio, benefit from any dividends, and vote at AGMs. Typical UK broker fees are a low fixed commission per order, often between £5 and £10.
Example of a Gain Scenario with 3i Group Shares
If the 3i Group share price is £40.71, you can buy around 24 shares with a £1,000 stake, including a brokerage fee of about £5.
✔️ Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your shares are now worth £1,100.
Result: +£100 gross gain, so +10% on your investment.
Trading via CFD
CFD trading lets you speculate on the price movement of 3i Group shares without actually owning them. You can use leverage—often up to 5x for retail investors—so your market exposure is multiplied. Costs include the spread (the broker’s margin in the price) and overnight financing fees if you hold positions for more than a day.
CFD Gain Scenario Example
You open a CFD position on 3i Group shares with 5x leverage and a £1,000 stake. This gives you market exposure of £5,000. ✔️ Gain scenario: If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. Result: +£400 gain on a £1,000 stake (excluding fees).
Final advice
Before investing, always compare the fees, spreads, and features of different brokers to ensure you get the best value for your needs. Your ideal method depends on your investment goals and attitude to risk: a direct share purchase suits long-term investors, while CFDs can suit those seeking short-term opportunities with more flexibility and leverage. Use the broker comparison further down the page to find the right match for your strategy.
Compare the best brokers in the UK!Compare brokers7 tips for buying 3i Group stock
📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for 3i Group |
---|---|
Analyze the market | Assess the European private equity sector and monitor trends in consumer spending that directly impact 3i Group’s main holdings. |
Choose the right trading platform | Use a UK-regulated broker with access to the London Stock Exchange for easy and secure purchases of 3i Group shares. |
Define your investment budget | Set an amount that fits your goals, and remember to diversify—3i Group’s size supports steady growth but all investments carry risk. |
Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Consider a long-term approach to benefit from 3i Group’s dividend payments and its strong compound growth record. |
Monitor news and financial results | Follow quarterly reports and key updates, especially major moves in the Action retail business and infrastructure projects. |
Use risk management tools | Protect your position by setting stop-loss orders and keeping an eye on market volatility affecting financial shares. |
Sell at the right time | Plan to take profits after strong results or when the share price approaches key resistance levels, according to your strategy. |
The latest news about 3i Group
3i Group reports strong annual results with 31% net profit growth and a 25% total shareholder return. The company posted net profit of £5.04 billion and revenues of £5.15 billion for the fiscal year ending March 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This financial performance maintains a compelling investment case for UK shareholders seeking consistent growth and yield from a leading FTSE-listed private equity group.
An additional £768 million investment in Action underscores management’s confidence in 3i Group's key asset. This significant allocation boosts exposure to a major portfolio holding that continues to demonstrate robust operational growth and constant sales expansion. The strategic decision reinforces group cohesion and prepares 3i Group for further gains as Action pursues European expansion.
3i Group’s stock maintains a positive structural trend, trading above all main moving averages. The share price stands at 4,071 pence, up 35% year-on-year, and is supported by strong technical momentum. Sustained trading activity and bullish trend signals have underpinned market confidence in the UK, with the stock comfortably above its 20, 50, 100, and 200-day moving averages.
The upcoming dividend of 0.73 GBP scheduled for 25 July 2025 attracts income-focused UK investors. With a yield of 1.77%, the dividend enhances the stock's profile among British investors seeking reliable income, especially in the context of low interest rates. The announcement of the next payment reinforces 3i Group’s ongoing commitment to rewarding shareholders.
Market sentiment towards 3i Group remains optimistic, driven by growth in Action and infrastructure expansions. Analyst and investor confidence is buoyed by continued outperformance in the Action retail business and a positive outlook for further infrastructure investments. The group’s long-term value strategy and adherence to ESG principles further strengthen its positioning in the UK market.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for 3i Group stock?
3i Group is currently paying a dividend. The latest declared amount is 0.73 GBP per share, with the next payment scheduled for 25 July 2025. The current yield is around 1.77%, reflecting a well-established distribution policy and a strong history of rewarding shareholders, supported by steady profit growth.
What is the forecast for 3i Group stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price, projected values are 5,292 pence for the end of 2025, 6,107 pence at the end of 2026, and 8,142 pence for 2027. 3i Group continues to benefit from robust fundamentals, strong expansion in its core investments, and sustained demand for private equity assets across Europe.
Should I sell my 3i Group shares?
Holding 3i Group shares can be justified by its excellent track record, attractive valuation, and consistent capital returns. The company's diversified portfolio and long-term strategic approach have driven resilient growth. Given the current outlook and strong market position, many investors may find it promising to maintain their stake to benefit from ongoing momentum.
Are 3i Group shares eligible for an ISA or subject to local taxes in the UK?
3i Group shares are eligible for Stocks & Shares ISAs in the UK, offering tax-free capital gains and dividends within annual ISA limits. Outside an ISA, dividends are subject to UK dividend tax rules and capital gains are taxed above the annual allowance, which can improve tax efficiency for British investors.
What is the latest dividend for 3i Group stock?
3i Group is currently paying a dividend. The latest declared amount is 0.73 GBP per share, with the next payment scheduled for 25 July 2025. The current yield is around 1.77%, reflecting a well-established distribution policy and a strong history of rewarding shareholders, supported by steady profit growth.
What is the forecast for 3i Group stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price, projected values are 5,292 pence for the end of 2025, 6,107 pence at the end of 2026, and 8,142 pence for 2027. 3i Group continues to benefit from robust fundamentals, strong expansion in its core investments, and sustained demand for private equity assets across Europe.
Should I sell my 3i Group shares?
Holding 3i Group shares can be justified by its excellent track record, attractive valuation, and consistent capital returns. The company's diversified portfolio and long-term strategic approach have driven resilient growth. Given the current outlook and strong market position, many investors may find it promising to maintain their stake to benefit from ongoing momentum.
Are 3i Group shares eligible for an ISA or subject to local taxes in the UK?
3i Group shares are eligible for Stocks & Shares ISAs in the UK, offering tax-free capital gains and dividends within annual ISA limits. Outside an ISA, dividends are subject to UK dividend tax rules and capital gains are taxed above the annual allowance, which can improve tax efficiency for British investors.