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Stock Analysis & ValuationJPMorgan China Growth & Income plc (JCGI.L)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
£292.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, £Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)165.13-43
Intrinsic value (DCF)87.96-70
Graham-Dodd Method1.46-100
Graham Formulan/a

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

JPMorgan China Growth & Income plc (JCGI.L) is a UK-domiciled, closed-end equity mutual fund managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited, focusing on the Greater China region. Launched in 1993 and listed on the London Stock Exchange, the fund targets growth stocks across diversified sectors in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It employs fundamental analysis, emphasizing earnings visibility, balance sheet strength, and franchise value, while benchmarking against the MSCI Golden Dragon Index. With a market cap of approximately £196.6 million, the fund appeals to investors seeking exposure to China's dynamic equity markets through a diversified, professionally managed portfolio. Its income-focused strategy, evidenced by a dividend yield of 10.95p per share, positions it within the competitive asset management-income sector of financial services. The fund's performance is closely tied to China's economic growth, regulatory environment, and market volatility, making it a specialized tool for regional exposure.

Investment Summary

JPMorgan China Growth & Income plc offers targeted exposure to China's growth equities, leveraging JPMorgan's asset management expertise. The fund's low beta (0.48) suggests relative resilience to broader market swings, but its concentrated regional focus introduces geopolitical and regulatory risks inherent to Chinese markets. With no debt and £2.3 million in cash, the balance sheet is robust, though revenue (£8.7 million) and net income (£6.3 million) reflect modest scale. The 10.95p dividend per share underscores its income mandate, but reliance on China's volatile equity markets may challenge consistency. Investors should weigh China's growth potential against escalating US-China tensions and domestic economic headwinds. Suitable for risk-tolerant investors seeking income with emerging market exposure.

Competitive Analysis

JPMorgan China Growth & Income plc competes in the niche of closed-end China-focused equity funds, differentiated by JPMorgan's analytical rigor and regional expertise. Its benchmark-agnostic approach allows flexible stock selection, but peers like Fidelity China Special Situations offer active currency hedging—a gap in JCGI's strategy. The fund's small size (£196.6 million AUM) limits economies of scale compared to larger competitors, though its zero-debt structure enhances stability. Its growth-income hybrid model faces competition from pure-growth funds (e.g., Allianz China Equity) and higher-yielding alternatives like abrdn Asian Income. While JPMorgan's brand attracts institutional investors, the fund's lack of ESG-specific screening may deter sustainability-focused allocators, a growing segment in emerging markets. Performance hinges on manager Houlihan Lokey's ability to navigate China's regulatory shifts and sector rotations, where local competitors like CSOP Asset Management may have informational advantages.

Major Competitors

  • Fidelity China Special Situations plc (FCSS.L): Larger AUM (£1.1 billion) and active currency hedging provide downside protection, but higher fees (1.1% vs. JCGI's 0.8%) erode returns. Strong historical outperformance but more concentrated holdings increase volatility.
  • Allianz China Equity Fund (ACES.L): Pure-growth mandate with tech-sector overweight contrasts JCGI's balanced approach. Lower dividend yield (3.2%) but superior capital appreciation in bull markets. Vulnerable to China's tech crackdowns.
  • abrdn Asian Income Fund Ltd (AAIF.L): Broader Asia exposure diversifies risk but dilutes China focus. Higher yield (12.4%) from REITs and utilities, though slower growth potential. Larger scale (£350 million AUM) reduces expense ratio.
  • CSOP Asset Management (3188.HK): Local player with deeper on-the-ground research and A-shares access via Stock Connect. ETFs dominate product lineup, offering lower costs but lacking JCGI's active stock-picking edge. Strong in CSI 300 tracking.
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