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Stock Analysis & ValuationThe Monks Investment Trust PLC (MNKS.L)

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Previous Close
£1,514.00
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, £Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)560.20-63
Intrinsic value (DCF)528.00-65
Graham-Dodd Method10.79-99
Graham Formula7.35-100

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

The Monks Investment Trust PLC (MNKS.L) is a UK-based closed-ended equity mutual fund managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd, with a history dating back to 1929. The fund focuses on global public equity markets, investing in growth stocks across diversified sectors and market capitalizations. Its investment strategy targets companies with above-average earnings growth, benchmarked against the FTSE World Index. As part of the Financial Services sector and Asset Management industry, Monks offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of high-growth potential stocks. The trust is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is known for its long-term investment approach, leveraging Baillie Gifford's expertise in growth investing. With a market capitalization of approximately £2.25 billion, Monks provides a unique vehicle for investors seeking global equity exposure with a growth-oriented mandate.

Investment Summary

The Monks Investment Trust PLC presents an attractive option for investors seeking diversified global equity exposure with a growth focus. Managed by Baillie Gifford, a firm renowned for its growth investing expertise, the trust benefits from a long-term investment horizon and a proven track record. The fund's performance is benchmarked against the FTSE World Index, providing a clear performance metric. However, investors should be mindful of the inherent risks associated with growth stocks, including higher volatility and sensitivity to market downturns. The trust's moderate beta of 0.83 suggests it is less volatile than the broader market, which may appeal to risk-averse investors. The dividend yield, while modest, adds a layer of income generation. Overall, Monks is well-positioned for investors with a long-term horizon and a tolerance for growth stock volatility.

Competitive Analysis

The Monks Investment Trust PLC competes in the crowded global equity investment trust space, differentiated by its growth-oriented mandate and Baillie Gifford's management. Its competitive advantage lies in the deep research capabilities and long-term investment philosophy of Baillie Gifford, which has a strong reputation for identifying high-growth companies early. The trust's global focus allows it to tap into growth opportunities across developed and emerging markets, providing diversification benefits. However, its concentration on growth stocks can be a double-edged sword, as these stocks are often more volatile and susceptible to market sentiment shifts. The trust's moderate leverage (total debt of £223 million against cash of £38.6 million) provides some flexibility but also adds risk. Compared to peers, Monks' performance is closely tied to the success of its growth stock picks, making it more niche than broad-market alternatives. Its competitive positioning is strong within the growth-focused segment, but it may underperform in value-driven markets.

Major Competitors

  • Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC (SMT.L): Scottish Mortgage is another Baillie Gifford-managed trust with a strong focus on growth stocks, particularly in technology and innovation. It has a larger market cap and higher profile than Monks, but also higher volatility due to its concentrated bets on disruptive companies. Its performance has been stellar in growth markets but suffered in downturns, highlighting its higher risk-reward profile compared to Monks.
  • Witan Investment Trust PLC (WTAN.L): Witan offers a multi-manager approach, diversifying across different investment styles and geographies. This provides more stability but may lack the high-growth potential of Monks. Witan's broader mandate appeals to investors seeking balanced exposure, whereas Monks is more suited for those specifically targeting growth.
  • F&C Investment Trust PLC (FCIT.L): F&C is one of the oldest and largest investment trusts, with a diversified global portfolio. It leans more towards value and income, contrasting with Monks' growth focus. F&C's size and history provide stability, but it may not capture high-growth opportunities as effectively as Monks.
  • Alliance Trust PLC (ATST.L): Alliance Trust employs a multi-manager strategy similar to Witan, offering diversified global equity exposure. It focuses on long-term capital growth and income, making it a more conservative option compared to Monks. Its performance is less dependent on growth stocks, providing a smoother ride but potentially lower upside.
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