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Stock Analysis & ValuationTemple Bar Investment Trust PLC (TMPL.L)

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Previous Close
£383.50
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, £Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)144.07-62
Intrinsic value (DCF)118.36-69
Graham-Dodd Method3.67-99
Graham Formulan/a

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Temple Bar Investment Trust PLC (LSE: TMPL.L) is a well-established UK-based closed-ended equity mutual fund managed by RWC Asset Management LLP. Founded in 1926, the trust primarily invests in UK public equities across diversified sectors, focusing on constituents of the FTSE 350 Index while benchmarking performance against the FTSE All-Share Index. With a market cap of approximately £883.7 million, Temple Bar offers investors exposure to a broad range of UK companies, spanning all market capitalizations. The trust's long-term investment approach and diversified portfolio make it a compelling option for investors seeking UK equity exposure. As part of the financial services sector, Temple Bar plays a significant role in the UK asset management industry, providing shareholders with potential capital growth and dividend income. The trust's historical longevity and consistent dividend payments (11.25p per share) underscore its reputation as a stable investment vehicle in the UK investment trust space.

Investment Summary

Temple Bar Investment Trust presents an attractive proposition for investors seeking diversified exposure to UK equities with a value-oriented approach. The trust's strong historical performance, evidenced by its £139.5 million net income and 49p diluted EPS, combined with its healthy dividend yield, makes it appealing for income-focused investors. However, the trust's beta of 1.55 indicates higher volatility compared to the broader market, which may concern risk-averse investors. The absence of debt and positive operating cash flow (£32.5 million) demonstrate financial stability, while the trust's focus on FTSE 350 companies provides liquidity and transparency. Potential investors should weigh the trust's value investment strategy against current market conditions, as value stocks may underperform in certain economic environments. The trust's long-term track record and experienced management at RWC Asset Management provide confidence, but UK market concentration represents both opportunity and risk given Brexit-related uncertainties.

Competitive Analysis

Temple Bar Investment Trust competes in the crowded UK investment trust space, differentiating itself through its pure focus on UK equities and value investment philosophy. The trust's competitive advantage lies in its long-term horizon (nearly a century of operation) and disciplined approach to stock selection within the FTSE 350 universe. Unlike many peers that have expanded into global markets, Temple Bar maintains its UK specialization, which can be advantageous when domestic markets outperform but limits diversification benefits. The trust's benchmark against the FTSE All-Share rather than narrower indices demonstrates its broad market approach. Temple Bar's zero debt position and consistent dividend history strengthen its appeal to conservative investors. However, its higher beta suggests the portfolio may be more cyclical than some competitors. The trust's size (£883.7 million market cap) provides sufficient scale for operational efficiency but may limit flexibility compared to smaller, more nimble competitors. RWC Asset Management's stewardship brings professional oversight, though some investors may prefer trusts with in-house management teams. In the current environment, Temple Bar's value orientation could be well-positioned if market leadership rotates away from growth stocks, but this same focus has caused relative underperformance during recent growth-dominated markets.

Major Competitors

  • The City of London Investment Trust PLC (CTY.L): City of London is one of the largest UK-focused investment trusts with a remarkable 55+ year dividend growth record. It offers more conservative exposure with a focus on large-cap UK dividend payers, contrasting with Temple Bar's broader value approach. While both trusts emphasize income, City of London has historically maintained lower volatility (beta ~1.1) but may offer less capital growth potential. Its larger size (£2+ billion market cap) provides economies of scale but potentially less flexibility in portfolio adjustments.
  • Mid Wynd International Investment Trust PLC (MWY.L): Mid Wynd offers global rather than UK-focused equity exposure, appealing to investors seeking international diversification. Its growth-oriented strategy contrasts sharply with Temple Bar's value approach. While Mid Wynd has outperformed in recent growth markets, it may be more vulnerable to interest rate rises. The trust's smaller size (~£400 million) allows for more concentrated positions but with higher individual stock risk compared to Temple Bar's more diversified portfolio.
  • Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust PLC (SMT.L): As a growth-focused trust with significant exposure to global tech leaders, Scottish Mortgage represents a stark contrast to Temple Bar's value-oriented UK portfolio. Scottish Mortgage's dramatic growth (and recent volatility) demonstrates the different risk/reward profile, with much higher beta (~1.8) and greater sensitivity to interest rate changes. Its £11+ billion size provides advantages in access to deals but may limit agility. For investors choosing between the two, it represents a growth vs. value decision.
  • Bankers Investment Trust PLC (BNKR.L): Bankers offers global equity exposure with a value tilt, combining elements of Temple Bar's philosophy with broader geographic diversification. Its 50+ year dividend growth record competes with Temple Bar's income appeal. Bankers' international focus (only ~30% UK) provides different risk characteristics, potentially offering better downside protection during UK-specific market stresses but with currency risk Temple Bar avoids.
  • JPMorgan American Investment Trust PLC (JAM.L): Specializing in US equities, JPMorgan American provides pure exposure to the world's largest economy, contrasting with Temple Bar's UK focus. The trust benefits from JPMorgan's extensive US research capabilities but lacks Temple Bar's dividend emphasis. Its performance is heavily tied to US market dynamics and dollar strength, offering UK investors geographic diversification but different risk factors than Temple Bar's domestic concentration.
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