Middlefield Canadian Income PCC - Half-year report

Core Viewpoint - The Middlefield Canadian Income Trust reported its half-yearly financial results for the period ending June 30, 2025, highlighting strong performance in dividend-paying Canadian equities amidst geopolitical and economic uncertainties [2][12][13]. Financial Highlights - Dividends paid were 1.375 pence per share quarterly, with a guidance of 5.5 pence per share for 2025, resulting in a yield of 4.3% [6]. - The share price was 129.00 pence, while the net asset value (NAV) per share was 134.61 pence, with net assets totaling £143.3 million [6][68]. Investment Performance - The Fund generated total returns of 13.9% on its share price and 2.6% on net assets, outperforming the benchmark total return of 4.3% [13][48]. - Positive contributions to performance came from stock selection in financials, energy, and real estate sectors, while the utilities sector detracted from performance [13][48]. Sector Exposure - The Fund focuses on larger capitalization Canadian and U.S. high yield equities, particularly in sectors like real estate, financials, and energy [7][9]. - As of June 30, 2025, sector allocations included 23.8% in real estate, 21.4% in energy, and 21.3% in financials, with significant overweights compared to the benchmark [23]. Shareholder Engagement and Strategic Transition - The Fund is pursuing a rollover into a newly created actively managed UCITS ETF, providing shareholders options for cash exit or ETF shares [21][30]. - Engagement with shareholders, particularly Saba Capital Management, has been ongoing to ensure alignment with shareholder interests [19][20]. Gearing and Financial Management - Gearing relative to total assets was consistent at 16%, with net gearing decreasing from 19.3% to 18.4% by June 30, 2025 [22]. - The Fund has no borrowings as of June 30, 2025, following the repayment of existing loans [25][31]. Earnings and Dividends - The Fund's earnings per share totaled 2.82 pence for the six months ended June 30, 2025, with a dividend coverage ratio of 1.03 [26]. - The Board approved a 0.2 pence increase to the annual dividend target, reflecting a commitment to consistent dividend growth [26]. Market Outlook - The Canadian market remains attractive due to economic resilience, sound fiscal management, and favorable political conditions, with Canadian equities trading at a discount to U.S. peers [43][44]. - The Fund is well-positioned to capitalize on trends in financials, real estate, and energy sectors, which are supported by durable cash flows and long-term growth opportunities [43][44].