Worldwide Healthcare Trust shareholders express concerns about the independence of the board, RTW Biotech Opportunities sees a portfolio company bid for by Merck, Invesco Global Equity Income announces 7.8% dividend increase and SDCL Efficiency Income takes step to cutting debts and returning capital.
- A significant minority of shareholders in Worldwide Healthcare Trust (WWH) have expressed concern about the independence of the board with 30% voting against the re-election of Doug McCutcheon, who has been a director for 12 years, and 32% cast against the re-appointment of fund manager Sven Borho. Responding to the result of yesterday’s annual general meeting, the company said McCutcheon would retire next year and that steps had been taken to avoid conflicts of interest with the manager.
- RTW Biotech Opportunities (RTW) notes the $10bn purchase by Merck of Verona Pharma priced at $107 cash per share, 23% above the closing price on 8 July. Verona was 1.4% of RTW’s portfolio.
- Invesco Global Equity Income (IGET) is to increase dividends by 7.8% to 13.5p per share for the current financial year to 31 May 2026, a rise of 0.98p that will lead to quarterly payments of 3.375p in August, November, February and May. The company’s policy is to distribute at least 4% of net assets a year.
- SDCL Efficiency Income Trust (SEIT) says a new financing facility of up to £57.6m at its Zood portfolio of operational assets will be used to reduce its own borrowings and pave the way for a return of capital as the deeply discounted investment company considers its strategic options, as announced in last month’s annual results.
- Macau Property Opportunities (MPO), a real estate investment trust focused on the autonomous region on the south coast of China, reports further progress in its gradual wind-down with four sales from its Waterside development and the exchange of contracts on the sale of a villa at The Fountainside achieved in the first half of the year despite waning investor sentiment due to rising tensions over US-China trade tariffs.
