(Alliance News) -Â Worldwide Healthcare Trust PLC on Wednesday said it beat its benchmark index in its recently-ended financial year, though lowered its shareholder payout.
Worldwide Healthcare Trust posted a net asset value per share total return of 6.5% in the financial year to March 31, ahead of its benchmark, the MSCI World Health Care Index, which returned 5.7%.
The firm's net asset value per share stood at 2,868.9 pence at the year-end, up from 2,722.9p the year before.
Despite a slow start and market volatility due to Covid-19, the firm said the recent year was a "successful one".
"The positive return over the year to 31 March as a whole reflected a weak first half, when net asset value per share total return was negative 2.7% and a very strong second half when the net asset value total return was positive 9.5%," said Worldwide Healthcare Trust.
Its net revenue return for the year decreased slightly to GBP14.3 million from GBP14.5 million.
As a result, the firm declared a lower second interim dividend of 18.5p share, down from 20.0p the year before, leading to a reduced total dividend for the year of 25.0p versus 26.5p.
"The board had intended this year to recommend the second dividend payment for the year as a final dividend to shareholders. However, in light of the ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic, and in line with many other companies, the decision was taken to declare a second interim dividend, which enables the dividend to be paid without the prior approval of shareholders at the annual general meeting," it explained.
Shares in Worldwide Healthcare closed up 1.1% at 3,545.00p in London on Wednesday.
By Lucy Heming;Â lucyheming@alliancenews.com
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Worldwide Healthcare Trust (WWH)