The firm reported strong returns of 20% for the nine months to December 31, 2025, with its largest holding Action adding a record 384 net new stores in 2025 to reach 3,302 stores across 14 countries. 3i announced plans to increase its stake in Action to 65.3% and maintains a strong balance sheet with gross cash of £995 million and minimal gearing of 1%.
Cyborg Score Rationale
The company demonstrated significant growth with FY2025 revenue reaching £5.15 billion (+29.4% YoY) and earnings of £5.04 billion (+31.3% YoY). However, diversified analyst sentiment and recent downgrade activity temper the outlook.
Top Insights
Action generated €16 billion in net sales (+16% YoY) with €2.37 billion EBITDA (+14% YoY), though like-for-like sales growth moderated to 4.9% from 10.3% in 2024.
3i is increasing Action stake to 65.3% through £1 billion share issuance with GIC, demonstrating confidence in the discount retailer's expansion.
Action's new store performance exceeded expectations in Switzerland and Romania; France faced headwinds but recovered, with LFL sales growth reaching 6.1% in January 2026.
In the first nine months of FY2026, 3i generated £1.8 billion in realized proceeds and dividends while investing £1.6 billion.
Named Competitors
Permira — Mid-market private equity and growth capital
EQT — Nordic-based private equity and alternative assets
Montagu Private Equity — UK-focused middle-market PE
Apax Partners — Technology and consumer-focused private equity
Recent Developments
(February 2026) 3i Group shares surge 13.5% following strong Action portfolio performance and Q3 FY2026 results
(January 2026) Transaction agreement to increase stake in Action discount retailer to 65.3% via £1 billion share issuance
(December 2025) Action achieved record store expansion with 384 net new stores, reaching 3,302 locations across 14 countries
(November 2025) FY2025 earnings exceeded expectations with 3.398p EPS; Deutsche Bank reiterated Buy rating
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