
LONDON, February 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
The Sarasin Global Higher Dividend Fund announces it has delivered a dividend yield of 4.74%[1] for the year ended 2013. Whilst the fund aims to grow its dividend over the long term, it has managed to deliver successive annual dividend growth since its launch in May 2006. The Fund is the onlyone in the IMA Global Equity Income Sector with a track record of more than five years to have consistently raised its annual dividend[2], giving it one of the strongest 'absolute income' records among its peers.
The £413m Sarasin Global Higher Dividend Fund, previously Sarasin International Equity Income Fund, was renamed in January 2014 to reflect more accurately its objective of achieving a consistently attractive level of income, in addition to long-term capital appreciation. The fund, launched in 2006 in response to the demand from UK investors for more diversified global income streams, aims to generate an income premium of over 50% above the benchmark yield (MSCI World Index).
Mark Whitehead, Fund Manager,Sarasin & Partners:
"At the very outset, we said the Sarasin Global Higher Dividend Fund would target dividend growth over the long term as well as capital appreciation. I am glad to say that is precisely what we have delivered. Our long-term view and robust thematic process have been essential in sourcing those high-quality, forward-looking companies that are not only able to pay a well-covered dividend today but also have the potential to offer a consistent or rising dividend into the future, in turn producing a yield that is one of the highest in the sector.
It is our continued aim to invest in companies that are themselves investing for future growth, which should lead to sustainable earnings and dividend growth over the long term."
To complement the Sarasin Global Higher Dividend Fund, the company launched the Sarasin Global Dividend Fund in December 2013 which provides a total return approach to global dividend investing. The Fund aims to achieve long-term capital growth, whilst also generating a premium income of at least 15% to the benchmark.
--------------------------------------------------
1. Source: Sarasin & Partners. 12 month net historic yield as at 2 January 2014.
2. Source: Bloomberg, Sarasin & Partners, Lipper Hindsight
Enquiries:
Ivo Forde | Fin Public Relations
T: +44(0)2076082280 | e-mail: ivo.forde@fininternational.com