Finance
Baillie Gifford posts fresh performance data as activist spat deepens
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 21, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary
Baillie Gifford reveals strong performance data, outperforming the S&P 500, amid a board dispute with activist Saba Capital.
Baillie Gifford Reveals Performance Data Amid Activist Tensions
LONDON (Reuters) - Baillie Gifford U.S. Growth Trust, battling plans by U.S. activist Saba Capital to shake up its board, unveiled fresh data on Tuesday to show it had outperformed the S&P 500 Index in sterling terms in the six months to Nov. 30.
In response to Saba's allegations of consistent underperformance, Baillie Gifford said the company's share price and net asset value returned 40.9% and 29.4% respectively over the period, after deducting borrowings at fair value.
This compared with a total return of 15.3% for the S&P 500Index in sterling terms, it said, dismissing Saba's proposals to place two of its own nominees on the board as a "self-serving and destructive" attempt to assume control of the company.
Saba, founded and run by Wall Street veteran activist investor Boaz Weinstein, said last month it wanted to overhaul the boards of seven trusts over performances it said ranged from "underwhelming" to "disastrous".
Weinstein has said critics of his plans were misleading investors who have lost "enormous value".
He has taken aim at Baillie Gifford as well as Henderson Opportunities Trust, the European Smaller Companies Trust, CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income, Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust, Herald Investment Trust and Keystone Positive Change (KPC).
From its 2013 launch to Nov. 30, Baillie Gifford's share price and NAV returned 169.7% and 186.1% respectively, compared with a total return of 190.5% for the S&P 500 index in sterling terms, after deducting borrowings at fair value.
KPC also noted on Tuesday that Glass Lewis, the independent proxy advisor, was recommending that shareholders vote against Saba's proposals at a meeting on Feb. 3.
Glass Lewis had referred to a "lack of detail" and said Saba's campaign was "more about obtaining influence than it is about offering shareholders a timely and certain exit", KPC said.
(Reporting by Sinead Cruise and Kirstin Ridley; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •Baillie Gifford outperformed the S&P 500 in sterling terms.
- •Saba Capital proposes board changes at Baillie Gifford.
- •Baillie Gifford's share price returned 40.9% over six months.
- •Glass Lewis advises against Saba's board proposals.
- •Saba targets multiple trusts for board overhauls.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baillie Gifford posts fresh performance data as activist spat deepens
1What performance data did Baillie Gifford release?
Baillie Gifford reported a share price return of 40.9% and a net asset value return of 29.4% over the period, outperforming the S&P 500's total return of 15.3% in sterling terms.
2Who is behind the activist proposals against Baillie Gifford?
The activist proposals are led by Saba Capital, founded by Wall Street veteran Boaz Weinstein, who aims to overhaul the boards of several trusts due to perceived underperformance.
3What did Glass Lewis recommend regarding Saba's proposals?
Glass Lewis recommended that shareholders vote against Saba's proposals, citing a lack of detail and suggesting that Saba's campaign was more about gaining influence than providing a clear exit for shareholders.
4How has Baillie Gifford performed since its launch?
Since its launch in 2013, Baillie Gifford's share price and net asset value have returned 169.7% and 186.1%, respectively, compared to a total return of 190.5% for the S&P 500 index in sterling terms.
5What is Saba Capital's stance on Baillie Gifford's performance?
Saba Capital has criticized Baillie Gifford for what it calls consistent underperformance and has argued that critics of its plans are misleading investors who have lost significant value.
