Why big investors love airports

An inflation hedge, a long-term asset, a regulatory dream. Airports are valued in share portfolios for a reason. (Image: Getty)

Rebecca Stevenson

Fri, 12 Jan 2024

When Auckland council flogged off a slice of its shareholding in Auckland International Airport in 2023, big investors, including KiwiSaver and sovereign wealth funds, were primed to buy. The council sold about 7% of the airport and netted about $830 million in return, or about $8.11 a share.This month, global investment giant Blackrock increased its stake in Auckland’s air gateway to a little more than 8%, with related parties buying and selling shares between September and December for under $8 up to about $8.70.For the year t...

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