The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) Stock Analysis
DELISTED 2023
What happened to The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) stock?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) no longer trades on public markets. It was delisted in February 2023. The figures below are historical and are not a current quote.
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) trades at $10.41. The New Ireland Fund, Inc. is a U. S. Market cap: $37.8M, Sector: Financial services.
Last analyzed: Mar 18, 2026Analyst Coverage for IRL: IRL does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates IRL against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a neutral fundamental signal based on the underlying data.
IRL: 1/2 scored disciplines lean bearish. Dominant signal: Ken Griffin bearish.
How is this calculated? →The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) Financial Services Profile
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. is a close-ended fund specializing in Irish markets, offering exposure to growth stocks and fixed income within Ireland's diversified sectors. Managed by Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd, the fund benchmarks against the ISEQ Index, providing a focused investment vehicle for U.S. investors.
What Is the Investment Thesis for IRL?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. presents a targeted investment opportunity for those seeking exposure to the Irish market. With a market capitalization of $37.8M and a dividend yield of 1.92%, the fund offers a blend of growth and income. The fund's high profit margin of 107.1% and gross margin of 100.0% indicate efficient management and strong revenue generation relative to costs. A key consideration is the fund's negative P/E ratio of -2.52, suggesting current losses or low earnings. Upcoming catalysts include potential growth in the Irish economy and strategic asset allocation adjustments by Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd. Potential risks include fluctuations in the Irish market and the fund's relatively small size, which could lead to volatility.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
IRL Key Highlights
Market Cap of $37.8M indicates a small-cap fund with potential for growth but also higher volatility.
- Profit Margin of 107.1% suggests efficient operations and strong profitability from its investments.
- Gross Margin of 100.0% reflects minimal cost of goods sold, typical for an asset management fund.
- Beta of 1.14 indicates that the fund is slightly more volatile than the overall market.
- Dividend Yield of 1.92% provides a modest income stream for investors.
Who Are IRL's Competitors?
IRL is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSCVX Bernzott U.S. Small Cap Value Fund | $11.36 | +0.09% | $39.6M | 44 |
| EGF BlackRock Enhanced Government Fund, Inc. | $9.72 | -0.41% | $34.5M | 45 |
| FNETX Fidelity Disruptive Communications Fund | $12.47 | +0.00% | $38.0M | 44 |
| FNTEX Fidelity Disruptive Finance Fund | $13.10 | -0.15% | $40.9M | 44 |
| GSMFX GMO SGM Major Markets Fund | $24.27 | +0.04% | $34.7M | 44 |
| BCG Binah Capital Group, Inc. | $1.40 | +0.72% | $23.5M | 78 |
| EEA The European Equity Fund, Inc. | $11.15 | -0.59% | $74.7M | 67 |
| HNNA Hennessy Advisors, Inc. | $9.89 | -1.30% | $78.2M | 81 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are IRL's Key Strengths?
Specialized focus on the Irish market.
- Experienced management team.
- Close-ended fund structure allows for long-term investment strategies.
- Established track record since 1989.
What Are IRL's Weaknesses?
Small market capitalization may lead to volatility.
- Limited diversification compared to broader international funds.
- Dependence on the performance of the Irish economy.
- Negative P/E ratio indicates current losses or low earnings.
What Could Drive IRL Stock Higher?
Potential growth in the Irish economy, driven by sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals.
- Strategic asset allocation adjustments by Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd.
- Increasing demand for international diversification among U.S. investors.
- Potential benefits from companies relocating to Ireland post-Brexit.
What Are the Key Risks for IRL?
Negative return on equity (-34.6%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Economic downturn in Ireland impacting fund performance.
- Fluctuations in the Irish stock market leading to volatility.
- Competition from larger, more diversified asset management firms.
- Changes in Irish regulations or tax laws affecting investments.
- The fund's relatively small size could lead to liquidity issues.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for IRL?
- Increased Investment in Irish Equities: As the Irish economy continues to grow, driven by sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals, The New Ireland Fund can capitalize by increasing its investments in Irish equities. The Irish equity market, while smaller than major global markets, offers unique opportunities for growth. Success depends on identifying and investing in high-growth potential companies within Ireland, potentially increasing the fund's overall returns. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Expansion of Fixed Income Portfolio: The fund can explore expanding its fixed income portfolio by investing in Irish government bonds or corporate bonds issued by Irish companies. This strategy can provide a stable income stream and reduce the overall volatility of the fund. The Irish bond market offers a range of investment options with varying risk profiles. Success depends on careful credit analysis and interest rate forecasting. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Attracting U.S. Investors Seeking International Diversification: The New Ireland Fund, being domiciled in the U.S., is well-positioned to attract American investors looking to diversify their portfolios with international exposure. With growing awareness of the benefits of global diversification, the fund can market itself as a convenient and accessible way to invest in the Irish market. Success depends on effective marketing and distribution strategies. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Leveraging Ireland's Growing Technology Sector: Ireland has become a hub for technology companies, attracting major players like Google, Facebook, and Apple. The New Ireland Fund can capitalize on this trend by investing in Irish technology companies or companies with significant operations in Ireland. The technology sector offers high-growth potential, but also comes with higher risk. Success depends on identifying promising technology companies and managing the associated risks. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Capitalizing on Brexit Opportunities: With the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, Ireland may benefit from companies relocating their operations from the UK to Ireland. The New Ireland Fund can position itself to benefit from this trend by investing in companies that are expanding their presence in Ireland. This strategy requires careful analysis of the potential impacts of Brexit on the Irish economy and specific industries. Timeline: Ongoing.
What Are IRL's Competitive Advantages?
- Specialized Focus: The fund's exclusive focus on the Irish market provides a unique offering.
- Established History: Operating since 1989, the fund has a long track record in the Irish market.
- Close-Ended Structure: The close-ended structure allows for long-term investment strategies without the pressure of constant inflows and outflows.
- Management Expertise: Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd brings expertise in managing international investments.
What Does IRL Do?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc., established on December 14, 1989, is a close-ended balanced mutual fund designed to provide investors with exposure to the Irish economy through investments in both equity and fixed income markets. Launched by Bank of Ireland Asset Management (U.S.) Limited, the fund is currently managed by Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd. The fund's investment strategy focuses on identifying growth stocks within a range of sectors across Ireland, aiming to capitalize on the country's economic development and corporate performance. As a balanced fund, it allocates investments across different asset classes to manage risk and provide a steady return. The fund benchmarks its performance against the ISEQ Index, the primary stock market index of Ireland, ensuring its investment decisions align with the overall market trends and performance of the Irish economy. Formerly known as Irish Investment Fund Inc., The New Ireland Fund, Inc. is domiciled in the United States, making it accessible to U.S. investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with international exposure. The fund's structure as a close-ended fund means that it issues a fixed number of shares, which trade on the open market, potentially leading to premiums or discounts relative to its net asset value.
What Products and Services Does IRL Offer?
- Invests in Irish equities and fixed income securities.
- Provides exposure to the Irish economy for U.S. investors.
- Manages a diversified portfolio of Irish stocks and bonds.
- Benchmarks performance against the ISEQ Index.
- Offers a close-ended fund structure, trading on the open market.
- Focuses on growth stocks within various sectors in Ireland.
- Seeks to generate long-term capital appreciation and income.
How Does IRL Make Money?
- Generates revenue through investment returns on its portfolio holdings.
- Collects management fees for managing the fund's assets.
- Distributes dividends to shareholders from investment income.
- Operates as a close-ended fund, with a fixed number of shares.
What Industry Does IRL Operate In?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. operates within the asset management industry, specifically focusing on investments in the Irish market. The global asset management industry is experiencing growth, driven by increasing wealth and demand for investment products. The competitive landscape includes both global asset managers and specialized funds focusing on specific regions or sectors. The New Ireland Fund differentiates itself by offering targeted exposure to the Irish economy, which may appeal to investors seeking diversification or specific regional opportunities.
Who Are IRL's Key Customers?
- U.S. investors seeking exposure to the Irish market.
- Institutional investors looking for international diversification.
- Individual investors interested in Irish equities and fixed income.
- Investors seeking a blend of growth and income.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for The New Ireland Fund, Inc. stands at -34.6%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -47.2%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.00 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is -39.7%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
How The New Ireland Fund, Inc. Is Valued
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $37.8M, placing it in the micro-cap category.
IRL Financials
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider purchases indicate strong confidence from management in the company's future performance.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the potential for growth in the Irish economy.
- Increased attention on international investments has led to a growing interest in funds like The New Ireland Fund, which could enhance its appeal.
- Market perception is buoyed by favorable reports on Irish economic recovery, suggesting a beneficial environment for the fund's investments.
Bear Case
- Some community members express concerns over the volatility of international markets, which could impact fund performance.
- Recent geopolitical tensions in Europe have led to uncertainty, causing skepticism about the stability of investments in Ireland.
- There are worries about the fund's ability to adapt to changing market conditions, with some believing it may lag behind more agile competitors.
- Negative sentiment has surfaced regarding potential regulatory changes that could affect foreign investments, leading to caution among investors.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
IRL Latest News
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Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs On Friday
· Dec 13, 2019
Leadership: Sean Michael Hawkshaw
Unknown
Information on Sean Michael Hawkshaw's background is not available in the provided data. Without further information, it is not possible to provide details on his career history, education, or previous roles.
Track Record: Information on Sean Michael Hawkshaw's track record is not available in the provided data. It is not possible to provide details on key achievements, strategic decisions, or company milestones under his leadership.
What Investors Ask About The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) — Financial Services
What happened to The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) stock?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. (IRL) no longer trades on public markets. It was delisted in February 2023. The figures below are historical and are not a current quote.
Can I still buy IRL shares?
No. IRL stopped trading on public markets in February 2023, so the shares are not available through a broker. Anything you see quoted for IRL elsewhere is historical data, not a live market.
Are the figures on this page current?
No. Every number here is the last value recorded before IRL stopped trading. Nothing on this page updates, and none of it is a current quote.
Why does this page still exist?
Because people still search for what happened to The New Ireland Fund, Inc.. An archived profile that states the delisting plainly is more useful than a dead link — provided it is labelled as history, which is what this page does.
What does The New Ireland Fund, Inc. do?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. is a close-ended investment fund specializing in the Irish market. It invests in a mix of Irish equities and fixed income securities, aiming to provide U.S. investors with exposure to the Irish economy. The fund is managed by Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd and benchmarks its performance against the ISEQ Index.
What are the main risks for IRL?
The New Ireland Fund, Inc. faces risks inherent to its focus on the Irish market. These include economic downturns in Ireland, fluctuations in the Irish stock market, and changes in Irish regulations or tax laws. Competition from larger, more diversified asset management firms also poses a risk. The fund's relatively small size may lead to liquidity issues and increased volatility. Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing.
How does The New Ireland Fund, Inc. manage its credit risk?
As an investment fund with holdings in fixed income securities, The New Ireland Fund, Inc. must manage credit risk associated with potential defaults by bond issuers. The fund's managers, Kleinwort Benson Investors International Ltd, likely employ credit analysis and due diligence to assess the creditworthiness of potential investments. Diversification across different issuers and sectors can also help mitigate credit risk.
What regulatory challenges does The New Ireland Fund, Inc. face?
As a U.S.-domiciled investment fund, The New Ireland Fund, Inc. is subject to regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These regulations cover various aspects of the fund's operations, including reporting requirements, investment restrictions, and compliance procedures. Changes in SEC regulations or Irish regulations could impact the fund's operations and performance. The fund must also comply with regulations related to anti-money laundering and other financial crimes.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- AI analysis pending for IRL, limiting the depth of some sections.
- Limited information available on CEO's background and track record.