- 1,900£
- -1,55%
- 1,880£
- -5,05%
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BlackRock Income and Growth Investment Trust plc
LEI: 5493003YBY59H9EJLJ16
Annual Report and Financial Statements 31 October 2025
Performance record
As at As at
31 October 31 October
2025 2024
Net assets (£'000)1 46,715 43,760
Net asset value per ordinary share (pence) 245.97 222.22
Ordinary share price (pence) 219.00 193.50
Discount to net asset value2 11.0% 12.9%
FTSE All-Share Index3 11986.71 9785.37
========= =========
For the year For the year
ended ended
31 October 31 October
2025 2024
Performance (with dividends reinvested)
Net asset value per share2 14.3% 18.1%
Ordinary share price2 17.3% 13.2%
FTSE All-Share Index3 22.5% 16.3%
========= =========
For the period For the period
since since
1 April 20124 to 1 April 20124 to
31 October 31 October
2025 2024
Performance since 1 April
20124 (with dividends
reinvested)
Net asset value per share2 171.5% 137.6%
Ordinary share price2 170.2% 130.3%
FTSE All-Share Index3 184.6% 132.3%
========= =========
For the year For the year Change
ended ended %
31 October 31 October
2025 2024
Revenue
Net profit after 1,400 1,454 -3.7
taxation (£'000)
Revenue earnings per 7.23 7.20 +0.4
ordinary share
(pence)5
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Dividends (pence)
Interim 2.70 2.70 -
Final 5.00 4.90 +2.0
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Total dividends 7.70 7.60 +1.3
payable/paid
========= ========= =========
1The change in net assets reflects net revenue and capital profits, the purchase
of the Company's own shares and dividends paid during the year.
2Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary in the Company's Annual Report
for the year ended 31 October 2025.
3Benchmark Index.
4Since BlackRock's appointment as Investment Manager on 1 April 2012.
5Further details are given in the Glossary in the Company's Annual Report for
the year ended 31 October 2025.
Chairman's statement
Dear Shareholder
Overview
2025 was one of the most tumultuous years in recent memory. The first half of
the year was shaped by significant volatility across global markets. Ongoing and
fluctuating levels of geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in Eastern
Europe and the Middle East, remained a key source of market uncertainty.
Inflationary pressure, while easing, continued to influence central bank policy,
with interest rate paths diverging between the US and Europe. Global trade
negotiations and the implementation, and subsequent pausing, of tariffs only
added to the uncertainty. This was too much for many investors who reduced
equity exposure and sought safe haven assets such as Gilts and gold. Despite
this, equity markets on average performed strongly (albeit that strength was
very concentrated) during the period under review, with the FTSE 100 reaching
record highs, aided by strong earnings, low valuations, M&A activity and a
weaker US dollar.
Given the volatility experienced, our portfolio managers approached this
challenging backdrop with caution. However, as you will read in their report
which follows, they have also sought to adjust the portfolio in response to the
changing landscape. They increased portfolio exposure to Aerospace & Defence, a
previous underweight, and repositioned some of the portfolio's domestic exposure
as the types of company expected to perform well in this environment changed.
Their approach meant that this year the portfolio delivered a double-digit
absolute return for shareholders, but one which underperformed our benchmark
index during the financial year. We are all very conscious of that
underperformance and you will see from the Manager Report where they see it
coming from and why they believe it is unlikely to continue into the future.
Performance
During the year the Company's Net Asset Value (NAV) per share returned 14.3%. By
comparison, the Company's Benchmark Index, the FTSE All-Share Index, returned
22.5%. At the share price level, the Company returned 17.3% over the period as
our discount narrowed from 12.9% at the start of the year to 11.0% as at 31
October 2025 (all percentages in Sterling terms with dividends reinvested).
As at 23 January 2026, since the year end the Company's NAV and share price have
increased by 4.8% and 4.6%, respectively (all percentages are in Pound Sterling
with dividends reinvested) and the Company's discount was 11.2%.
Further details of the key contributors and detractors from performance, and the
portfolio managers' views on the outlook for the forthcoming year, can be found
in their report which follows.
Revenue earnings and dividends
Despite the market's volatility the Company's earnings remain resilient, with
revenue earnings per share for the year ended 31 October 2025 of 7.23 pence
compared with 7.20 pence for the previous year. The Directors are mindful of
shareholders' desire for income in addition to capital growth and know that the
Company's dividend is greatly valued by shareholders. The Board is therefore
proposing a final dividend per share of 5.00 pence (2024: 4.90 pence). Subject
to approval at the Annual General Meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 20
March 2026 to shareholders on the Company's register at the close of business on
13 February 2026 (ex-dividend date is 12 February 2026). This final dividend,
combined with an interim dividend of 2.70 pence per share (2024: 2.70 pence)
paid to shareholders on 2 September 2025, gives a total dividend for the year of
7.70 pence, an increase of 1.3% year-on-year and resulting in a yield of 3.5%
based on a share price of 219.00 pence as at 31 October 2025.
One of the reasons the Company is in a position to increase dividends in this
way is that the Company's investment trust structure allows it to retain up to
15% of total revenue each year to build up reserves which may be carried forward
and used to pay dividends during leaner times. As at 31 October 2025 the Company
held £1,990,000 in revenue reserve, equivalent to 10.48 pence per share before
the payment of final dividend of 5.00 pence for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Share price discount and Buybacks
The Directors recognise that the discount to NAV at which the Company's shares
trade is an important factor to investors and have therefore sought to use the
Company's share buy back powers to seek to mitigate increases in the discount
between the share price and the underlying NAV.
In using these powers during the year, a total of 700,818 ordinary shares were
purchased at an average price of 202.62 pence per share, for a total
consideration (including costs) of £1,420,000 and at an average discount of
14.2%. All ordinary shares bought back were cancelled. The average discount for
the year to 31 October 2025 was 11.9% and the discount at the year end was
11.0%. To put this in context, the average discount for the investment company
sector as a whole widened substantially this year and exceeded 13.1% as at 31
October 2025.
The Board's existing authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company's issued
share capital (excluding treasury shares) will expire at the conclusion of the
2026 Annual General Meeting and a resolution will be put to shareholders to
renew the authority at that meeting. Currently, ordinary shares representing up
to 33% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital can be allotted as new
ordinary shares or sold from treasury and the Board will also seek to renew this
power.
Gearing
One of the advantages of the investment trust structure is that the Company can
use gearing with the objective of increasing portfolio returns. The Company
operates a flexible gearing policy which depends on prevailing market conditions
and is subject to a maximum level of 20% of net assets at the time of
investment. Net gearing during the financial year did not exceed that level. As
at 31 October 2025, net gearing stood at 6.1% and at 23 January 2026 stood at
3.5%. At the year end, the Company had a borrowing facility in place of up to £8
million, provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited. As at
the date of this report it is drawn down by £6 million.
Board composition
At the date of this report the Board consists of four independent Non-executive
Directors, two of whom have recently joined the Board as part of its ongoing
succession planning. Following a search to identify a new Non-executive Director
during the year, the Board was pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus
Hine. Marcus is chair of the Company's audit committee and brings valuable
professional and asset management expertise. Marcus will stand for election for
the first time by shareholders at the forthcoming AGM. His full biography can be
found in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
In accordance with best practice and good corporate governance, the Directors
continue to submit themselves for annual re-election. Further information on the
Board's policy on board diversity, director tenure and succession planning can
be found in the Directors' Report in the Company's Annual Report for the year
ended 31 October 2025. As a small Board, all of whose members are considered
independent of the Manager, the major Board committees including the Audit
Committee comprise all four of the directors.
Corporate governance
The UK Code of Corporate Governance (the UK Code) requires enhanced disclosure
setting out how the Board as Directors, have fulfilled our duties in taking into
account the wider interests of stakeholders in promoting the success of the
Company. The Board takes its governance responsibilities very seriously and
follows the provisions of the UK Code as closely as possible.
As an investment company, the Company reports against the Association of
Investment Companies Code of Corporate Governance which has been endorsed by the
Financial Reporting Council as being appropriate for investment companies and
fulfils the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code, as they are
applicable to investment companies.
As it does each year, and as required by the Corporate Governance Code, the
Company undertook a comprehensive Board evaluation this year. The overall
conclusion highlighted the effectiveness of the Board, and the skills, expertise
and commitment of the Directors.
Annual general meeting
This year's AGM will be held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at 12.00 noon at the
offices of BlackRock at 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Details of the
business of the meeting are set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting in
the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
We hope you can attend this year's AGM. The Board very much looks forward to
meeting shareholders and answering any questions you may have on the day. We
also value hearing shareholders' thoughts and feedback on the Company on a more
informal basis following the AGM. If you hold your shares through a platform or
nominee, you will need to contact them and ask them to appoint you as a
representative in respect of your shares in order to attend, speak and vote at
the AGM.
For those shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting in person, but who
wish to follow the AGM proceedings, you can do so via a live webinar. Details on
how to register, together with access instructions will be available shortly on
the Company's website at: www.blackrock.com/uk/brig or by contacting the Company
Secretary at [email protected]. It is not possible to attend, speak or vote
via this medium which is solely intended to provide shareholders with the
ability to watch the proceedings, which we hope shareholders will find helpful
if required.
Additionally, if you are unable to attend you can still exercise your right to
vote by proxy or appoint a representative to attend in your place. Details of
how to do this are included on the AGM Proxy Card provided to shareholders with
the annual report.
Communication with shareholders
We appreciate how important access to regular information is to our
shareholders. To supplement our Company website, we offer shareholders the
ability to sign up to the Trust Matters newsletter which includes information on
the Company and other news, views and insights. Further information on how to
sign up is included on the inside front cover of the Company's Annual Report for
the year ended 31 October 2025.
Outlook
Our portfolio managers anticipate further volatility in 2026 and recent events
regarding Venezuela and Greenland certainly support that expectation. They do
however believe that risk appetite may return in a more benign environment of
easing monetary policy and falling inflation. Notwithstanding party political
turmoil and generalised gloominess, the UK consumer is in fact in good economic
health, with savings rates high and growth in real wages. This more supportive
backdrop should provide more fertile ground and encourage investment. The Bank
of England's 25-basis point interest rate cut in December was welcome news and
falling inflation could pave the way for further cuts in 2026, reducing both the
UK's fiscal burden and the cost of capital. A more supportive monetary policy
may also provide UK business and industry with the confidence to invest for
growth. The outlook in Europe also looks more positive with the ECB having
reduced interest rates and a tailwind of significant fiscal expansion in
Germany. In the US, equities are at near historical highs, with index
performance predominantly driven by the A.I. tech rally. By contrast, UK
equities are trading at low relative valuations but with, importantly, strong
earnings. This provides opportunity for investors seeking both capital growth
and diversification from any potential US equity market correction.
The Board has been reassured to see our portfolio managers enter 2026 with
renewed optimism about the breadth of opportunity on offer in the UK equity
market. Your Board remains fully supportive of their investment philosophy and
place our confidence in their ability to continue to deliver on the Company's
investment objective.
GRAEME PROUDFOOT
Chairman
27 January 2026
Investment Manager's report
Performance
For the year ended 31 October 2025, the Company's NAV returned a strong 14.3%,
representing a solid positive outcome for shareholders, although this
underperformed its benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index (the Benchmark Index),
which returned 22.5% over the same period (all percentages are in Sterling with
dividends reinvested). The year was characterised by a challenging and unusually
concentrated market environment, which created a demanding backdrop for active
management and weighed on relative performance. This outcome is front of mind
for us and provides important context for the discussion of portfolio
positioning and performance that follows.
Market review
Over the twelve months to 31 October 2025, global equity markets navigated a
challenging mix of fiscal shifts, trade tensions and evolving monetary policy.
The period opened with the UK's 2024 October Budget, which delivered fiscal
loosening funded by employer tax hikes. Thisdrove gilt yields sharply higher,
weighing on domestically exposed sectors such as housebuilders and mid-caps for
the rest of the period, while banks benefited from expectations that interest
rates would remain elevated.
Early 2025 brought significant shifts in market leadership by geography, sector
and style; US equities retreated while UK and European markets advanced, the
value factor outperformed growth and quality as economic and political
uncertainty spurred a rally in defensive shares and widespread investor de
-risking, as market participants reduced overall exposure in response to
heightened volatility.
Through spring, President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcements
triggered the largest spike in 30-year US Treasury yields since 2020, sparking a
global sell-off. However, markets rebounded quickly as inflation eased and
economic data proved resilient, with AI-driven optimism restoring tech
leadership. Mega-cap names like Nvidia and Microsoft hit historic valuation
milestones, even as cyclical rotations briefly disrupted momentum. European
equities lagged global peers but held firm on fiscal support and defence
spending, while global benchmarks posted broad gains through summer. In the UK,
the Chancellor's Spring Statement reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining fiscal
headroom, which had been questioned earlier in the quarter when gilt yields rose
in January.
Mid-year delivered one of the strongest rallies in recent memory, supported by
trade negotiations and multiple bilateral deals that reinforced risk-on
sentiment. September defied its historical reputation as the weakest month,
delivering the best gains in fifteen years after the Federal Reserve's first
rate cut since 2024 and continued enthusiasm for AI. October extended this
momentum but introduced fresh volatility as tariff rhetoric resurfaced and UK
fiscal concerns dominated headlines. Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled higher
taxes and spending restraint to rebuild fiscal headroom in the upcoming Autumn
Budget, alongside plans to accelerate investment through planning reforms.
For the period, global equities delivered solid gains as the FTSE All-Share
Index returned +22.5% whilst the S&P 500 returned +21.5% and the Stoxx 600
returned +11.9%, underscoring resilience amid policy uncertainty and
geopolitical shocks. Index returns were highly concentrated, with a small number
of stocks contributing a disproportionate share of benchmark performance.
Contributors to and detractors from performance
Against this backdrop, the portfolio delivered a solid positive absolute return
over the period, although it underperformed its benchmark in a highly
concentrated market where a small number of stocks dominated index returns. The
narrowness of the UK FTSE All-Share Index, with 10 names contributing more than
60% of the return on a year-to-date basis was a general headwind with the Trust
being underweight or not owning a number of these names. Notably, the
underweight to the Aerospace and Defence sector, particularly Rolls-Royce
Holdings (Rolls-Royce) was a primary driver of the underperformance. Elsewhere,
detractors included Tate & Lyle and WH Smith, impacted by stock-specific
challenges, Segro, weighed down by subdued UK growth and political risk, and
RELX, pressured by investor concerns over potential AI disruption.
We noted in the interim report that the underweight positioning in the Aerospace
and Defence sector was a significant detractor from relative performance. This
reflected major upgrades at Rolls-Royce and supported by increased investor
interest following announcements around European defence spending. We discuss
this change further in our transactions section.
A significant detractor from performance was Tate & Lyle, where the combination
of tariff announcements, weakening US consumer confidence and a stagnant
innovation pipeline amongst their customers led to unexpected profit weakness.
Confronted with a challenging geopolitical backdrop, not dissimilar to COVID-19,
their customers have slowed innovation which has exacerbated an already weak
volume backdrop. Whilst we had previously reduced the position, we have retained
it as we continue to believe the move towards a higher growth speciality
business is the correct one, and will result in significant capital appreciation
over time, but recognise the journey is non-linear.
Another significant detractor was WH Smith, which sold off following the
announcement that the company has identified a significant `overstatement' of
the profitability of its North American division. This was entirely unexpected
and caused the shares to fall c.40% on the day. Thiswas a material breach of the
investment thesis and we have subsequently sold the position.
RELX has enjoyed a significant acceleration in revenue growth over the past
three years, benefitting from the launch of new AI capabilities, most notably in
its legal division. However, the shares have recently derated sharply amid
concerns that the company will, at some point, be disrupted by artificial
intelligence (AI), a narrative that is very difficult to categorically disprove
and that has impacted the wider information services and software names. We view
AI as a source of both opportunity and threat and have focused our exposure to
the theme in those companies that will benefit from the AI revolution. We
strongly believe that AI will continue to be additive to RELX's growth and as
such, continue to have conviction in the position.
In Real Estate, Segro shares have underperformed over the year. Whilst rental
growth has continued to be strong, the development pipeline has slowed due to
lower business confidence, primarily as a result of the UK political landscape.
Stubbornly high gilt yields have posed a headwind to the risk premium for real
estate assets in the UK and indeed, raised inflation expectations have meant
higher-for-longer interest rates that have kept financing costs elevated. We
discuss our approach further in transactions below.
Despite negative relative portfolio performance, the portfolio delivered a
positive return where there were some bright spots. The portfolio benefitted
from its holding in Standard Chartered which carried on its strong 2024
performance into 2025. The bank's performance has been very strong, a
combination of the bank's ongoing transformation and a supportive rate backdrop
enabling impressive earnings growth and cash distributions. The bank's growing
wealth channel remains a standout and most recent guidance has been upgraded for
revenue growth to the top end of the previously guided 5-7% range.
3i Group was one of the strongest contributors to portfolio returns over the 12
months to the end of October, supported by ongoing operational strength at its
core asset, Action. Action has continued to deliver solid growth through store
rollouts and robust underlying trading, although recent softness in like-for
-like sales, particularly in France, has impacted the shares since the period
end.
Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds) had a good year with the shares rising almost 80%
through the year as the potential for sizable cash returns has become more
visible. Resolution of the motor commission investigation appears relatively
benign while Lloyds continues to benefit from higher rates over the last two to
three years feeding through to its profitability, which is still impacted by the
low rate environment of 2020-2022. We had significantly increased the weighting
in Lloyds towards the end of 2024 and early in 2025, benefitting the portfolio.
Underweight positions, most notably in Diageo and Glencore, which the portfolio
has zero exposure to, also contributed to performance as these shares
underperformed.
Weir Group was another positive contributor to performance over the period,
supported by the upbeat backdrop for mining activity, especially for copper and
gold mining. The company's innovation, strong aftermarket performance and recent
mining software acquisitions are key drivers to the group's growth potential.
Transactions
During the period, we purchased BAE Systems, Melrose Industries and Rolls Royce.
The redrafting of global alliances has prompted a significant rethink by
European countries of their plans for defence spending. President Trump's
rhetoric has driven significant shifts within NATO and prompted a fundamental
change in Europe's fiscal approach, led by Germany's commitment to spend
"whatever it takes" to underpin the region's security and independence. We
believe this will result in a material change in the medium, and long-term
growth potential of these businesses.
Later in the period, we also started a position in Babcock, which appears well
placed to deliver further upgrades driven by international marine orders, growth
in its nuclear division and exposure to NATO's rearmament and training
initiatives.
As we discussed in the performance section, we managed our portfolio exposure to
the perception of AI disintermediation which remains a potential headwind. As
part of this overall view, we sold the position in Pearson. The shares have
performed strongly since entering the portfolio in 2021, primarily as execution
across the business improved and early signs of investment began to pay
dividends. Our thesis came under pressure in early 2025 as stricter immigration
policies, notably in the US and Australia, impacted international students and
thus the growth potential of the assessments division combined with threats from
AI disintermediation and US government spending reform.
We sold our position in SGS following the announcement of potential merger with
its peer, Bureau Veritas. Whilst this would have created the largest Testing and
Inspection business globally, we sold our position as this was a significant
departure from our investment thesis which was predicated on the self-help
potential on offer rather than a large deal and complex integration. We have a
high threshold for capital allocation and remain cautious of large-scale M&A
particularly when undertaken by a relatively new management team at a time of
significant geopolitical uncertainty and tariff announcements. During the period
we also sold Hays and Big Yellow. These changes partially reflect a further
reduction in UK domestic exposure whilst the exit of Hays recognises a depressed
employment landscape which is unlikely to improve.
We purchased a position in Intermediate Capital Group. The private capital
specialist continues to deliver strong inflows and strategy performance. As
discussed in the performance section, we added to Lloyds to reflect our view
that the shares had been overly punished on fears relating to the motor finance
commission liability and that the fundamentals of the bank remain attractive.
Gearing
Historically, we have managed the Company with a modest and consistent level of
gearing, typically between 5-8% to enhance income generation and capital growth.
However, as market volatility has picked up, we have been more active over the
last two years, varying both the level of gearing and using a broader range (0
-10%) depending on the opportunities or risks presenting themselves at the time.
As at 31st October, the Company had employed net gearing of 6.1%.
Outlook
The outlook for investment markets continues to be driven by a complex interplay
of elevated geopolitical uncertainty, easing monetary policy and strong thematic
winds in AI, Defence and Financials sectors. The first half of 2025 saw global
markets fall sharply as tariffs were threatened only to be followed by an
impressive recovery as proposed tariff levels were lowered and their
implementation delayed. However, tariffs remain a key source of market
volatility with the potential for outsized impacts on specific industries and
companies. Expectations of Fed rate cuts have consistently been pushed out this
year. US President Trump's unpredictability, whether tariff related or more
generally, suggests volatility in both equity and bond markets is likely to
remain elevated. These factors have also driven weakness in the US Dollar
impacting companies with US Dollar earnings. Our response is to focus on those
companies that have strong and sustainable competitive advantages alongside
sufficient pricing power to navigate these uncertain times while seeking
opportunities that may result from elevated volatility in markets.
The outlook for Europe is buoyed by a combination of rate cuts by the ECB (from
3.0% to 2.0%) and significant fiscal expansion from Germany with an emphasis on
defence and infrastructure spending. This has already led to the significant
outperformance of European defence exposed companies though the question is
whether this spend stimulates economic activity more broadly in Germany and then
Europe as a whole. In our conversations with corporates, those exposed to
highlighted industries, such as defence, are very optimistic, yet the outlook
more generally suggests stabilisation rather than anything more for now.
Meanwhile, China continues to fight weak domestic demand and deflationary
pressures with a broad range of fiscal and monetary tools with limited success
to date; the uncertainty created by US tariff announcements clearly hampering
their efforts.
The UK index continues to be relatively immune to the political challenges of
the UK government and economy, as the strong performance during 2025. However,
for the domestic exposed companies which represent c.20% of the index, the
challenges of politics have been notable for investor confidence. The hope of
`certainty' delivered by a large majority in 2024, has given way to an elevated
equity risk premium as both equity, and indeed gilt markets, continue to suffer
from the fractures within this majority. Whilst fiscal consolidation is welcomed
as the sensible path for a highly indebted nation, there remains little
confidence in either its delivery or its architects surviving a potential
leadership challenge. The UK saver remains robust, with high savings rates and
real wages continue to grow highlighting the potential for UK economic recovery
when consumer and business confidence improves. While economic data has shown
signs of stability, uncertainty around the growth outlook and future policy
direction has constrained investor confidence.
The UK stock market remains very depressed in valuation terms relative to other
developed markets offering double-digit discounts across a range of valuation
metrics. This valuation anomaly saw further reactions from UK corporates who
continue to use excess cash flows to fund buybacks. Combining this with a
dividend yield of 3.2% (FTSE All-Share Index yield as at end of October 2025;
source: FT), the cash return of the UK market is attractive in absolute terms
and higher than other developed markets. This valuation anomaly has also been
evidenced by the continuation of inbound M&A for UK listed companies. Although
we anticipate further volatility ahead, we believe that risk appetite will
return and opportunities are emerging.
We continue to focus the portfolio on cash generative businesses that we believe
offer durable, competitive advantages as we believe these companies are best
placed to drive superior returns over the long term. Whilst we anticipate
economic and market volatility will persist throughout the year ahead, we expect
that this will create opportunities; by seeking to identify the companies that
strengthen their long-term prospects as well as attractive turnaround
situations.
ADAM AVIGDORI AND DAVID GOLDMAN
BLACKROCK INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED
27 January 2026
12 month performance attribution for the year ended 31 October 2025
Sector Contribution Commentary
to return1
Allocation Selection2 Total
Effect
Basic Materials 0.15% 0.33% 0.48% The Company's
underweight exposure
to Glencore
contributed to
relative performance.
Health Care 0.23% 0.04% 0.27% The Company's
underweight position
in Health Care
contributed
positively to
relative performance
during the year.
Technology 0.07% 0.00% 0.07% The lack of exposure
to the Technology
sector had a marginal
impact on relative
returns.
Oil & Gas 0.18% -0.19% -0.01% The underweight
position in the Oil &
Gas sector had a
marginal impact on
relative returns.
Consumer Goods 0.05% -0.15% -0.10% Within Consumer
Goods, the overweight
position in Tate &
Lyle detracted from
performance.
Telecommunications -0.19% 0.00% -0.19% The lack of exposure
to Telecommunications
detracted from
performance.
Utilities -0.28% 0.04% -0.24% Sector allocation in
the Utilities sector,
where the Company
maintained an
underweight position,
negatively impacted
relative returns.
Financials 0.54% -2.68% -2.14% Financials weighed on
relative performance,
driven primarily by
holdings in Segro and
London Stock Exchange
Group.
Consumer Services -0.48% -1.67% -2.15% The Company's
overweight exposure
to WH Smith and RELX
negatively impacted
relative returns.
Industrials -0.35% -2.46% -2.82% Within Industrials,
underweight exposure
to Aerospace and
Defence names,
notably, Rolls-Royce
and BAE Systems
detracted from
performance.
========= ========= =========
1Due to the limitations of a static attribution methodology, the numbers quoted
are indicative and not exact.
2The interaction effect is included with stock selection.
Ten largest investments
Together, the Company's ten largest investments represented 45.3% of the
Company's portfolio as at 31 October 2025 (2024: 44.0%)
1. AstraZeneca (2024: 1st)
Sector: Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
Market Value: £3,932,000
Share of investments: 7.9% (2024: 6.5%)
AstraZeneca is a leading multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company
headquartered in Cambridge, UK. It specializes in innovative medicines across
oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuroscience, and other therapeutic
areas. With a strong global footprint and significant R&D investment,
AstraZeneca remains a major player in the pharmaceutical industry.
2. RELX (2024: 2nd)
Sector: Media
Market Value: £2,719,000
Share of investments: 5.5% (2024: 5.9%)
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for
professional and business customers across industries including science,
healthcare, risk, and legal sectors. It leverages data and technology to deliver
insights that help clients make better decisions, positioning itself as a
critical partner in knowledge-driven markets.
3. Shell (2024: 3rd)
Sector: Oil & Gas Producers
Market Value: £2,353,000
Share of investments: 4.8% (2024: 5.7%)
Shell is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies, operating
across the oil and gas value chain, including exploration, production, refining,
and marketing. It is actively transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions
while maintaining a strong presence in traditional hydrocarbons, reflecting its
strategic pivot in the evolving energy landscape.
4. Standard Chartered (2024: 9th)
Sector: Banks
Market Value: £2,124,000
Share of investments: 4.3% (2024: 3.2%)
Standard Chartered is a British multinational bank with a strong focus on Asia,
Africa, and the Middle East. It provides corporate and investment banking,
wealth management, and treasury services. Despite its UK headquarters, it
generates most of its profits outside the UK, emphasising emerging market
growth.
5. Lloyds Banking Group (2024: 43rd)
Sector: Banks
Market Value: £2,017,000
Share of investments: 4.1% (2024: 0.8%)
Lloyds Banking Group is one of the UK's largest retail and commercial banks,
providing a wide range of financial services including personal banking,
insurance, and wealth management. It has a strong domestic franchise and is
focused on digital transformation to enhance customer experience.
6. Unilever (2024: 7th)
Sector: Personal Goods
Market Value: £1,970,000
Share of investments: 4.0% (2024: 3.7%)
Unilever is a global consumer goods company with a diverse portfolio of well
-known brands in food, beverages, personal care, and home care. With a
significant presence in emerging markets, Unilever emphasises sustainability and
innovation to drive growth and meet changing consumer preferences worldwide.
7. HSBC (2024: 5th)
Sector: Banks
Market Value: £1,917,000
Share of investments: 3.9% (2024: 4.1%)
HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations,
operating globally across Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and
Africa. It offers a broad range of services including retail banking, commercial
banking, wealth management, and global banking and markets. HSBC continues to
focus on growth in Asia while managing its extensive international network.
8. Rio Tinto (2024: 4th)
Sector: Mining
Market Value: £1,834,000
Share of investments: 3.7% (2024: 4.5%)
Rio Tinto one of the world's largest mining and metals companies operating in
about 36 countries around the world, producing iron ore, copper, diamonds, gold
and uranium.
9. Reckitt (2024: 14th)
Sector: Household Goods & Home Construction
Market Value: £1,794,000
Share of investments: 3.6% (2024: 2.6%)
Reckitt Benckiser Group is a leading British multinational company specialising
in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition products. Its portfolio includes
globally recognised brands such as Dettol, Nurofen, Durex, and Lysol. The group
places strong emphasis on science-led innovation and brand strength to deliver
long-term growth while addressing evolving consumer health and wellbeing needs
across developed and emerging markets.
10. 3i Group (2024: 6th)
Sector: Financial Services
Market Value: £1,727,000
Share of investments: 3.5% (2024: 4.1%)
3i Group is an international investment company focused on private equity and
infrastructure investments. It aims to generate attractive returns by backing
growth-oriented businesses and infrastructure projects, primarily in Europe and
North America, combining active ownership with long-term capital deployment.
All percentages reflect the value of the holding as a percentage of total
investments.
Percentages in brackets represent the value of the holding as at 31 October
2024.
Distribution of investments as at 31 October 2025
Analysis of portfolio by sector
Sector % of investments by market value Benchmark %
Banks 13.5 14.2
Financial 10.5 5.3
Services
Pharmaceuticals & 9.0 11.0
Biotechnology
Oil & Gas 6.6 9.0
Producers
Non-Life 6.4 0.8
Insurance
Aerospace & 6.2 6.5
Defence
Mining 5.5 0.4
Media 5.5 1.0
General Retailers 5.0 3.1
Household Goods & 4.5 0.8
Home Construction
Real Estate 4.0 2.2
Investment Trusts
Personal Goods 4.0 0.2
Support Services 3.6 2.9
Travel & Leisure 3.0 1.9
Life Insurance 2.7 2.5
Industrial 2.7 0.6
Engineering
Tobacco 2.7 3.8
Electronic & 1.6 1.1
Electrical
Equipment
General Retailers 1.3 0.8
Food Producers 1.0 0.5
Beverages 0.7 2.3
Sources: BlackRock and LSEG Datastream.
Investment Size
Number of investments % of investments by market value
< £1m 20 26.2
£1m to £2m 16 47.2
£2m to £3m 4 18.7
£3m to £4m 1 7.9
Source: BlackRock.
List of investments as at 31 October 2025
Market % of
value investments
£'000
Banks
Standard Chartered 2,124 4.3
Lloyds Banking Group 2,017 4.1
HSBC 1,917 3.9
NatWest 595 1.2
--------------- ---------------
6,653 13.5
========= =========
Financial Services
3i Group 1,727 3.5
London Stock Exchange Group 1,191 2.4
Rosebank 881 1.8
Intermediate Capital Group 769 1.6
Ashmore Group 610 1.2
--------------- ---------------
5,178 10.5
========= =========
Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
AstraZeneca 3,932 7.9
GSK 566 1.1
--------------- ---------------
4,498 9.0
========= =========
Oil & Gas Producers
Shell 2,353 4.8
BP Group 893 1.8
--------------- ---------------
3,246 6.6
========= =========
Non-Life Insurance
Admiral Group 1,466 3.0
Hiscox 1,172 2.4
Lancashire Holdings 493 1.0
--------------- ---------------
3,131 6.4
========= =========
Aerospace & Defence
Rolls-Royce Holdings 1,427 2.9
Melrose Industries 597 1.2
BAE Systems 570 1.2
Babcock 459 0.9
--------------- ---------------
3,053 6.2
========= =========
Mining
Rio Tinto 1,834 3.7
Anglo American 914 1.8
--------------- ---------------
2,748 5.5
========= =========
Media
RELX 2,719 5.5
--------------- ---------------
2,719 5.5
========= =========
General Retailers
Next 1,158 2.3
Howden Joinery 804 1.6
Inchcape 565 1.1
--------------- ---------------
2,527 5.0
========= =========
Household Goods & Home Construction
Reckitt 1,794 3.6
Bellway 454 0.9
--------------- ---------------
2,248 4.5
========= =========
Real Estate Investment Trusts
Great Portland Estates 1,107 2.2
Segro 909 1.8
--------------- ---------------
2,016 4.0
========= =========
Personal Goods
Unilever 1,970 4.0
--------------- ---------------
1,970 4.0
========= =========
Support Services
Mastercard1 1,092 2.2
Rentokil Initial 704 1.4
--------------- ---------------
1,796 3.6
========= =========
Travel & Leisure
Compass Group 1,475 3.0
--------------- ---------------
1,475 3.0
========= =========
Life Insurance
Phoenix Group 1,359 2.7
--------------- ---------------
1,359 2.7
========= =========
Industrial Engineering
Weir Group 1,356 2.7
--------------- ---------------
1,356 2.7
========= =========
Tobacco
British American Tobacco 1,324 2.7
--------------- ---------------
1,324 2.7
========= =========
Electronic & Electrical Equipment
Oxford Instruments 805 1.6
--------------- ---------------
805 1.6
========= =========
General Industrials
Coats Group 618 1.3
--------------- ---------------
618 1.3
========= =========
Food Producers
Tate & Lyle 488 1.0
--------------- ---------------
488 1.0
========= =========
Beverages
Fevertree Drinks 361 0.7
--------------- ---------------
361 0.7
========= =========
Total investments 49,569 100.0
========= =========
1Non-UK listed investments.
All investments are in ordinary shares unless otherwise stated. The total number
of investments held at 31 October 2025 was 41 (2024: 46).
As at 31 October 2025, the Company did not hold any equity interests comprising
more than 3% of any company's share capital.
Strategic report
The Directors present the Strategic Report of the Company for the year ended 31
October 2025.
Investment objective
The Company's objective is to provide growth in capital and income over the long
term through investment in a diversified portfolio of principally UK listed
equities.
Business and management of the company
BlackRock Income and Growth Investment Trust plc is an investment trust company
that has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange. Its principal activity
is portfolio investment. Investment trusts, like unit trusts and open-ended
investment companies (OEICs), are pooled investment vehicles which allow
exposure to a diversified range of assets through a single investment thus
spreading, although not eliminating, investment risk.
Investment trusts, unlike unit trusts and OEICs, have the ability to borrow for
investment purposes and to manage dividend distributions through revenue
reserves. They also enjoy, unlike unit trusts and OEICs, the benefit of
continuous dealing during market hours.
The Company is an Alternative Investment Fund in accordance with the Alternative
Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (the
Manager) is the Company's Alternative Investment Fund Manager. The management of
the investment portfolio and the administration of the Company have been
contractually delegated to the Manager. The Manager, operating under guidelines
determined by the Board, has direct responsibility for decisions relating to the
running of the Company and is accountable to the Board for the investment,
financial and operating performance of the Company.
The Company delegates fund accounting services to BlackRock Investment
Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK) or the Investment Manager), which in turn sub
-delegates these services to the Fund Accountant, The Bank of New York Mellon
(International) Limited (BNY), and also delegates registration services to the
Registrar, Computershare Investor Services PLC. Other service providers include
the Depositary, also performed by The Bank of New York Mellon (International)
Limited (BNY). Details of the contractual terms with these service providers are
set out in the Directors' Report in the Company's Annual Report for the year
ended 31 October 2025.
Business model
The Company invests in accordance with the investment objective. The Board is
collectively responsible to shareholders for the long-term success of the
Company and is its governing body. There is a clear division of responsibility
between the Board and the Manager. Matters reserved for the Board include
setting the Company's strategy, including its investment objective and policy,
setting limits on gearing, setting the dividend, capital structure, governance,
and appointing and monitoring the performance of service providers, including
the Manager.
The Company's business model follows that of an externally managed investment
trust, therefore the Company does not have any employees and outsources its
activities to third party service providers, including the Manager which is the
principal service provider.
Investment strategy and policy
The Company's policy is that the portfolio will usually consist of approximately
30-60 securities and the Company will invest primarily in the securities of
companies listed or admitted to trading in the UK. The Company may invest up to
20% of the gross asset value of the Company in the securities of companies that
are not listed or admitted to trading in the UK.
The Company may hold a maximum of 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of
any company. No more than 15% of the gross asset value of the Company may be
invested in the securities of any one issuer, calculated at the time of any
relevant investment. Cash may not exceed 10% of the net asset value of the
Company. The performance of the Company is measured by reference to the FTSE All
-Share Index (the Benchmark Index) on a total return basis. Non-Benchmark Index
securities (including securities that are not listed or admitted to trading in
the UK) may not exceed 20% of the gross asset value of the Company. Any non
-Benchmark Index securities which are listed or admitted to trading in the UK
shall be limited to 10% of the gross asset value of the Company. Each investee
company that is a constituent of the Benchmark Index is subject to a lower limit
of 0% and an upper limit of plus 4 percentage points of the Company's gross
asset value against such investee company's weighting in the Index on an ongoing
basis, subject to an absolute sector weighting upper limit of 20% of the
Company's net asset value at any time.
The Company may deal in derivatives, including options, futures, contracts for
difference and derivatives not traded on or under the rules of a recognised or
designated investment exchange for the purpose of efficient portfolio
management. Derivatives and exchange traded funds may be dealt in only with the
prior consent of the Board.
The Company achieves an appropriate spread of risk by investing in a diversified
portfolio of securities.
No material change can be made to the investment policy without the approval of
shareholders by ordinary resolution.
Investment approach and process
In assembling the Company's portfolio, a relatively concentrated approach to
investment is adopted to ensure that the fund manager's best ideas contribute
significantly to returns. We believe that it is the role of the portfolio
overall to achieve a premium level of yield rather than every individual company
within it. This gives increased flexibility to invest where returns are most
attractive. This relatively concentrated approach results in a portfolio which
differs substantially from the Benchmark Index and in any individual year, the
returns will vary, sometimes significantly, from those of the Benchmark Index.
Over longer periods the objective is to achieve total returns greater than the
Benchmark Index.
Investment approach
The foundation of the portfolio, approximately 70% by value, is in high free
cash flow companies that can sustain cash generation and pay a growing yield
whilst aiming to deliver a double-digit total return. Additionally, the
Investment Manager seeks to identify and invest 20% by value of the portfolio in
`growth' companies that have significant barriers to entry and scalable business
models that enable them to grow consistently. Turnaround companies are also
sought, at around 10% by value, which represent those companies that are out of
favour by the market, facing temporary challenges with high yields/very low
valuations, but with recovery potential. The return from this segment is
expected to contribute meaningfully to returns over time.
Gearing and borrowings
The appropriate use of gearing can add value and the Company may, from time to
time, use borrowings to achieve this. The Board is responsible for the level of
gearing in the Company and reviews the position at every meeting. Gearing,
including borrowings and gearing through the use of derivatives (which requires
prior Board approval), when aggregated with underwriting participations, will
not exceed 20% of the net asset value at the time of investment, drawdown or
participation. There are no derivative positions at 31 October 2025. Any
borrowing, except for short-term liquidity purposes, is used for investment
purposes or to fund the purchase of the Company's own shares.
The Company has put in place a revolving credit facility with a limit of £8
million, extended to the Company by The Bank of New York Mellon (International)
Limited (BNY). At the date of this report the facility was drawn down in the sum
of £6 million.
Performance
The Board reviews regularly the Company's performance attribution analysis to
understand how performance was achieved. This provides an understanding of how
components such as sector exposure, stock selection and asset allocation impact
performance. The table on the next below provides performance information for
the current and prior year.
Details of the Company's performance for the year are also given in the
Chairman's Statement above. The Investment Manager's Report above includes a
review of the main developments during the year, together with information on
investment activity within the Company's portfolio.
Results and dividends
The Company's revenue earnings for the year amounted to 7.23p per share (2024:
7.20p per share). The total net profit for the year, after taxation, was
£5,848,000 (2024: £6,835,000) of which the net revenue profit amounted to
£1,400,000 (2024: £1,454,000) and the net capital profit amounted to £4,448,000
(2024: £5,381,000). Details of dividends paid and declared in respect of the
year are set out in the Chairman's Statement above.
Key performance indicators
At each Board meeting, the Directors consider a number of performance measures
to assess the Company's success in achieving its objectives. The key performance
indicators (KPIs) used to measure the progress and performance of the Company
over time, and which are comparable to other investment trusts, are set out in
the following table. As indicated in the footnote to the table, some of these
KPIs fall within the definition of `Alternative Performance Measures' under
guidance issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and
additional information explaining how these are calculated is set out in the
Glossary in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Additionally, the Board regularly reviews the performance of the portfolio, the
net asset value, share price, discount to NAV and ongoing charges of the Company
and compares this against various companies and indices. Information on the
Company's performance is given in the Chairman's Statement.
The principal KPIs are described below.
Performance against the Benchmark Index
The performance of the portfolio together with the performance of the Company's
net asset value and share price are reviewed at each Board meeting and compared
to the return of the Company's Benchmark Index, the FTSE All-Share Index.
Premium/discount to NAV
At each meeting the Board monitors the level of the Company's premium or
discount to NAV and considers strategies for managing any premium or discount.
Further details of the discount policy are provided in the Company's Annual
Report for the year ended 31 October 2025. In the year to 31 October 2025, the
Company's share price to NAV traded in the range of 6.9% to 15.8%, both on a cum
income basis. The Company bought back a total of 700,818 ordinary shares during
the year at an average discount of 14.2% and at an average price of 202.62p per
share. The total consideration (including costs) was £1,420,000. No ordinary
shares were reissued from treasury during the year.
Performance against the Company's peers
Whilst the principal objective is to achieve growth in capital and income
relative to the Benchmark Index, the Board also monitors performance relative to
a range of competitor funds, particularly those also within the AIC UK Equity
Income sector.
Ongoing charges
The Board reviews the ongoing charges and monitors the expenses incurred by the
Company at each meeting. The Board also compares the level of ongoing charges
against those of its peers.
Year ended Year ended
31 October 31 October
2025 2024
NAV per share1 245.97p 222.22p
Share price 219.00p 193.50p
Net asset value total return2, 3 +14.3% +18.1%
Share price total return2, 3 +17.3% +13.2%
Change in Benchmark Index4 +22.5% +16.3%
Discount to net asset value3 11.0% 12.9%
Revenue earnings per share 7.23p 7.20p
Dividends per share 7.70p 7.60p
Ongoing charges3, 5 1.15% 1.15%
========= =========
1Calculated in accordance with accounting policies adopted by the Company and
AIC guidelines.
2This measures the Company's share price and NAV total return, which assumes
dividends paid by the Company have been reinvested.
3Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary in the Company's Annual Report
for the year ended 31 October 2025.
4FTSE All-Share Index (total return).
5Ongoing charges represent the management fee and all other operating expenses,
excluding finance costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges,
VAT recovered, taxation, prior year expenses written back and certain non
-recurring items as a % of average daily net assets.
Principal risks
The Company is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties. As required by
the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Board has undertaken a robust assessment
of the principal and emerging risks facing the Company, including those that
would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.
In making this assessment, the Board has considered, amongst other factors, the
impact of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and their impact on the
global economy. Emerging risks are considered by the Board as they come into
view and are incorporated into the existing review of the Company's risk
register. There has been no material change in the risks faced by the Company as
identified and assessed during the year.
A core element of this process is the Company's risk register which identifies
the risks facing the Company and assesses the likelihood and potential impact of
each risk and the controls established for mitigation. A residual risk rating is
then calculated for each risk. The risk register is regularly reviewed and the
risks reassessed. The risk environment in which the Company operates is also
monitored and regularly appraised. New risks are also added to the register as
they are identified which ensures that the document continues to be an effective
risk management tool. The risk register, its method of preparation and the
operation of key controls in the Investment Manager's and third-party service
providers, systems of internal control are reviewed on a regular basis by the
Audit Committee.
Additionally, the Investment Manager considers emerging risks in numerous forums
and the Risk and Quantitative Analysis team produces an annual risk survey. Any
material risks of relevance to the Company identified through the annual risk
survey will be communicated to theBoard. The Board has considered several
emerging risks including the potential impact of advancements in technology,
specifically the evolution of artificial intelligence.
In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Investment Manager's
and other third-party service providers' risk management processes and how these
apply to the Company's business, the Audit Committee periodically receives
presentations from BlackRock's Internal Audit and Risk & Quantitative Analysis
functions. The Audit Committee also reviews Service Organisation Control (SOC 1)
reports from the Company's service providers.
The current risk register includes a range of risks which are categorised under
the following headings:
-investment performance;
-income/dividend;
-gearing;
-legal, regulatory and tax compliance;
-operational;
-market; and
-financial.
The principal risks identified are described in detail within the following
tables, together with an explanation of how they are managed and mitigated. The
Board will continue to assess these risks on an ongoing basis.
Investment performance
Principal risk
The Board is responsible for:
-setting the investment strategy to fulfil the Company's objective; and
-monitoring the performance of the Investment Manager and the implementation of
the investment strategy.
An inappropriate investment strategy may lead to:
-poor performance compared to the Benchmark Index and the Company's peer group;
-a widening discount to NAV;
-a reduction or permanent loss of capital; and
-dissatisfied shareholders and reputational damage.
The Board is also aware of the long-term risk to performance from inadequate
attention to ESG issues and in particular the impact of climate change.
Mitigation/Control
To manage this risk the Board:
-regularly reviews investment performance;
-regularly reviews the Company's investment mandate and long-term strategy;
-is required to provide prior consent to the use of derivatives and exchange
traded funds;
-has set investment restrictions and guidelines which the Investment Manager
monitors and regularly reports on;
-reviews changes in gearing and the rationale for the composition of the
investment portfolio;
-monitors the maintenance of an adequate spread of investments in order to
minimise the risks associated with factors specific to particular sectors, based
on the diversification requirements inherent in the investment policy; and
-monitors the discount to NAV and use of the granted buy back powers.
Income/dividend
Principal risk
The amount of dividends and future dividend growth will depend on the Company's
underlying portfolio and the dividends paid by the underlying investee
companies.
Changes in the composition of the portfolio and any change in the tax treatment
of the dividends or interest received by the Company may alter the level of
dividends received by shareholders.
Mitigation/Control
The Board monitors this risk through the receipt of detailed income forecasts
and considers the level of income at each meeting. The Company also has a
revenue reserve and powers to pay dividends from capital which could potentially
be used to support the Company's dividend if required.
Gearing
Principal risk
The Company's investment strategy may involve the use of gearing to enhance
investment returns.
Gearing may be generated through borrowing money or increasing levels of market
exposure through the use of derivatives. The Company currently has an unsecured
revolving credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon
(International) Limited (BNY). The use of gearing exposes the Company to the
risks associated with borrowing.
Mitigation/Control
To manage this risk the Board has limited gearing, including borrowings and
gearing through the use of derivatives, to 20% of NAV at the time of investment,
drawdown or participation.
The Investment Manager will only use gearing when confident that market
conditions and opportunities exist to enhance investment returns.
Legal, regulatory and tax compliance
Principal risk
The Company has been approved by HM Revenue & Customs as an investment trust,
subject to meeting the relevant eligibility conditions and operating as an
investment trust in accordance with Sections 1158 and 1159 of the Corporation
Tax Act 2010. As such, the Company is exempt from capital gains tax on the
profits realised from the sale of its investments. Any breach of the relevant
eligibility conditions could lead to the Company losing investment trust status
and being subject to corporation tax on capital gains realised within the
Company's portfolio.
The Company is required to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006,
the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (the AIFMD), the Market Abuse
Regulation, the UK Listing Rules and the FCA's Disclosure Guidance &
Transparency Rules.
Any serious breach could result in the Company and/or the Directors being fined
or the subject of criminal proceedings or the suspension of the Company's shares
which would in turn lead to a breach of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
Mitigation/Control
Compliance with the accounting rules affecting investment trusts are regularly
monitored.
The Investment Manager monitors investment movements, the level and type of
forecast income and expenditure and the amount of proposed dividends, if any, to
ensure that the provisions of Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act
2010 are not breached. The results are reported to the Board at each meeting.
The Board is aware of the risk of potential changes in law and taxation and will
continue to monitor this closely.
The Company Secretary and the Company's professional advisers provide regular
reports to the Board in respect of compliance with all applicable rules and
regulation.
The Company and its appointed Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM and/or
Manager) are subject to the risks that the requirements of AIFMD are not
correctly complied with. The Board and the Manager also monitor changes in
government policy and legislation which may have an impact on the Company.
The Market Abuse Regulation came into force on 3 July 2016. The Board has taken
steps to ensure that individual Directors (and their Persons Closely Associated)
are aware of their obligations under the regulation and has updated internal
processes, where necessary, to ensure the risk of non-compliance is effectively
mitigated.
Operational
Principal risk
In common with most other investment trust companies, the Company has no
employees. The Company therefore relies upon the services provided by third
parties and is dependent on the control systems of BlackRock (the Investment
Manager and AIFM), and of The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited
(BNY) (the Depositary and Fund Accountant), which ensures safe custody of the
Company's assets and maintains the Company's accounting records. The Company's
share register is maintained by the Registrar, Computershare Investor Services
PLC.
Failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations to the Company
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's performance. Disruption to
the accounting, payment systems or custody records, as a result of a cyber
-attack or otherwise, could impact the monitoring and reporting of the Company's
financial position.
The security of the Company's assets, dealing procedures, accounting records and
maintenance of regulatory and legal requirements, depend on the effective
operation of these systems.
Mitigation/Control
Due diligence is undertaken before contracts are entered into with third party
service providers. Thereafter, the performance of the provider is subject to
regular review and reports to the Board.
The Bank of New York Mellon's and BlackRock's internal control processes are
regularly tested and monitored throughout the year and are evidenced through
their Service Organisation Control (SOC 1) reports, which are subject to review
by an Independent Service Assurance Auditor. The SOC 1 reports provide assurance
in respect of the effective operation of internal controls. These reports are
regularly reviewed by the Audit Committee.
The Company's assets are subject to a strict liability regime and in the event
of a loss of assets, the Depositary must return assets of an identical type or
the corresponding amount, unless able to demonstrate the loss was a result of an
event beyond its reasonable control.
The Board reviews the overall performance of the Manager, Investment Manager and
all other third party service providers on a regular basis and compliance with
the Investment Management Agreement regularly. The Board also considers the
business continuity arrangements of the Company's key service providers.
The Board considers the business continuity arrangements of the Company's key
service providers on an ongoing basis and reviews these as part of its review of
the Company's risk register. Having considered these arrangements and reviewed
service levels, the Board is confident that a good level of service has and will
be maintained.
Market
Principal risk
Market risk arises from volatility in the prices of the Company's investments.
It represents the potential loss the Company might suffer through realising
investments at a time of negative market movements.
There is also the potential for the Company to suffer loss through holding
investments in a period of negative market movements.
Mitigation/Control
The Board considers the diversification of the portfolio, asset allocation,
stock selection, and levels of gearing on a regular basis and has set investment
restrictions and guidelines which are monitored and reported on by the
Investment Manager.
The Board monitors the implementation and results of the investment process with
the Investment Manager.
The Board also recognises the benefits of a closed-end fund structure in
extremely volatile markets such as major geopolitical events and their impact on
markets. Unlike open-ended counterparts, closed-end funds are not obliged to
sell-down portfolio holdings at low valuations to meet liquidity requirements
for redemptions. During times of elevated volatility and market stress, the
ability of a closed-end fund structure to remain invested for the long term
enables the Investment Manager to adhere to disciplined fundamental analysis
from a bottom-up perspective.
Financial
Principal risk
The Company's investment activities expose it to a variety of financial risks
that include market risk.
Mitigation/Control
Details of these risks are disclosed in note 16 to the financial statements,
together with a summary of the policies for managing these risks.
Viability statement
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have assessed
the prospects of the Company over a longer period than the twelve months
referred to by the `Going Concern' guidelines. The Company is an investment
trust with the objective of achieving capital growth and income.
The Directors believe that five years is an appropriate investment horizon to
assess the viability of the Company. This is based on the Company's long-term
mandate, the low turnover in the portfolio and the investment holding period
investors generally consider while investing in the UK market. This period has
also been selected as it is aligned to the Company's objective of achieving long
-term growth in capital and income. The Board is aware of the current heightened
global geopolitical tensions and has considered their impact on the economy, and
the prospects for many of the Company's portfolio holdings. Notwithstanding the
impact of these events, and given the factors stated below, the Board expects
the Company to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the
foreseeable future.
The Board conducted its review for the period up to the AGM in 2031, being a
five-year period from the date that this annual report will be laid before
shareholders for approval. In making this assessment the Board has considered
the following factors:
-the Company's principal risks as set out above;
-the ongoing relevance of the Company's investment objective in the current
environment;
-the level of demand for the Company's shares;
-the performance of the Company versus its benchmark index;
-good communication with major shareholders; and
-at the close of business on 23 January 2026 the Company's shares were trading
at a discount to NAV of 11.2%.
As part of its assessment the Board has also considered:
-the level of ongoing charges, both current and historical;
-the level at which the shares trade relative to NAV;
-the level of income generated; and
-future income forecasts.
The Board has concluded that the Company would be able to meet its ongoing
operating costs and net current liabilities as they fall due as a consequence
of:
-a liquid portfolio; and
-overheads which comprise a small percentage of net assets.
Therefore, the Board has concluded that even in exceptionally stressed operating
conditions, the Company would comfortably be able to meet its ongoing operating
costs as they fall due.
However, investment companies may face other challenges. These include
regulatory changes, changes to the tax treatment of investment trusts, a
significant decrease in size due to poor investment performance or substantial
share buy back activity, which may result in the Company no longer being of
sufficient market capitalisation to represent a viable investment proposition or
no longer being able to continue in operation.
Based on the results of their analysis, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its
liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment.
Future prospects
The Board's main focus is the achievement of income and capital growth. The
future performance of the Company is dependent upon the success of the
investment strategy.
The outlook for the Company is discussed in the Chairman's Statement and in the
Investment Manager's Report above.
Social, community and human rights issues
As an investment trust, the Company has no direct social or community
responsibilities.
However, the Company believes that it is in shareholders' interests to consider
environmental, social and governance factors and human rights issues when
selecting and retaining investments. Details of the Company's approach to
socially responsible investment are set out in the Company's Annual Report for
the year ended 31 October 2025.
Modern slavery act
As an investment vehicle the Company does not provide goods or services in the
normal course of business and does not have customers. Accordingly, the
Directors consider that the Company is not required to make any slavery or human
trafficking statement under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. In any event, the Board
considers the Company's supply chain, dealing predominantly with professional
advisers and service providers in the financial services industry, to be low
risk in relation to this matter.
Directors, gender representation and employees
The Directors of the Company on 31 October 2025, all of whom, with the exception
of Mr Hine, held office throughout the year, are set out in the Governance
Structure and Directors' biographies in the Company's Annual Report for the year
ended 31 October 2025.
The Board recognises the importance of having a range of experienced Directors
with the right skills and knowledge to enable it to fulfil its obligations. As
at 31 October 2025, the Board consisted of three male Directors and one female
Director. The Company does not have anyemployees.
Promoting the success of BlackRock Income and Growth Investment Trust plc
The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 require directors to
explain more fully how they have discharged their duties under Section 172(1) of
the Companies Act 2006 in promoting the success of their companies for the
benefit of members as a whole. Thisenhanced disclosure covers how the Board has
engaged with and understands the views of stakeholders and how stakeholders'
needs have been taken into account, the outcome of this engagement and the
impact that it has had on the Board's decisions.
As the Company is an externally managed investment company and does not have any
employees or customers, the Board considers the main stakeholders in the Company
to be the shareholders, key service providers (being the Manager and Investment
Manager, the Custodian, Depositary, Registrar and Broker) and investee
companies. The reasons for this determination, and the Board's overarching
approach to engagement, are set out below.
Stakeholders
Shareholders
Continued shareholder support and engagement are critical to the continued
existence of the Company and the successful delivery of its long-term strategy.
The Board is focused on fostering good working relationships with shareholders
and on understanding the views of shareholders in order to incorporate them into
the Board's strategy and objectives in delivering long-term growth and income.
Manager and Investment Manager
The Board's main working relationship is with the Manager, who is responsible
for the Company's portfolio management (including asset allocation, stock and
sector selection) and risk management, as well as ancillary functions such as
administration, secretarial, accounting and marketing services.
The Manager has sub-delegated portfolio management to the Investment Manager.
Successful management of shareholders' assets by the Investment Manager is
critical for the Company to deliver successfully its investment strategy and
meet its objective. The Company is also reliant on the Manager as AIFM to
provide support in meeting relevant regulatory obligations under the AIFMD and
other relevant legislation.
Other key service providers
In order for the Company to function as an investment trust with a listing on
the premium segment of the official list of the FCA and trade on the London
Stock Exchange's (LSE) main market for listed securities, the Board relies on a
diverse range of service providers and advisors for support in meeting relevant
obligations and safeguarding the Company's assets. For this reason the Board
considers the Company's Custodian, Depositary, Registrar and Broker to be
stakeholders. The Board maintains regular contact with its key external
providers and receives regular reporting from them through the Board and
committee meetings, as well as outside of the regular meeting cycle.
Investee companies
Portfolio holdings are ultimately shareholders' assets, and the Board recognises
the importance of good stewardship and communication with investee companies in
meeting the Company's investment objective and strategy. The Board monitors the
Investment Manager's stewardship activities and receives regular feedback from
the Investment Manager in respect of meetings with the management of portfolio
companies.
A summary of the key areas of engagement undertaken by the Board with its key
stakeholders in the year under review and how Directors have acted upon this to
promote the long-term success of the Company are set out in the table below.
Area of Engagement
Investment mandate and objective
Issue
The Board is committed to promoting the role and success of the Company in
delivering on its investment mandate to shareholders over the long term.
Consideration of sustainable investment is a key part of the investment process
and must be factored in when making investment decisions. The Board also has
responsibility to shareholders to ensure that the Company's portfolio of assets
is invested in line with the stated investment objective and in a way that
ensures an appropriate balance between spread of risk and portfolio returns.
Engagement
The Board believes that responsible investment and sustainability are important
to the longer-term delivery of growth in capital and income and has worked
closely with the Manager throughout the year to review regularly the Company's
performance, investment strategy and underlying policies and to understand how
sustainability considerations are integrated into the investment process.
The Manager's approach to the consideration of ESG factors in respect of the
Company's portfolio, as well as its engagement with investee companies to
encourage the adoption of sustainable business practices which support long-term
value creation, are kept under review by the Board. The Manager reports to the
Board in respect of its consideration of ESG factors and how these are
integrated into the investment process.
Impact
The portfolio activities undertaken by the Investment Manager and the
performance delivered for shareholders during the year can be found in the
Investment Manager's Report above,
Discount strategy
Issue
The Board believes that strong performance and an attractive dividend yield
enhances demand for the Company's shares, which will help to narrow the
Company's discount of share price to NAV over time.
Engagement
The Manager reports total return performance statistics to the Board on a
regular basis, along with the portfolio yield and the impact of dividends paid
on brought forward distributable reserves.
The Board reviews the Company's discount/premium to NAV on a regular basis and
holds regular discussions with the Manager and the Company's broker regarding
the discount/premium level.
The Board has authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company's issued share
capital (excluding treasury shares) and has an active buy back programme in
place. The Company bought back a total of 700,818 ordinary shares during the
year at an average discount of 14.2% and at an average price of 202.62p per
share. As at the financial year end, the Company's shares were trading at a
discount to NAV of 11.0%.
The Manager provides the Board with feedback and key performance statistics
regarding the success of the Company's marketing initiatives which include
messaging to highlight the dividends.
The Board also reviews feedback from shareholders in respect of the level of
dividend.
Impact
The average discount for the year to 31 October 2025 was 11.9%. During the year
the Company's share price has traded at a minimum discount of 6.9% to a maximum
discount of 15.8%, both on a cum income basis.
The Board believes the buy back activity undertaken during the year has been
effective in reducing the discount volatility and increasing liquidity in the
Company's shares. All shares were purchased at a discount to the prevailing NAV
and were accretive to the NAV.
Service levels of third party providers
Issue
The Board acknowledges the importance of ensuring that the Company's principal
suppliers are providing a suitable level of service: including the Manager in
respect of investment performance and delivering on the Company's investment
mandate; the Custodian and Depositary in respect of their duties towards
safeguarding the Company's assets; the Registrar in its maintenance of the
Company's share register and dealing with investor queries and the Company's
Brokers in respect of the provision of advice and acting as a market maker for
the Company's shares.
Engagement
The Manager reports to the Board on the Company's performance on a regular
basis. The Board carries out a robust annual evaluation of the Manager's
performance, their commitment and available resources.
The Board performs an annual review of the service levels of all third party
service providers and concludes on their suitability to continue in their role.
The Board receives regular updates from the AIFM, Depositary, Registrar and
Brokers.
The Board has worked closely with the Manager to gain comfort that relevant
business continuity plans are operating effectively for all of the Company's
service providers.
Impact
Performance evaluations were performed on a timely basis and the Board concluded
that all third party service providers, including the Manager, Custodian,
Depositary and Fund Administrator were operating effectively and providing a
good level of service.
The Board has received updates in respect of business continuity planning from
the Manager, Custodian, Depositary, Fund Administrator, Brokers and Registrar,
and is confident that arrangements are in place to ensure that a good level of
service will continue to be provided in the event of disruption, for example the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Board composition
Issue
The Board is committed to ensuring that its own composition brings an
appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, diversity and skills, and that it
is compliant with best corporate governance practice under the UK Code of
Corporate Governance, including guidance on tenure and the composition of the
Board's committees.
Engagement
The Board keep succession planning under regular review and (discharging the
duties of a Nomination Committee) has agreed the selection criteria and the
method of selection, recruitment and appointment. The importance of Board
diversity, including gender, was taken into account when establishing the
criteria. Tenure is also kept under review.
With these criteria in mind, and as part of its succession planning process, the
Board initiated a search and selection process in the year to identify a new non
-executive Director. As a result of this process, Mr Marcus Hine has been
appointed as a Non-executive Director with effect from 16 September 2025. Mr
Hine has also been appointed Chair of the Company's audit committee. His full
biography can be found in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31
October 2025.
As at the date of this report, the Board is comprised of three men and one
woman. Mr Worsley, a long serving Director, currently has a tenure in excess of
nine years. The Board has considered the independence of all Directors,
including that of the Chairman, and notwithstanding the length of tenure of
individual Directors, the Board deems all Directors to be independent in
character, with no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect
their judgement. The Board is cognisant of the need to balance the value of
highly-experienced directors with the benefits of bringing new skills, diverse
perspectives, and fresh ideas. It has a formal director tenure policy and
operates an ongoing succession plan to ensure it composition is appropriate. The
Board has undergone a process of refreshment, with two new Directors appointed
in 2024 and 2025 respectively and one long serving Director having recently
retired.
The Board subscribes to the view expressed in the AIC Code that long-serving
Directors should not be prevented from forming part of an independent majority.
It does not consider that the length of a Director's tenure reduces his or her
ability to act independently. The Board's policy on tenure is that continuity
and experience add significantly to the strength of the Board and, as such, no
limit on the overall length of service of any of the Company's Directors has
been imposed, although the Board believes in the merits of periodic and
progressive refreshment of its composition as evidenced by the succession
planning actions taken through the course of the year as described above.
All Directors are subject to a formal evaluation process on an annual basis
(more details and the conclusions in respect of the 2025 evaluation process are
given above). All Directors stand for re-election by shareholders annually.
Shareholders may attend the AGM and raise any queries in respect of Board
composition or individual Directors in person, or may contact the Company
Secretary or the Chairman using the details provided in the Company's Annual
Report for the year ended 31 October 2025 if they wish to raise any issues.
Impact
The Board recognises the benefits of diversity and a structured process of
ongoing refreshment and will continue to consider regularly its composition.
The Directors are not aware of any issues that have been raised directly by
shareholders in respect of Board composition in 2025. Through its Manager and
Corporate Broker, there is regular contact with major shareholders. Shareholders
are able to raise any concerns in this regard at the AGM or alternatively they
may write to the Chairman of the Board. Details of the proxy voting results in
favour and against individual Directors' re-election at the 2025 AGM are given
on the Company's website at www.blackrock.com/uk/brig. Historical proxy voting
results can be found under the `Further Literature' tab.
Shareholders
Issue
Continued shareholder support and engagement are critical to the continued
existence of the Company and the successful delivery of its long-term strategy.
Engagement
The Board is committed to maintaining open channels of communication and to
engage with shareholders. The Company welcomes and encourages attendance and
participation from shareholders at its Annual General Meetings. Shareholders
therefore have the opportunity to meet the Directors and Investment Manager and
to address questions to them directly.
The Annual Report and Half Yearly Financial Report are available on the
BlackRock website and are also circulated to shareholders either in printed copy
or via electronic communications. In addition, regular updates on performance,
monthly factsheets, the daily NAV and other information are also published on
the website at www.blackrock.com/uk/brig.
The Company also has an arrangement in place whereby at every fifth Annual
General Meeting of the Company, shareholders shall be asked to approve the
continuation of the Company as an investment trust by ordinary resolution. This
mechanism provides shareholders with a regular opportunity at which they can
realise the value of their shares. The Board, through its Manager and corporate
advisers, engaged with major shareholders on the continuation vote held in March
2023 and it was confirmed that there was no dissatisfaction and that they would
support continuation. The vote was subsequently passed with 99.8% in favour of
continuation.
The Board also works closely with the Investment Manager to develop the
Company's marketing strategy, with the aim of ensuring effective communication
with shareholders in respect of the investment mandate and objective. Unlike
trading companies, one-to-one shareholder meetings usually take the form of a
meeting with the Investment Manager as opposed to members of the Board. As well
as attending regular investor meetings the Investment Manager holds regular
discussions with wealth management desks and offices to build on the case for,
and understanding of, long-term investment opportunities in the UK market.
The Investment Manager also coordinates public relations activity, including
meetings with relevant industry publications to set out their vision for the
portfolio strategy and outlook for the UK equity market. The Investment Manager
releases monthly portfolio updates to the market to ensure that investors are
kept up to date in respect of performance and other portfolio developments, and
maintains a website on behalf of the Company that contains relevant information
in respect of the Company's investment mandate and objective. If shareholders
wish to raise issues or concerns with the Board, they are welcome to do so at
any time.
The Chairman is available to meet directly with shareholders periodically to
understand their views on governance and the Company's performance. He may be
contacted via the Company Secretary whose details are given in the Company's
Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Impact
The Chairman and other directors are available to meet directly with
shareholders periodically to understand their views on governance, the Company's
performance, strategy and prospects.
Feedback and questions will also help the Company evolve its reporting, aiming
to make reports more transparent and understandable. Feedback from all
substantive meetings between the Investment Manager and shareholders will be
shared with the Board. The Directors will also receive updates from the
Company's broker on any feedback from shareholders, as well as share trading
activity, share price performance and an update from the Investment Manager.
The Board's approach to Sustainability and ESG
Material environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues can present both
opportunities and threats to long-term investment performance. These issues are
a key focus of the Board and your Board is committed to a diligent oversight of
the activities of the Manager in these areas. The Board believes that effective
engagement by the Investment Manager with investee companies can contribute to
investment performance. The Board believes that BlackRock is well placed as
Manager to fulfil these requirements due to the integration of ESG into its
investment processes, its approach in its investment stewardship activities and
its position in the industry as one of the largest suppliers of sustainable
investment products in the global market. More information on BlackRock's
approach to responsible investing is set out in the Company's Annual Report for
the year ended 31 October 2025.
BlackRock's approach to material ESG integration
BlackRock's clients have a wide range of perspectives on a variety of issues and
investment themes. Given the wide range of unique and varied investment
objectives sought by our clients, BlackRock's investment teams have a range of
approaches to considering financially material E, S, and/or G factors. As with
other investment risks and opportunities, the relevance of E, S and/or G
considerations may vary by issuer, sector, product, mandate, and time horizon.
Depending on the investment approach, this financially material E, S and/or G
data or information may help inform due diligence, portfolio or index
construction, and/or monitoring processes of our portfolios, as well as our
approach to risk management.
BlackRock's ESG integration framework is built upon our history as a firm
founded on the principle of thorough and thoughtful risk management. Aladdin,
our core risk management and investment technology platform, allows investors to
leverage financially material E, S and/or G data or information as well as the
combined experience of our investment teams to effectively identify investment
opportunities and investment risks. Our heritage in risk management combined
with the strength of the Aladdin platform enables BlackRock's approach to ESG
integration. More information in respect of BlackRock's approach to ESG
integration can be found at
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/publication/blk-esg-investment
-statement-web.pdf.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
KEVIN MAYGER
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
BLACKROCK INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED
Company Secretary
27 January 2026
Related Party Transactions
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) provides management and administration
services to the Company under a contract which is terminable on six months'
notice. BFM has (with the Company's consent) delegated certain portfolio and
risk management services, and other ancillary services, to BlackRock Investment
Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK)). Further details of the investment management
contract are disclosed in the Directors' Report in the Company's Annual Report
for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The investment management fee due for the year ended 31 October 2025 amounted to
£188,000 (2024: £179,000). At the year end, £33,000 was prepaid in respect of
the management fee (2024: outstanding of £122,000).
The Company is entitled to a rebate from the investment management fee charged
by the Manager in the event the Company's ongoing charges exceeds the cap of
1.15% per annum of average daily net assets. The amount of rebate accrued to 31
October 2025 amounted to £93,000 (2024: £52,000).
In addition to the above services, BIM (UK) has provided the Company with
marketing services. The total fees paid or payable for these services for the
year ended 31 October 2025 amounted to £13,000 including VAT (2024: £18,000). At
the year end, £25,000 including VAT was outstanding in respect of marketing fees
(2024: £29,000).
The Company holds an investment in the BlackRock Institutional Cash Series plc -
Sterling Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund of £3,202,000 (2024: £2,255,000)
which for the year ended 31 October 2025 and 31 October 2024 has been presented
in the financial statements as a cash equivalent. This is a fund managed by a
company within the BlackRock Group. The Company's investment in the Cash Fund is
held in a share class on which no management fees are paid to BlackRock to avoid
double dipping.
The ultimate holding company of the Manager and the Investment Manager is
BlackRock, Inc., a company incorporated in Delaware, USA.
At the date of this report, the Board consists of four non-executive Directors,
all of whom are considered to be independent of the Manager by the Board.
Disclosures of the Directors' interests in the ordinary shares of the Company
and fees and expenses payable to the Directors are set out in the Directors'
Remuneration Report in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October
2025. At 31 October 2025, £9,000 (2024: £7,000) was outstanding in respect of
Directors'fees.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and
Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial
Statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each
financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the
financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law),
including Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102").
Under company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Company as at the end of each financial year and of the profit or
loss of the Company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-present fairly the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of
the Company;
-select suitable accounting policies in accordance with Section 10 of FRS 102
and apply them consistently;
-present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides
relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information;
-make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards, including FRS 102, have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the
financial statements; and
-prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
The Directors are also responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the
Directors' Report, the Directors' Remuneration Report, the Corporate Governance
Statement and the Report of the Audit Committee in accordance with the Companies
Act 2006 and applicable regulations, including the requirements of the Listing
Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
The Directors have delegated responsibility to the Manager for the maintenance
and integrity of the Company's corporate and financial information included on
the BlackRock website.
Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Each of the Directors, whose names are listed in the Company's Annual Report for
the year ended 31 October 2025, confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
-the financial statements, prepared in accordance with applicable accounting
standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial
position and profit or loss of the Company; and
-the Strategic Report contained in the Annual Report and Financial Statements
includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and
the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks
and uncertainties that it faces.
The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code requires Directors to ensure that the
Annual Report and Financial Statements are fair, balanced and understandable. In
order to reach a conclusion on this matter, the Board has requested that the
Audit Committee advise on whether it considers that the Annual Report and
Financial Statements fulfils these requirements. The process by which the Audit
Committee has reached these conclusions is set out in the Audit Committee's
report in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025. As a
result, the Board has concluded that the Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 October 2025, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and
understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess
the Company's position and performance, business model and strategy.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
GRAEME PROUDFOOT
Chairman
27 January 2026
Income statement for the year ended 31 October 2025
2025 2024
Notes Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital
Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
£'000
Net gains - 4,888 4,888 - 5,684
5,684
on
investments
held
at
fair value
through
profit
or loss
Net - 5 5 - (4) (4)
gains/(losse
s)
on foreign
exchange
Income from 3 1,694 - 1,694 1,749 49
1,798
investments
held
at
fair value
through
profit
or loss
Other 3 132 - 132 98 - 98
income
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
-----
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----
--
Total 1,826 4,893 6,719 1,847 5,729
7,576
income
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
=========
Expenses
Investment 4 (23) (165) (188) (24) (155)
(179)
management
fee
Other 5 (311) (7) (318) (301) (6)
(307)
operating
expenses
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
-----
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----
--
Total (334) (172) (506) (325) (161)
(486)
operating
expenses
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
=========
Net profit 1,492 4,721 6,213 1,522 5,568
7,090
before
finance
costs
and
taxation
Finance 6 (91) (273) (364) (63) (187)
(250)
costs
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
-----
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----
--
Net profit 1,401 4,448 5,849 1,459 5,381
6,840
before
taxation
Taxation (1) - (1) (5) - (5)
charge
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
-----
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ----
--
Net profit 8 1,400 4,448 5,848 1,454 5,381
6,835
after
taxation
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
=========
Earnings 8 7.23 22.98 30.21 7.20 26.65
33.85
per
ordinary
share
(pence)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
=========
The total columns of this statement represent the Company's profit and loss
account. The supplementary revenue and capital accounts are both prepared under
guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). All items
in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were
acquired or discontinued during the year. All income is attributable to the
equity holders of the Company.
The net profit for the year disclosed above represents the Company's total
comprehensive income.
Statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 October 2025
Notes Called Share Capital Special Capital
Revenue Total
up share premium redemption reserve reserve
reserve £'000
capital account reserve £'000 £'000
£'000
£'000 £'000 £'000
For the year
ended 31
October 2025
At 31 October 298 14,819 251 10,682 15,647
2,063 43,760
2024
Total
comprehensive
income:
Net profit - - - - 4,448
1,400 5,848
for the year
Transactions
with owners,
recorded
directly to
equity:
Ordinary 9,10 (7) - 7 (1,413) - -
(1,413)
shares
purchased
for
cancellation
Share 10 - - - (7) - -
(7)
repurchase
costs
Dividends 7 - - - - -
(1,473) (1,473)
paid1
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --
------- ---------
------ ------ ----- ------ ------ --
---- ------
At 31 October 291 14,819 258 9,262 20,095
1,990 46,715
2025
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
========= =========
For the year
ended 31
October 2024
At 31 October 307 14,819 242 12,391 10,266
2,131 40,156
2023
Total
comprehensive
income:
Net profit - - - - 5,381
1,454 6,835
for the year
Transactions
with owners,
recorded
directly to
equity:
Ordinary 9,10 (9) - 9 (1,700) - -
(1,700)
shares
purchased
for
cancellation
Share 10 - - - (9) - -
(9)
repurchase
costs
Dividends 7 - - - - -
(1,522) (1,522)
paid2
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- --
------- ---------
------ ------ ----- ------ ------ --
---- ------
At 31 October 298 14,819 251 10,682 15,647
2,063 43,760
2024
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
========= =========
1Interim dividend paid in respect of the six months ended 30 April 2025 of 2.70p
per share was declared on 19 June 2025 and paid on 2 September 2025. Final
dividend paid in respect of the year ended 31 October 2024 of 4.90p per share
was declared on 7 January 2025 and paid on 14 March 2025.
2Interim dividend paid in respect of the six months ended 30 April 2024 of 2.70p
per share was declared on 20 June 2024 and paid on 3 September 2024. Final
dividend paid in respect of the year ended 31 October 2023 of 4.80p per share
was declared on 21 December 2023 and paid on 15 March 2024.
Balance sheet as at 31 October 2025
Notes 2025 2024
£'000 £'000
Non current assets
Investments held at fair 49,569 45,096
value through profit or
loss
--------------- ---------------
Current assets
Current tax asset 18 22
Debtors 132 972
Cash and cash equivalents 3,309 2,515
--------------- ---------------
Total current assets 3,459 3,509
========= =========
Current liabilities
Creditors (197) (845)
Bank loan (6,116) (4,000)
--------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities (6,313) (4,845)
========= =========
Net current liabilities (2,854) (1,336)
--------------- ---------------
Net assets 46,715 43,760
Equity
Called up share capital 9 291 298
Share premium account 10 14,819 14,819
Capital redemption reserve 10 258 251
Special reserve 10 9,262 10,682
Capital reserve 10 20,095 15,647
Revenue reserve 10 1,990 2,063
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholders' funds 8 46,715 43,760
========= =========
Net asset value per 8 245.97 222.22
ordinary share (pence)
========= =========
Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 October 2025
2025 2024
£'000 £'000
Operating activities
Net profit before taxation1 5,849 6,840
Changes in working capital items:
Decrease in other receivables 26 30
(excluding amounts due from brokers)
(Decrease)/increase in other (232) 26
payables (excluding amounts due to
brokers)
--------------- ---------------
Other adjustments:
Finance costs 364 250
Gains on investments held at fair (4,888) (5,684)
value through profit or loss
(Gains)/losses on foreign exchange (5) 4
Special dividends allocated to - (49)
capital
Sale of investments held at fair 20,966 18,292
value through profit or loss
Purchase of investments held at fair (20,155) (14,839)
value through profit or loss
Refund of withholding tax reclaims 3 -
--------------- ---------------
Net cash inflow from operating 1,928 4,870
activities
========= =========
Financing activities
Ordinary shares repurchased into (1,411) (1,680)
treasury
Share repurchase costs (7) (9)
Interest paid (248) (250)
Dividends paid (1,473) (1,522)
Drawdown of bank loan 2,000 -
--------------- ---------------
Net cash outflow from financing (1,139) (3,461)
activities
========= =========
Increase in cash and cash 789 1,409
equivalents
Effect of foreign exchange rate 5 (4)
changes
--------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents 794 1,405
Cash and cash equivalents at the 2,515 1,110
start of year
--------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end 3,309 2,515
of the year
========= =========
Comprised of:
Cash at bank 107 260
Cash fund2 3,202 2,255
--------------- ---------------
3,309 2,515
========= =========
1Dividends and interest received in cash during the year amounted to £1,730,000
and £129,000 respectively (2024: £1,772,000 and £76,000).
2Cash Fund represents funds held on deposit with the BlackRock Institutional
Cash Series plc - Sterling Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund.
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025
1. Principal activity
The Company was incorporated on 29 May 2001 and its principal activity is that
of an investment trust company within the meaning of Section 1158 of the
Corporation Tax Act 2010.
2. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Company are set out below.
(a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in
accordance with The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the revised Statement of Recommended Practice
- Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts
(SORP), issued by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) in October 2019
and updated in July 2022, and the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
Substantially, all of the assets of the Company consist of securities that are
readily realisable and, accordingly, the Directors are satisfied that the
Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
period to 31 January 2027, being a period of at least 12months from the date of
approval of the financial statements, and therefore consider the going concern
assumption to be appropriate. The Directors have reviewed compliance with the
covenants associated with the bank loan facility, income and expense projections
and the liquidity of the investment portfolio in making their assessment.
The Directors have considered the impact of climate change on the value of the
investments included in the Financial Statements and have concluded that there
was no further impact of climate change to be considered as the investments are
valued based on market pricing as required by FRS 102.
None of the Company's other assets and liabilities were considered to be
potentially impacted by climate change.
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Company are set out below.
Unless specified otherwise, the policies have been applied consistently
throughout the year and are consistent with those applied in the preceding year.
All of the Company's operations are of a continuing nature.
The Company's financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is the
functional currency of the Company and the primary economic environment in which
the Company operates. All values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds
(£'000) except where otherwise indicated.
(b) Presentation of Income Statement
In order to better reflect the activities of an investment trust company and in
accordance with guidance issued by the AIC, supplementary information which
analyses the Income Statement between items of a revenue and a capital nature
has been presented alongside the Income Statement.
(c) Segmental reporting
The Directors are of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment
of business being investment business.
(d) Income
Dividends receivable on equity shares are treated as revenue for the year on an
ex-dividend basis. Where no ex-dividend date is available, dividends receivable
on or before the year end are treated as revenue for the year. Provisions are
made for dividends not expected to be received.
Special dividends are recognised on an ex-dividend basis and treated as capital
or revenue depending on the facts or circumstances of each particular dividend.
Dividends are accounted for in accordance with Section 29 of FRS 102 on the
basis of income actually receivable, without adjustment for tax credits
attaching to the dividend. Dividends from overseas companies continue to be
shown gross of withholding tax.
Deposit interest receivable and interest income from the Cash Fund are accounted
for using the effective interest method in accordance with Section 11 of FRS
102. Underwriting commission is recognised when the issue underwritten closes.
Where the Company has elected to receive its dividends in the form of additional
shares rather than in cash, the cash equivalent of the dividend is recognised as
revenue. Any excess in the value of the shares received over the amount of the
cash dividend is recognised in capital.
(e) Expenses
All expenses, including finance costs, are accounted for on an accruals basis.
Expenses have been charged wholly to the revenue account of the Income
Statement, except as follows:
-expenses which are incidental to the acquisition or sale of an investment are
charged to the capital account of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Details
of transaction costs on the purchases and sales of investments are disclosed in
note 10 in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
-expenses are treated as capital where a connection with the maintenance or
enhancement of the value of the investments can be demonstrated; and
-the investment management fee and finance costs have been allocated 25% to the
revenue account and 75% to the capital account of the Income Statement in line
with the Board's expected long-term split of returns, in the form of capital
gains and income respectively, from the investment portfolio.
(f) Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred
tax. The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year.
Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Income Statement
because it excludes items of income or expenses that are taxable or deductible
in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or
deductible. The Company's liability for current tax is calculated using tax
rates that were applicable at the balance sheet date.
The current tax effect of different items of expenditure is allocated between
capital and revenue on the marginal basis using the Company's effective rate of
corporation tax for the accounting period.
Deferred taxation is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the
financial reporting date, where transactions or events that result in an
obligation to pay more taxation in the future or right to less taxation in the
future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Deferred taxation is measured on
a non-discounted basis, at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in
the periods in which the timing differences are expected to reverse based on tax
rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance
sheet date. This is subject to deferred taxation assets only being recognised if
it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable profits from
which the future reversal of the timing differences can be deducted.
(g) Investments held at fair value through profit or loss
The Company's investments are classified as held at fair value through profit or
loss in accordance with Sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102 and are managed and
evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with its investment strategy.
All investments are classified upon initial recognition as held at fair value
through profit or loss. Purchases of investments are recognised on a trade date
basis. Sales are recognised at the trade date of the disposal.
The fair value of the financial investments is based on their quoted bid price
at the balance sheet date on the exchange on which the investment is quoted,
without deduction for the estimated future selling costs. Unquoted investments
are valued by the Directors at fair value using International Private Equity and
Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines. This policy applies to all current and non
-current asset investments of the Company.
Changes in the value of investments held at fair value through profit or loss
and gains and losses on disposal are recognised in the Income Statement as
`Gains or losses on investments held at fair value through profit or loss'. Also
included within this heading are transaction costs in relation to the purchase
or sale of investments.
The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level 1 - Quoted market price for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Valuation techniques using observable inputs.
Level 3 - Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs.
(h) Debtors
Debtors include sales for future settlement, other debtors and prepayments and
accrued income in the ordinary course of business. If collection is expected in
one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are
presented as non-current assets.
(i) Creditors
Creditors include purchases for future settlement, interest payable, share
buyback costs and accruals in the ordinary course of business. Creditors are
classified as creditors - amounts due within one year if payment is due within
one year or less (or in the normal operating cycle of business if longer). If
not, they are presented as creditors - amounts due after more than one year.
(j) Dividends payable
Under Section 32 of FRS 102, final dividends should not be accrued in the
financial statements unless they have been approved by shareholders before the
balance sheet date. Dividends payable to equity shareholders are recognised in
the Statement of Changes in Equity when they have been approved by shareholders
and have become a liability of the Company. Interim dividends are only
recognised in the financial statements in the period in which they are paid.
(k) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash in hand and on demand deposits. Cash equivalents include
short-term, highly liquid investments, that are readily convertible to known
amounts of cash and that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in
value.
The investment in the BlackRock Institutional Cash Series plc - Sterling Liquid
Environmentally Aware Fund has been presented in the financial statements as a
cash equivalent as it is held for short term cash management purposes.
(l) Foreign currency translation
In accordance with Section 30 of FRS 102, the Company is required to nominate a
functional currency being the currency in which the Company predominately
operates. The functional and reporting currency is Sterling, reflecting the
primary economic environment in which the Company operates. Transactions in
foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the rates of exchange ruling
on the date of the transaction. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities
and non-monetary assets held at fair value are translated into Sterling at the
rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Profits and losses thereon
are recognised in the capital account of the Income Statement and taken to the
capital reserve.
(m) Share repurchases, share reissues and new share issues
Shares repurchased and subsequently cancelled - share capital is reduced by the
nominal value of the shares repurchased and the capital redemption reserve is
correspondingly increased in accordance with Section 733 of the Companies Act
2006. The full cost of the repurchase is charged to the special reserve.
Shares repurchased and held in treasury - the full cost of the repurchase is
charged to the special reserve.
Where treasury shares are subsequently reissued:
-amounts received to the extent of the repurchase price are credited to the
special reserve and capital reserve based on a weighted average basis of amounts
utilised from these reserves on repurchases; and
-any surplus received in excess of the repurchase price is taken to the share
premium account.
Where new shares are issued, the par value is taken to called up share capital
and amounts received to the extent of any surplus received in excess of the par
value are taken to the share premium account.
Costs on issuance of new shares are charged to the share premium account. Costs
on share reissues are charged to the special reserve and capital reserve.
(n) Bank borrowings
Bank loans are recorded as the proceeds received. Finance charges are accounted
for on an accruals basis in the Income Statement.
(o) Critical accounting judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Board makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting
accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the
related actual results. Estimates and judgements are regularly evaluated and are
based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of
future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There
are no critical accounting judgements or estimates and the Directors do not
believe that any accounting judgements or estimates have a significant risk of
causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities
within the next financial year.
3. Income
2025 2024
£'000 £'000
Investment income:
UK dividends 1,531 1,547
UK special dividends 28 42
UK property income distributions 71 62
Dividends from UK REITs1 38 17
Overseas dividends 26 81
--------------- ---------------
Total investment income 1,694 1,749
========= =========
Other income:
Interest from Cash Fund 126 85
Deposit interest 4 3
Underwriting commission 2 10
--------------- ---------------
Total other income 132 98
========= =========
Total 1,826 1,847
========= =========
1REITs - real estate investment trusts.
Dividends and interest received in cash during the year amounted to £1,730,000
and £129,000 respectively (2024: £1,772,000 and £76,000).
Special dividends of £28,000 (2024: £42,000) have been recognised in income and
special dividends of £nil (2024: £49,000) have been recognised in capital during
the year.
4. Investment management fee
2025 2024
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Investment 59 176 235 58 173 231
management fee
Investment (36) (11) (47) (34) (18) (52)
management fee
rebate
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total 23 165 188 24 155 179
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Under the terms of the investment management agreement, BFM is entitled to a fee
of 0.6% per annum of the Company's quarter end market capitalisation. The
investment management fee is allocated 25% to the revenue account and 75% to the
capital account. There is no additional fee for company secretarial and
administration services.
In addition, effective from 1 November 2023, the Company is entitled to a rebate
from the investment management fee charged by the Manager in the event the
Company's ongoing charges exceed the cap of 1.15% per annum of average daily net
assets. The amount of rebate accrued for the year ended 31 October 2025 amounted
to £47,000 (year ended 31 October 2024: £52,000). The rebate, if any, is offset
against management fees and is allocated between revenue and capital in the
ratio of the total of investment management fees and other operating expenses
ongoing charges (as defined in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31
October 2025) allocated between revenue and capital during the year.
5. Other operating expenses
2025 2024
£'000 £'000
Allocated to revenue:
Custody fees 1 1
Depositary fees 5 5
Audit fees1 60 60
Registrars' fee 35 27
Directors' emoluments2 92 92
Marketing fees 13 18
Printing and postage fees 33 47
Legal and professional fees 22 24
London Stock Exchange fee 13 13
FCA fee 8 8
Prior year expenses written back3 (10) (25)
Other administration costs 39 31
--------------- ---------------
Total revenue expenses 311 301
========= =========
Allocated to capital:
Custody transaction costs4 7 6
--------------- ---------------
Total capital expenses 7 6
========= =========
Total 318 307
========= =========
2025 2024
% %
Ongoing charges5 1.15 1.15
========= =========
1No non-audit services were provided by the Company's auditors (2024: none).
2Further information on Directors' emoluments can be found in the Directors'
Remuneration Report in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October
2025.The Company has no employees.
3Relates to legal and professional fees and other administration costs written
back in the year ended 31 October 2025 (2024: legal and professional fees,
printing and postage fees and other administration costs).
4For the year ended 31 October 2025, expenses of £7,000 (2024: £6,000) were
charged to the capital account of the Income Statement. These relate to
transaction costs charged by the custodian on sale and purchase trades.
5The Company's ongoing charges are calculated as a percentage of average daily
net assets and using the management fee and all other operating expenses,
excluding finance costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges,
VAT recovered, taxation, prior year expenses written back and certain non
-recurring items. Alternative Performance Measure, see Glossary in the Company's
Annual Report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
6. Finance costs
2025 2024
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Interest on 70 210 280 62 185 247
Sterling bank
loan
Loan facility 21 63 84 1 2 3
fees
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total 91 273 364 63 187 250
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Finance costs have been allocated 25% to the revenue account and 75% to the
capital account of the Income Statement.
7. Dividends
Dividends paid on Record Payment 2025 2024
equity shares: date date £'000 £'000
2023 Final dividend 9 Februar 15 March - 984
of 4.80p y 2024 2024
2024 Interim 26 July 3 Septembe - 538
dividend of 2.70p 2024 r 2024
2024 Final dividend 7 Februar 14 March 954 -
of 4.90p y 2025 2025
2025 Interim 25 July 2 Septembe 519 -
dividend of 2.70p 2025 r 2025
--------------- ---------------
Accounted for in the 1,473 1,522
financial statements
========= =========
The Directors have proposed a final dividend of 5.00p per share in respect of
the year ended 31 October 2025. The final dividend will be paid, subject to
shareholders' approval, on 13 March 2026 to shareholders on the Company's
register on 6 February 2026. The proposed final dividend has not been included
as a liability in these financial statements as final dividends are only
recognised in the financial statements when they have been approved by
shareholders.
The total dividends payable in respect of the year which form the basis of
determining retained income for the purpose of Section 1158 of the Corporation
Tax Act 2010 and Section 833 of the Companies Act 2006, and the amount proposed
for the year ended 31 October 2025, meet the relevant requirements as set out in
this legislation.
Dividends paid or declared on equity shares 2025 2024
£'000 £'000
Interim paid of 2.70p (2024: 2.70p) 519 538
Final proposed of 5.00p1 (2024: 4.90p) 940 959
--------------- ---------------
Total for the year 1,459 1,497
========= =========
1Based on 18,793,794 ordinary shares (excluding treasury shares) in issue on 23
January 2026.
All dividends paid or payable are distributed from the Company's current year
revenue profits and, if required, from brought forward revenue reserves.
8. Earnings and net asset value per ordinary share
Revenue earnings, capital earnings and net asset value per ordinary share are
shown below and have been calculated using the following:
2025 2024
Net revenue profit attributable to ordinary 1,400 1,454
shareholders (£'000)
Net capital profit attributable to ordinary 4,448 5,381
shareholders (£'000)
--------------- ---------------
Total profit attributable to ordinary 5,848 6,835
shareholders (£'000)
========= =========
Total shareholders' funds (£'000) 46,715 43,760
========= =========
Earnings per share
The weighted average number of ordinary 19,351,511 20,193,264
shares in issue during the year on which the
earnings per ordinary share was calculated
was:
The actual number of ordinary shares in 18,991,794 19,692,612
issue at the year end on which the net asset
value per ordinary share was calculated was:
Calculated on weighted average number of
ordinary shares:
Revenue earnings per share (pence) - basic 7.23 7.20
and diluted
Capital earnings per share (pence) - basic 22.98 26.65
and diluted
--------------- ---------------
Total earnings per share (pence) - basic and 30.21 33.85
diluted
========= =========
As at As at
31 October 31 October
2025 2024
Net asset value per ordinary share (pence) 245.97 222.22
Ordinary share price (pence) 219.00 193.50
========= =========
There were no dilutive securities at the year end (2024: nil).
9. Called up share capital
Ordinary Treasury Total Nominal
shares shares shares value
number number number £'000
Allotted, called up and fully
paid share capital comprised:
Ordinary shares of 1 pence
each:
At 31 October 2023 20,603,486 10,081,532 30,685,018 307
Ordinary shares purchased for (910,874) - (910,874) (9)
cancellation
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
----- ----- ----- ------
At 31 October 2024 19,692,612 10,081,532 29,774,144 298
========= ========= ========= =========
Ordinary shares purchased for (700,818) - (700,818) (7)
cancellation
At 31 October 2025 18,991,794 10,081,532 29,073,326 291
========= ========= ========= =========
During the year 700,818 ordinary shares (2024: 910,874) were purchased and
subsequently cancelled for a total consideration including expenses of
£1,420,000 (2024: £1,709,000).
Since the year end and up to 23 January 2026, a further 198,000 ordinary shares
have been bought back and cancelled for a total cost including expenses of
£444,000.
The number of ordinary shares in issue at the year end was 29,073,326 (2024:
29,774,144) of which 10,081,532 (2024: 10,081,532) were held in treasury.
10. Reserves
Share Capital Capital Capital Special
Revenue
premium redemption reserve reserve reserve
reserve
account reserve (arising on (arising on £'000
£'000
£'000 £'000 investments revaluation
sold) of
£'000 investments
held)
£'000
At 31 October 14,819 242 7,473 2,793 12,391
2,131
2023
Movement
during the
year:
Total
comprehensive
(loss)/income:
Net profit - - 1,629 3,752 -
1,454
for the year
Transactions
with owners,
recorded
directly to
equity:
Ordinary - 9 - - (1,700) -
shares
purchased
for
cancellation
Share - - - - (9) -
purchase
costs
Dividends - - - - -
(1,522)
paid during
the
year
--------- ---------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
-----
------ ----- ---- ---- ------ ----
--
At 31 October 14,819 251 9,102 6,545 10,682
2,063
2024
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
=========
Movement
during the
year:
Total
comprehensive
income:
Net - - (804) 5,252 -
1,400
(loss)/profit
for the
year
Transactions
with owners,
recorded
directly to
equity:
Ordinary - 7 - - (1,413) -
shares
purchased
for
cancellation
Share - - - - (7) -
purchase
costs
Dividends - - - - -
(1,473)
paid during
the
year
--------- ---------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----
-----
------ ----- ---- ---- ------ ----
--
At 31 October 14,819 258 8,298 11,797 9,262
1,990
2025
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
=========
The Company's share premium account was cancelled pursuant to shareholders'
approval of a special resolution at the Company's Annual General Meeting in 2002
and Court approval on 24 January 2002. The share premium account which totalled
£61,852,000 at the time of cancellation was transferred to a special reserve.
This action was taken, in part, to ensure that the Company had sufficient
distributable reserves.
The share premium account and capital redemption reserve of £14,819,000 and
£258,000 (2024: £14,819,000 and £251,000) are not distributable reserves under
the Companies Act 2006. In accordance with ICAEW Technical Release 02/17BL on
Guidance on Realised and Distributable Profits under the Companies Act 2006, the
special reserve and capital reserves may be used as distributable reserves for
all purposes and, in particular, the repurchase by the Company of its ordinary
shares and for payments such as dividends. In accordance with the Company's
Articles of Association, the special reserve, capital reserves and the revenue
reserve may be distributed by way of dividend. The gain on the capital reserve
arising on the revaluation of investments of £11,797,000 (2024: £6,545,000) is
subject to fair value movements and may not be readily realisable at short
notice, as such it may not be entirely distributable. The investments are
subject to financial risks, as such capital reserves (arising on investments
sold) and the revenue reserve may not be entirely distributable if a loss
occurred during the realisation of these investments.
As at 31 October 2025, the Company's distributable reserves (excluding capital
reserves on the revaluation of investments) amounted to £19,550,000 (2024:
£21,847,000).
11. Valuation of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are either carried in the Balance
Sheet at their fair value (investments) or at an amount which is a reasonable
approximation of fair value (due from brokers, dividends and interest
receivable, due to brokers, accruals, cash at bank, bank overdrafts and bank
loans). Section 34 of FRS 102 requires the Company to classify fair value
measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of
inputs used in making the measurements. The valuation techniques used by the
Company are explained in the accounting policies note to the Financial
Statements above.
Categorisation within the hierarchy has been determined on the basis of the
lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the
relevant asset.
The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Level 1 - Quoted market price for identical instruments in active markets
A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted
prices are readily available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group,
pricing service or regulatory agency and those prices represent actual and
regularly occurring market transactions on an arm's length basis. The Company
does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.
Level 2 - Valuation techniques using observable inputs
This category includes instruments valued using quoted prices for similar
instruments in markets that are considered less than active, or other valuation
techniques where significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from
market data.
Level 3 - Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs
This category includes all instruments where the valuation technique includes
inputs not based on market data and these inputs could have a significant impact
on the instrument's valuation.
This category also includes instruments that are valued based on quoted prices
for similar instruments where significant entity determined adjustments or
assumptions are required to reflect differences between the instruments and
instruments for which there is no active market. The Investment Manager
considers observable data to be that market data that is readily available,
regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and
provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant
market.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is
categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input
that is significant to the fair value measurement. If a fair value measurement
uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable
inputs, that measurement is a Level 3 measurement.
Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement
in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or
liability including an assessment of the relevant risks including but not
limited to credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, business risk and
sustainability risk. The determination of what constitutes `observable' inputs
requires significant judgement by the Investment Manager, and these risks are
adequately captured in the assumptions and inputs used in the measurement of
Level 3 assets or liabilities.
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
The table below is an analysis of the Company's financial instruments measured
at fair value at the balance sheet date.
Financial assets at fair Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
value through profit or £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
loss
Equity investments at 31 49,569 - - 49,569
October 2025
Equity investments at 31 45,096 - - 45,096
October 2024
========= ========= ========= =========
There were no transfers between levels of financial assets and financial
liabilities recorded at fair value during the year ended 31 October 2025 (2024:
none).
For exchange listed equity investments, the quoted price is the bid price.
Substantially, all investments are valued based on unadjusted quoted market
prices. Where such quoted prices are readily available in an active market, such
prices are not required to be assessed or adjusted for any price related risks,
including climate risk, in accordance with the fair value related requirements
of the Company's financial reporting framework.
12. Transactions with the Investment Manager and AIFM
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) provides management and administration
services to the Company under a contract which is terminable on six months'
notice. BFM has (with the Company's consent) delegated certain portfolio and
risk management services, and other ancillary services, to BlackRock Investment
Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK)). Further details of the investment management
contract are disclosed in the Directors' Report in the Company's Annual Report
for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The investment management fee due for the year ended 31 October 2025 amounted to
£188,000 (2024: £179,000). At the year end, £33,000 was prepaid in respect of
the management fee (2024: outstanding of £122,000).
The Company is entitled to a rebate from the investment management fee charged
by the Manager in the event the Company's ongoing charges exceeds the cap of
1.15% per annum of average daily net assets. The amount of rebate accrued to 31
October 2025 amounted to £93,000 (2024: £52,000).
In addition to the above services, BIM (UK) has provided the Company with
marketing services. The total fees paid or payable for these services for the
year ended 31 October 2025 amounted to £13,000 including VAT (2024: £18,000). At
the year end, £25,000 including VAT was outstanding in respect of marketing fees
(2024: £29,000).
The Company holds an investment in the BlackRock Institutional Cash Series plc -
Sterling Liquid Environmentally Aware Fund of £3,202,000 (2024: £2,255,000)
which for the year ended 31 October 2025 and 31 October 2024 has been presented
in the financial statements as a cash equivalent. This is a fund managed by a
company within the BlackRock Group. The Company's investment in the Cash Fund is
held in a share class on which no management fees are paid to BlackRock to avoid
double dipping.
The ultimate holding company of the Manager and the Investment Manager is
BlackRock, Inc., a company incorporated in Delaware, USA.
13. Related party disclosure
At the date of this report, the Board consists of four non-executive Directors,
all of whom are considered to be independent of the Manager by the Board.
Disclosures of the Directors' interests in the ordinary shares of the Company
and fees and expenses payable to the Directors are set out in the Directors'
Remuneration Report in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 October
2025. At 31 October 2025, £9,000 (2024: £7,000) was outstanding in respect of
Directors'fees.
Significant holdings
The following investors are:
a.funds managed by the BlackRock Group or are affiliates of BlackRock Inc.
(Related BlackRock Funds); or
b.investors (other than those listed in (a) above) who held more than 20% of the
voting shares in issue in the Company and are as a result, considered to be
related parties to the Company (Significant Investors).
Total % of Total % of shares held Number of Significant
shares held by Significant Investors Investors who are not
by who are not affiliates affiliates of BlackRock
Related of BlackRock Group or Group or
BlackRock BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock, Inc.
Funds
As at 31 nil n/a n/a
October
2025
As at 31 Nil n/a n/a
October
2024
========= ========= =========
14. Contingent liabilities
There were £nil contingent liabilities at 31 October 2025 (2024: £nil).
15. Publication of Non- Statutory Accounts
The financial information contained in this announcement does not constitute
statutory accounts as defined in the Companies Act 2006. The Annual Report and
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2025 will be filed with the
Registrar of Companies after the Annual General Meeting. The figures set out
above have been reported upon by the auditor, whose report for the year ended 31
October 2025 contains no qualification or statement under Section 498(2) or (3)
of the Companies Act 2006.
The comparative figures are extracts from the audited financial statements of
BlackRock Income and Growth Investment Trust plc for the year ended 31 October
2024, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies, unless otherwise
stated. The report of the auditor on those financial statements contained no
qualification or statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act.
16. Annual Reports
Copies of the Annual Report will be sent to members shortly and will be
available from the registered office c/o The Company Secretary, BlackRock Income
and Growth Investment Trust plc, 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL.
17. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 12 Throgmorton Avenue,
London EC2N 2DL on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at 12.00 noon.
ENDS
The Annual Report will also be available on the BlackRock website at
blackrock.co.uk/brig. Neither the contents of the Manager's website nor the
contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Manager's website (or
any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
For further information, please contact:
Charles Kilner, Closed End Funds, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Tel: 020 7743 3893
Press enquires:
Ed Hooper, Lansons Communications
Tel: 020 7294 3620
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
27 January 2026
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London
EC2N 2DL
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