Half-year Financial Report

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Henderson High Income Trust PLC reported a net asset value (NAV) total return of 6.3% for the half-year ended 30 June 2026, outperforming its benchmark's 6.0% return, with a share price total return of 8.7%. The company's net assets grew to £351.8 million from £340.2 million at the end of 2025, while gearing increased slightly to 17.9% from 17.5%. The discount to NAV narrowed to 3.7% from 5.7%. Dividends paid or payable in respect of the period amounted to 5.55p, contributing to a dividend yield of 5.6%. The company maintained a strong equity focus, with approximately 90% of assets in equities.

Disclaimer*

Henderson High Income Trust PLC
09 September 2026
 

LEGAL ENTITY IDENTIFIER: 213800OEXAGFSF7Y6G11

 

HENDERSON HIGH INCOME TRUST PLC

Unaudited results for the half year ended 30 June 2026

This announcement contains regulated information

 

Investment Objective

The Company invests in a prudently diversified selection of both well-known and smaller companies to provide investors with a high dividend income stream while also maintaining the prospect of capital growth.

 

Performance for the six months to 30 June 2026

·   Net asset value (NAV) total return (debt at fair value)1 of 6.3% compared with a total return from the benchmark2 of 6.0%

·   Mid-market share price total return (including dividends reinvested) of 8.7%

 

Financial highlights

 

at 30 June 2026

 

at 31 December 2025

NAV per share3

205.6p

198.8p

Mid-market price per share

198.0p

187.5p

Net assets

£351.8m

£340.2m

Dividends paid/payable in respect of the period

5.55p

10.90p

Dividend yield

5.6%

5.8%

Gearing

17.9%

17.5%

(Discount)/premium to NAV (debt at fair value)

(3.7%)

(5.7%)

 

 

Total return performance (including dividends reinvested and excluding transaction costs)

 

 

6 months

%

1 year

%

3 years

%

5 years

%

10 years

%

NAV total return (debt at fair value)1

6.3

14.4

49.2

60.9

115.0

Share price total return4

8.7

16.5

46.1

54.7

113.8

Benchmark2

6.0

18.3

46.3

51.7

104.0

FTSE All-Share Index

7.2

21.9

53.1

67.9

129.8

ICE BofA Sterling Non-Gilts Index

0.9

4.2

20.4

(2.6)

18.9







1.  Net asset value with debt at fair value per ordinary share total return (including dividends reinvested and excluding transaction costs)    

2.  The benchmark is a composite of 80% of the FTSE All-Share Index (total return) and 20% of the ICE BofA Sterling Non-Gilts Index (total return) rebalanced annually

3.  Net asset value per share with debt at fair value as published by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC)

4.  The mid-market share price total return (including dividends reinvested)

 

Sources: Morningstar Direct and Janus Henderson

 


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

Markets/Performance

The first half of 2026 has seen financial markets deliver positive returns. Despite a difficult and volatile backdrop given the hostilities in the Middle East, which has exerted upwards pressure on energy prices and inflation, companies have generally been able to weather the storm and monetary policy has been supportive. Overall corporate profitability has remained robust and dividend payout rates have continued to be positive.

 

The Company's performance in the first half of the year versus its benchmark (80% of the FTSE All-Share Index and 20% of the ICE BofA Sterling Non-Gilts Index) has been a touch ahead with a net asset value total return of 6.3% versus the benchmark return of 6.0%. The Company's share price total return was higher at 8.7% as the discount at which the Company's share price has traded at relative to net asset value reduced during the period.

 

Gearing/Asset Allocation

The Company's asset allocation has continued to favour equities over fixed interest investments. During the first half of the year approximately 90% of the Company's assets were invested in equities and 10% in bonds. Gearing through the first half of the year remained stable, commencing at 17.5% and ending at 17.9%.

 

Dividends

The first interim dividend of 2.775 pence per share was paid on 24 April 2026 and the second interim dividend for the same amount was paid on 24 July 2026. A third interim dividend of 2.8 pence per share was announced on 6 July 2026 and this dividend will be paid on 30 October 2026 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 11 September 2026.

 

Dividend payouts from UK companies have continued to be positive although there have been pockets of weakness with the UK housebuilding sector being a notable casualty.

 

The Board as ever continues to regularly review prospective income levels from the Company's portfolio and it remains confident in the Company's ability to provide shareholders with a high income return.

 

Board of Directors

Having chaired the Board since May 2021 and having been appointed to the Board in 2018, I will be stepping down at the Annual General Meeting in 2027. I am very pleased that Richard Cranfield, who was appointed as a Director in March 2020, will succeed me as Chairman. Richard is the current Chairman of IntegraFin Holdings plc, a FTSE 250 Company.

 

The Board has commenced a search for a new Director to join the Board in early 2027.

 

Investment Management Arrangements

The Board regularly reviews arrangements with Janus Henderson to ensure that they are in the best interests of shareholders. In line with other Janus Henderson investment trusts and indeed other competitor investment trusts, we have agreed that it would be prudent to have more formalised additional investment cover.

 

In this respect I am pleased to say that Andrew Jones, a member of the Janus Henderson Global Equity Income Team who has 30 years investment experience, has been appointed as Deputy Fund Manager to Henderson High Income. Andrew works closely with David Smith, who has been the Company's Fund Manager since 2014 and Andrew has been the effective deputy fund manager for some time. The Board does not anticipate any change to the management of the Company's portfolio.

 

Outlook

Arguably the performance of financial markets during the first half of 2026 has been better than expected given the difficult geopolitical backdrop. High energy prices, supply chain issues and higher price inflation have provided a challenging mix. The on-off nature of the current ceasefire in the Middle East provides an unstable environment as we look forward to the rest of the year.

 

Within the UK, corporate performance has been generally encouraging and whilst there are undoubtedly pockets of weakness in the domestic economy, with the outlook for the construction and housebuilding sector looking particularly challenging, larger companies appear to be more resilient due to their balanced activities across the globe. There has been a notable increase in corporate takeover activity with international companies and investors recognising the inherent value of UK quoted companies. In addition, monetary policy should remain supportive of equity markets with the Bank of England unlikely to tighten too significantly whilst overall economic growth prospects remain muted.

 

As usual David Smith, the Company's Fund Manager, will continue to look for those companies which can offer higher levels of income generation whilst also providing the scope to deliver capital growth over the medium term.

 

Jeremy Rigg

Chairman

8 September 2026



Fund Manager's Report

 

Markets

The FTSE All-Share Index returned 7.2% during the first six months of the year, as thawing global trade tensions, an initial peace agreement in the Middle East and positive corporate results helped support global equity markets. In March, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East caused a slump in global stocks as surging oil and gas prices boosted inflation expectations and raised the possibility of tighter monetary policy. Equities then rebounded as a ceasefire largely held, despite occasional flare-ups in tensions, while the US and Iran later signed an initial peace deal. Shifting sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI) also caused volatility. Worries about technology companies' significant investment in AI, along with anxiety about potential AI-led disruption to traditional business models, unnerved investors. In June, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation following the Labour Party's large losses in May's local elections. During the period the Bank of England kept its benchmark rate at 3.75% while UK CPI inflation (Consumer Price Index) cooled to 2.6% in June from 3.0% in January.

 

The FTSE 100 (+7.6%) outperformed the FTSE 250 (+4.3%) and FTSE Small Cap (+7.1%) indices.  Sectors such as mining, banks and aerospace & defence outperformed, while software & computer services, housebuilders and financial services lagged.

 

Performance

The Company's NAV (with debt at fair value) total return was 6.3% over the period, modestly outperforming the benchmark return of 6.0%. Within the equity portfolio, holdings in Schroders and DCC Energy were positive for performance. Schroders was subject to an agreed bid approach from Nuveen, while DCC Energy received its own approach from a private equity consortium. Some of the overseas holdings, such as Texas Instruments and Engie, also performed well. Semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments reported strong trading, benefiting from robust demand from the build-out of data centres in the US. Engie's agreed acquisition of UK Power Networks was well received by investors.

 

Holdings in Dunelm, Michael Page and Imperial Brands detracted from returns.  Dunelm reported softer trading due to subdued underlying market conditions.  Recruiter Michael Page suffered from a lacklustre recruitment market while fears over the impact of AI on employment also weighed on the shares. Imperial Brands announced a mixed trading statement, with modest market share losses across its five main countries.

 

Portfolio Activity

Within the equity portfolio, new holdings were established in Bodycote and Carlsberg. Bodycote is a global provider of heat treatment and specialist metallurgy services with margin expansion potential as the business shifts towards higher‑value specialist technologies. Carlsberg is a global beer and soft drink manufacturer with potential for organic volume recovery across its beer portfolio, as well as margin expansion following the acquisition of Britvic.  Elsewhere, we added to our existing holdings in RELX and BP. RELX's share price fall on AI concerns presented an attractive buying opportunity as we believe the business is well protected from AI-related threats, given its data analytics are based on proprietary data. BP's strategic shift towards a simpler, more focused oil and gas business, combined with tighter capital discipline, should drive improved returns and cash generation over the medium term.

 

Sales for the period included Mondi and MONY Group. We sold Mondi given our concerns on oversupply in the European paper and packaging industry which is putting pressure on pricing in an environment of subdued demand.  While MONY's short-term cash flows are unlikely to be impacted from agentic AI, we feel they could be over the medium term, which is likely to depress the valuation, hence we exited the position.

 

 

David Smith

Fund Manager

8 September 2026

 


INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

 

Percentage breakdown of investments by sector

 

Total

30 June 2026

%

Total

31 December 2025

%

FIXED INTEREST

 


Preference shares

0.8

0.8

Other fixed interest

8.8

9.9


------

------

Total Fixed Interest

9.6

10.7


------

------

EQUITIES

 



 


Energy

 


Oil, gas and coal

6.4

5.2

 

------

------

Total Energy

6.4

5.2


------

------

Basic Materials

 


Chemicals

1.9

1.9

Industrial metals and mining

5.8

4.7


------

------

Total Basic Materials

7.7

6.6


------

------

Industrials

 


Aerospace and defence

2.4

2.6

Construction and materials

0.7

0.7

General industrials

2.0

1.7

Industrial engineering

1.0

0.9

Industrial support services

1.7

1.7


------

------

Total Industrials

7.8

7.6


------

------

Consumer Discretionary

 


Consumer services

1.4

1.4

Household goods and home construction

0.9

1.1

Retailers

2.1

2.4

Travel and leisure

1.0

1.2

 

------

------

Total Consumer Discretionary

5.4

6.1


------

------

Healthcare

 


Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

4.2

3.6


------

------

Total Healthcare

4.2

3.6


------

------

Consumer Staples

 


Beverages

2.4

1.7

Food producers

2.3

2.1

Personal care, drug and grocery stores

5.0

6.3

Tobacco

8.0

8.0


------

------

Total Consumer Staples

17.7

18.1


------

------

  

 


Utilities

 


Gas, water and multi-utilities

5.1

5.7

 

------

------

Total Utilities

5.1

5.7

 

------

------

Financials

 


Banks

12.5

11.5

Closed end investments

1.5

1.3

Investment banking and brokerage services

5.7

6.7

Life insurance

5.7

6.0

Non-life insurance

2.3

2.0

 

------

------

Total Financials

27.7

27.5

 

------

------

Technology

 


Software and computer services

2.5

2.7

Technology hardware and equipment

0.9

0.7

 

------

------

Total Technology

3.4

3.4

 

------

------

Real Estate

 


Real estate investment trusts

4.0

3.9

 

------

------

Total Real Estate

4.0

3.9

 

------

------

Telecommunications 

 


Telecommunications providers             

1.0

1.6


------

------

Total Telecommunications 

1.0

1.6

 

--------

--------

Total Investments

100.0

100.0

 

=====

=====

 

 


           

TWENTY LARGEST INVESTMENTS

Company

Sector

Fair value

as at

30 June

2026

£'000

%

of portfolio

2026

Fair value

as at

31 December 2025

£'000

%

of portfolio

2025

British American Tobacco

Consumer Staples

22,777

5.5

20,502

5.1

HSBC

Financials

19,594

4.7

17,041

4.3

Lloyds Banking Group1

Financials

14,084

3.4

12,274

3.1

BP

Energy

13,554

3.3

8,759

2.2

Shell

Energy

12,783

3.1

11,943

3.0

NatWest1

Financials

12,744

3.0

11,943

3.0

Rio Tinto

Basic Materials

11,558

2.8

13,806

3.4

Standard Life2

Financials

10,742

2.6

9,509

2.4

RELX

Technology

10,603

2.6

8,198

2.1

Imperial Brands         

Consumer Staples

10,357

2.5

11,579

2.9

National Grid

Utilities

10,171

2.5

9,303

2.3

Aviva1

Financials

8,375

2.0

9,628

2.4

Reckitt Benckiser

Consumer Staples

8,293

2.0

9,810

2.4

M&G

Financials

7,369

1.8

7,310

1.8

GSK

Healthcare

6,956

1.7

5,914

1.5

Unilever

Consumer Staples

6,769

1.6

8,282

2.1

Diageo

Consumer Staples

6,366

1.5

6,705

1.7

Severn Trent

Utilities

6,005

1.5

7,361

1.8

Land Securities

Real Estate

5,948

1.4

5,005

1.3

Chesnara

Financials

5,909

1.4

6,340

1.6

 

Total


------------

210,957

=======

------------

50.9

=======

------------

201,212

=======

------------

50.4

=======



 

 



1 Combines equity and fixed interest positions where applicable

 



2 Formerly Phoenix

 

 




 

 

EQUITY PORTFOLIO SECTOR EXPOSURE AS AT 30 JUNE 2026

 

 

 

Equity portfolio weight

%

FTSE All-Share Index

%

 

31.4

30.2

 

Consumer Staples

19.5

12.8

 

Industrials

9.6

12.2

 

Basic Materials

7.6

7.4

 

Energy

7.0

8.6

 

Consumer Discretionary

6.0

6.7

 

Utilities

5.3

4.5

 

Healthcare

4.6

12.1

 

Real Estate

4.4

2.1

 

Technology

3.5

2.3

 

Telecommunications

1.1

1.1

 

Total

--------

100.0

=====

--------

100.0

=====

 

Source: Janus Henderson

 


 



Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The principal risks associated with the Company's business can be grouped into the following broad categories:

 

·     

Climate change risk

·     

Investment risk

·     

Market and financial risk

·     

Operational risk, including cyber risk, pandemic and epidemic risk, and risks relating to terrorism and international conflicts; and

·     

Tax, legal and regulatory risk


Further information on these risks, and how they are managed, is set out in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2025. The Board has undertaken a thorough review of the principal risks and considers that they have not changed materially during the six months under review. The Board therefore considers that these risks remain applicable for the remaining six months of the financial year.

 

Statement OF Directors' ResponsibilitIES

The Directors (listed in note 12) confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

a)

the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with FRS 104 Interim Financial Reporting issued by the Financial Reporting Council;

 

b)

the Interim Management Report and condensed financial statements include a fair review of the information required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

 

c)

the Interim Management Report and condensed financial statements include a fair review of the information required by Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2.8R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).

 

 

On behalf of the Board

Jeremy Rigg

Chairman

8 September 2026

 

 


Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income


 




Half year ended

30 June 2026

(Unaudited)

Half year ended

30 June 2025

(Unaudited)

Year ended

31 December 2025

(Audited)


Revenue

return

£'000

Capital

return

£'000

Total

£'000

Revenue return

£'000

Capital return £'000

Total

£'000

Revenue

return

£'000

Capital return

£'000

Total

£'000

Gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

-

11,054

11,054

-

25,536

25,536

-

43,613

43,613

Income from investments held at fair value through profit or loss

12,303

-

12,303

12,551

-

12,551

21,258

-

21,258

Other interest receivable and similar income

274

-

274

101

-

101

258

-

258


-----------

  ---------

---------

-----------

-----------

----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Gross revenue and capital gains

12,577

11,054

23,631

12,652

25,536

38,188

21,516

43,613

65,129


-----------

-----------

---------

-----------

-----------

----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

 

 

 

 







Management fees (note 2)

(308)

(461)

(769)

(322)

(482)

(804)

(639)

(959)

(1,598)

Other administrative expenses

(376)

-

(376)

(333)

-

(333)

(617)

-

(617)


-----------

-----------

---------

-----------

-----------

----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net return before finance costs and taxation

 

11,893

 

10,593

 

22,486

 

11,997

 

25,054

 

37,051

 

20,260

 

42,654

 

62,914

 

Finance costs

(353)

(1,061)

(1,414)

(360)

(1,080)

(1,440)

(710)

(2,131)

(2,841)


-----------

-----------

---------

-----------

-----------

----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net return before taxation

11,540

9,532

21,072

11,637

23,974

35,611

19,550

40,523

60,073

 

 

 

 







Taxation on net return

(278)

218

(60)

(268)

240

(28)

(308)

261

(47)


-----------

-----------

---------

-----------

-----------

----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Net return after taxation

11,262

9,750

21,012

11,369

24,214

35,583

19,242

40,784

60,026

 

-----------

-----------

---------

-----------

-----------

----------

-----------

-----------

-----------

Return per ordinary share (note 3)

6.64p

5.76p

12.40p

6.64p

14.13p

20.77p

11.28p

23.90p

35.18p

 

=======

======

=====

=======

======

=====

=======

======

======

 










The total columns of this statement represent the Company's Income Statement, prepared in accordance with FRS 104. The revenue and capital columns are supplementary to this and are published under guidance from the Association of Investment Companies.  

 

The Company has no other comprehensive income items recognised other than those disclosed in the Income Statement.

 

All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements

 


 

 

 








Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half year ended 30 June 2026 (Unaudited)

Called up

share capital

£'000

Share premium account

£'000

Capital
redemption
reserve
£'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000

Total

£'000

At 1 January 2026

8,607

198,629

26,302

95,669

10,986

340,193

Net return after taxation

-

-

-

9,750

11,262

21,012

Fourth interim dividend (2.775p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2025, paid 30 January 2026

-

-

-

-

(4,704)

(4,704)

First interim dividend (2.775p per share) for the year ending 31 December 2026, paid 24 April 2026

-

-

-

-

(4,704)

(4,704)

Refund of unclaimed dividends

-

-

-

-

17

17

 

------------

------------

------------

------------

------------

------------

At 30 June 2026

8,607

198,629

26,302

105,419

12,857

351,814

 

=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half year ended 30 June 2025 (Unaudited)

Called up

share capital

£'000

Share premium account

£'000

Capital
redemption
reserve
£'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000

Total

£'000

At 1 January 2025

8,607

198,629

26,302

59,483

10,186

303,207

Net return after taxation

-

-

-

24,214

11,369

35,583

Buyback of shares for treasury

-

-

-

(2,428)

-

(2,428)

Fourth interim dividend (2.675p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2024, paid 31 January 2025

-

-

-

-

(4,605)

(4,605)

First interim dividend (2.675p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2025, paid 25 April 2025

-

-

-

-

(4,570)

(4,570)

Refund of unclaimed dividends

-

-

-

-

19

19


------------

------------

------------

------------

------------

------------

At 30 June 2025

8,607

198,629

26,302

81,269

12,399

327,206


=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year-ended 31 December 2025 (Audited)

Called up

share capital

£'000

Share premium account

£'000

Capital
redemption
reserve
£'000

Other capital reserves

£'000

Revenue reserve

£'000

Total

£'000

At 1 January 2025

8,607

198,629

26,302

59,483

10,186

303,207

Net return after taxation

-

-

-

40,784

19,242

60,026

Buyback of shares for treasury

-

-

-

(4,598)

-

(4,598)

Fourth interim dividend (2.675p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2024, paid 31 January 2025

-

-

-

-

(4,605)

(4,605)

First interim dividend (2.675p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2025, paid 25 April 2025

-

-

-

-

(4,571)

(4,571)

Second interim dividend (2.675p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2025, paid 25 July 2025

-

-

-

-

(4,566)

(4,566)

Third interim dividend (2.775p per share) for the year ended 31 December 2025, paid 24 October 2025

-

-

-

-

(4,720)

(4,720)

Refund of unclaimed dividends

-

-

-

-

20

20

 

------------

------------

------------

------------

------------

------------

At 31 December 2025

8,607

198,629

26,302

95,669

10,986

340,193


=======

=======

=======

=======

=======

=======







 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.



Condensed STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 


30 June 2026

 (Unaudited)

£'000

30 June 2025

(Unaudited)

£'000

31 December 2025

(Audited)

£'000

Non-current assets

 


 

Investments held at fair value through profit or loss (note 4)

414,769

386,901

399,867


------------

------------

------------

Current assets

 



Debtors

3,122

2,942

2,329

Cash at bank and in hand

6,553

4,390

3,746


------------

------------

------------


9,675

7,332

6,075


------------

------------

------------

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

(52,736)

(47,143)

(45,860)


------------

------------

------------

Net current liabilities

(43,061)

(39,811)

(39,785)


------------

------------

------------

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

(19,894)

(19,884)

(19,889)


------------

------------

------------

Net assets

351,814

327,206

340,193

 

=======

=======

=======

Capital and reserves

 



Called up share capital (note 6)

8,607

8,607

8,607

Share premium account

198,629

198,629

198,629

Capital redemption reserve

26,302

26,302

26,302

Other capital reserves

105,419

81,269

95,669

Revenue reserve

12,857

12,399

10,986

 

------------

------------

------------

Total shareholders' funds

351,814

327,206

340,193

 

=======

=======

=======

Net asset value per ordinary share (note 5)

207.54p

191.68p

200.68p

 

=======

=======

=======

 




The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.


 


Condensed Statement of Cash Flows


Half year ended

30 June 2026

(Unaudited)

£'000

Half year ended

30 June 2025

(Unaudited)

£'000

 

Year-ended

31 December 2025

(Audited)

£'000

Cash flows from operating activities

 



Net return before taxation

21,072

               35,611

60,073

Add back: finance costs

1,414

             1,440

2,841

Less: gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss

(11,054)

               (25,536)

(43,613)

Withholding tax on dividends deducted at source

(60)

                 (28)

(47)

Increase in debtors

(793)

                (619)

(6)

Increase in creditors

276

                172

9


--------------

--------------

--------------

Net cash inflow from operating activities

10,855

11,040

19,257


--------------

--------------

--------------

Cash flows from investing activities

 



Sales of investments held at fair value through profit or loss

49,300  

           37,799  

79,649

Purchases of investments held at fair value through profit or loss

(53,061)

(32,430)

(68,895)

 

--------------

--------------

--------------

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities

(3,761)

            5,369

10,754


--------------

--------------

--------------

Cash flows from financing activities

 



Share buybacks for treasury

-

(2,428)

(4,598)

Equity dividends paid (net of refund of unclaimed distributions)

(9,391)

            (9,156)  

(18,442)

Drawdown of loans

6,826

-

-

Repayment of loans

-

       (1,622)

(3,035)

Interest paid

(1,409)

(1,435)

(2,831)

 

--------------

--------------

--------------

Net cash outflow from financing activities

(3,974)

(14,641)

(28,906)

 

--------------

--------------

--------------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

3,120

              1,768

1,105

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

3,746

            2,493

2,493

Exchange movements

(313)

                129

148


--------------

--------------

--------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

6,553

             4,390

3,746

Comprising:

--------------

--------------

--------------

Cash at bank

6,553

             4,390

3,746

 

========

========

========



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed financial statements.



 



 


NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Accounting policies: basis of accounting

The Company is a registered investment company as defined in section 833 of the Companies Act 2006 and operates as an investment trust in accordance with section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.

 

The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 104 Interim Financial Reporting, FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts, which was updated by the Association of Investment Companies in December 2025.

 

The accounting policies applied during the period are consistent with those set out in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2025. The condensed financial statements have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor.

 

2. Management fees

Management fees are charged in accordance with the terms of the management agreement which are set out in the Company's Annual Report for the year-ended 31 December 2025. With effect from 1 January 2026, the management fee is charged at 0.45% of net assets payable quarterly, based on the level of net assets at the relevant quarter end.

 

3. Revenue return per ordinary share

The revenue return per ordinary share is based on the following figures:

 

 



Half year ended

30 June 2026 (Unaudited)

£'000


Half year ended

30 June 2025 (Unaudited)

£'000


Year ended

31 December 2025

(Audited)

£'000

Net revenue return


11,262


11,369


19,242

Net capital return


9,750


24,214


40,784

Total return


21,012


35,583


60,026

Weighted average number of ordinary shares


169,519,008

 

171,308,995


170,626,901

 

 


Pence


 

Pence


 

Pence

Revenue return per ordinary share


6.64


6.64


11.28

Capital return per ordinary share


5.76


14.13


23.90

Total return per ordinary share


12.40


20.77


35.18

 

The Company does not have any dilutive securities therefore the basic and diluted returns per share are the same.

 

4. Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities

The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are either carried in the Statement of Financial Position at their fair value (investments and derivatives), or the statement of financial position amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value (due from brokers, dividends, and interest receivable, due to brokers, accruals, cash at bank, bank overdrafts and amounts due under the multi-currency loan facility). The senior unsecured note is held in the Statement of Financial Position at amortised cost in line with the Company's accounting policies.

 

Categorisation within the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities held at fair value in the Statement of Financial Position has been determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the relevant asset:

 

·      Level 1: the unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.

·      Level 2: valued by reference to valuation techniques using observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1.

·      Level 3: valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data.

   

 

Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss at 30 June 2026

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Equity investments

374,894

 -

 -

374,894

Fixed interest investments:

 

 

 

 

- Preference shares

3,187

 -

 -

3,187

- Other

36,688

 -

 -

36,688

- Options

-

(281)

-

(281)

Total

414,769

(281)

 -

414,488

 

 





Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss at 30 June 2025

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Equity investments

349,726

 -

 -

349,726

Fixed interest investments:





- Preference shares

3,269

 -

 -

3,269

- Other

33,906

 -

 -

33,906

- Options

-

(60)

-

(60)

Total

386,901

(60)

 -

386,841






 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

at 31 December 2025

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000

Equity investments

357,142

-

-

357,142

Fixed interest investments:





- Preference shares

3,253

-

-

3,253

- Other

39,472

-

-

39,472

Total

399,867

-

-

399,867

 

The Company's holdings in options are included within Level 2 and are included in creditors amounts falling due within one year in the Statement of Financial Position. 

 

Premiums from written options during the half year ended 30 June 2026 were £238,000 (half year ended 30 June 2025: £160,000; year-ended 31 December 2025: £160,000).

 

At 30 June 2026 the fair value of the senior unsecured note has been estimated to be £18,328,000 (30 June 2025: £18,066,000; 31 December 2025: £18,394,000) and would be categorised as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The current estimated fair value of the senior unsecured note is calculated using a discount rate based on the redemption yield of the relevant existing reference UK Gilt plus a suitable estimated credit spread. The estimated credit spread is based on the spread between the yield of the ICE BofA 5-10 Year A Sterling Non-Gilt Index and the redemption yield of the ICE BofA 5-10 Year UK Gilt Index. The discount rate is calculated and updated at each month end and applied daily to determine the Company's published fair value NAVs.

 


 

5. Net asset value per ordinary share

 

The net asset value per ordinary share is based on the net assets attributable to the ordinary shares of £351,814,000 (half year ended 30 June 2025: £327,206,000; year ended 31 December 2025: £340,193,000) and on the 169,519,008 ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) at 30 June 2026 (30 June 2025: 170,705,636; 31 December 2025: 169,519,008).

 


 

6. Share capital

 

At 1 January 2026, there were 172,141,700 ordinary shares of 5p each in issue, of which 2,622,692 were held in treasury. No shares were bought back during the six months under review and, accordingly, the number of ordinary shares in issue at 30 June 2026 remained 172,141,700, including 2,622,692 shares held in treasury.

 

Between 1 July 2026 and 4 September 2026, being the latest practicable date prior to publication, no further shares were bought back. Accordingly, as at 4 September 2026, the Company had 172,141,700 ordinary shares in issue, of which 2,622,692 were held in treasury. Total voting rights in the Company at that date were therefore 169,519,008.

 

                                                             

 

7. Dividends

 

The Company pays dividends quarterly. In respect of the year ended 31 December 2025, a fourth interim dividend of 2.775p per share (2024: 2.675p) was paid on 30 January 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 12 December 2025. In respect of the year ending 31 December 2026, a first interim dividend of 2.775p per share (2025: 2.675p) was paid on 24 April 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 April 2026. These dividends are reflected in the half year financial statements.

 

A second interim dividend of 2.775p per share (2025: 2.675p) for the year ending 31 December 2026 was paid on
24 July 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 12 June 2026. A third interim dividend of 2.8p per share (2025: 2.775p) for the year ending 31 December 2026 will be paid on 30 October 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 September 2026. The shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 10 September 2026. In accordance with FRS 102, the second and third interim dividends have not been accrued in the half year financial statements as they will be paid after the period end.

 

 

8. Net debt reconciliation

 

 



 

Cash
and cash
equivalents
£'000

Bank loans repayable within one year

£'000

 

 

Other debt repayable after more

than one year

£'000

Total

£'000

Net debt as at 1 January 2026

3,746

(44,892)

(19,889)

(61,035)

Cash flows

3,120

(6,826)

-

(3,706)

Exchange movements

(313)

258

-

(55)

Non cash flow:

 

 

 

 

Effective interest movements

-

-

(5)

(5)

Net debt as at 30 June 2026

6,553

(51,460)

(19,894)

(64,801)

 





 

Cash
and cash
equivalents
£'000

Bank loans repayable within one year

£'000

Other debt repayable

after more

than one year

£'000

Total

£'000

Net debt as at 1 January 2025

2,493

(47,561)

(19,879)

(64,947)

Cash flows

1,768

1,622

-

3,390

Exchange movements

129

159

-

288

Non cash flow:





Effective interest movements

-

-

(5)

(5)

Net debt as at 30 June 2025

4,390

(45,780)

(19,884)

(61,274)

 





 

Cash
and cash
equivalents
£'000

Bank loans repayable within one year

£'000

Other debt repayable

after more

than one year

£'000

Total

£'000

Net debt as at 1 January 2025

2,493

(47,561)

(19,879)

(64,947)

Cash flows

1,105

3,035

-

4,140

Exchange movements

148

(366)

-

(218)

Non cash flow:





Effective interest movements

-

-

(10)

(10)

Net debt as at 31 December 2025

3,746

(44,892)

(19,889)

(61,035)






9. Going concern

The Directors have considered the Company's financial position, including the liquidity of its investment portfolio, its cash flow forecasts and its ability to comply with its borrowing covenants, with regard to the headroom available under the most restrictive covenants. The Directors have also considered the potential impact of elevated interest rates on the broader financial system and the continuing wider ramifications of geopolitical conflicts.

 

The Directors are satisfied that the Company's portfolio consists predominantly of readily realisable securities and that the Company has adequate resources to meet its financial obligations, including the repayment of borrowings as they fall due, for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these half-year results. Having also taken account of the principal risks and uncertainties, the Board therefore considers it appropriate for the condensed financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

 

The Company's shareholders are asked every five years to vote on the continuation of the Company. An ordinary resolution approving the continuation of the Company was passed by shareholders at the annual general meeting held on 13 May 2025.

 

 

10. Related party transactions

The Company's related parties are its Directors and Janus Henderson. There were no material transactions between the Company and its Directors during the period. Amounts paid to the Directors related only to expenses and remuneration, and there were no amounts outstanding at the period end.

 

In respect of services provided by Janus Henderson, other than fees payable by the Company in the ordinary course of business and the provision of marketing services, there were no material transactions with Janus Henderson that affected the financial position of the Company during the period under review.

 

 

11. Half Year Report

The Half Year Report for the six months ended 30 June 2026 will shortly be available on the Company's website at www.hendersonhighincome.com. An abridged extract from the Half Year Report, the 'Update', will also be available shortly on the Company's website and copies will be sent to shareholders in September 2026. Both documents will also be available from the Corporate Secretary at the Company's registered office, 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AE. The Update will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

 

12. General information

a) Company Status

The Company is a UK domiciled investment trust company with registered number 02422514.

 

SEDOL/ISIN number: 0958057/GB0009580571

London Stock Exchange (TIDM) code: HHI

Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN): JBA08I.99999.SL.826

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 213800OEXAGFSF7Y6G11

 

b) Directors, Corporate Secretary and Registered Office

The Directors of the Company are Jeremy Rigg (Chairman), Jonathan Silver (Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee), Francesca Ecsery (Senior Independent Director), Richard Cranfield and Preeti Rathi. The Corporate Secretary is Janus Henderson Secretarial Services UK Limited and the Company's registered office is 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE.

 

c) Website

Information on the Company, including its share price and net asset value, monthly factsheets and data, announcements, reports and details of general meetings, is available at www.hendersonhighincome.com.

 

 

For further information please contact:

 


David Smith

Fund Manager

Janus Henderson Investors

Telephone: 020 7818 4443

 

Harriet Hall

PR Director, Investment Trusts

Janus Henderson Investors

Telephone: 020 7818 2919

 

Dan Howe

Head of Investment Trusts

Janus Henderson Investors

Telephone: 020 7818 1818

 

Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) are incorporated into, or form part of, this announcement.

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