Half-year Report

Fidelity European Trust

04/09/2025 07:00

FIDELITY EUROPEAN TRUST PLC

Half-Yearly Results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (unaudited)

 

Financial Highlights:

The Board of Fidelity European Trust PLC (the “Company”) declares an interim dividend of 3.90 pence per share, an increase of 8.3% on the prior year.

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2025, Fidelity European Trust PLC reported a total share price return of +16.7%, while the Benchmark Index, the FTSE World Europe ex UK, rose +14.3%.

 

The Net Asset Value (NAV) return was +9.6% over the same timeframe.

 

Banks and financials contributed positively to performance during the period, particularly Bankinter.

Subject to shareholder approval, the proposed combination of Fidelity European Trust PLC and Henderson European Trust PLC will be effective on 26 September 2025.

 

 

 

Contacts

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Smita Amin

Company Secretary

01737 836347

Chairman’s Statement

Update on Combination with Henderson European Trust PLC
On 19 June 2025, Fidelity European Trust PLC (the “Company”) announced a proposed Combination of assets with those of Henderson European Trust plc (“HET”) pursuant to a scheme of reconstruction and members’ voluntary liquidation of HET (the “Combination”).

As noted in the announcement there will be no changes to the existing investment objective or policy with the experienced and award-winning team of Sam Morse and Marcel Stötzel continuing as Portfolio Managers.

BENEFITS OF THE COMBINATION
The Board believes that, if implemented, the Combination will result in a number of benefits for both the Company’s and HET’s shareholders, as well as for future investors in the Combined Entity, including:

· Unparalleled scale and enhanced profile: The Combined Entity is anticipated to have net assets of circa £2.1 billion. As the flagship UK closed-ended vehicle for investment in Europe, the Combined Entity is expected to benefit from enhanced profile and marketability.

· Lower tiered management fees: Fidelity has agreed that, with effect from completion of the deal, the annual management fee payable by the Combined Entity will be reduced to: 0.70 per cent of net assets up to and including £400 million; 0.65 per cent of net assets in excess of £400 million up to and including £1.4 billion; and 0.55 per cent of net assets in excess of £1.4 billion (the “Revised Fee Arrangements”).1 This is currently expected to result in a blended annual management fee rate for the Combined Entity of 0.63 per cent of net assets on completion of the Combination.

· Lower ongoing charges ratio (“OCR”): Owing to the Revised Fee Arrangements and the economies of scale of the Combined Entity, the Company’s OCR will reduce significantly, allowing it to achieve an illustrative OCR of 0.68%, representing a material improvement to the Company’s last reported OCR of 0.76% as at 31 December 2024.

· Enhanced liquidity: The scale of the Combined Entity, as the UK’s largest and most liquid European-focused investment trust, is also expected to further enhance secondary market liquidity for the Company’s shareholders (including in relation to its enhanced discount management policy as described further below).

· Significant cost contribution from Fidelity: Fidelity has agreed to make a material contribution towards the costs of the Proposals, equivalent to a waiver of 12 months of management fees that would otherwise be payable in respect of the net assets transferred to the Company from HET. This is expected to offset fully the direct transaction costs for the Company’s existing shareholders.

1 The Company currently pays an annual management fee of 0.85 per cent of net assets up to and including £400 million and 0.65 per cent of net assets in excess of £400 million.

· Enhanced discount management policy: In the light of the Proposals, the Board has decided to enhance its discount management policy such that the Company will seek to maintain any discount to net asset value in mid-single digits in normal market conditions.

I am pleased to note that work to facilitate the combination is progressing smoothly. A Circular to the Company’s shareholders, providing further details of the proposals and notice of a general meeting to be held on 15 September 2025 to approve the Combination, and a Prospectus in respect of the issue of new shares in connection with the acquisition of assets from HET, was published on 21 August 2025 and is available on the Company’s website at www.fidelity.co.uk/europe.

It is intended that, following completion of the Combination, Vicky Hastings and Rutger Koopmans, both of whom are current HET Directors, will be appointed as non-executive Directors of the Company. The appointment of the prospective Directors, Vicky and Rutger, will ensure that there is representation on our Board for both the shareholders of HET (which was formerly Henderson European Focus Trust plc) and the former shareholders of Henderson EuroTrust plc (which combined with HET in 2024). I look forward to welcoming Vicky and Rutger to the Company’s Board and I am sure they will prove to be valuable additions.

The Board of the Company will therefore initially consist of seven Directors, comprising the five current Directors of the Company and two current HET Directors, all of whom will be non-executive and are independent of the AIFM and the Investment Manager. Following nine years of service, Paul Yates will retire from the Board at the next annual general meeting (“AGM”) of the Company, which is expected to be held in May 2026, and will not stand for re-election. Following the 2026 AGM, the number of Directors will reduce to six Directors.

I believe that the Combination with HET is a highly positive development for the Company with shareholders standing to benefit from lower charges, greater liquidity in the Company’s shares, an enhanced discount management policy, and a higher profile that will contribute towards making it the “go to trust” for investing in Europe.

DAVINA WALTER
Chairman
3 September 2025

Portfolio Managers’ Half-Yearly Review

Performance Review
During the first six months of the year the net asset value (“NAV”) total return was +9.6% compared to a total return of +14.3% for the FTSE World Europe ex UK Index which is the Company’s Benchmark Index. The share price total return was +16.7%, which is above the NAV total return because of a narrowing of the share price discount to NAV. (All figures in UK sterling.)

Market Review
Continental European markets rose in the first half of this year, as concerns about possible tariffs on goods exported to the US, were more than offset by the anticipation of several positive drivers. Investors expected the European Central Bank (ECB), and other European central banks, to continue to lower interest rates as inflation waned. They also applauded the intention of the new German government to accelerate its domestic fiscal stimulus via substantial increases in defence spending and investment in infrastructure. Some investors also hoped that peace in Ukraine, orchestrated by the US, would take pressure off energy prices in Europe and provide a boost to the revenues of those European companies that might help in the reconstruction of the country.

This optimism regarding the future trajectory of European economic growth, and some concerns regarding the direction of US fiscal policy, also reignited the Euro which appreciated by almost 4% against UK sterling during the six month reporting period. So, in UK sterling terms, the continental European benchmark rose more than 14% with many of the constituent country markets hitting all-time highs – most notably Germany, given the above. This made continental European equities one of the better performing asset classes during the period, even outperforming US equities for the first time in many years.

Continental European markets have also witnessed a substantial change in leadership in the past few quarters with the banking sector very much in the vanguard, after many years of being in the doldrums, post the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Many other “value” sectors have also turned around, driven by the factors mentioned above and a sense that a corner has been turned in terms of long-term bond yields (and therefore discount rates). More specifically, defence stocks have rocketed on the expectation of increased orders as European nations show more urgency to raise spending to align with higher NATO targets.

Portfolio Managers’ Report
The Company’s NAV total return lagged the Company’s Benchmark over the six-month period. The gearing of the Company, given rising markets, was a positive contributor but this was more than offset by lacklustre stock-picking. Pleasingly, however, the discount narrowed significantly over the period, such that the share price rose more than the Benchmark.

Novo Nordisk was the main detractor from performance during the period. Its share price suffered a significant de-rating on lower-than-expected prescription growth in the US due to growing competition in the obesity indication from compounding (manufacture and sale of copycat drugs) companies and Eli Lilly. This was exacerbated by the unexpected departure of the CEO, who presumably paid the price for this poor execution in their main market. We now think that this is a very cheap stock, given its prospective dividend growth, and we expect an improved operating performance in the US obesity market, especially as the manufacture and sale of copycat drugs is no longer permitted.

Top Five Stock Contributors (on a relative basis)
Sector
Country
%
Bankinter
Financials
Spain
+0.7
ABN AMRO Bank
Financials
Netherlands
+0.6
Deutsche Börse Group
Financials
Germany
+0.4
Intesa Sanpaolo
Financials
Italy
+0.3
AXA
Financials
France
+0.3
=========

 

Top Five Stock Detractors (on a relative basis)
Sector
Country
%
Novo Nordisk
Healthcare
Denmark
-0.9
Rheinmetall (not held)
Industrials
Germany
-0.6
Partners Group
Financials
Switzerland
-0.6
Puma
Consumer Discretionary
Germany
-0.5
Assa Abloy
Industrials
Sweden
-0.5
=========

 

Rheinmetall was also a significant detractor relative to the Benchmark Index as it is not held in the Company’s portfolio and, like other defence stocks, it had a meteoric rise during the quarter as investors expect it to benefit from the multi-year increase in defence spending in Germany. Our view is that this boon is now fully discounted in the share price, as it is for other defence stocks in Europe. Although we agree that these companies are likely to see strong turnover growth in the years ahead, we expect margins to be more restrained. The public and their governments will be keen that such companies are not profiteering at a time when other areas of government expenditure are under huge strain to fund increases in defence spending. The Company is very lightly positioned in the defence sector as these are not businesses that have traditionally met our key criteria, in terms of consistent cash generation and dividend growth. Our only exposure has been via MTU, the German engine component manufacturer whose main business is in civil, rather than military, aerospace.

Beyond defence, the Company’s lower exposure to German listed stocks versus the Benchmark was a drag on returns. The German DAX was boosted by the announcements on the removal of the fiscal debt break and ambitious infrastructure spending. However, the investment will take time to translate into revenue and profit benefits for German industrial companies, and we feel that the share price moves were overdone for the most part given the uncertainty around which companies will emerge as the ones whose earnings growth accelerates.

Positive contributions were dominated by financials and banks, in particular. Banks continued to be reappraised and rerated by investors on the back of better-than-expected earnings. It appears that the earnings they are now making on deposits will be stickier than anticipated thanks to structural hedges that have been constructed in recent years. Bankinter, the Company’s best performing bank during this period, is also benefiting from market share gains as other banks in Spain consolidate and merge with each other. The banking sector is one of those “value” sectors which has enjoyed a reappraisal in a more optimistic “risk-on” stock market environment. In general, it is not an environment that suits our more cautious investment approach, so we are not entirely surprised that the Company has lagged the Benchmark although we are disappointed to have underperformed by such a margin.

Outlook
We believe that the stimulation of the European economy, initiated by the announcement of Germany’s fiscal stimulus package in March 2025, could have a positive impact on the region, particularly as the risk of a trade war with the US threatens to severely impact the region’s goods exports. While the impact from tariffs will still be felt, and the full details of such tariffs (and the outcome of any negotiations in respect thereof) remain uncertain, it is encouraging that Europe is putting some self-help measures in place. However, the fiscal impact will take time to impact the real economy and the fiscal stimulus initiatives will not be implemented all at once, particularly in the areas targeted by the German government’s spending plans.

Following the year-to-date rally in European stock markets, the valuation multiples of European quoted companies compared to US quoted companies are no longer at historic lows. However, generally, such European companies still trade on a valuation discount relative to their US counterparts and there is still some way to go before they return to historic median levels. Noting that some well-known cyclical European businesses have traded at higher valuation levels recently on expectations of earnings improvement, ‘hot money’ chasing this theme could become impatient if these improvements take time to come through.

Whilst there are positive signs, we acknowledge that Europe’s economic growth remains under pressure and therefore cautiously await a cyclical upswing in the region. Falling inflation and lower interest rates could additionally boost corporate capital expenditure and lift consumer confidence.

SAM MORSE
Portfolio Manager

MARCEL STÖTZEL
Co-Portfolio Manager
3 September 2025

Twenty Largest Holdings as at 30 June 2025

The Asset Exposures shown below measure exposure to market price movements as a result of owning shares and derivative instruments. The Fair Value is the actual value of the portfolio as reported in the Balance Sheet. Where a contract for difference (“CFD”) is held, the Fair Value reflects the profit or loss on the contract since it was opened and is based on how much the share price of the underlying share has moved.

Fair
Value
Asset Exposure
£’000
%1
£’000
Long Exposures – shares unless otherwise stated
ASML
Technology Hardware and Equipment
94,588
5.6
94,588
Roche
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
87,182
5.2
87,182
SAP (shares and long CFD)
Software and Computer Services
86,652
5.1
25,798
Nestlé
Food Producers
71,527
4.2
71,527
Novo Nordisk
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
67,350
4.0
67,350
TotalEnergies
Oil, Gas and Coal
67,238
4.0
67,238
L’Oréal
Personal Goods
62,748
3.7
62,748
Legrand (shares and long CFD)
Electronic and Electrical Equipment
58,573
3.5
23,600
Deutsche Börse Group
Investment Banking and Brokerage Services
52,386
3.1
52,386
AXA
Non-Life Insurance
51,740
3.1
51,740
Intesa Sanpaolo
Banks
49,604
2.9
49,604
Assa Abloy
Construction and Materials
48,930
2.9
48,930
3i Group
Investment Banking and Brokerage Services
48,905
2.9
48,905
Kone
Industrial Engineering
48,672
2.9
48,672
EssilorLuxottica
Medical Equipment and Services
47,146
2.8
47,146
Sampo
Non-Life Insurance
45,772
2.7
45,772
KBC Group
Banks
45,080
2.7
45,080
Richemont
Personal Goods
42,458
2.5
42,458
Amadeus IT Group
Software and Computer Services
42,029
2.5
42,029
Linde (long CFD)
Chemicals
41,796
2.4
183
---------------
---------------
---------------
Twenty largest long exposures
1,160,376
68.7
1,022,936
Other long exposures
647,376
38.4
615,958
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total long exposures before long futures2,3
1,807,752
107.1
1,638,894
=========
=========
=========
Long Futures
EURO STOXX 50 Future September 20253
51,040
3.0
(252)
---------------
---------------
---------------
Gross Asset Exposure3,4
1,858,792
110.1
=========
=========
Portfolio Fair Value5
1,638,642
Net current assets (excluding derivative assets and liabilities)
49,102
---------------
Shareholders’ Funds (per Balance Sheet below)
1,687,744
=========

1 Asset Exposure is expressed as a percentage of Shareholders’ Funds.

2 Total long exposures before long futures comprises investments of £1,638,710,000 and long CFDs of £169,042,000.

3 See Note 13 below.

4 Gross Asset Exposure comprises market exposure to investments of £1,638,710,000 plus market exposure to all derivative instruments of £220,082,000. Derivative instruments comprise long CFDs of £169,042,000 and long futures of £51,040,000.

5 Portfolio Fair Value comprises investments of £1,638,710,000 plus derivative assets of £1,198,000 less derivative liabilities of £1,266,000 (per the Balance Sheet below).

Interim Management Report

Interim Dividend
As part of their investment process, the Portfolio Managers focus on companies that are capable of growing their dividends over time. The Board does not impose any income objective in any particular period, recognising that both capital and income growth are components of performance, as reflected in the investment objective of the Company. The Board does, however, have a policy whereby it seeks to pay a progressive dividend in normal circumstances, paid twice yearly in order to smooth dividend payments for the reporting year. Unlike open-ended funds such as OEICs, investment trusts can hold back some of the income they receive in good years, thereby building up revenue reserves that can then be used to supplement dividends during challenging times.

The Company’s revenue return for the six months to 30 June 2025 was 8.84 pence per ordinary share (30 June 2024: 8.38 pence). The Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.90 pence per ordinary share which is an increase of 8.3% on the 3.60 pence per ordinary share paid as the interim dividend in 2024. This will be paid on 23 October 2025 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 12 September 2025 (ex-dividend date 11 September 2025).

Shareholders may choose to reinvest their dividends for additional shares in the Company.

Discount Management and Treasury Shares
The Board has an active discount management policy, the primary purpose of which is to reduce discount volatility. The Board also closely monitors the liquidity of the Company’s shares as a potential lack of natural buyers in the investment sector may put pressure on discount levels. The policy seeks to maintain the discount in single digits in normal market circumstances. Following the completion of the proposed combination with Henderson European Trust plc, the Company’s discount management policy will also be enhanced and the Board will seek to maintain the discount to net asset value in mid-single digits in normal market conditions. Buying back shares at a discount also results in an enhancement to the NAV per ordinary share.

To assist in managing the discount, the Board has shareholder approval to hold ordinary shares repurchased by the Company in Treasury, rather than cancelling them. Shares in Treasury are then available to be reissued at NAV per ordinary share or at a premium to NAV per ordinary share, facilitating the management of and enhancing liquidity in the Company’s shares.

Despite an environment of wide discounts across the investment trust industry, the Company’s discount has remained in single digits throughout the reporting period. In order to narrow the discount down even further, the Company repurchased 500,000 ordinary shares into Treasury in the reporting period. A further 3,700,000 ordinary shares have been repurchased into Treasury since the end of the reporting period and up to the latest practicable date of this report.

Principal and Emerging Risks
The Board, with the assistance of the Manager (FIL Investment Services (UK) Limited), has developed a risk matrix which, as part of the risk management and internal controls process, identifies the key existing and emerging risks and uncertainties faced by the Company.

The Board considers that the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Company continue to fall into the following categories: geopolitical, economic and market; investment performance (including the use of derivatives and gearing); legislation, taxation and regulatory; marketplace and competition; cybercrime and information security; business continuity; key person and operational support; discount control; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. Information on each of these risks is given on pages 24 to 27 in the Strategic Report section of the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024, a copy of which can be found on the Company’s pages of the Manager’s website at www.fidelity.co.uk/europe.

The principal risks and uncertainties remain the same as those at the last year end, but the magnitude of their uncertainty continues to change. There continues to be geopolitical tensions and economic and market events. The fast-changing global geopolitical landscape is largely shaped by the ongoing armed conflicts effects, deglobalisation trends, increasing tariffs and significant supply disruption, as well as concerns around global growth and uncertainties on effects of changes in monetary policies, recession amid inflationary pressures and financial distress. Russia and the Middle East are both significant net exporters of oil, natural gas and a variety of soft commodities and supply limitations have fuelled global inflation and economic instability, specifically within Western nations. Broader geopolitical themes include the US-China trade war, the South China sea dispute affecting shipping routes, the implications of China-Taiwan relations and escalation of North and South Korea tensions. The Board and the Manager remain vigilant in monitoring such risks.

In recent months, there has been increased concerns around investment cost disclosure and its impact on the industry. There is a risk that the FCA’s proposed Consumer Composite Investment (CCI) regime may make investment companies more complex for investors to understand and increase the regulatory burden imposed on the sector if it proceeds with some of the proposals as drafted.

The environment in which the Company operates continues to undergo change, which may affect the Company’s ability to grow and maintain its business. This change includes the increasing presence of alternative investment offerings, as well as industry consolidation, which could influence the demand for investment trusts. The Board, the Manager, and the Company’s Broker closely monitor industry activity and the peer group and actively manage supply and demand through its discount polices and mechanisms. In addition, an annual strategy review is undertaken by the Board to ensure that the Company continues to offer a relevant product to shareholders.

Climate change continues to be a key principal risk confronting asset managers and their investors. Globally, climate change effects are already being experienced in the form of a changing pattern of weather events. Climate change can potentially impact the operations of investee companies, their supply chains and their customers. Additional risks may also arise from increased regulations, costs and net-zero programmes which can all impact investment returns. The Board notes that the Manager has integrated ESG considerations into the Company’s investment process. The Board will continue to monitor how this may impact the Company as a risk on investment valuations and potentially affect shareholder returns.

The Board and the Manager are also monitoring the emerging risks and rewards posed by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and technology and how this may threaten the Company’s activities and its potential impact on the portfolio and investee companies. AI can provide asset managers with powerful tools, such as enhancing data analysis risk management, trading strategies, operational efficiency and client servicing, all of which can lead to better investment outcomes and more efficient operations. However, with these advances in computer power that will impact society, there are risks from its increasing use and manipulation with the potential to harm, including a heightened threat to cybersecurity.

Investors should be prepared for market fluctuations and remember that holding shares in the Company should be considered to be a long-term investment. Risks are mitigated by the investment trust structure of the Company which means that the Portfolio Managers are not required to trade to meet investor redemptions. Therefore, investments in the Company’s portfolio can be held over a longer-time horizon.

The Manager has appropriate business continuity and operational resilience plans in place to ensure the continued provision of services. This includes investment team key activities, including those of portfolio managers, analysts and trading/support functions. The Manager reviews its operational resilience strategies on an ongoing basis and continues to take all reasonable steps in meeting its regulatory obligations, assess its ability to continue operating and the steps it needs to take to serve and support its clients, including the Board.

The Company’s other third-party service providers also have similar measures in place to ensure that business disruption is kept to a minimum.

Transactions with the Manager and Related Parties
The Manager has delegated the Company’s portfolio management and company secretariat services to FIL Investments International. Transactions with the Manager and related party transactions with the Directors are disclosed in Note 14 to the Financial Statements below.

Going Concern Statement
The Directors have considered the Company’s investment objective, risk management policies, liquidity risk, credit risk, capital management policies and procedures, the nature of its portfolio and its expenditure and cash flow projections. The Directors, having considered the liquidity of the Company’s portfolio of investments (being mainly securities which are readily realisable) and the projected income and expenditure, are satisfied that the Company is financially sound and has adequate resources to meet all of its liabilities and ongoing expenses and can continue in operational existence for a period of at least twelve months from the date of this Half-Yearly Report.

This conclusion also takes into account the Board’s assessment of the ongoing risks as outlined above.

Accordingly, the Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Continuation votes are held every two years and the next continuation vote will be put to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in 2027.

By Order of the Board
FIL Investments International
3 September 2025

Directors’ Responsibility Statement

The Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the UK Listing Authority require the Directors to confirm their responsibilities in relation to the preparation and publication of the Interim Management Report and Financial Statements.

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

· the condensed set of Financial Statements contained within the Half-Yearly Report has been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s Standard FRS 104: Interim Financial Reporting; and

· the Chairman’s Statement and the Portfolio Manager’s Review and the Interim Management Report above include a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R and 4.2.8R.

In line with previous years, the Half-Yearly Report has not been audited or reviewed by the Company’s Independent Auditor.

The Half-Yearly Report was approved by the Board on 3 September 2025 and the above responsibility statement was signed on its behalf by Davina Walter, Chairman.

Financial Statements

Income Statement for the six months ended 30 June 2025

Six months ended 30 June 2025
unaudited
Six months ended 30 June 2024
unaudited
Year ended 31 December 2024
audited

Notes
Revenue
£’000
Capital
£’000
Total
£’000
Revenue
£’000
Capital
£’000
Total
£’000
Revenue
£’000
Capital
£’000
Total
£’000
Gains/(losses) on investments
–
86,503
86,503
–
76,095
76,095
–
(47,301)
(47,301)
Gains on derivative instruments
–
31,371
31,371
–
21,012
21,012
–
35,423
35,423
Income
4
41,327
–
41,327
41,081
–
41,081
53,670
–
53,670
Investment management fees
5
(1,446)
(4,337)
(5,783)
(1,437)
(4,311)
(5,748)
(2,878)
(8,634)
(11,512)
Other expenses
(494)
–
(494)
(521)
–
(521)
(1,063)
–
(1,063)
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)
–
2,158
2,158
–
(1,577)
(1,577)
–
(2,956)
(2,956)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Net return/(loss) on ordinary activities before finance costs and taxation
39,387
115,695
155,082
39,123
91,219
130,342
49,729
(23,468)
26,261
Finance costs
6
(956)
(2,870)
(3,826)
(1,488)
(4,463)
(5,951)
(2,770)
(8,309)
(11,079)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Net return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation
38,431
112,825
151,256
37,635
86,756
124,391
46,959
(31,777)
15,182
Taxation on return/(loss) on ordinary activities
7
(2,330)
–
(2,330)
(3,391)
–
(3,391)
(4,422)
–
(4,422)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Net return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation for the period
36,101
112,825
148,926
34,244
86,756
121,000
42,537
(31,777)
10,760
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
Return/(loss) per ordinary share
8
8.84p
27.62p
36.46p
8.38p
21.22p
29.60p
10.41p
(7.78p)
2.63p
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========

 

The Company does not have any other comprehensive income. Accordingly, the net return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation for the period is also the total comprehensive income for the period and no separate Statement of Comprehensive Income has been presented.

The total column of this statement represents the Income Statement of the Company. The revenue and capital columns are supplementary and presented for information purposes as recommended by the Statement of Recommended Practice issued by the AIC.

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

Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months ended 30 June 2025




Notes

Share
capital
£’000
Share
premium
account
£’000
Capital
redemption
reserve
£’000

Capital
reserve
£’000

Revenue
reserve
£’000
Total
shareholders’
funds
£’000
Six months ended 30 June 2025 (unaudited)
Total shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2024
10,411
58,615
5,414
1,440,810
47,879
1,563,129
Repurchase of ordinary shares into Treasury
11
–
–
–
(1,831)
–
(1,831)
Net return on ordinary activities after taxation for the period
–
–
–
112,825
36,101
148,926
Dividend paid to shareholders
9
–
–
–
–
(22,480)
(22,480)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total shareholders’ funds at 30 June 2025
10,411
58,615
5,414
1,551,804
61,500
1,687,744
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
Six months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)
Total shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2023
10,411
58,615
5,414
1,472,587
40,452
1,587,479
Net return on ordinary activities after taxation for the period
–
–
–
86,756
34,244
121,000
Dividend paid to shareholders
9
–
–
–
–
(20,396)
(20,396)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total shareholders’ funds at 30 June 2024
10,411
58,615
5,414
1,559,343
54,300
1,688,083
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
Year ended 31 December 2024 (audited)
Total shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2023
10,411
58,615
5,414
1,472,587
40,452
1,587,479
Net (loss)/return on ordinary activities after taxation for the year
–
–
–
(31,777)
42,537
10,760
Dividends paid to shareholders
9
–
–
–
–
(35,110)
(35,110)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2024
10,411
58,615
5,414
1,440,810
47,879
1,563,129
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========

Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2025
Company Number 2638812




Notes
30 June
2025
unaudited
£’000
31 December
2024
audited
£’000
30 June
2024
unaudited
£’000
Fixed assets
Investments
10
1,638,710
1,487,772
1,626,177
---------------
---------------
---------------
Current assets
Derivative instruments
10
1,198
–
5,348
Debtors
13,604
9,506
13,404
Amounts held at futures clearing houses and brokers
3,708
10,078
4,545
Cash and cash equivalents
33,148
63,042
42,633
---------------
---------------
---------------
51,658
82,626
65,930
=========
=========
=========
Current liabilities
Derivative instruments
10
(1,266)
(5,796)
(2,615)
Other creditors
(1,358)
(1,473)
(1,409)
---------------
---------------
---------------
(2,624)
(7,269)
(4,024)
=========
=========
=========
Net current assets
49,034
75,357
61,906
=========
=========
=========
Net assets
1,687,744
1,563,129
1,688,083
=========
=========
=========
Capital and reserves
Share capital
11
10,411
10,411
10,411
Share premium account
58,615
58,615
58,615
Capital redemption reserve
5,414
5,414
5,414
Capital reserve
1,551,804
1,440,810
1,559,343
Revenue reserve
61,500
47,879
54,300
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total shareholders’ funds
1,687,744
1,563,129
1,688,083
=========
=========
=========
Net asset value per ordinary share
12
413.43p
382.44p
413.01p
=========
=========
=========

Notes to the Financial Statements

1 PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
Fidelity European Trust PLC is an Investment Company incorporated in England and Wales that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company’s registration number is 2638812, and its registered office is Beech Gate, Millfield Lane, Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 6RP. The Company has been approved by HM Revenue & Customs as an Investment Trust under Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and intends to conduct its affairs so as to continue to be approved.

2 PUBLICATION OF NON-STATUTORY ACCOUNTS
The Financial Statements in this Half-Yearly Report have not been audited by the Company’s Independent Auditor and do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 (“the Act”). The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2024 is extracted from the latest published Financial Statements of the Company. Those Financial Statements were delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the Independent Auditor’s Report which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under either section 498(2) or 498(3) of the Act.

3 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(i) Basis of Preparation
The Company prepares its Financial Statements on a going concern basis and in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (“UK GAAP”) and FRS 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, issued by the Financial Reporting Council. The Financial Statements are also prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts (“SORP”) issued by the Association of Investment Companies (“AIC”) in July 2022. FRS 104: Interim Financial Reporting has also been applied in preparing this condensed set of Financial Statements. The accounting policies followed are consistent with those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

(ii) Going Concern
The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these Financial Statements. Accordingly, the Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these Financial Statements. This conclusion also takes into account the Board’s assessment of the risks faced by the Company as detailed in the Interim Management Report above.

4 INCOME

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
£’000
Six months
ended
30.06.24
unaudited
£’000
Year
ended
31.12.24
audited
£’000
Investment income
Overseas dividends
36,792
33,375
42,870
UK dividends
1,228
957
1,654
---------------
---------------
---------------
38,020
34,332
44,524
=========
=========
=========
Derivative income
Income recognised from futures contracts
1,174
1,659
2,468
Dividends received on long CFDs
1,614
3,536
3,972
Interest received on CFDs
–
180
329
---------------
---------------
---------------
2,788
5,375
6,769
=========
=========
=========
Investment and derivative income
40,808
39,707
51,293
=========
=========
=========
Other interest
Interest received on bank deposits, collateral and money market funds
519
1,342
2,323
Interest received on tax reclaims
–
32
54
---------------
---------------
---------------
519
1,374
2,377
=========
=========
=========
Total income
41,327
41,081
53,670
=========
=========
=========

 

Special dividends of £nil have been recognised in capital during the period (six months ended 30 June 2024: £nil and year ended 31 December 2024: £1,271,000).

5 INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES

Revenue
£’000
Capital
£’000
Total
£’000
Six months ended 30 June 2025 (unaudited)
Investment management fees
1,446
4,337
5,783
---------------
---------------
---------------
Six months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)
Investment management fees
1,437
4,311
5,748
---------------
---------------
---------------
Year ended 31 December 2024 (audited)
Investment management fees
2,878
8,634
11,512
=========
=========
=========

 

FIL Investment Services (UK) Limited is the Company’s Alternative Investment Fund Manager and has delegated portfolio management to FIL Investments International (“FII”). Both companies are Fidelity group companies.

FII charges investment management fees at an annual rate of 0.85% of net assets up to £400 million and 0.65% of net assets in excess of £400 million. Fees are payable monthly in arrears and are calculated on a daily basis.

Investment management fees have been allocated 75% to Capital reserve in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies.

6 FINANCE COSTS

Revenue
£’000
Capital
£’000
Total
£’000
Six months ended 30 June 2025 (unaudited)
Interest paid on bank deposits and collateral
32
98
130
Interest paid on CFDs
664
1,993
2,657
Costs recognised from futures contracts
260
779
1,039
---------------
---------------
---------------
956
2,870
3,826
=========
=========
=========
Six months ended 30 June 2024 (unaudited)
Interest paid on bank deposits and collateral
7
22
29
Interest paid on CFDs
1,145
3,435
4,580
Costs recognised from futures contracts
336
1,006
1,342
---------------
---------------
---------------
1,488
4,463
5,951
=========
=========
=========
Year ended 31 December 2024 (audited)
Interest paid on bank deposits and collateral
15
43
58
Interest paid on CFDs
2,122
6,367
8,489
Costs recognised from futures contracts
633
1,899
2,532
---------------
---------------
---------------
2,770
8,309
11,079
=========
=========
=========

 

Finance costs have been allocated 75% to Capital reserve in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies.

7 Taxation on Return/(Loss) on Ordinary Activities

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
£’000
Six months
ended
30.06.24
unaudited
£’000
Year
ended
31.12.24
audited
£’000
Overseas taxation
2,330
3,391
4,422
=========
=========
=========

 

8 Return/(Loss) per Ordinary Share

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
Six months
ended
30.06.24
unaudited
Year
ended
31.12.24
audited
Revenue return per ordinary share
8.84p
8.38p
10.41p
Capital return/(loss) per ordinary share
27.62p
21.22p
(7.78p)
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total return per ordinary share
36.46p
29.60p
2.63p
=========
=========
=========

 

The return/(loss) per ordinary share is based on the net return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation for the period divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares held outside of Treasury during the period, as shown below:

£’000
£’000
£’000
Net revenue return on ordinary activities after taxation
36,101
34,244
42,537
Net capital return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation
112,825
86,756
(31,777)
---------------
---------------
---------------
Net total return on ordinary activities after taxation
148,926
121,000
10,760
=========
=========
=========

 

Number
Number
Number
Weighted average number of ordinary shares held outside Treasury during the period
408,505,385
408,730,523
408,730,523
==========
==========
==========

 

9 Dividends Paid to Shareholders

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
£’000
Six months
ended
30.06.24
unaudited
£’000
Year
ended
31.12.24
audited
£’000
Final dividend of 5.50 pence per ordinary share paid for the year ended 31 December 2024
22,480
–
–
Interim dividend of 3.60 pence per ordinary share paid for the year ended 31 December 2024
–
–
14,714
Final dividend of 4.99 pence per ordinary share paid for the year ended 31 December 2023
–
20,396
20,396
---------------
---------------
---------------
22,480
20,396
35,110
=========
=========
=========

 

The Company has declared an interim dividend for the six month period to 30 June 2025 of 3.90 pence per ordinary share (2024: 3.60 pence). The interim dividend will be paid on 23 October 2025 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 12 September 2025 (ex-dividend date 11 September 2025). The total cost of this interim dividend, which has not been included as a liability in these Financial Statements, is £15,777,000 (2024: £14,714,000). This amount is based on the number of ordinary shares held outside Treasury at the date of this report.

10 Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company is required to disclose the fair value hierarchy that classifies its financial instruments measured at fair value at one of three levels, according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values.

Classification
Input
Level 1
Valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2
Valued by reference to inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable (i.e. developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly
Level 3
Valued by reference to valuation techniques using inputs that are not based on observable market data

 

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 table below sets out the Company’s fair value hierarchy:


30 June 2025 (unaudited)
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Total
£’000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Investments
1,638,710
–
–
1,638,710
Derivative instrument assets
–
1,198
–
1,198
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
1,638,710
1,198
–
1,639,908
=========
=========
=========
=========
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative instrument liabilities
(252)
(1,014)
–
(1,266)
=========
=========
=========
=========

 


31 December 2024 (audited)
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Total
£’000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Investments
1,487,772
–
–
1,487,772
Derivative instrument assets
–
–
–
–
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
1,487,772
–
–
1,487,772
=========
=========
=========
=========
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative instrument liabilities
(1,121)
(4,675)
–
(5,796)
=========
=========
=========
=========

 


30 June 2024 (unaudited)
Level 1
£’000
Level 2
£’000
Level 3
£’000
Total
£’000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Investments
1,626,177
–
–
1,626,177
Derivative instrument assets
531
4,817
–
5,348
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
1,626,708
4,817
–
1,631,525
=========
=========
=========
=========
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative instrument liabilities
–
(2,615)
–
(2,615)
=========
=========
=========
=========

 

11 Share Capital

30 June 2025
unaudited
31 December 2024
audited
30 June 2024
unaudited

Number of
shares
Nominal
value
£’000

Number of
shares
Nominal
Value
£’000

Number of
shares
Nominal
value
£’000
Issued, allotted and fully paid
Ordinary shares of2.5 pence each heldoutside of Treasury
Beginning of the period
408,730,523
10,218
408,730,523
10,218
408,730,523
10,218
Ordinary shares repurchased into Treasury
(500,000)
(13)
–
–
–
–
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
End of the period
408,230,523
10,205
408,730,523
10,218
408,730,523
10,218
==========
==========
==========
==========
==========
==========
Ordinary shares of2.5 pence each heldin Treasury1
Beginning of the period
7,717,387
193
7,717,387
193
7,717,387
193
Ordinary shares repurchased into Treasury
500,000
13
–
–
–
–
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
End of the period
8,217,387
206
7,717,387
193
7,717,387
193
==========
==========
==========
==========
==========
==========
Total share capital
10,411
10,411
10,411
==========
==========
==========

1 Ordinary shares held in Treasury carry no rights to vote, to receive a dividend or to participate in a winding up of the Company.

During the period, the Company repurchased 500,000 (year ended 31 December 2024 and six months ended 30 June 2024: nil) ordinary shares into Treasury. The cost of repurchasing these shares of £1,831,000 (year ended 31 December 2024 and six months ended 30 June 2024: £nil) was charged to the Capital reserve.

12 Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share
The calculation of the net asset value per ordinary share is based on the total Shareholders’ funds divided by the number of ordinary shares held outside of Treasury.

30.06.25
unaudited
31.12.24
audited
30.06.24
unaudited
Total shareholders’ funds
£1,687,744,000
£1,563,129,000
£1,688,083,000
Ordinary shares held outside of Treasury at the period end
408,230,523
408,730,523
408,730,523
Net asset value per ordinary share
413.43p
382.44p
413.01p
============
============
============

 

It is the Company’s policy that shares held in Treasury will only be reissued at net asset value per ordinary share or at a premium to net asset value per ordinary share and, therefore, shares held in Treasury have no dilutive effect.

13 Capital Resources and Gearing
The Company does not have any externally imposed capital requirements. The financial resources of the Company comprise its share capital and reserves, as disclosed in the Balance Sheet above, and any gearing, which is managed by the use of derivative instruments. Financial resources are managed in accordance with the Company’s investment policy and in pursuit of its investment objective.

The Company’s gross gearing and net gearing at the end of the period is shown below:

Gross gearing
Asset exposure
Net gearing
Asset exposure
£’000
%1
£’000
%1
30 June 2025 (unaudited)
Investments
1,638,710
97.1
1,638,710
97.1
Long CFDs
169,042
10.0
169,042
10.0
Long futures
51,040
3.0
51,040
3.0
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total long exposures
1,858,792
110.1
1,858,792
110.1
Short CFDs
–
–
–
–
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Gross asset exposure/net market exposure
1,858,792
110.1
1,858,792
110.1
=========
=========
=========
=========
Shareholders’ funds
1,687,744
1,687,744
=========
=========
Gearing2
10.1
10.1
=========
=========
31 December 2024 (audited)
Investments
1,487,772
95.2
1,487,772
95.2
Long CFDs
196,659
12.6
196,659
12.6
Long futures
54,743
3.5
54,743
3.5
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total long exposures
1,739,174
111.3
1,739,174
111.3
Short CFDs
–
–
–
–
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Gross asset exposure/net market exposure
1,739,174
111.3
1,739,174
111.3
=========
=========
=========
=========
Shareholders’ funds
1,563,129
1,563,129
=========
=========
Gearing2
11.3
11.3
=========
=========
30 June 2024 (unaudited)
Investments
1,626,177
96.3
1,626,177
96.3
Long CFDs
179,614
10.7
179,614
10.7
Long futures
69,923
4.1
69,923
4.1
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Total long exposures
1,875,714
111.1
1,875,714
111.1
Short CFDs
12,990
0.8
(12,990)
(0.8)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Gross asset exposure/net market exposure
1,888,704
111.9
1,862,724
110.3
=========
=========
=========
=========
Shareholders’ funds
1,688,083
1,688,083
=========
=========
Gearing2
11.9
10.3
=========
=========

1 Asset exposure to the market expressed as a percentage of shareholders’ funds.

2 Gearing is the amount by which gross asset exposure/net market exposure exceeds shareholders’ funds expressed as a percentage of shareholders’ funds.

14 Transactions with the Manager and Related Parties
FIL Investment Services (UK) Limited is the Company’s Alternative Investment Fund Manager and has delegated portfolio management and the role of company secretary to FIL Investments International (“FII”). Both companies are Fidelity group companies.

During the period, the Company had the following transactions payable to FII:

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
£’000
Six months
ended
30.06.24
unaudited
£’000
Year
ended
31.12.24
audited
£’000
Portfolio management services
5,783
5,748
11,512
Marketing services
124
116
221
=========
=========
=========

 

At the Balance Sheet date, the following balances payable to FII were accrued and included in other creditors:

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
£’000
Year
ended
31.12.24
audited
£’000
Six months
ended
30.06.24
unaudited
£’000
Portfolio management services
1,004
972
970
Marketing services
39
53
55
=========
=========
=========

 

As at 30 June 2025, the Board consisted of five non-executive Directors (shown in the Directory in the Half-Yearly Report), all of whom are considered to be independent by the Board. None of the Directors have a service contract with the Company.

The annual fee structure from 1 January 2025 is as follows:

2025
£’000
Chairman
50,000
Senior Independent Director
36,500
Chair of the Audit Committee
39,000
Director
32,500
=========

 

As at 30 June 2025, the Directors and their connected persons, held the following ordinary shares in the Company:

Six months
ended
30.06.25
unaudited
Fleur Meijs
28,970
Milyae Park
12,300
Sir Ivan Rogers
8,749
Davina Walter
60,067
Paul Yates
32,000
=========

 

The financial information contained in this Half-Yearly Results Announcement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2025 and 30 June 2024 has not been audited or reviewed by the Company’s Independent Auditor.

The information for the year ended 31 December 2024 has been extracted from the latest published audited financial statements, 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 sections 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

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) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

 

A copy of the Half-Yearly Report will shortly be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will be available for inspection at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM

 

The Half-Yearly Report will also be available on the Company's website at www.fidelity.co.uk/europe where up to date information on the Company, including daily NAV and share prices, factsheets and other information can also be found.