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Annual Financial Report

RNS Number : 7273K

Lowland Investment Co PLC

09 December 2025

 

LOWLAND INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC

 

ANNUAL FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025

 

This announcement contains regulated information.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The Company aims to give shareholders a higher than average return with growth of both capital and income over the medium to long term, by investing in a broad spread of predominantly UK companies. The Company measures its performance against the FTSE All-Share Index.

 

INVESTMENT POLICY

Asset Allocation

The Company invests in a combination of large, medium and smaller companies listed predominantly in the UK. We are not constrained by the weightings of any index; we limit risk by running a diversified portfolio, which is constructed on a bottom-up, stock-picking basis. In normal circumstances up to half the portfolio is invested in FTSE 100 companies; the remainder is divided between small and medium-sized companies. The Manager may also invest a maximum of 15% in other listed trusts.

 

Dividend

The Company aims to pay a progressive dividend, with each quarterly dividend equal to or greater than its previous equivalent.

 

Gearing

The Board believes that debt in a closed-end fund is a valuable source of long-term outperformance, and therefore the Company will usually be geared. At the point of drawing down debt, gearing will not exceed 20% of the portfolio valuation. Borrowing will be a mixture of short and long-dated debt, depending on relative attractiveness of rates.

 

Key Data at 30 September

 

20252024
·Net Asset Value ('NAV') Total Return1,820.8%16.3%
·Benchmark Total Return216.2%13.4%
·Growth in Dividend3.1%2.8%
·Dividend for the Year36.625p6.425p
 
Year ended
30 September
2025
Year ended
30 September
2024
NAV per share at year end (debt at par)4165.8p144.2p
NAV per share at year end (debt at fair value)4,8168.6p146.1p
Share price at year end5150.5p127.0p
Market capitalisation£331m£343m
Dividend per share36.625p6.425p
Ongoing charge80.71%0.66%
Dividend yield6,84.4%5.1%
Gearing at year end811.5%11.0%
Discount at year end7,810.7%13.1%
AIC UK Equity Income sector - average discount at year end3.0%5.0%
 
1NAV per share total return (including dividends reinvested) with debt at fair value
2FTSE All-Share Index (including dividends reinvested)
3Includes the final dividend of 1.70p per ordinary share for the year ended 30 September 2025 that will be put to shareholders for approval at the AGM on 28 January 2026
4NAV per share for both figures is before deduction of the third interim dividend paid in October of each year
5Mid-market closing price
6Based on dividends paid and payable in respect of the financial year and the share price at year end
7Calculated using year end fair value NAVs including current year revenue
8Alternative Performance Measure
Sources: Morningstar Direct, Janus Henderson, Factset Historical Performance  
Total return performance
to 30 September 2025
1 year
%
3 years
%
5 years
%
10 years
%
25 years
%
Net asset value1,420.864.4111.694.4721.8
Share price424.467.6114.985.8855.7
FTSE All-Share Index16.250.084.1118.3298.2
AIC UK Equity Income sector - NAV13.347.983.6102.7457.8
AIC UK Equity Income sector - share price15.547.687.494.5552.2
Source: Morningstar Direct. All performance on a total return basis   
Year ended
30 September
Dividend per
ordinary
share in
pence2
Total
return/(loss)
per ordinary
share in
pence2
Net revenue
return per
ordinary
share in
pence2
Total net
assets in
£'000
Net asset
value per
ordinary
share in
pence2
Share price
per ordinary
share in
pence2
20154.1001.184.64354,563131.8128.7
20164.50015.644.77386,910143.2133.7
20174.90024.324.91439,896162.8150.4
20185.4004.745.86438,934162.5151.5
20195.950(13.87)6.80385,904142.8128.0
20206.000(33.69)3.38278,653103.191.4
20216.02548.794.27394,285145.9131.5
20226.100(24.00)6.10313,036115.9104.5
20236.25019.546.71349,345129.3113.0
20246.42521.306.29389,633144.2127.0
20256.625323.996.73364,635165.8150.5
 
1NAV per share total return (including dividends reinvested) with debt at fair value (except 25 years, which is debt at par)
2Comparative numbers for 2015 to 2021 have been restated to reflect the ten for one share split which took place on 7 February 2022
3Includes the final dividend of 1.70p per ordinary share for the year ended 30 September 2025 that will be put to shareholders for approval at the AGM on 28 January 2026
4Alternative Performance Measure
CHAIR'S STATEMENT   Performance I am pleased to report that Lowland has delivered another year of strong performance, building on the momentum of the past two years. Over the twelve months to the end of September 2025, the Company achieved a total return on net asset value ('NAV') of 20.8%, significantly outperforming its benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index, which rose by 16.2% over the same period, and the AIC UK Equity Income sector, which rose by 13.3%. The share price return was even higher, at 24.4%, reflecting a narrowing of the discount over the course of the year. In comparison, the Deutsche Numis Smaller Companies Plus AIM (excluding investment companies) Index rose by 8.3%.   The longer-term performance is now looking increasingly healthy, with the Company outperforming the FTSE All-Share over 3 and 5 years, albeit continuing to lag over 10 years. The performance over 25 years demonstrates the robustness of the investment process, with both the NAV and share price returns substantially outperforming the benchmark (721.8% and 855.7% respectively compared to 298.2%).   Performance was driven primarily by strong stock selection, particularly among the largest companies, with standout contributions from HSBC, Barclays and Standard Chartered. At the other end of the scale, the smaller AIM-listed companies also performed well, boosted by takeovers of two of them. The portfolio as a whole saw five takeovers over the course of the year, as foreign and private investors took advantage of the UK market's modest ratings and solid fundamentals. While this boosts short-term performance, the net effect is a depletion in both size and quality of the UK stock market. It is disappointing that stock market investors still do not appear to appreciate this value, and the UK market therefore continues to shrink and lose successful companies. Aside from the takeover candidates, there continued to be a lack of interest in mid and small-cap UK companies.   The performance of the revenue account, which reflects dividend income, was more muted, but still produced encouraging growth of 7%. As noted in the Fund Managers' Report, companies are increasingly using share buybacks rather than dividends to return capital to shareholders, although those that do pay dividends have generally posted useful increases. The use of gearing has enhanced performance, as has the share buyback (see Fund Managers' Report).   Dividends The Company is proposing a final dividend of 1.70p per share. If approved at the AGM, this will mean a full year dividend of 6.625p, a 3.1% increase year on year. This dividend is fully covered by earnings per share of 6.73p during the year. The Board remains committed to maintaining the Company's quarterly progressive dividend.   Gearing The Board sees the ability to deploy gearing as one of the key advantages of the investment trust structure. Lowland has both a £30m fixed term note at 3.15% (due in 2037) and a revolving credit facility of £40m. Gearing was little changed during the year, ending at 11.5% compared to the prior year end figure of 11.0%. Gearing was predominantly within a low to mid teens range during the year, a reflection of the Fund Managers' view that there remain considerable valuation opportunities in UK equities.   Ongoing Charges Ongoing charges for the year were slightly higher than the previous year at 0.71% (2024: 0.66%), predominantly due to an increase in marketing spend in the year. The Board believes it is important for the Company to be promoted to a new generation of investment trust buyers in order to stimulate demand for the shares and ultimately narrow the discount.   Discount While the Board continues to believe that a formal discount control mechanism would not be in shareholders' interests, we believe that there are occasions when share buybacks can be of use and have acted accordingly this year. During the financial year, 50.2m shares were bought back. The shares varied between a discount of 6.5% and 12.5%, ending the year at 10.7%.   The Board This year marked my first as Chair of Lowland, following my appointment at the 2025 AGM and the handover from Robbie Robertson. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Robbie for his many years of outstanding leadership. His strategic guidance, steady stewardship, and commitment to building a strong, supportive, and genuinely diverse Board have been invaluable. We continue to review our Board succession planning regularly to ensure we maintain a healthy balance of experience and fresh perspectives.   Contact with Shareholders The Board and I are always pleased to hear from shareholders. Please contact me with comments or questions via ITSecretariat@janushenderson.com or sign up for updates on Lowland by using the QR code on the inside front cover of the Annual Report.   Annual General Meeting The AGM will be held at the offices of Janus Henderson on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 12.30pm. Full details of the business to be conducted at the meeting are set out in the Notice of Meeting which is included at the end of the Annual Report. Our Fund Managers, James Henderson and Laura Foll, will be making a presentation to shareholders. The Board and Fund Managers always welcome the opportunity to hear from shareholders, and we encourage as many as possible to attend.   Outlook As ever, there are reasons to remain cautious about the outlook. The UK continues to face relatively high inflation, rising taxes and a sluggish economic environment. Geopolitical uncertainty persists, and the full impact of tariffs is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, despite strong performance over the last twelve months, the UK equity market continues to trade at a discount to international markets, in particular the US. The portfolio of companies held by Lowland trades at a discount to the broader UK market, and Lowland's shares themselves trade at a discount to its NAV. This valuation is further underpinned by a growing dividend, with the shares currently yielding approximately 4.4%. The Board believes that the Company's shares represent an attractive proposition to investors.   Helena Vinnicombe Chair 8 December 2025 FUND MANAGERS' REPORT  
1 year
%
3 years
%
5 years
%
10 years
%
25 years
%
Lowland NAV20.864.4111.694.4721.8
Lowland share price24.467.6114.985.8855.7
FTSE All-Share16.250.084.1118.3298.2
Source: Morningstar Direct, Janus Henderson. All figures shown on a total return basis   Overview The returns from the portfolio and more broadly from UK equities have been strong, despite the challenging economic background with minimal economic growth. Simply put, UK companies quoted on the London Stock Exchange are not a proxy for the UK economy but are often vibrant, well-managed businesses with leadership teams adept at managing different market conditions. At times investors can forget this and shy away from UK companies because of perceived macroeconomic concerns. This presents opportunities for a contrarian, patient investor. Patience has sometimes been needed with our approach in recent years; we have bought sound businesses with undemanding valuations but the share price has often remained subdued. Some of this patience has been rewarded over the last year, particularly in the larger companies. The improved short-term performance has lifted the three and five year returns, notably relative to the FTSE All-Share Index.   As well as the upward move in the share price of some of the larger companies, particularly the financials, the pick-up in corporate activity has helped the portfolio. It came as no surprise that takeovers of lowly priced UK businesses, particularly by US companies, would be a feature. An example of this was the pawnbroker, H&T - a long-term holding of Lowland - which was taken over by the US lender FirstCash at a reasonable premium.   In spite of the strong returns over the last year, the valuations on UK equities are, by historical standards, at relatively low levels and the portfolio has in aggregate a valuation considerably below the benchmark index. The dividend yield appears secure and is expected to keep growing as the underlying UK companies have in recent years reduced their debt levels and increased their dividend cover. This puts them in a robust position.   During the year we bought back 50.2m shares. This has enhanced the NAV per share by just over 1% and will, over the course of a full financial year, benefit Lowland's earnings and therefore the dividend growth potential. However, shrinking the number of shares in issue is not a long-term solution for the Company. The lack of investor interest which has resulted in the need for the buybacks can be addressed by continued strong performance and increased marketing stressing the benefit of Lowland for potential investors' savings.   Performance Attribution The Company's outperformance of its FTSE All-Share benchmark during the year was predominantly driven by the holdings in the largest UK companies that sit within the FTSE 100 Index. Within this, positive stock selection was driven by the financials sector, with a number of banks and insurers performing well. There was also positive stock selection on AIM (comparing the second and fourth columns of the table below), driven by holdings such as Renold and Serica Energy. Within the FTSE 250 and FTSE SmallCap Indices, stock selection was negative, driven by holdings exposed to weaker areas of domestic economic activity such as building materials producers Ibstock and Marshalls, and free-to-air broadcaster STV.  
Lowland weighting
%
Lowland total
return
%
FTSE All-Share weighting
%
Index
total return
%
FTSE 10047.632.387.017.5
FTSE 25023.64.611.58.2
FTSE SmallCap12.0(4.7)1.58.9
FTSE AIM All-Share10.612.7-7.9
Weights for Lowland and for the FTSE All-Share Index are shown as at the financial year end. Note the weights for Lowland do not add up to 100%, as the small overseas weight and the FTSE Fledgling Index are not shown here. Lowland portfolio returns are shown ex cash   Taken in aggregate and as shown in the waterfall chart below, stock selection was positive during the year, as was the contribution from gearing. The size allocation of the portfolio (in other words holding more than the benchmark in smaller companies) acted as a drag on relative performance, with all smaller company indices producing good absolute returns but underperforming the FTSE 100. http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7273K_1-2025-12-8.pdf   Turning to stock specifics, four of the top ten absolute contributors to performance were banks, as the return to a 'normal' interest rate environment allowed them to generate substantially improved returns (much of which were distributed to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks), while loan losses remained subdued. Outside of banks, the holding in Babcock was a good performer, as it benefited from the expectation of growing European defence spending as well as improved operating performance. Takeovers were also a theme, with pawnbroker H&T, industrial chain producer Renold and overseas consumer lender International Personal Finance all receiving takeover approaches.   http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/7273K_2-2025-12-8.pdf   Among the detractors, the majority were cyclical businesses operating in challenging end markets. Free-to-air broadcaster STV, for example, saw a deterioration in its advertising backdrop which led to a substantial drop in earnings. When business confidence falters, it is often TV advertising budgets that are the first to be cut. Having met with the company management team and new chairman, we are confident the company is looking to address its cost base in response to the difficult circumstances. While the end markets of Marshalls (which makes building materials) are clearly different to STV, there are some parallels in the challenges they are facing. In this case, consumer confidence is lacklustre and therefore consumers are deferring areas of discretionary spend (such as a new patio). As with STV, the company is doing what it can to offset the challenges (for example reducing costs and complexity).   The top ten absolute contributors to performance at the stock level were:  
Company nameContribution to
absolute return
%
Share price total
return
%
1. HSBC+2.2+65.6
2. Barclays+1.8+73.6
3. Standard Chartered+1.8+85.6
4. Babcock+1.7+183.8
5. Aviva+1.2+51.6
6. International Personal Finance+1.0+56.3
7. H&T+1.0+72.2*
8. Renold+0.9+52.3
9. M&G+0.9+33.4
10. NatWest+0.9+60.0
* Period 30 September 2024 to 14 August 2025, when the company was taken over   The top ten absolute detractors from performance at the stock level were:  
Company nameContribution to
absolute return
%
Share price total
return
%
1. STV-0.9-51.8
2. Conduit-0.7-28.6
3. Marshalls-0.6-44.2
4. Workspace-0.5-34.7
5. Midwich-0.4-40.7
6. Morgan Advanced Materials-0.4-15.7
7. Ricardo-0.3-0.1
8. Headlam-0.3-59.9
9. Speedy Hire-0.3-27.9
10. Churchill China-0.3-53.2
  Portfolio Activity Takeover activity has meant a certain amount of cash coming in to help finance the share buybacks. The announced takeovers of Epwin and H&T brought in proceeds, while the likely increase in defence expenditure meant the share price of Babcock rose, allowing us to reduce the holding at historically high prices. The holding in Marks & Spencer was reduced as some of the recovery in the company's fortunes was priced into the shares. It was a similar story with Tesco where we reduced the holding after a period of share price strength.   We refreshed the portfolio through purchases of companies of all market cap sizes. Examples include Vesuvius, a producer of consumables for the steel industry, and Segro, the industrial property company. We will keep adding to a diverse list of companies of all sizes that are fundamentally good value and selling those where we believe the future prospects are discounted.   Portfolio Valuation Since the Company was launched in the early 1960s, Lowland has invested across the breadth of the UK market (in small, medium and large companies). These smaller, more domestic businesses continue to see their valuations penalised relative to larger, majority overseas earners. For this reason, Lowland continues to trade at a valuation discount to the broader UK equity market, with a 12-month historic P/E on the portfolio of 12.1x as at 30 September 2025, compared to 13.8x for the FTSE All-Share.   Dividends It was pleasing to see a recovery in revenue return per share to 6.73p this year, covering the proposed total dividend of 6.625p, after the modest fall last year. We spoke in the report last year about the growing tendency for UK companies to buy back shares. This year has seen a continuation of that trend, with even a number of the smaller companies held choosing to initiate share buybacks in preference to dividend distributions.   For Lowland, the impact has been that special dividends as a proportion of overall investment income have been on a declining trend in recent years and this year totalled just 4% of overall investment income. If we compare this to a decade ago, in 2015 special dividends totalled 14% of investment income. This trend does not overly concern us so long as share buybacks are a use of genuinely surplus capital, rather than crowding out spend that could be used for longer-term earnings growth potential, such as capex. Broadly, where we see companies buying back shares, it tends to be company boards responding to the perceived undervaluation of their shares, so we could feasibly see the trend reverse in a more buoyant backdrop for UK equity valuations (it was encouraging to see Next suspend its buyback for precisely this reason).   Outlook Analysts' consensus forecasts suggest that earnings from the underlying companies in the portfolio are expected to grow at around 9%. The earnings growth will probably result in the same sort of level of dividend growth. Lowland will benefit from fewer shares in issue and this helps to underpin the dividend growth going forward.   There are plenty of challenges facing the UK. A further reduction in interest rates is needed in order to stimulate broader economic activity. Should rates decline, we would expect this to be reflected across the yield curve, with the 30-year gilt yield falling from its current level of 5.2%. This would likely benefit companies whose asset valuations are linked to long-term yields - particularly high-quality property firms such as British Land and Shaftesbury. In anticipation of this, we have been increasing our exposure to the property sector. Additionally, we have added to the holdings in building materials companies. These businesses are well-positioned to benefit from any uptick in construction and infrastructure activity, given their high operational gearing. Historically, analysts have tended to underestimate the earnings potential of such firms during periods of recovery, and we believe current forecasts may similarly undervalue their growth prospects.   Economic growth has the potential to alleviate many of the prevailing concerns surrounding the UK. As activity picks up, tax revenues will improve and therefore the Government's fiscal position will not look as dire as currently suggested. Productivity, which remains subdued, is likely to recover as turnover increases and capital investment begins to flow through the economy. This should help lift some of the current gloom. In the midst of a normal economic cycle, despondency is always greatest somewhere near the bottom. Therefore we are taking advantage of the closed-end structure by having a reasonable level of debt. We continue to add exposure to UK domestic companies whose valuations, in our view, significantly undervalue their underlying strengths and earnings potential.   James Henderson and Laura Foll Fund Managers 8 December 2025     Twenty Largest Holdings as at 30 September 2025        The stocks in the portfolio are a diverse mix of businesses operating in a wide range of end markets.  
Rank
2025
(2024)
Company% of
portfolio
Approx. market capValuation 2025
£'000
1(1)HSBC
The global bank provides international banking and financial services. The diversity of the countries it operates in as well as its exposure to faster growing economies make it well placed.
4.3£180bn17,555
2(6)Barclays
The company has a strong retail and corporate lending franchise combined with an investment bank. Higher interest rates and improved returns in its investment bank could allow a period of better returns generation that in our view is not reflected in the current valuation.
2.6£53bn10,439
3(3)BP
A vertically integrated oil and gas business. At the current oil price it remains highly cash generative, much of which is being returned to shareholders via an attractive dividend yield and ongoing share buybacks.
2.6£67bn10,430
4(11)M&G
The company is a financial services provider that was spun out of Prudential in 2019, providing insurance and asset management services. The capital generation of the group allows sizeable returns to shareholders via dividends.
2.5£6bn10,120
5(8)GSK
A global pharmaceutical company, which is among the market leaders in areas such as HIV and vaccines. The shares trade at a low valuation compared to the broader sector and over time we can see a route to substantial sales and earnings growth.
2.5£64bn9,979
6(5)Shell
A vertically integrated oil and gas company. At the current oil price the company is capable of generating substantial amounts of free cash flow. This cash is being allocated partly to shareholders (via a growing dividend and share buybacks) and partly to investing in the necessary transition away from fossil fuels.
2.5£154bn9,922
7(4)Aviva
This company provides a wide range of insurance and financial services. Under the current CEO, the company has simplified the business, with future earnings growth likely to come from synergies as a result of its acquisition of Direct Line.
2.2£21bn9,050
8(12)FBD1
The company is an Irish insurer with a focus on insurance coverage for the agricultural sector. It is a disciplined underwriter with a history of good returns generation and pays an attractive dividend yield.
2.1£500m8,691
9(13)International Personal Finance
The company offers small unsecured cash loans to people who often are not being served by the major banks. They operate in the developing markets of Central and Eastern Europe and Mexico. The company has had a bid approach that may or may not lead to an offer for the company.
2.1£471m8,630
10(16)Phoenix
The company operates primarily in the UK and specialises in taking over and managing closed life insurance and pension funds.
1.9£6bn7,866
11(2)Standard Chartered
A global bank providing international banking and financial services, with a particular focus on emerging markets. The position provides geographic diversification for the portfolio as well as being positively exposed to higher global interest rates.
1.8£33bn7,161
12(9)Irish Continental1
The group provides passenger transport, roll-on and roll-off freight transport and container services between Ireland, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. It is a well managed business operating in a duopolistic industry.
1.7£801m7,135
13(15)National Grid
The company is a regulated utility providing electricity and gas distribution in the UK and US. It is investing heavily in the UK electricity network ahead of the energy transition, providing a route to future earnings growth as it generates a return on these investments. The shares pay an attractive dividend yield.
1.7£53bn7,124
14(*)Serica Energy2
The company explores for oil and natural gas. They operate primarily in the UK and Indonesia. They have recently announced a proposed acquisition of BP's 32% stake in the Culzean field in the North Sea, which is currently the UK's largest producing gas field.
1.7£777m6,909
15(*)Senior
The aerospace parts manufacturer is on many of the major programs, especially with Boeing. As well as the civil side, the company provides parts for defence aerospace projects. Both sides are seeing growing order books.
1.7£833m6,737
16(*)Renold2
The company manufactures heavy chain in various countries. It has recently been bid for and, after a small increase to the bid, the offer has been accepted.
1.6£183m6,477
17(*)IMI
The company is a specialist designer and manufacturer of components such as valves for use across a range of end markets, including transportation, energy, industrial and life sciences. Under the current management team they have made progress improving group margins and organic growth.
1.6£6bn6,368
18(*)Prudential
The company is a global provider of insurance products with a particular presence in Asia. The company has a long potential pathway of earnings growth as it expands further into Asia and Africa.
1.5£28bn6,246
19(18)Rio Tinto
The company is one of the world's largest mining businesses with a particular focus on iron ore, aluminium and copper. Its mines are well positioned on the cost curve, often at the lowest cost quartile globally, meaning that it can continue to be highly cash generative despite volatile commodity prices. This cash generation combined with a strong balance sheet has resulted in an attractive dividend yield.
1.5£84bn6,109
20(*)Land Securities
The company is an owner and developer of commercial property, spanning predominantly central London offices and shopping centres. The shares trade at a substantial discount to book value despite encouraging levels of rental growth.
1.5£4bn6,106
41.6169,054
At 30 September 2025 these investments totalled £169,054,000 or 41.6% of the portfolio. *Not in the top 20 largest investments last year 1. Overseas listed stock (Ireland) 2. AIM stock   MANAGING RISKS     The Board, with the assistance of the Manager, has carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks and uncertainties, including emerging risks, facing the Company. The assessment took into account those risks that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity and reputation. The Board regularly considers the principal risks facing the Company and has drawn up a matrix of risks. The Board has put in place a schedule of investment limits and restrictions, appropriate to the Company's investment objective and policy.   The principal risks which have been identified and the steps taken by the Board to mitigate these are set out in the table below. The principal financial risks are detailed in note 14 to the financial statements in the Annual Report. Details of how the Board monitors the services provided by Janus Henderson and its other suppliers, and the key elements designed to provide effective internal control, are explained further in the internal controls section of the Corporate Governance Statement in the Annual Report.  
Principal risksMitigating measure
Market, geopolitical, macroeconomic or environmental conditions cause a material fall in market value
Global conflicts and changes in the international political landscape, including the introduction of trade tariffs, have heightened tensions across the world, and significantly increased volatility in equity markets.
Macroeconomic conditions in the UK have led to increased volatility in the UK equity market.
The potential impact of further global health crises on the Company's investments and its direct and indirect effects, including the effect on the global economy.
The Fund Managers maintain close oversight of the Company's portfolio, and in particular its gearing levels and the performance of investee companies. Regular stress testing of the revenue account under different scenarios for dividends is carried out. The Board monitors volatility, and holds a regular dialogue with the Fund Managers to understand the impact on the Company's portfolio.
Investment activity and strategy risk
An inappropriate investment strategy, failure to take account of climate risk impacts on the portfolio, or poor execution, for example, in terms of asset allocation or level of gearing, may result in underperformance against the Company's benchmark index and the companies in its peer group, and also in the Company's shares trading on a wider discount to the NAV per share. A hostile shareholder may seek to take control of the Company in order to further its own objectives, which may not be in accordance with those of the wider shareholder group.
The Board manages these risks by ensuring a diversification of investments and a regular review of the extent of borrowings. Janus Henderson operates in accordance with investment limits and restrictions determined by the Board, which includes limits on the extent to which borrowings may be employed.
The Board reviews the investment limits and restrictions on a regular basis and the Manager confirms adherence to them every month. Janus Henderson provides the Board with management information, including performance data and reports and shareholder analyses.
The Board monitors the implementation and results of the investment process with the Fund Managers at each Board meeting and monitors risk factors, including ESG factors in relation to climate risk, in respect of the portfolio.
Investment strategy is reviewed at each meeting.
Portfolio and market price
Although the Company invests almost entirely in securities that are listed on recognised markets, share prices may move rapidly. The companies in which investments are made may operate unsuccessfully, or fail entirely. A fall in the market value of the Company's portfolio would have an adverse effect on equity shareholders' funds.
The Board reviews the portfolio at the five Board meetings held each year and receives regular reports from the Company's broker. A detailed liquidity report is considered on a regular basis.
The Fund Managers closely monitor the portfolio between meetings and mitigate this risk through diversification of investments. The Fund Managers periodically present the Company's investment strategy in respect of current market conditions. Performance relative to the FTSE All-Share Index, and other UK equity income trusts is also monitored.
Dividend income
A reduction in dividend income could adversely affect the Company's dividend record.
The Board reviews income forecasts at each meeting. The Company has revenue reserves of £9.7m (before payment of the third interim and final dividend) and distributable capital reserves of £243.3m.
Financial risk
The financial risks faced by the Company include market price risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, currency risk and credit and counterparty risk.
The Company minimises the risk of a counterparty failing to deliver securities or cash by dealing through organisations that have undergone rigorous due diligence by Janus Henderson. The Company holds its liquid funds almost entirely in interest-bearing bank accounts in the UK or on short-term deposit. This, together with a diversified portfolio which comprises mainly investments in large and medium-sized listed companies, mitigates the Company's exposure to liquidity risk. Currency risk is mitigated by the low exposure to overseas stocks. Please also see note 14 to the financial statements in the Annual Report.
Gearing risk
In the event of a significant or prolonged fall in equity markets, gearing would exacerbate the effect of the falling market on the Company's NAV per share and, consequently, its share price.
At the point of drawing down debt, gearing will not exceed 20% of the portfolio valuation.
The Company minimises the risk by the regular monitoring of the levels of the Company's borrowings in accordance with the agreed limits. The Company confirms adherence to the covenants of the loan facilities on a monthly basis.
Tax and regulatory
Changes in the tax and regulatory environment could adversely affect the Company's financial performance, including the return on equity.
A breach of Section 1158/9 could lead to a loss of investment trust status, resulting in capital gains realised within the portfolio being subject to corporation tax. A breach of the UK Listing Rules could result in suspension of the Company's shares, while a breach of the Companies Act 2006 could lead to criminal proceedings, or financial or reputational damage.
The Manager provides its services, inter alia, through suitably qualified professionals and the Board receives internal control reports produced by the Manager on a quarterly basis, which confirm legal and regulatory compliance. The Fund Managers also consider tax and regulatory change in their monitoring of the Company's underlying investments.
Operational
Disruption to, or failure of, the Manager's or its administrator's (BNP Paribas) accounting, dealing or payment systems or the Depositary's records could prevent the accurate reporting and monitoring of the Company's financial position. Cyber crime could lead to loss of confidential data. The Company is also exposed to the operational risk that one or more of its suppliers may not provide the required level of service.
The Board monitors the services provided by the Manager and its other suppliers and receives reports on the key elements in place to provide effective internal control.
Cyber security is closely monitored and the Audit and Risk Committee receives an annual presentation from Janus Henderson's Chief Information Security Officer.
Details of how the Board monitors the services provided by Janus Henderson and its other suppliers and the key elements designed to provide effective internal control are explained further in the Internal Controls section of the Corporate Governance Statement in the Annual Report.
  Emerging Risks In addition to the principal risks facing the Company, the Board also regularly considers potential emerging risks, which are defined as potential trends, sudden events or changing risks which are characterised by a high degree of uncertainty in terms of the probability of them happening and the possible effects on the Company. Should an emerging risk become sufficiently clear, it may be moved to a principal risk.   The Board has not identified any emerging risks which are not already encompassed within the existing principal risks. VIABILITY STATEMENT The Company is a long-term investor; as such, the Board believes it is appropriate to assess the Company's viability over a five-year period in recognition of its long-term horizon and what the Directors believe to be investors' horizons, taking account of the Company's current position and the potential impact of the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties as documented above. The Directors have completed their assessment for the year under review and report as set out below.   The assessment has considered the impact of the likelihood of the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties facing the Company, in particular investment strategy and performance against benchmark, whether from asset allocation or the level of gearing, and market risk, including climate risk, in severe but plausible scenarios, and the effectiveness of any mitigating controls in place.   The Board has reviewed three additional model scenarios which evaluate the impact on the revenue forecast and reserves. These range from a worst case scenario which includes a 10% reduction in income and net assets, through to a scenario where there is no income growth and no reduction in income or net assets. Increasing dividends to shareholders could continue under all three scenarios, although the Company would need to use its capital reserves in some cases. None of the results of the scenarios used would therefore threaten the viability of the Company.   The Board has taken into account the liquidity of the portfolio and the gearing in place when considering the viability of the Company over the next five years and its ability to meet liabilities as they fall due. This included consideration of the duration of the Company's loan facilities and how a breach of the loan facility covenants could impact on the Company's liquidity, NAV and share price.   The Board does not expect there to be any significant change in the current principal risks and adequacy of the mitigating controls in place. Also, the Directors do not envisage any change in strategy or objectives or any events that would prevent the Company from continuing to operate over that period as the Company's assets are liquid, its commitments are limited and the Company intends to continue to operate as an investment trust. Only a substantial financial crisis affecting the global economy could have an impact on this assessment.   In coming to this conclusion, the Directors have considered the ongoing impact of global conflicts and changes in the international political landscape, in particular the impact on income and the Company's ability to meet its investment objective. The Board does not believe that these will have a long-term impact on the viability of the Company and its ability to continue in operation, notwithstanding the short-term uncertainty it has caused in the markets.   Based on this assessment, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the next five-year period.   The Directors have also concluded that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence until 31 December 2026, which is a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, and it is therefore appropriate to prepare these financial statements on a going concern basis.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company's current related parties are its Directors and Janus Henderson. There have been no material transactions between the Company and its Directors during the year. The fees and expenses paid to Directors are set out in the Annual Report. There were no outstanding amounts payable at the year end.   In relation to the provision of services by Janus Henderson, other than fees payable by the Company in the ordinary course of business and the provision of marketing services, there have been no material transactions with Janus Henderson affecting the financial position of the Company during the year under review. More details on transactions with Janus Henderson, including amounts outstanding at the year end, are given in note 20 in the Annual Report. STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES In accordance with Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.1.12, each of the Directors, who are listed below, confirms that, to the best of their knowledge:   ·   the Company's financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and return of the Company; and   ·   the Strategic Report, Report of the Directors and financial statements include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.   On behalf of the Board   Helena Vinnicombe Chair 8 December 2025 INCOME STATEMENT  
Year ended
30 September 2025
Year ended
30 September 2024
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 (note 2)-44,01844,018-42,55042,550
Income from investments (note 3)19,075-19,07519,666-19,666
Other interest receivable and similar income (note 4)166-166160-160
Gross revenue and capital gains19,24144,01863,25919,82642,55062,376
Management fee(882)(881)(1,763)(867)(868)(1,735)
Administrative expenses(893)-(893)(802)-(802)
Net return before finance costs and taxation17,46643,13760,60318,15741,68259,839
Finance costs(1,011)(1,011)(2,022)(1,115)(1,115)(2,230)
Net return before taxation16,45542,12658,58117,04240,56757,609
Taxation on net return(23)-(23)(37)-(37)
Net return after taxation16,43242,12658,55817,00540,56757,572
Return per ordinary share- basic and diluted6.73p17.26p23.99p6.29p15.01p21.30p
The total columns of this statement represent the Profit and Loss Account of the Company. The revenue return and capital return columns are supplementary to this and are prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies. All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. The Company had no other comprehensive income. The net return is both the profit for the year and the total comprehensive income.   STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  
Year ended
30 September 2025
Called up
share
capital
£'000
Share
premium
account
£'000
Capital
redemption
reserve
£'000
Other
capital
reserves
£'000
Revenue
reserve
£'000
Total
shareholders'
funds
£'000
At 1 October 20246,75561,6191,007310,6189,634389,633
Net return after taxation---42,12616,43258,558
Buyback of shares for treasury---(67,212)-(67,212)
Third interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 2024 paid 31 October 2024----(4,323)(4,323)
Final dividend (1.625p) for the year ended 30 September 2024 paid 31 January 2025----(4,391)(4,391)
First interim dividend (1.625p) for the year ended 30 September 2025 paid 30 April 2025----(3,916)(3,916)
Second interim dividend (1.65p) for the year ended 30 September 2025 paid 31 July 2025----(3,736)(3,736)
Return of unclaimed dividends----2222
At 30 September 20256,75561,6191,007285,5329,722364,635
 
Year ended
30 September 2024
Called up share capital £'000Share premium account £'000Capital redemption reserve
£'000
Other capital reserves £'000Revenue
reserve
£'000
Total
shareholders'
funds
£'000
At 1 October 20236,75561,6191,007270,0519,913349,345
Net return after taxation---40,56717,00557,572
Third interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 2023 paid 31 October 2023----(4,323)(4,323)
Final dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 2023 paid 31 January 2024----(4,323)(4,323)
First interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 2024 paid 30 April 2024----(4,323)(4,323)
Second interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 2024 paid 31 July 2024----(4,323)(4,323)
Return of unclaimed dividends----88
At 30 September 20246,75561,6191,007310,6189,634389,633
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  
As at
30 September
2025
£'000
As at
30 September
2024
£'000
Fixed assets
Investments held at fair value through profit or loss:
Listed at market value on the main market309,334318,802
Listed at market value on AIM36,15055,176
Listed at market value overseas15,62319,969
Unlisted2,2642,277
Investments on loan43,19336,393
406,564432,617
Current assets
Debtors2,0452,428
Cash at bank5,4715,161
7,5167,589
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year(19,609)(20,749)
Net current liabilities(12,093)(13,160)
Total assets less current liabilities394,471419,457
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year(29,836)(29,824)
Net assets364,635389,633
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital6,7556,755
Share premium account61,61961,619
Capital redemption reserve1,0071,007
Other capital reserves285,532310,618
Revenue reserve9,7229,634
Total shareholders' funds364,635389,633
Net asset value per ordinary share - basic and diluted165.8p144.2p
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended
30 September 2025
£'000
Year ended
30 September 2024
£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Net return before taxation58,58157,609
Add back: finance costs2,0222,230
Gains on investments held at fair value through profit or loss(44,018)(42,550)
Withholding tax on dividends (deducted at source)/reclaimed(23)16
Decrease in other debtors383324
(Decrease)/increase in other creditors(347)541
Net cash inflow from operating activities16,59818,170
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investments(40,618)(78,497)
Sale of investments110,59180,668
Net cash inflow from investing activities69,9732,171
Cash flows from financing activities
Equity dividends paid (net of refund of unclaimed distributions and reclaimed distributions)(16,344)(17,284)
Share buybacks for treasury(67,212)-
Loans drawn down40,43637,736
Loans repaid(41,035)(36,378)
Interest paid(2,109)(2,177)
Net cash outflow from financing activities(86,264)(18,103)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents3072,238
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year5,1612,926
Effect of foreign exchange rates3(3)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year5,4715,161
Comprising:
Cash at bank5,4715,161
5,4715,161
Cash inflow from dividends net of taxation was £19,464,000 (2024: £19,961,000) and interest received was £97,000 (2024: £75,000)
  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
1.Accounting Policies
a) Basis of preparation
The Company is a registered investment company as defined in Section 833 of the Companies Act 2006 and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. It operates in the United Kingdom and is registered at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts ('the SORP') issued in July 2022 by the Association of Investment Companies.
The principal accounting policies applied in the presentation of these financial statements are set out in the Annual Report. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis except for the measurement of fair value of investments. In applying FRS 102, financial instruments have been accounted for in accordance with Sections 11 and 12 of the standard. All of the Company's operations are of a continuing nature.
b) Going concern
The Directors have considered the liquidity of the portfolio and concluded that the assets of the Company consist of securities that are readily realisable. They have also considered the impact of global conflicts and changes in the international political landscape including revenue forecasting, and a review of covenant compliance including the headroom above the most restrictive covenants. They have concluded that they are able to meet their financial obligations as they fall due until 31 December 2026, which is a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Having assessed these factors, the principal risks and other matters discussed in connection with the viability statement, the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2.Gains on Investments held at Fair Value through Profit or Loss2025
£'000
2024
£'000
Gains on the sale of investments based on historical cost20,2158,158
Revaluation (gains)/losses recognised in previous years(19,353)(5,289)
Gains on investments sold in the year based on carrying value at previous Statement of Financial Position date8622,869
Revaluation gains on investments held at 30 September43,15339,684
Exchange gains/(losses)3(3)
44,01842,550
3.Income from Investments2025
£'000
2024
£'000
UK dividends:
Listed investments16,57716,441
Unlisted28-
Property income dividends681731
17,28617,172
Non UK dividends:
Overseas dividend income1,7892,494
1,7892,494
19,07519,666
4.Other Interest Receivable and Similar Income2025
£'000
2024
£'000
Stock lending commission6274
Income from underwriting98
Bank interest9578
166160
Stock lending commission has been shown net of brokerage fees of £16,000 (2024: £19,000)
5.Management Fee20252024
Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Revenue
£'000
Capital
£'000
Total
£'000
Management fee8828811,7638678681,735
A description of the basis for calculating the management fee is given in the Strategic Report and further detailed in note 20 in the Annual Report.
6.Return per Ordinary Share - Basic and Diluted
The return per ordinary share is based on the net return attributable to the ordinary shares of £58,558,000 (2024: net return of £57,572,000) and on 244,072,942 ordinary shares (2024: 270,185,650), being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year excluding treasury shares. The return per ordinary share can be further analysed between revenue and capital, as below.
2025
£'000
2024
£'000
Net revenue return16,43217,005
Net capital return42,12640,567
Net total return58,55857,572
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year244,072,942270,185,650
2025
Pence
2024
Pence
Revenue return per ordinary share6.736.29
Capital return per ordinary share17.2615.01
Total return per ordinary share23.9921.30
The Company does not have any dilutive securities, therefore the basic and diluted returns per share are the same.
 
7.Dividends Paid and Payable on the Ordinary Shares
Dividends on ordinary sharesRecord datePayment date2025
£'000
2024
£'000
Third interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 202329 September 202331 October 2023-4,323
Final dividend (1.6p) for the year ended
30 September 2023
29 December 202331 January 2024-4,323
First interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 202412 April 202430 April 2024-4,323
Second interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 202428 June 202431 July 2024-4,323
Third interim dividend (1.6p) for the year ended 30 September 202427 September 202431 October 20244,323-
Final dividend (1.625p) for the year ended 30 September 202427 December 202431 January 20254,391-
First interim dividend (1.625p) for the year ended 30 September 20254 April 202530 April 20253,916-
Second interim dividend (1.65p) for the year ended 30 September 202527 June 202531 July 20253,736-
Return of unclaimed dividends(22)(8)
16,34417,284
 
The third interim dividend and the final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2025 have not been included as a liability in these financial statements. The total dividends payable in respect of the financial year, which form the basis of the retention test under Section 1158 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010, are set out below.
2025
£'000
Revenue available for distribution by way of dividend for the year16,432
First interim dividend (1.625p) for the year ended 30 September 2025(3,916)
Second interim dividend (1.65p) for the year ended 30 September 2025(3,736)
Third interim dividend (1.65p) for the year ended 30 September 2025(3,630)
Final dividend (1.70p) for the year ended 30 September 2025 (based on 219,972,265 ordinary shares in issue at 5 December 2025)(3,740)
Transfer to reserves1,1401
1. The residual will be transferred to the revenue reserve (2024: £355,000 transferred from the revenue reserve)
 
8.Called Up Share CapitalNumber of
shares
entitled to
dividend
Number of
shares
held in
treasury
Total number
of shares
Nominal
value of
shares
£'000
At 1 October 2024270,185,650-270,185,6506,755
Buyback of shares for treasury(50,213,385)50,213,385--
At 30 September 2025219,972,26550,213,385270,185,6506,755
Number of
shares
entitled to
dividend
Number of
shares
held in
treasury
Total number
of shares
Nominal
value of
shares
£'000
At 30 September 2024 and 2023270,185,650-270,185,6506,755
During the year 50,213,385 shares were bought back into treasury (2024: nil) for a net payment of £67,212,000 (2024: £nil). No shares were allotted during the year (2024: nil).
9.Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share
The net asset value per ordinary share of 165.8p (2024: 144.2p) is based on the net assets attributable to the ordinary shares of £364,635,000 (2024: £389,633,000) and on 219,972,265 (2024: 270,185,650) shares in issue on 30 September 2025, excluding treasury shares.
The movements during the year of the assets attributable to the ordinary shares were as follows:
2025
£'000
2024
£'000
Total net assets at start of year389,633349,345
Total net return after taxation58,55857,572
Net dividends paid in the year:
Ordinary shares(16,344)(17,284)
Buyback of shares for treasury(67,212)-
Net assets attributable to the ordinary shares at 30 September364,635389,633
10.Post Balance Sheet Event
Subsequent to the year end, the bank loan facility was renewed for a further 12 months and is due to expire on 23 October 2026.
 
11.2025 Financial Information
The figures and financial information for the year ended 30 September 2025 are extracted from the Company's annual financial statements for that period and do not constitute statutory accounts. The Company's annual financial statements for the year to 30 September 2025 have been audited but have not yet been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditor's Report on the 2025 annual financial statements was unqualified, did not include reference to any matter to which the Auditor drew attention without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statements under Sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
12.2024 Financial Information
The figures and financial information for the year ended 30 September 2024 are extracted from the Company's annual financial statements for that period and do not constitute statutory accounts. The Company's annual financial statements for the year to 30 September 2024 have been audited and filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditor's Report on the 2024 annual financial statements was unqualified, did not include reference to any matter to which the Auditor drew attention without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statements under Sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
13.Dividend
The final dividend, if approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, of 1.70p per ordinary share will be paid on 30 January 2026 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 30 December 2025. This will take the total dividends for the year to 6.625p (2024: 6.425p). The Company's shares will be traded ex-dividend on 29 December 2025.
14.Annual Report
The Annual Report will be posted to shareholders in December 2025 and will be available on the Company's website (www.lowlandinvestment.com).
 
15.Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 12.30pm at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE.Instructions for attending the meeting in person or virtually, and details of resolutions to be put to the AGM, are included in the Notice of AGM in the Annual Report and will be available atwww.lowlandinvestment.com.If shareholders would like to submit any questions in advance of the AGM, they are welcome to send these to the corporate secretary atitsecretariat@janushenderson.com.
16.General Information
Company Status
Lowland Investment Company plc is a UK domiciled investment trust company.
ISIN number / SEDOL: ordinary shares: GB00BNXGHS27 / BNXGHS2
London Stock Exchange (TIDM) Code: LWI
Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN): 2KBHLK.99999.SL826
Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 2138008RHG5363FEHV19
Company Registration Number
670489
Registered Office
201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE
Directors and Secretary
The Directors of the Company are Helena Vinnicombe (Chair), Gaynor Coley (Audit and Risk Committee Chair), Duncan Budge, Mark Lam and Thomas Walker.
The Corporate Secretary is Janus Henderson Secretarial Services UK Limited, represented by Sally Porter, ACG.
Website
Details of the Company's share price and net asset value, together with general information about the Company, monthly factsheets and data, copies of announcements, reports and details of general meetings can be found atwww.lowlandinvestment.com.
   
For further information please contact:
James Henderson and Laura Foll
Fund Managers
Lowland Investment Company plc
Telephone: 020 7818 4370 / 6364
Dan Howe
Head of Investment Trusts
Janus Henderson Investors
Telephone: 020 7818 1818
Harriet Hall
PR Director, Investment Trusts
Janus Henderson Investors
Telephone: 020 7818 2919
  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.   This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.   END     FR EAPAPELLSFFA

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