F&C Investment Trust PLC ('FCIT'/'Company') today announces its results for the year ended

Friday 11th March 2022

• FCIT’s share price at the year end was 926.0 pence. The share price total return was 19.4%, in line with the return of 19.5% from the benchmark, the FTSE All-World Index.

• FCIT’s Net Asset Value (‘NAV’) total return of 21.7%, with debt at market value, was ahead of the benchmark.

• The difference between the strong gains reflected in FCIT’s NAV total return and the share price total return was the effect of the discount widening over the year, from 5.4% to 7.3%.

• Our private equity holdings outperformed against listed market equivalents, with both our recent commitments and our older holdings producing strong gains.

• Our portfolios of listed investments delivered strong absolute returns, led by North American equities.

• The Company has delivered a total shareholder return of 291.9% over the ten-year period to the end of 2021, equivalent to 14.6% per annum.

• The final dividend will be 3.8 pence per share, subject to shareholder approval, and will bring the total dividend for the year to 12.8 pence per share. This will be a 5.8% increase, the 51st consecutive annual increase, and ahead of the Consumer Price Index of 5.4% for the 12 months to 31 December 2021.

• The Company holds very limited exposure to two Russian securities which was approximately 0.3% of total assets as at the end of the year. They have been written down and, once liquidity permits, we will seek to divest all direct exposure to Russian equities.

• FCIT is committed to transition its portfolio to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, at the latest.

The Chairman, Beatrice Hollond, said:

“2021 was a good year for our shareholders, despite a very uncertain backdrop, and our objective remains firmly focused on the delivery of growth in both capital and income for shareholders over the long-term.”

Commenting on the markets, Paul Niven, Fund Manager of FCIT, said:

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is an historically significant event which is exerting a terrible toll on the Ukrainian people. Events are fast moving and causing significant volatility in markets and creating challenges to the fundamental outlook for the global economy.”

The full results statement is attached.

Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance. The value of investments and income derived from them can go down as well as up as a result of market or currency movements and investors may not get back the original amount invested.

About FCIT:

• Founded in 1868 – the oldest collective investment trust

• A diversified portfolio provides exposure to most of the world's stock markets, with exposure to over 400 individual companies across the globe

• Its aim is to generate long-term growth in capital and income by investing primarily in an international portfolio of listed equities

The Chairman’s Statement

Dear Shareholder,

While Covid-19 continued to dominate the political, economic and market backdrop during 2021, a sharp recovery in global growth and continued monetary and fiscal support led to strong gains. The Company’s share price total return for the year was 19.4%. Our Net Asset Value (‘NAV’) total return, taking debt at market value, of 21.7% exceeded the gains from our benchmark of 19.5%.

Our NAV per share, with debt at market value, rose from 831.8p per share to 998.7p per share and our share price rose from 787.0p to 926.0p, ending the year close to record highs. The discount on which our shares traded relative to NAV widened, from 5.4% at the start of year, to 7.3% at the year end.

It was a year of outperformance from our private equity holdings where both our recent and our older investments produced strong gains. Our portfolios of listed investments delivered strong absolute returns led by North American equities, notably with the value component outperforming the growth portfolio. In aggregate, the listed portfolios slightly lagged the return from the benchmark while gearing enhanced our overall returns in the strong market environment. This was helped further by global interest rate rises having the effect of reducing the fair value of our outstanding debt. Further information on investment performance can be found in the Fund Manager’s Review on page 14 of the Report and Accounts.

Our long-term focus

2021 was a good year for our shareholders, despite a very uncertain backdrop, and our objective remains firmly focused on the delivery of growth in both capital and income for shareholders over the long-term. The past decade has seen exceptional returns for investors in global equities and your Company has delivered a total shareholder return of 291.9% over the ten-year period to the end of 2021, equivalent to 14.6% per annum. Indeed, shareholder returns have been positive in nine of the past ten calendar years, with only 2018 seeing a small loss in value.

Reflecting further on longer-term returns and the power of compounding, over the twenty-year period to 31 December 2021 the Company’s share price total return was 536.1%, equivalent to 9.7% per annum. Our capital-only returns over the past twenty years were 318.1%. Dividends paid to shareholders have risen by 80.3% over the past decade and by 287.9% over the past twenty years. Such results continue to demonstrate the importance of compounding income and capital gains over long periods of time in the process of value creation for shareholders, together with effective risk management and taking a long-term view through market volatility.

Increased returns and dividend

Following the most challenging year for our revenue for over a decade, we enjoyed a robust recovery in 2021. Our income rose on the year to £58.5m (after tax) while special dividends increased slightly to £1.4m (2020: £1.2m). The impact of currency movements is estimated to have detracted £4.0m from our income (2020: £0.4m). Our Net Revenue Return per share rose to 10.99 pence per share from 9.71 pence per share in 2020.

Throughout the pandemic the Board has carefully considered the revenue position of your Company and the increasing significance of rising inflationary pressures. While our revenue increased during 2021, it remains below pre-pandemic levels and below the level of our recent annual dividend payments. However, one of our strengths as an investment trust company is to be able to utilise the revenue reserve to make up such shortfalls in annual revenue and continue to increase dividend payments for shareholders.

I am therefore delighted to report another rise in the proposed annual dividend, which will in part be funded by our revenue reserve. Subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’), shareholders will receive a final dividend of 3.8 pence per share on 10 May 2022, bringing the total dividend for 2021 to 12.8 pence: an increase of 5.8% over that of 2020. The increase is ahead of the 5.4% rise in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months to 31 December 2021 and therefore represents a real rise in the dividend for the calendar year. In addition, as well as being our fifty first consecutive rise in annual dividends, it is our one hundred and fifty fourth annual dividend payment.

Shareholders can also take comfort that, in addition to our substantial revenue reserve, we have the authority to utilise our capital reserves, which stood at £4.9bn at the year end, to support dividend payments should we need to. We therefore remain in a very strong position to continue our track record of increasing annual dividends in the future. It also remains the hope and aspiration of the Board to continue to deliver real rises in these dividends over the long-term.

Discount/Premium

For several years your Company’s share price moved closer to parity with the NAV per share and, at times in 2018 and 2019, traded at a premium, enabling us to reissue shares from treasury. At the onset of the pandemic in 2020, however, our share price returned to a discount in the face of the sharp fall in equity markets and the consequent fall in retail demand. Our shares continued to trade at a discount throughout 2021 and we bought back a total of 9.9m shares into treasury as part of our ongoing commitment towards achieving a sustainably low deviation between the share price and NAV. The discount moved from 5.4% to 7.3% over the year, averaging 7.2%, compared with 6.1% in 2020.

Cost efficiency and Management fee reduction

Our Ongoing Charges figure fell again this year from 0.59% to 0.54%, representing a further improvement in this measure of cost efficiency and continuing the trend of recent years. This partly reflects the management fee structure which is designed to bring down our cost ratios as the Company grows and to pass the benefits of scale on to shareholders. The Board remains focused on delivering value for money for shareholders as part of its performance objectives.

I am also very pleased to report that, following constructive discussions with our Manager, the Company’s management fee rate has been reduced and with effect from 1 January 2022 it will be charged at a rate of 0.325% per annum of the market capitalisation of the Company up to £3.0 billion, then at 0.3% up to £4.0 billion and 0.25% beyond that level. With effect from 1 January 2023, the rate of 0.3% will be applied to a revised first tier of up to £4.0 billion and of 0.25% thereafter. These reductions will help to bring down our cost ratio further as the Company continues to grow.

Contributors to total return in 2021 %

Portfolio return 19.2

Management fees (0.4)

Interest and other Expenses (0.3)

Buy backs 0.1

Change of value of debt 0.6

Gearing/other 2.5

NAV total return 21.7

Increase in discount (2.3)

Share price total return 19.4

FTSE All-World total return 19.5

Source: BMO GAM

Borrowings

Interest rates remain at historically low levels despite recent rises in inflation. The Board continues to view this as an attractive environment in which to lock in low rates on long-dated borrowings that should enhance our NAV returns from the investments made over their lifetime. During the year we therefore issued, and drew down, long-dated private placement loan notes totalling £140m. In December, we agreed to issue a further £140m which have also now been drawn down.

Currency Hedge

As reported last year, in late 2020 we bought £300m of sterling as a strategic, partial hedge on our overseas currency exposure. Towards the end of 2021, we reduced the size of the hedge to £200m. During the year, this position realised a capital gain of £9.1m. At the end of the year, we carried forward an unrealised capital loss of £4.8m.

Responsible Investment and our commitment to Net Zero

Last year we announced our commitment to transition the Company’s portfolio to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, at the latest. During the year the Board has considered how it will implement that transition and how our progress towards achieving it is measured. We recognise the importance of reporting our progress in a clear and consistent way and therefore detailed information is provided in the report on Our Approach to Responsible Investment on pages 20 to 27 of the Report and Accounts. In the Fund Manager’s report you will find information on our very limited holdings in Russian securities. In summary, while the current regime exists in Russia, our approach will be to sell the very small holdings in the portfolio as soon as is practical.

F&C Investment Trust Lecture

Following the success of the lectures that the Company sponsored in 2018 and 2020, I am pleased to advise that the Company will again be sponsoring a lecture this year. Providing Covid-19 related restrictions do not prevent us from doing so, the lecture will be held at The Guildhall, London on Wednesday 13 July. The theme of our lecture this summer is ‘Smart choices for a smarter future’, emphasising the positive impact that our financial, social and environmental choices can have. The lecture will feature thought-provoking sessions from some renowned speakers and will include information on the Company’s investment approach.

As tickets will be limited, they will be made available to shareholders and the public via a ballot, with successful applicants selected at random. Video clips will be made available to everyone on the Company’s website following the event.

The Company is also refreshing its brand, ensuring that it stays relevant for new and existing investors. We are updating how we communicate and these changes will be introduced at this year’s lecture.

The Manager

I reported at the half year stage that the Bank of Montreal had announced its intention to sell its asset management business covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. ('Ameriprise'), the parent company of Columbia Threadneedle Investments ('Columbia Threadneedle'). The sale transaction, which included your Company’s Manager, BMO Investment Business Limited, was completed on 8 November 2021. Your Board looks favourably on this development and has welcomed an assurance that there will be little change for your Company. Nevertheless, it recognises that any move of this nature will inevitably create a degree of risk. It is therefore closely monitoring the integration of the two businesses as it progresses.

Simon Fraser

It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of the untimely death of Simon Fraser in August last year. Simon was Chairman of your Company for nine years, from 2010 until 2019, during which time the Company flourished under his inspiring leadership. He held dear the heritage and values of the Company. He gave a great deal to the wider investment trust sector and is sorely missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Board composition

In addition to the appointment of Rain Newton-Smith in May 2021, Stephen Russell joined the Board on 1 February 2022. Both Rain and Stephen’s appointments continue our planned sequence of Board changes and reflect our focus on maintaining the highest level of investment skills and economic and political insight on the Board. They replace Sir Roger Bone, who retired at the conclusion of the 2021 AGM, and Sarah Arkle, who retired on 31 January 2022. I would like to thank both Roger and Sarah for their hard work and significant contributions to the Board and its committees throughout their time as Directors of the Company.

Jeffrey Hewitt will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the forthcoming AGM and the process to appoint his successor is underway. He will be a hard act to follow as Jeffrey has been an outstanding Chairman of the Audit Committee for the past 10 years, a role in which he has been a driving force for change and continual improvement in disclosure in our annual report. On behalf of the Board and shareholders, we thank him for his service to the Company and wish him well for the future.

AGM

It has been a great disappointment not to be able to meet shareholders in person at the last two AGMs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and consequent Government restrictions. Thankfully, the situation has eased somewhat and therefore we are proposing to hold an in-person AGM on Tuesday 3 May 2022. Last year shareholders approved the adoption of new Articles of Association which allow the Company to hold shareholder meetings in person and at the same time allow attendance and participation online for those who are unable, or who prefer not, to attend in person. This year we are utilising that new power to hold a “hybrid” meeting, which will allow many more of our shareholders to view the AGM and participate by asking questions and voting online. Full details of how to do so are set out in the letter that accompanies your Form of Proxy or Form of Direction.

Therefore, voting at this year’s AGM will be conducted by way of a poll and you are requested to lodge your votes ahead of the meeting by completing your Form of Proxy or Form of Direction in accordance with the instructions. Their completion and return will not preclude you from attending the meeting and voting in person. If you are unable to attend the AGM, you are requested to submit any questions you may have with regard to the resolutions proposed at the AGM or the performance of the Company, in advance of the meeting to fcitagm@bmogam.com. Following the AGM, the Fund Manager’s presentation will be available on the Company’s website www.fandcit.com.

Outlook

Geopolitical risks have risen markedly in recent weeks with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, it has been shocking on a humanitarian level and raised significant concerns over President Putin’s future ambitions on a regional and global level. While direct linkages to major Western economies from Russia tend to be small, the impact of sanctions will be significant and the rise in commodity prices are likely to be the main transmission mechanism to markets. Rising commodity prices and further disruption to supply chains will exacerbate inflationary pressure and it will also create a negative impact on global growth, with Europe at particular risk. In recent decades, most conflicts have been short term in nature and the wider impacts have been relatively contained. It remains too early to assess the long-term impact of Russia’s actions but it will remain at least a near term concern for investors.

Recent decades have seen both equity and fixed income markets buoyed by a long-term decline in inflation. Lower interest rates, abundant liquidity and, in response to the pandemic, fiscal largesse, have all helped to propel global equity markets to record highs. Valuation levels in equities provide limited scope for disappointment in either earnings or in interest rates and the recent rise in inflation, which has been broad based and which will be exacerbated by the Ukrainian conflict, is troubling.

Despite there being grounds for optimism initially that much of the recent spike in inflation would prove to be transitory as supply chain disruption diminished and economies re-opened more fully, this does not seem to be the case. As Covid-19 appears to be becoming endemic in many countries, it still poses significant risks and new variants may yet cause further disruption. Investors should be prepared for slowing growth, higher but moderating inflation and abundant but diminishing liquidity and fiscal support. The resultant combination of moderating growth in earnings and rises in interest rates is likely to present a challenge to equity markets in 2022 and beyond.

Global equity markets have been led by US exceptionalism in recent years and, within the US and globally, a small cohort of stocks have dominated returns. Companies such as Microsoft and Alphabet feature amongst our largest listed holdings and represent exceptional businesses which have been able to deliver tremendous growth in earnings, high margins and an enviable competitive position versus their peers. Although these businesses are likely to continue to thrive, we do expect, as was the case in 2021, a more balanced market and greater sensitivity of investors to valuations. For this reason, we have been moving away from some of these highly performing, but highly valued, businesses in favour of companies which also have a strong competitive position, but which have better valuation support. More detail can be found in the Fund Manager’s Report.

Our flexible and pragmatic approach to capital allocation has served your Company well over many decades and, as the economic and market environment shifts, perhaps in a significant change, we will continue to adapt and seek profitable opportunities within the listed and private markets. We remain confident in the prospects for your Company and continue to focus on the long-term delivery of growth in both capital and income for our shareholders.

Beatrice Hollond

Chairman

Audited Statement of Results for the year ended 31 December 2021

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