Henderson High Income says, during the challenging six months to 30 June 2016, the Company delivered a net asset value total return of -0.65%, underperforming the benchmark total return of 4.87% for the same period. The premium at which the Company’s shares traded to their net asset value narrowed and fell to a discount of 2.6% as at the end of the period, giving a total return to shareholders of -4.72%. The fears of a global recession followed by the uncertainties in the run up to the Brexit referendum and the surprise outcome of the vote have all created significant volatility in the markets.
On 29 January 2016, the Company paid a fourth interim dividend of 2.275p per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015 making a total of 8.9p for the year, an increase of 3.5% over the previous year. The first interim dividend of 2.275p for the current financial year was paid on 29 April 2016 and the second interim dividend for the same amount will be paid on 29 July 2016. Although the vote to exit the European Union has created further economic uncertainty they are confident that this level of dividend can at least be maintained throughout the next six months.
HHI : Henderson High Income confident of maintaining dividend for now