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LWI

Lowland Investment Company plc

More than just income – income with growth

Reliable income doesn’t have to mean standing still. Explore how investment trusts can help your portfolio grow over time.

If you’re aiming for income today and growth tomorrow, you’re thinking like a long-term investor. Whether you’re planning for retirement, topping up a pension, or simply trying to make your money work harder, steady income is often the foundation of a long-term strategy. But income doesn’t have to mean ‘flat’, and this is where investment trusts can really shine.

Income that’s built to last

Investment trusts have long been used by investors who want more than just payouts – they want reliability, discipline, and the chance for those payouts to grow.

Many investment trusts don’t just aim to deliver income – they aim to grow it year after year. All our income focused investment trusts have long track records in growing their dividends, most even during rough patches like the 2008 financial crisis and the more recent Covid-19 pandemic.

How it works: Smoothing the ride

Here’s one of the key features that sets investment trusts apart: they can hold back income in good years and use it to support dividend in tougher ones. That’s not something open-ended funds can do – they’re required to pay out everything they receive each year.

This “smoothing” mechanism helps investment trusts keep dividends steady – and often growing – even when markets wobble. It’s not magic, it’s just smart structuring backed by a long-term mindset and disciplined management.

Growth by design

That structure, and careful stock selection, has helped create what the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) calls “Dividend Heroes” – a group of investment trusts that have increased their dividends for 20 years or more.

The City of London Investment Trust (CTY) tops the list with 59 years of uninterrupted dividend growth. And while the annual increases might seem modest, they’ve added up over time, often outpacing inflation.

Our other income focused investment trusts – The City of London Investment Trust (CTY), Henderson Far East Income (HFEL), Henderson High Income (HHI), Lowland Investment Company (LWI), and The North American Income Trust (NAIT) – are building similar track records. Henderson High Income (HHI), for example, has raised its dividend for ten years in a row, growing payouts at a compound rate of approximately 2% a year. These “Next Generation Dividend Heroes” have increased their dividends for at least ten years, but less than 20, making them rising stars among investment trusts.

Even more powerful in a tax wrapper

Wrap these income-generating investment trusts inside an Individual Savings Account (ISA), a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), or Junior ISA, and the benefits can compound even further.

  • In an ISA dividend income and gains are tax-free – great for retirees or anyone looking to boost their income without triggering extra tax.
  • In a Junior ISA, you’re setting up the next generation with long-term compounding machine.
  • And in a SIPP, you get upfront tax-relief, making it one of the most efficient long-term wrappers available.

 

Click here to explore ISA, SIPP and JISA basics with Janus Henderson Investment Trusts

Click here to find out more about our range of income focused investment trusts

 

Glossary

Dividend

A variable discretionary payment made by a company to its shareholders.

Individual Savings Account (ISA)

An Individual Savings Account is a UK government-backed savings account that allows you to save or invest money without paying any tax on the interest, returns, or profits you make. Each tax year, you receive a personal ISA allowance, a set amount of money you can contribute to your ISA, keeping more of your earnings.

Inflation

The rate at which the prices of goods and services are rising in an economy. The consumer price index (CPI) and retail price index (RPI) are two common measures; the opposite of deflation.

Investment trust

An investment trust is a form of investment fund, specifically a publicly-traded, collective-investment scheme that invests its shareholders’ money in the shares of other companies.

Junior ISA

A Junior ISA (JISA) is a tax-free savings and investment account for children under 18, allowing parents and guardians to save money for their child’s future.

Open-ended fund

An open-end fund is an investment vehicle that creates and redeems shares based on investor demand, pooling money into a diversified portfolio without a fixed share limit.

Portfolio

A grouping of financial assets such as equities, bonds, commodities, properties, or cash. Also often called a ‘fund’.

Self-invested personal pension (SIPP)

A Self-Invested Personal Pension, or SIPP, is a defined-contribution retirement plan offered to taxpayers in the United Kingdom.

These are the views of the author at the time of publication and may differ from the views of other individuals/teams at Janus Henderson Investors. References made to individual securities do not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, investment strategy or market sector, and should not be assumed to be profitable. Janus Henderson Investors, its affiliated advisor, or its employees, may have a position in the securities mentioned.

 

Before investing in an investment trust referred to in this article, you should satisfy yourself as to its suitability and the risks involved, you may wish to consult a financial adviser. Please refer to the AIFMD Disclosure document and Annual Report of the AIF before making any final investment decisions. Tax assumptions and reliefs depend upon an investor’s particular circumstances and may change if those circumstances or the law change.

 

Past performance does not predict future returns. The value of an investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.

 

The information in this article does not qualify as an investment recommendation.

 

There is no guarantee that past trends will continue, or forecasts will be realised.

 

Marketing Communication.

 

Glossary

 

 

 

Important information

Please read the following important information regarding funds related to this article.

Before investing in an investment trust referred to in this document, you should satisfy yourself as to its suitability and the risks involved, you may wish to consult a financial adviser. This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the AIFMD Disclosure document and Annual Report of the AIF before making any final investment decisions.
    Specific risks
  • Some of the administrative expenses are taken from capital. This allows more income to be paid but it may also restrict capital growth or even reduce the capital over time.
  • Losses could be incurred if a counterparty became unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, or as a result of failure or delay in operational processes or the failure of a third party provider.
  • Derivatives may be used with the aim of reducing risk or managing the portfolio more efficiently. However, this introduces other risks, in particular, that a derivative counterparty may not meet its contractual obligations.
  • If a Company's portfolio is concentrated towards a particular country or geographical region, the investment carries greater risk (as well as the potential for greater reward) than a portfolio that is diversified across more countries.
  • This investment should be held as part of a broader diversified portfolio. Balancing it with investments that have different risk profiles can help reduce the impact of any single investment underperforming.
  • The Company may borrow to invest, which could magnify gains or losses.
  • As the Company may borrow to invest, changes in interest rates could increase or decrease the cost of any borrowings.
  • The Company invests in the shares of other companies. These shares may become hard to value or to sell at a desired time and price, especially in extreme market conditions when asset prices may be falling, increasing the risk of investment losses.
  • Your return on investment is directly related to the market price of the Company's shares, which may be higher (trading at a premium) or lower (trading at a discount) than the value of its underlying net asset value assets. This means your returns may differ from the performance of those assets.
  • While active management techniques are typically positive for performance, this approach may also result in periods of underperformance relative to the benchmark and comparable passive and index-tracking funds, particularly during unexpected market shifts.
  • Shares can gain and lose value rapidly, and typically involve higher risks than bonds or money market instruments. The value of your investment may rise and fall in line with the underlying equity markets.
  • When a portfolio is concentrated (has a significant portion of its assets invested in a limited number of holdings), an adverse event impacting even a small number of holdings could create significant volatility or losses.
  • If the companies in which the portfolio is invested persistently reduce their dividend payments, the Company will find it more difficult to maintain or grow its own dividend payments each year.
  • The portfolio invests in currencies other than sterling, meaning fluctuations in exchange rates could affect returns.
  • The Company maintains a portfolio with a bias towards income-generating companies. This may result in the Company significantly underperforming or outperforming the wider market.

Before investing in an investment trust referred to in this document, you should satisfy yourself as to its suitability and the risks involved, you may wish to consult a financial adviser. This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the AIFMD Disclosure document and Annual Report of the AIF before making any final investment decisions. Henderson Far East Income Limited is a Jersey fund, registered at Liberté, 19-23 La Motte Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4SY and is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission] Ref: 34V
    Specific risks
  • Losses could be incurred if a counterparty became unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, or as a result of failure or delay in operational processes or the failure of a third party provider.
  • Some of the administrative expenses are taken from capital. This allows more income to be paid but it may also restrict capital growth or even reduce the capital over time.
  • The portfolio has significant exposure to Emerging Markets, which tend to be less stable than more established markets. These markets can be affected by local political and economic conditions as well as variations in the reliability of trading systems, buying and selling practices, and financial reporting standards.
  • If a Company's portfolio is concentrated towards a particular country or geographical region, the investment carries greater risk (as well as the potential for greater reward) than a portfolio that is diversified across more countries.
  • The Company may use options for efficient portfolio management and to increase income. Options can be volatile and may sometimes result in loss of capital.
  • This investment should be held as part of a broader diversified portfolio. Balancing it with investments that have different risk profiles can help reduce the impact of any single investment underperforming.
  • The Company may borrow to invest, which could magnify gains or losses.
  • As the Company may borrow to invest, changes in interest rates could increase or decrease the cost of any borrowings.
  • The Company invests in the shares of other companies. These shares may become hard to value or to sell at a desired time and price, especially in extreme market conditions when asset prices may be falling, increasing the risk of investment losses.
  • Your return on investment is directly related to the market price of the Company's shares, which may be higher (trading at a premium) or lower (trading at a discount) than the value of its underlying net asset value assets. This means your returns may differ from the performance of those assets.
  • While active management techniques are typically positive for performance, this approach may also result in periods of underperformance relative to the benchmark and comparable passive and index-tracking funds, particularly during unexpected market shifts.
  • Shares can gain and lose value rapidly, and typically involve higher risks than bonds or money market instruments. The value of your investment may rise and fall in line with the underlying equity markets.
  • If the companies in which the portfolio is invested persistently reduce their dividend payments, the Company will find it more difficult to maintain or grow its own dividend payments each year.
  • The portfolio invests in currencies other than sterling, meaning fluctuations in exchange rates could affect returns.
  • The Company maintains a portfolio with a bias towards income-generating companies. This may result in the Company significantly underperforming or outperforming the wider market.

Before investing in an investment trust referred to in this document, you should satisfy yourself as to its suitability and the risks involved, you may wish to consult a financial adviser. This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the AIFMD Disclosure document and Annual Report of the AIF before making any final investment decisions.
    Specific risks
  • Derivatives may be used with the aim of reducing risk or managing the portfolio more efficiently. However, this introduces other risks, in particular, that a derivative counterparty may not meet its contractual obligations.
  • Losses could be incurred if a counterparty became unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, or as a result of failure or delay in operational processes or the failure of a third party provider.
  • Some of the administrative expenses are taken from capital. This allows more income to be paid but it may also restrict capital growth or even reduce the capital over time.
  • If a Company's portfolio is concentrated towards a particular country or geographical region, the investment carries greater risk (as well as the potential for greater reward) than a portfolio that is diversified across more countries.
  • This investment should be held as part of a broader diversified portfolio. Balancing it with investments that have different risk profiles can help reduce the impact of any single investment underperforming.
  • The Company may borrow to invest, which could magnify gains or losses.
  • As the Company may borrow to invest, changes in interest rates could increase or decrease the cost of any borrowings.
  • The Company invests in debt securities, exposing the portfolio to credit risk. This means that the issuer of a bond which may be held in the portfolio, could become unable or unwilling to pay interest or repay capital. If this happens or the market perceives this may happen, the value of the bond will fall.
  • The Company invests in the shares of other companies. These shares may become hard to value or to sell at a desired time and price, especially in extreme market conditions when asset prices may be falling, increasing the risk of investment losses.
  • Your return on investment is directly related to the market price of the Company's shares, which may be higher (trading at a premium) or lower (trading at a discount) than the value of its underlying net asset value assets. This means your returns may differ from the performance of those assets.
  • While active management techniques are typically positive for performance, this approach may also result in periods of underperformance relative to the benchmark and comparable passive and index-tracking funds, particularly during unexpected market shifts.
  • Shares can gain and lose value rapidly, and typically involve higher risks than bonds or money market instruments. The value of your investment may rise and fall in line with the underlying equity markets.
  • If the companies in which the portfolio is invested persistently reduce their dividend payments, the Company will find it more difficult to maintain or grow its own dividend payments each year.
  • The Company maintains a portfolio with a bias towards income-generating companies. This may result in the Company significantly underperforming or outperforming the wider market.

Before investing in an investment trust referred to in this document, you should satisfy yourself as to its suitability and the risks involved, you may wish to consult a financial adviser. This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the AIFMD Disclosure document and Annual Report of the AIF before making any final investment decisions.
    Specific risks
  • Losses could be incurred if a counterparty became unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, or as a result of failure or delay in operational processes or the failure of a third party provider.
  • Derivatives may be used with the aim of reducing risk or managing the portfolio more efficiently. However, this introduces other risks, in particular, that a derivative counterparty may not meet its contractual obligations.
  • Some of the administrative expenses are taken from capital. This allows more income to be paid but it may also restrict capital growth or even reduce the capital over time.
  • If a Company's portfolio is concentrated towards a particular country or geographical region, the investment carries greater risk (as well as the potential for greater reward) than a portfolio that is diversified across more countries.
  • This investment should be held as part of a broader diversified portfolio. Balancing it with investments that have different risk profiles can help reduce the impact of any single investment underperforming.
  • The Company may borrow to invest, which could magnify gains or losses.
  • As the Company may borrow to invest, changes in interest rates could increase or decrease the cost of any borrowings.
  • The Company invests in the shares of other companies. These shares may become hard to value or to sell at a desired time and price, especially in extreme market conditions when asset prices may be falling, increasing the risk of investment losses.
  • Your return on investment is directly related to the market price of the Company's shares, which may be higher (trading at a premium) or lower (trading at a discount) than the value of its underlying net asset value assets. This means your returns may differ from the performance of those assets.
  • While active management techniques are typically positive for performance, this approach may also result in periods of underperformance relative to the benchmark and comparable passive and index-tracking funds, particularly during unexpected market shifts.
  • Shares can gain and lose value rapidly, and typically involve higher risks than bonds or money market instruments. The value of your investment may rise and fall in line with the underlying equity markets.
  • If the companies in which the portfolio is invested persistently reduce their dividend payments, the Company will find it more difficult to maintain or grow its own dividend payments each year.
  • The Company maintains a portfolio with a bias towards income-generating companies. This may result in the Company significantly underperforming or outperforming the wider market.

Before investing in an investment trust referred to in this document, you should satisfy yourself as to its suitability and the risks involved, you may wish to consult a financial adviser. This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the AIFMD Disclosure document and Annual Report of the AIF before making any final investment decisions.
    Specific risks
  • Losses could be incurred if a counterparty became unwilling or unable to meet its obligations, or as a result of failure or delay in operational processes or the failure of a third party provider.
  • Some of the administrative expenses are taken from capital. This allows more income to be paid but it may also restrict capital growth or even reduce the capital over time.
  • Derivatives may be used with the aim of reducing risk or managing the portfolio more efficiently. However, this introduces other risks, in particular, that a derivative counterparty may not meet its contractual obligations.
  • If a Company's portfolio is concentrated towards a particular country or geographical region, the investment carries greater risk (as well as the potential for greater reward) than a portfolio that is diversified across more countries.
  • This investment should be held as part of a broader diversified portfolio. Balancing it with investments that have different risk profiles can help reduce the impact of any single investment underperforming.
  • The Company may borrow to invest, which could magnify gains or losses.
  • As the Company may borrow to invest, changes in interest rates could increase or decrease the cost of any borrowings.
  • The Company invests in the shares of other companies. These shares may become hard to value or to sell at a desired time and price, especially in extreme market conditions when asset prices may be falling, increasing the risk of investment losses.
  • Your return on investment is directly related to the market price of the Company's shares, which may be higher (trading at a premium) or lower (trading at a discount) than the value of its underlying net asset value assets. This means your returns may differ from the performance of those assets.
  • While active management techniques are typically positive for performance, this approach may also result in periods of underperformance relative to the benchmark and comparable passive and index-tracking funds, particularly during unexpected market shifts.
  • Shares can gain and lose value rapidly, and typically involve higher risks than bonds or money market instruments. The value of your investment may rise and fall in line with the underlying equity markets.
  • If the companies in which the portfolio is invested persistently reduce their dividend payments, the Company will find it more difficult to maintain or grow its own dividend payments each year.
  • The Company maintains a portfolio with a bias towards income-generating companies. This may result in the Company significantly underperforming or outperforming the wider market.

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