The Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust Plc reported unaudited earnings results for the half year ended November 30, 2015. For the period, the company reported total loss of £5,277,000 compared to £3,160,000 a year ago. Net negative return before finance costs and taxation was £6,476,000 compared to £4,279,000 a year ago. Net negative return before taxation was £7,696,000 compared to £5,599,000 a year ago. Net negative return for the period and total comprehensive loss was £7,696,000 compared to £5,599,000 a year ago. Negative return per ordinary share was 10.30 pence compared to 7.50 pence a year ago. Net cash inflow from operating activities was £2,315,000 compared to £2,782,000 a year ago. Net asset value per ordinary share as at November 30, 2015 was 733.8 pence against 622.1 pence a year ago.

The board has declared an interim dividend of 4.0 pence against 3.5 pence a year ago to be paid on March 4, 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on February 12, 2016. The ex-dividend date will be February 11, 2016.