54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-12-01 2024-11-30 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-12-01 2023-11-30 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-11-30 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2024-11-30 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2021-12-01 2022-11-30 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-11-30 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-12-01 2024-11-30 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-12-01 2024-11-30 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-12-01 2024-11-30 beri:SpecialReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-12-01 2024-11-30 ifrs-full:CapitalReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-12-01 2024-11-30 beri:RevenueReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-12-01 2023-11-30 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-12-01 2023-11-30 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-12-01 2023-11-30 beri:SpecialReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-12-01 2023-11-30 ifrs-full:CapitalReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-12-01 2023-11-30 beri:RevenueReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-11-30 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-11-30 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-11-30 beri:SpecialReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-11-30 ifrs-full:CapitalReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2023-11-30 beri:RevenueReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2024-11-30 beri:RevenueReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2024-11-30 ifrs-full:CapitalReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2024-11-30 beri:SpecialReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2024-11-30 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2024-11-30 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-11-30 ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-11-30 ifrs-full:SharePremiumMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-11-30 beri:SpecialReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-11-30 ifrs-full:CapitalReserveMember 54930040ALEAVPMMDC31 2022-11-30 beri:RevenueReserveMember iso4217:GBP iso4217:GBP xbrli:shares
BlackRock
Energy and Resources
Income Trust plc
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Keeping in touch
We know how important it is to receive up-to-date information about the Company.
To ensure that you are kept abreast, please scan the QR code to the right of this
page to visit our website. If you have a smartphone, you can activate the QR code
by opening the camera on your device and pointing it at the QR code. This will
then open a link on the relevant section on the Company’s website. By visiting our
website, you will have the opportunity to sign up to our monthly newsletter which
includes our latest factsheets and market commentary, as well as upcoming events
and webinars. Information about how we process personal data is contained in our
privacy policy available on our website.
Further information about the Company can be found on our website at
w
ww.blackrock.com/uk/be
ri
.
General enquiries about the Company should be directed to the Company Secretary
at:
cosec@blackrock.com
.
Register here to watch this year’s Annual General Meeting
For the benefit of shareholders who are unable to attend this year’s AGM in person,
we have arranged for the proceedings to be viewed via a webinar. You can register
to watch this by scanning the QR Code opposite or by visiting our website at
w
ww.blackrock.com/uk/beri
and clicking the registration banner.
Please note that it is not possible to speak or vote at the AGM via this medium and
joining the webinar does not constitute attendance at the AGM. Shareholders wishing
to exercise their right to attend, speak and vote at the AGM should either attend in
person or exercise their right to appoint a proxy to do so on their behalf. For further
details please see page 14
8
of the Annual Report.
Use this QR code
to take you to
the Company's
website where
you can sign up to
monthly insights
and factsheets.
Financial
highlights
as at 30 November 2024
121.00p
Ordinary share price
14.0%
1,2
£167.3m
Net assets
3.0%
137.66p
Net asset value (NAV) per
ordinary share
15.3%
1,2
4.50p
Total dividends per share
1.7%
3.63p
Revenue earnings per
ordinary share
17.2%
3.7%
2,3
Yield
Section 1: Overview and performance
1
The Energy Transition is a key megatrend. Specialists such as GE Vernova and Schneider
Electric supply the power transformers and grid connection technology that will be critical
in expanding the electricity infrastructure necessary to grow generation capacity. Both
companies were strong contributors to returns over the year.
The above financial highlights are at 30 November 2024 and percentage comparisons
are against 30 November 2023.
1
Mid-market share price and NAV performance are calculated in British Pound Sterling
terms with dividends reinvested.
2
Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary on pages 139 to 143.
3
Based on dividends paid and declared for the year ended 30 November 2024 and
share price as at 30 November 2024.
2
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Why BlackRock
Energy and Resources
Income Trust plc?
Investment objective
The Company’s objectives are to achieve an annual dividend target and, over the long term, capital
growth by investing primarily in securities of companies operating in the mining and energy sectors.
Reasons to invest
A member of the Association of Investment Companies
Further details about the Company, including the latest annual and half-yearly financial reports, fact
sheets and stock exchange announcements, are available on the website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
Inflation sensitivity
A conviction-led approach, with the
potential to benefit from inflation,
delivering an attractive income from
the best ideas in the Mining, Traditional
Energy and Energy Transition sectors.
Yield
The Company offers a consistent
dividend as the managers focus on
higher quality companies with strong
cash flows that are good allocators of
capital. The Company’s global nature
means that the large majority of its
holdings generate earnings from
businesses around the world.
Flexibility
The Company’s flexibility means
that the portfolio will adapt as the
demand for Mining, Energy and Energy
Transition related stocks changes. This
approach allows the team to change
the portfolio makeup to select the best
stocks to generate returns.
Energy Transition
opportunities
Mining and Energy companies lie at the
heart of the global economy. Without
them, countries cannot grow and
develop. Mining companies provide
everything from materials to build wind
turbines to lithium for electric cars.
These companies provide an important
role in the long-term de-carbonisation
of the global economy. Energy
companies power our cars, our homes
and drive economic development. The
path to a lower global carbon economy
is forecast to disrupt many industries
and business models creating
remarkable opportunities. Investment
in a specialist trust gives targeted
exposure to these important companies,
as it is positioned to capture such
industry shifts and reap the benefits
from this transition.
Expertise
The Company’s assets are managed
by BlackRock’s Natural Resources
Team. The team have been running
Mining funds since 1993, Traditional
Energy funds since 1999 and Energy
Transition funds since 2001. The team
undertakes extensive, proprietary, on-
the-ground research to get to know the
management of all the companies in
which they invest.
Section 1: Overview and performance
3
Contents
Section 1: Overview and performance
Financial highlights
1
Why BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc?
2
Performance record
4
Chairman’s statement
5
Investment Manager’s report
11
Section 2: Portfolio
Distribution of investments
24
Ten largest investments
26
Investments
28
Section 3: Governance
Governance structure
34
Directors’ biographies
35
Strategic report
37
Directors’ report
54
Directors’ remuneration report
63
Directors’ remuneration policy
67
Corporate governance statement
69
Report of the audit and management engagement committee
76
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the annual report and
financial statements
82
Section 4: Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report
86
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
93
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
94
Parent company statement of changes in equity
95
Consolidated and parent company statements of financial position
96
Consolidated and parent company cash flow statements
97
Notes to the financial statements
98
Section 5: Additional information
Shareholder information
126
Analysis of ordinary shareholders
129
Historical analysis
130
Management & other service providers
131
AIFMD report on remuneration (unaudited)
132
Other AIFMD disclosures (unaudited)
133
Information to be disclosed in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.4
134
Information to be disclosed in respect of investment in the People’s Republic
of China (PRC) via the Stock Connect
135
Depositary report
138
Glossary
139
Section 6: Annual general meeting
Notice of annual general meeting
146
Share fraud warning
150
4
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Performance record
As at
30 November
2024
As at
30 November
2023
Net assets (£’000)
1
167,327
162,362
Net asset value per ordinary share (pence)
137.66
123.58
Ordinary share price (mid-market) (pence)
121.00
110.40
Discount to net asset value
2
12.1%
10.7%
For the year
ended
30 November
2024
For the year
ended
30 November
2023
Performance (with dividends reinvested)
Net asset value per share
2
15.3%
-11.8%
Ordinary share price
2
14.0%
-15.2%
Reference index
#
0.5%
-17.0%
Since inception
to 30 November
2024
Since inception
to 30 November
2023
Performance since inception
3
(with dividends reinvested)
Net asset value per share
2
259.9%
212.2%
Ordinary share price
2
218.4%
179.4%
For the year
ended
30 November
2024
For the year
ended
30 November
2023
Change
%
Revenue
Net profit on ordinary activities after taxation (£’000)
4,541
5,774
-21.4
Revenue earnings per ordinary share (pence)
4
3.63
4.39
-17.3
Dividends (pence)
1st interim
1.125
1.100
2.3
2nd interim
1.125
1.100
2.3
3rd interim
1.125
1.100
2.3
4th interim
1.125
1.125
Total dividends paid
4.500
4.425
1.7
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Share price performance
NAV performance
Sources: BlackRock and LSEG Datastream.
Performance figures are calculated on a total return basis in British Pound Sterling terms, with dividends reinvested.
Share prices and NAV at 30 November 2019, rebased to 100.
#
Reference index is the blended comparator index comprised of three
indices – the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold and Silver IM (Mining), the MSCI World Energy Index
(Traditional Energy) and S&P Global Clean Energy Index (Energy Transition) with a 40:30:30 mix of the 3 indices.
%
40:30:30 Reference index
Performance from 1 December 2019 to 30 November 2024
1
The change in net assets reflects portfolio movements, the repurchase of shares and dividends paid during the year.
2
Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary on pages 139 to 143.
3
The Company was launched on 13 December 2005.
4
Further details are given in the Glossary on page
143.
Section 1: Overview and performance
5
Dear
Shareholder
Overview
From
the start of the Company’s financial year on 1 December 2023 and through
the first half of 2024, markets as a whole showed resilience driven initially by
signs of easing inflation and expectations of interest rate cuts in the US and UK.
However, as the year progressed, continued weak economic data from China was
a significant headwind for commodity prices and the mining sector in particular.
In response, our portfolio managers reduced Mining sector exposure (down from
44.5% at the start of the year to 40.2% at 30 November 2024) and increased the
weighting of Energy Transition stocks within the portfolio (up to 29.2% at the year
end from 24.9% at the start of the year) on the back of compelling valuations.
Given the mix of opportunity and risks, the Board remains confident in your
Company’s 3-pronged investment strategy (Mining, Traditional Energy and
Energy Transition). Since implementing this strategy, we have seen each of the
3 sectors move in or out of investors’ favour, and this strategy gives the portfolio
managers the flexibility to manoeuvre the
portfolio around volatile markets, to take
advantage of where they think the best investment opportunities can be found.
Performance
During the year ended 30 November 2024, the Company’s net asset value (NAV)
per share returned 15.3% and the share price returned 14.0% (both percentages
in British Pound Sterling terms with dividends reinvested). This was significantly
ahead of the internal benchmark that the fund manager and the board use to
evaluate performance. Performance has been measured against a blended
comparator index which comprised three indices – the MSCI ACWI Select Metals
& Mining Producers Ex Gold and Silver IM (Mining), the MSCI World Energy Index
(Traditional Energy) and S&P Global Clean Energy Index (Energy Transition) with
a 40:30:30 mix of the 3 indices. Over the period the comparator index showed
a return of 0.5% with the representative indices returning for Mining 0.6%,
Traditional Energy 10.7% and Energy Transition -11.7% (all percentages in British
Pound Sterling terms with dividends reinvested).
Within the Mining portfolio, mergers and acquisitions activity was a driver of
performance, with the acquisition of Filo Corp (by BHP and Lundin Mining), and of
the Canadian steel company, Stelco (by its peer, Cleveland-Cliffs) both contributing
significantly to returns. In the Energy Transition portfolio, the most significant
contributions to performance came from industrial holdings, manufacturing
energy efficiency products and electricity grid infrastructure equipment suppliers
(key to support the growing demand for electricity generation).
Chairman’s statement
Adrian Brown
Chairman
6
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Our portfolio managers provide a detailed description of the main contributors and detractors to performance during the
period, insight into the positioning of the portfolio and their views on the outlook for the forthcoming year in their report on
pages 11 to 20.
The Board is very pleased with the Manager’s performance over all periods shown. The Company’s NAV returned 125.0% over
5 years to 30 November 2024 compared to 81.5% net total return in MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold
and Silver IMI Index and 71.4% net total return in the MSCI World Energy Index (all percentages in British Pound Sterling
terms with dividends reinvested).
Further information on investment performance is given in the Investment Managers’ Report.
Revenue return and dividends
The Company’s revenue earnings per share for the year to 30 November 2024 was 3.63 pence per share, a 17.3% decrease
compared to the prior year revenue earnings per share of 4.39 pence. The decrease was driven by lower dividend payments from
a number of key mining companies, combined with an increased portfolio exposure to Energy Transition companies, which tend
to have a lower yield. The Board’s dividend target for 2024 was to declare quarterly dividends of at least 1.125 pence per share in
the year to 30 November 2024, making a total of at least 4.50 pence per share for the year as a whole. The shortfall of 0.87 pence
between earnings per share and the annual dividend target will be funded out of the Company’s available revenue reserves (c£5
million (4.29 pence per share) at 30 November 2024). This target represents a yield of 3.7% based on the share price of 121.00
pence at 30 November 2024, and 3.8% based on the share price at the close of business on 28 January 2025.
The Board has decided to maintain the annual dividend target of at least 4.50 pence per share for the year to 30 November 2025.
The Company is committed to meet its target dividend next year and to review it annually. The dividend will be met through a
mix of dividend income from the portfolio and revenue reserves, although this may be supported by the distribution of other
distributable reserves if required.
The Company may also continue to write options to generate revenue return, although the portfolio managers’ focus is on
investing the portfolio to generate an optimal level of total return without striving to meet an annual income target and will only
undertake option transactions to the extent that the overall contribution is beneficial to total return.
This dividend target should not be interpreted as a profit forecast.
Cumulative performance as at 30 November 2024
Performance to 30 November 2024
1 Year
change
%
2 Years
change
%
3 Years
change
%
5 Years
change
%
Since
inception
2
%
Net Asset Value (with dividends reinvested)
1
15.3
1.7
47.0
125.0
259.9
Share price (with dividends reinvested)
1
14.0
-3.4
39.9
129.9
218.4
Reference index
3, 4
0.5
-14.9
13.9
N/A
N/A
1
Alternative Performance Measures. Further details of the calculation of performance with dividends reinvested are given in the
Glossary on pages 139 to 143.
2
The Company was launched on 13 December 2005.
3
Reference index is the blended comparator index comprised of three indices – the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers
Ex Gold and Silver IM (Mining), the MSCI World Energy Index (Traditional Energy) and S&P Global Clean Energy Index (Energy
Transition) with a 40:30:30 mix of the 3 indices.
4
Please note though, that the Company’s objectives are to achieve both an annual dividend target and, over the long term, capital
growth (see table above). Consequently, the Board does not formally benchmark performance against mining and energy sector
indices as meeting a specific dividend target is not within the scope of these indices. In addition, the S&P Global Clean Energy Index
following recent changes is the best available proxy.
Source: BlackRock. Data as at 30 November 2024.
Section 1: Overview and performance
7
Gearing
The Company operates a flexible gearing policy which depends on prevailing market conditions. It is not intended that gearing
will exceed 20% of the gross assets of the Company. The maximum gearing used during the period was 14.8%, and the level of
gearing at 30 November 2024 was 13.4%. Average gearing over the year to 30 November 2024 was 9.5%. For calculations, see
the Glossary contained on page 139.
Management of share rating
The Directors recognise the importance to investors that the Company’s share price should not trade at a significant premium
or discount to NAV, and therefore, in normal market conditions, may use share repurchases, sales of shares from treasury and
share issues to ensure that the share price is broadly in line with the underlying NAV.
Discounts across the closed end funds sector remained wide over the period under review, driven by ongoing uncertainty
around interest rates, cost inflation and global economic growth, and heightened by an accelerated stream of retail selling
in the run-up to the UK Budget (and expectations of higher capital gains taxes). Against this challenging backdrop, the
Company’s shares started the year under review trading at a discount of 10.7% and ended the year at 12.1%, which compared
to a closed end fund sector average (excluding 3i) of 15.5% and an average for the AIC Commodities and Natural resources
peer group of 13.1% at 30 November 2024. The Board stepped in to actively manage the discount, buying back 9,833,697
shares in the year under review at a cost of £11,288,000 and at an average discount of 10.8%. This discount management
activity has continued since the year end, and up to 28 January 2025, the Company repurchased 1,708,000 ordinary shares
for a net consideration of £2,046,000 at an average discount of 10.3%. As at 28 January 2025 the Company’s shares were
trading at a discount of 8.3%. The Board’s objectives in exercising the buy back are to seek to minimise share price volatility
and encourage the Company’s share price to trade within as tight a range as possible, taking into account the various factors
described above. However, despite consistent and targeted action in support of the share rating, it was disappointing to see
the discount remain wide during the period. The Board recognises that shareholders experience the share price performance
of the Company and, in conjunction with our Broker and the Manager, keep the share rating under continuous review seeking
to understand and address the drivers of the discount.
There are of course several factors which influence the level of premium/discount at which a Company’s shares trade in the
market, many of which are outside of the Board’s direct scope of control or influence. It is important to view the Company’s
share rating in the wider market context, noting that the Investment Trust sector average discount at 30 November 2024
had widened to 15.5% compared to 12.8% at the end of 2023 and 10.7% at the end of 2022, remaining correlated with Gilt
yields. Buy back activity was significantly elevated across the sector as a whole as boards grappled with selling pressure, with
calendar year 2024 setting a new record for buy backs at £7.6 billion, nearly double the previous calendar year. Buybacks
across the sector hit a monthly-high of £952m in October with a record-breaking 125 funds buying back shares, and this trend
continued into November, with 124 companies buying back shares. Overall, we believe the share buy back activity undertaken
has been beneficial in reducing the volatility of our share rating and delivering NAV accretion. Your Board will continue to
monitor the Company’s share rating and may deploy its powers to support it by issuing or buying back the Company’s shares
where it believes that it is in shareholders’ long-term best interests to do so.
Consumer Duty Value Assessment
The Manager has conducted an annual value assessment on the Company in line with FCA rules set out in the Consumer Duty
regulation. The assessment focuses on the nature of the product, including benefits received and its quality, limitations that
are part of the product, expected total costs to clients and target market considerations. Within this, the assessment considers
quality of services, performance of the Company (against both relevant reference indices and peers), total costs associated
with the product (including management fees and other operating costs), and also considers whether all consumers, including
vulnerable consumers, are able to receive fair value from the product. The Manager has concluded that the Company is
providing value based on the above assessment.
Ongoing charges
The Directors want to ensure that shareholders receive good value with an ongoing process of reviewing operating costs.
To that end, as also announced on 1 December 2024, we agreed a reduced level of cap on the Company’s Ongoing Charges
(as set out and defined in the Glossary on pages 141 to 142 and for avoidance of doubt including the management fee).
Previously, Ongoing Charges had been capped at 1.25% per annum of average daily net assets; with effect from 1 December
2024 this reduced to 1.15% per annum of average daily net assets.
8
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Changes in cost disclosure requirements
Following the FCA’s statement on 19 September 2024 that Investment Trusts were no longer required to comply with the cost
disclosure requirements under the UK PRIIPs Regulation, the Company has amended its KID Document in line with guidance
from the Association of Investment Companies (“AIC”), making it clear in the KID that there were no additional costs paid by
investors to acquire shares, and disclosing that the Company had an OCF of 1.19% (reducing to 1.15% from 1 December
2024). In addition, the Manager has amended the cost data included in the EMT files provided to distributors to reflect the
most up to date OCF for the Company of 1.15% as this is felt to be the most accurate reflect of the costs associated with
operating the Company. The Board considered that this change ensures that the Company is reporting its cost data in line
with the wider industry approach and is on a level playing field with other products in terms of how the product is viewed by
investors when they are assessing cost information to make investment decisions.
Agreement with Saba Capital Management L.P.
On 22 January the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with Saba Capital Management L.P. (‘Saba’)
pursuant to which Saba has given a number of undertakings to the Company, including commitments not to put forward
any proposals to shareholders nor to requisition any resolution or general meeting of the Company nor to seek to control or
influence the Board or the Company or the policies or management of the Company.
More detail can be found in the stock
exchange announcement which is available at the following link
https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/BERI/
agreement-with-saba/16863476
. The agreement covers the period up to the Company’s 2027 AGM (expected to be held in
March 2027). The Board is committed at all times to exercising the best standards of corporate governance, promoting the
success of the Company and putting first the interests of shareholders as a whole, and the agreement in no way restricts the
Board’s or the Company’s independence.
Board composition
The Board supports the increasing focus on independence, tenure and succession planning set out in the updated Financial
Reporting Council’s review of the UK Corporate Governance Code. As previously announced, Anne Marie Cannon joined the
Board on 16 January 2024, and Carol Bell, having served nine years on the board, retired at the Company’s AGM held on 15
March 2024. As at the date of this report the Board consists of four independent non-executive Directors. In accordance with
best practice and good corporate governance, the Directors continue to submit themselves for annual re-election.
Further information on all of the Directors can be found in their biographies contained within the Annual Report and Accounts.
Information on the recruitment and selection process undertaken and details of the Board’s policy on director tenure and
succession planning can be found in the Directors’ Report contained within the Annual Report and Accounts.
Annual general meeting arrangements
The AGM will be held in person at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at the offices of BlackRock at 12 Throgmorton
Avenue, London EC2N 2DL.
The Board very much looks forward to meeting shareholders and we encourage you to attend this year’s AGM. A buffet
lunch and refreshments will be available to all shareholders joining us on the day, and the Board look forward to meeting
shareholders over lunch to discuss your views and to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if shareholders
would like to contact me, please write to BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc, 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London
EC2N 2DL, marked for the attention of the Chairman. Even if you cannot attend, we urge you to vote. For those of you who hold
shares via platforms, information on how to vote can be found here:
https://www.theaic.co.uk/availability-on-platforms
.
Market outlook and portfolio positioning
The Energy Transition remains one of the key megatrends, likely to affect the world economy over the next 2-3 decades, and a
priority for both governments and companies. On one hand, governments in the developed world are facing rising spending
commitments due to ageing populations, higher interest burdens and a focus on defence spending: This may mean that
expenditure on the low-carbon transition is more subdued through the course of 2025 as governments and businesses juggle
priorities. On the other hand, increased focus on energy security and increased power demand from artificial intelligence (AI)
applications, are likely to spur increased demand on electricity grids and the materials and fuels that power them. Against this
backdrop, the flexibility of the Company’s investment mandate with the ability to shift exposure between Mining, Traditional
Energy and Energy Transition sectors, means that it is uniquely positioned to serve investors as these sectors evolve. The
Board considers that all three sectors have an important role to play as the energy system continues its transition to a lower
Section 1: Overview and performance
9
carbon economy; the Mining sector provides the material supply chain for low carbon technologies from steel for wind
turbines to lithium for electric cars; traditional energy is needed to support base load energy to continue to power economies
during the transition; and the path to a lower carbon economy is expected to disrupt many industries and business models
with scope for the Company to invest directly in opportunities in the Energy Transition space. The Board is confident that the
Company offers investors exposures which would be hard to replicate through passive indices and remains well-placed to
benefit from these key investment trends over the long term.
Adrian Brown
31 January 2025
Section 1: Overview and performance
11
Investment
Manager’s
report
Market overview
After a tough year in 2023, it was pleasing that the Company delivered a positive year
in 2024, delivering a NAV total return well ahead of the passive sector indices and
ahead of our blended comparator, and continuing the strong growth delivered over the
last 5 years (NAV total return of 125.0%). This was achieved in a volatile environment
across the three main sectors of focus with a strong dispersion of performance
between commodities as well as within the different industries within the energy
transition space. This kind of environment plays well to our active management style,
investing flexibly across the mining, energy and energy transition.
The US markets continued to dominate global market performance, delivering
more than double the total return of the UK indices. The US market now accounts
for around seventy percent of the MSCI World Index and whilst there are good
reasons for robust US performance to continue, it is worth remembering
that markets go through cycles and phases - for example in the 1980s Japan
represented more than 40% of the MSCI World Index and now only stands at
around 6%.
There was a lot of focus on elections in 2024 with approximately half of the world’s
population and countries going through polls. Whilst the issues that were debated
ranged hugely in each election contest, what was notable was the absence in
references to austerity or balanced budgets. With Governments in the developed
world facing rising spending commitments due to ageing populations, higher
interest burdens and greater defence spending, the risk of renewed inflation
remains and the outlook for returns from real or hard assets like commodities is
potentially exciting.
Tom Holl
Mark Hume
Midstream services and pipeline infrastructure leader Targa Resources was the top
contributor to returns over the year.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TARGA RESOURCES
12
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Despite all of the geo-political turmoil, and the challenging backdrop, energy markets were largely untroubled, with oil prices
trading within a relatively tight range. Although the sentiment towards energy transition may have come down from its very
high levels of the last few years, the transformation is still very much happening but perhaps with a greater focus on economic
rationality. This is reassuring for our preferred areas of investment and supports the approach taken in this Company of being
technology and commodity agnostic – remaining focused on risk-adjusted investment returns rather than committing to
championing one possible technology or solution.
Commodity
30 November
2024
30 November
2023
% change
2024 on 2023
Average Price %
Change
1
Base Metals (US$/tonne)
Aluminium
2,577
2,156
19.5%
5.3%
Copper
8,892
8,388
6.0%
7.4%
Lead
2,048
2,092
-2.1%
-3.7%
Nickel
15,671
16,438
-4.7%
-25.0%
Tin
28,695
22,984
24.8%
15.0%
Zinc
3,109
2,467
26.0%
1.3%
Precious Metals (US$/ounce)
Gold
2,659.5
2,037.8
30.5%
21.6%
Silver
30.1
25.3
19.0%
18.7%
Platinum
940.0
937.0
0.3%
-1.6%
Palladium
983.0
1,025.0
-4.1%
-28.9%
Energy
Oil (West Texas Intermediate) (US$/barrel)
68.3
75.6
-9.7%
-1.4%
Oil (Brent) (US$/barrel)
74.2
81.7
-9.3%
-2.3%
Natural Gas (US$/Metric Million British Thermal Unit)
3.4
2.8
23.3%
-21.6%
Bulk Commodities (US$/tonne)
Iron ore
106.0
132.5
-20.0%
-3.6%
Coking coal
205.0
285.0
-28.1%
-5.4%
Thermal coal
141.5
129.0
9.7%
-30.4%
Equity Indices
MSCI ACWI
2
Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold
and Silver IMI Net Index (US$)
1,300.6
1,287.5
1.0%
n/a
MSCI ACWI
2
Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold
and Silver IMI Net Index (£)
1,666.1
1,656.0
0.6%
n/a
MSCI
3
World Energy Index (US$)
511.3
459.9
11.2%
n/a
MSCI World Energy Index (£)
669.3
604.4
10.7%
n/a
S&P Global Clean Energy Index (US$)
1,132.2
1,276.5
-11.3%
n/a
S&P Global Clean Energy Index (£)
890.8
1,008.3
-11.7%
n/a
Source: LSEG Datastream and Bloomberg.
1
Average Price % Change (Average of 30/11/22-30/11/23 to 30/11/23-30/11/24).
2
Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country Weighted Index.
3
Morgan Stanley Capital International.
Portfolio performance & investment activity
While the Company produced a positive NAV Total Return (with dividends reinvested) over the year, the second half of the
Company’s year started in a challenging way as continued weak economic data from China was a headwind to the commodity
complex and this was eventually reflected in lower share prices across the Mining sector. As the charts below show, we reduced
our exposure to mining companies early in the second half of the year compared to the first half, which cushioned the impact
and we shifted the mix of exposure within the Mining sector, reducing industrial metals exposure, including copper, and
adding to uranium and precious metals in the second half of the year.
Section 1: Overview and performance
13
The biggest change in the portfolio over the course of 2024 though was the increased weight to the Energy Transition sector.
A confluence of factors, including the anticipation of Trump winning the US election and his subsequent victory, caused
some high-quality companies in this sector to become oversold and, in our view, attractively valued for the first time in several
years. Also, the tough stance on China taken by both Parties in the US gave us conviction that the surge in US manufacturing
investment spending was likely to continue and with that backdrop, we found a number of interesting Energy Transition
investments related to greater electricity grid spend and data centre build outs.
120%
1%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
-20%
0
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
>
>
>
>
0
0
0
0
z
2
z
2
z
2
z
2
Min
ing
Conventional Energy
Energy Transit
ion
Gear
i
ng/ net cash
N
N
I
>
0
z
-2
0 0
 
N
N N
N
N N N N N N N N N N
N N N N
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
>
>
>
>
0
0
0
0
z
2
z
2
z
2
z
 
N N N
I
I
I
2
Min
ing
Conventional Energy
Energy Transition
N
I
>
0
z
Absolute exposures (%):
Active exposures relative to neutral sector weight (%):
Source: BlackRock. Data as at 30 November 2024.
The Company’s NAV total return was 15.3% for the year to 30 November 2024, which was a strong outcome compared to the
performance of the three main sectors that the Company invests in as shown in the chart below.
120
85
--
Company
NAV
---
MSCI ACWI Select Metals and Mining Producers ex G old & Sil ver Net TR Index
---
S&P Global Clean Energy Net TR Index
--
Co
mp
any
share
p
rice
---
MSCI World Energy Net TR Index
Nov-23
Dec-23
Jan-24
Feb-24
Mar-24
Apr-24
May-24
Jun-24
Jul-24
Aug-24
Sep-24
Oct-24
Nov-24
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
Company NAV
MSCI ACWI Select Metals and Mining Producers ex Gold & Silver Net TR Index
S&P Global Clean Energy Net TR Index
Company share price
MSCI World Energy Net TR Index
The key driver of the portfolio’s performance was stock selection, notably in the Mining and Energy Transition parts of the
portfolio. On the Mining side, some of that positive stock selection came from two companies that were acquired for very
different reasons, Filo Corp and Stelco. Filo Corp was acquired by BHP and Lundin Mining who wanted to secure exposure to
the world class copper discovery that had been made in the Vicuña district of Argentina. Stelco was a Canadian steel company
that for a number of years traded at a substantial discount to peers despite paying consistently strong and high dividends
– whilst the market might not have recognised the value in the company, their peer Cleveland-Cliffs did recognise this when
they acquired it in an all-cash deal at a substantial premium.
Source: BlackRock.
14
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
On the Energy Transition side, it was our industrial holdings with exciting energy efficiency products that were strong
contributors to returns along with companies such as Schneider Electric that produce the transformers that will be critical in
building out the electricity grid infrastructure required to enable the growing capacity of electrical generation.
Reflecting on some of the investment decisions that were detractors to performance during the year, a couple of items stood
out. The first was a tough year for European utilities, with positions in RWE and EDP Renováveis both seeing meaningful
declines in their share prices. The second challenging area was exposure to battery and battery materials companies. Whilst
we have very limited exposure to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, the modest holdings we had in battery manufacturer
Samsung SDI and lithium producer, Albemarle, both detracted from performance during the year.
Income
This year was a tougher year for income for the Company, primarily driven by lower dividend payments from a number of
key Mining companies and the decisions during the year to increase the exposure to Energy Transition companies, which
are usually lower dividend payers as they are often using a greater proportion of their earnings to reinvest back into growth
projects.
The Traditional Energy companies in the UK, such as Shell, continued to have a more fixed dividend policy, although the
increase they announced this year was more modest than in the previous two years. However, with valuations where they are,
we would expect a greater emphasis on capital allocation to buybacks from Conventional Energy and Mining companies in the
year ahead.
Option income remained at under 20% of total income generated by the Company during the year and at levels comparable to
that in 2023. Also similar to 2023, there was a balance of call and put options written given the lack of overall market direction
in our sectors and our preference to focus on stock specific opportunities. We reduced option writing in the last month or so of
the year going into the US elections given it was a potentially binary event where investment outcomes were harder to predict.
Exposure to the world-class copper discovery in the Vicuña district of Argentina drove the acquisition of
Filo Corp by BHP and Lundin Mining
.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FILO CORP
Section 1: Overview and performance
15
One of the brighter spots in the industrial commodities was aluminium, where the price rose almost 20% over the course of
the year. The demand story for aluminium for many years has been an attractive one – it is widely used in high voltage cables
and thanks to better research and development, has been able to be substituted for more expensive copper in air conditioning
units and even some wiring applications. Its lightweight properties have also driven demand growth from the automobile
industry where it has been substituted for steel. However historically there has been more than adequate supply of aluminium
to meet demand as China grew production in an almost unconstrained manner, placing new refineries and smelters close
to coal fields to benefit from cheap energy. With China’s growing focus on the environment and a desire to keep the energy
onshore (aluminium exports can be seen as energy exports given how energy intensive the production process is), the
authorities have placed a capacity ceiling of 45 million tonnes per year on the industry. This has slowed the production growth
as seen on the chart below and we expect this restraint to continue. In addition to improving margins for producers in China,
the restraint should limit aluminium export growth and tighten the supply-demand balance in the ex
-China market, which
would benefit the aluminium holdings in the portfolio such as Hydro.
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
11000
12000
Nov-21
Jan-22
Mar-22
May-22
Jul-22
Sep-22
Nov-22
Jan-23
Mar-23
May-23
Jul-23
Sep-23
Nov-23
Jan-24
Mar-24
May-24
Jul-24
Sep-24
Nov-24
Tonnes (thousands)
China Steel Exports (monthly)
Source: Bloomberg. Data as at 31 December 2024.
Mining
This year followed a similar pattern to 2023 with the mined commodities experiencing a wide variety of returns with gold on
one hand up over 30% and coking coal on the other down a little less than 30%.
The commodity prices that came under the most pressure were the steel inputs of iron ore and coking coal as weaker Chinese
demand and a lack of supply disruptions, that had been a feature of recent years, caused these markets to be soft. Looking
forward in these markets, the outlook is improving. For iron ore, when the price touched around US$90 per tonne in August
2024, we started to see some higher cost supply curtailed, suggesting that this could be a reasonable longer-term price for
the industry. On the coking coal side, the recent sale of some key producing assets led to a more consolidated industry which
will, hopefully, bring supply discipline and a more robust pricing environment.
Although the future growth in demand for many mined commodities is likely to be driven by energy transition across
developed and developing countries, we cannot forget that the Chinese economy probably still remains the key driver for
the Mining sector. The concerns around the health of China’s economy surged again during the summer with the China
Purchasing Managers’ Index falling below 50% in May and staying below 50% through the summer. Towards the end of the
third quarter there was a series of stimulus announcements from the Chinese authorities that initially caused a remarkable
risk-on rally with the Chinese stock market (Shanghai Composite Index) rising almost 30% during the three weeks from the
middle of September. Despite the policy support and stock market reaction, the real economy has been slower to respond, and
this can be seen in the continued growth of steel exports from China with higher exports implying weaker domestic demand
for steel.
16
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
The mergers and acquisition (M&A) environment continued to remain active for the Mining sector during 2024 with the
headline-grabbing attempt by BHP to acquire Anglo American, which ultimately ended in no deal being consummated.
This was another example of companies recognising the benefits of “buying versus building” as both the capital intensity of
building new assets continue to rise and the rising risk associated with getting assets permitted and built also grinds higher.
We would expect this desire by companies to consolidate the industry to continue into 2025, but it will require boards and
management teams to take a long-term view. At current commodity prices and cost structures, the prices being demanded by
sellers of assets look expensive, so a belief in tighter markets to come and ultimately higher commodity prices is necessary to
justify most potential M&A transactions or greenfield investments.
Energy Transition
Over the past twelve months, the Energy Transition sector has continued to power ahead, with global solar panel installations
expected to increase to 600GW, a rise of 35% on 2024, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. This compares to solar
installations of 252GW in 2022, which was in itself a record year. In recent years, factors impacting on the energy transition
have shifted from a focus on decarbonisation to prioritisation of energy security, reshoring of critical supply chains and we are
now seeing an additional driver in the form of increasing electricity demand expectations.
Nov-2024
Figure 1. Strong growth in solar power installations.
Annual new solar installations, including forecast to 2035
1
Figure 2. US private construction expenditure –
manufacturing
Source: Fig 1. Chart by BlackRock using Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) data, fourth quarter 2024 Global Photovoltaic Market
Outlook, November 2024, using the BNEF mid climate transition scenario. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to
pass.
Source: Fig 2 LSEG Datastream, US Census Bureau, chart by BlackRock Investment Institute, September 2024.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023e
2024e
2025e
China primary ali production (kt)
% growth YoY
45,000
42,500
40,000
37,500
35,000
32,500
30,000
27,500
25,000
15.0%
12.5%
10.0%
7.5%
5.0%
2.5%
0.0%
2.5%
-5.0%
Annual primary aluminium production in China
Source: Deutsche Bank estimates, CRU.
Section 1: Overview and performance
17
The US policy in the form of the US CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has supported a rapid increase in
corporate investment in US manufacturing of key technologies including EV battery production, leading-edge semiconductor
fabrication plants, solar panel and wind turbine manufacturing. Companies supplying the necessary equipment for these
facilities have benefited from increased demand
. For example,
Trane Technologies, (energy efficient commercial heating,
ventilation and air conditioning) and Ingersoll-Rand (energy efficient pumps and compressors) were among the top
contributors to performance.
Large scale investment in the hardware required for generative artificial intelligence (AI) model training and subsequent
querying has created increased demand for a number of related industries. In addition to microchips, AI data centres require
specialist design and power management. Data centre and critical infrastructure design group, Vertiv Holdings and power
management specialists, Schneider Electric, saw strong share price performance over the year. Supplies to electricity
grid connections and power transformers including GE Vernova reported quarterly results consistently ahead of market
expectations with increased orderbooks and performed strongly during the year.
Within Energy Transition, elevated interest rates, overcapacity in the solar and EV supply chains and uncertainty around the
direction of US policy caused market sentiment to remain negative for parts of the renewable power sector, particularly for
non-US companies, given a wide valuation differential between US and European stock markets. At a company level, given
these market moves, wind turbine group, Vestas significantly underperformed during the year and detracted from returns,
with the group experiencing higher costs, which prevented an awaited recovery in profit margins. European renewable utilities
were sensitive to changes in interest rate expectations and underperformed following the US elections with RWE and EDP
Renováveis detracting from returns. EV battery manufacturer Samsung SDI and EV semiconductor group ST Microelectronics
fell during the year with EV demand growth in Europe lower than expected. EV sales globally are expected to rise c.20% in
2025, however this is skewed towards China with weaker automobile sales in Europe masking the continued increase in EV
market share.
Following the US elections, there was a pullback in valuations of renewables companies. In 2016, we saw similar initial
negative share price reaction to renewables, yet the sector went on to outperform over the remaining presidential term and we
see stronger demand drivers for these companies today.
Source: Fig 1. Chart by
BlackRock using Thunder
Said Energy research and data. December 2024. There is no guarante
that any forecasts made will come to pass.
8,000
US Energy Consumption (TWH pa)
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2020
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
2017
2023
2026
2029
2032
2035
2038
2041
2044
2047
2050
Gas-Fired Power
Coal-Fired Power
Oil-Fired Power
Hydro
Other
Solar
Wind
Nuclear
Forecast
US electricity demand has grown by 0.5% per year over the past 20 years (+20 terrawatt-hours (TWH) per annum),
may accelerate to 2.4% per year to 2030 (+100 TWH pa)
Source: BlackRock using Thunder Said Energy research and data. December 2024.
Whilst some policies or parts of the IRA may be changed, such as EV subsidies, lesser support at the federal level for offshore
wind, or lower duration of tax credits for renewables, we do not see the core aim of reshoring of manufacturing to be reversed
and we see opportunity in some of the market moves.
18
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Oil prices traded within a US$70-US$90
/barrel range for most of the year, ending towards the lower band, but a level that
enables the oil & gas industry to generate significant profits. Despite the significant ongoing investment into low-carbon
alternatives, the world has yet to break the link between economic growth and oil demand and the 12 month period set a new
record for oil demand at 102.6 million barrels per day (source: US Energy Information Administration December 2024). In
contrast, North American natural gas markets saw a distinctly looser market throughout most of 2023 and 2024 as supply
growth continued well ahead of the anticipated inflection in US LNG export (thereby driving up demand). Henry Hub prices
spent most of the prior two years in contango with gas production companies having to curtail significant volumes to help
rebalance the market.
Oil prices were driven by several notable factors during the year. On the supply side, large new oil producing projects in Guyana
and Norway, which have been under construction for several years, ramped production in 2024 and US shale oil producers led US
production higher to 13.5 million barrels per day. On the demand side, global consumption has continued to increase. However,
the main source of oil demand growth in recent years has been China, which saw significantly slower-than-expected growth due
to lower levels of construction activity and continued substitution away from diesel and into natural gas within the heavy-duty
truck sector. The International Energy Agency (IEA) revised downwards its estimate of 2024e oil demand growth expectations
from China from 700,000 barrels per day to less than 200,000 barrels per day. With oil demand growth barely sufficient to absorb
the new oil supply, global oil markets were well-supplied throughout the year, leading the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting
Countries to delay adding back previously curtailed production to support oil prices. Despite the marked slowdown in Chinese
growth the agency has been revising its expectations for 2025e demand upwards, notably in Asia ex-China.
China oil demand growth slowing
2024e Global oil demand growth estimates*
Source: Chart by BlackRock using IEA Oil Market Monthly Report.
*Global year on year oil demand growth forecasts for 2024e based on IEA forecasts published March 2024,
June 2024, September 2024, December 2024 and January 2025.
Traditional Energy
Brent Crude Price and Structure
Henry Hub Price and Structure
Source: Bloomberg. **M1:=front-month commodity price, M2:= 2nd month commodity price; M12:= twelve-month commodity price.
When the stacked areas are greater than zero, near-term prices are higher than longer-dated prices which can be an indication of a
tight physical market and the market is said to be in “backwardation”. When the shaded areas are less than zero, the market is said to
be in “contango” which can be an indication of an over-supplied physical market.
-
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
(10)
_
10
20
30
40
50
Dec-21
Jun-22
Dec-22
Jun-23
Dec-23
Jun-24
Dec-24
USD per barrel
USD per barrel
M1-M2**
M2-M12**
Brent [rhs]
(+) Backwardation
(-) Contango
_
2
4
6
8
10
12
(3)
(2)
(1)
_
1
2
3
4
5
6
Dec-21
Jun-22
Dec-22
Jun-23
Dec-23
Jun-24
Dec-24
USD per mmbtu
USD per mmbtu
M1-M2**
M2-M12**
Henry Hub [rhs]
(+) Backwardation
(-) Contango
_
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
Mar-24
Jun-24
Sep-24
Dec-24
Jan-25
YoY Demand Growth kbpd
2024e Global Oil Demand
China
RoW
2025e Global oil demand estimates*
-
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
Mar-24
Jun-24
Sep-24
Dec-24
Jan-25
YoY Demand Growth, kbpd
2025e Global Oil Demand
China
RoW
Section 1: Overview and performance
19
Commodities, including oil, have long been used by investors as a hedge against increased geo-political risk and this was
again evident in 2024. Houthi militant attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea during the first quarter of the year
resulted in disruption to global trade routes. A majority of ships therefore diverted to taking the longer route between East
and West around the Cape of Good Hope, rather than the Suez Canal route. Oil prices rose during this period, and later moved
higher with escalation of events in the Middle East between Iran and Israel in October, on the risk of disruption to energy
infrastructure. As risk of further escalation subsided, the Brent oil price tracked lower towards US$70 into the year end.
Energy holdings delivered a positive return in the period, modestly ahead of the benchmark. Midstream pipeline companies,
including Targa Resources, which was the top contributor to returns over the year, having seen valuations increase. In our view,
selected pipeline companies may benefit from the increased power demand in the US with reshoring of manufacturing trends
and the build out of AI data centres. Increased demand for power in the US from hyperscalers, the large technology cloud
service providers investing in AI data centres, has driven a resurgence in demand for nuclear power and a higher uranium
price, which underpinned a positive contribution from Cameco. On the other hand, oil exploration and production company,
Kosmos saw its shares fall on the range-bound oil price and lower than expected production from its Jubilee asset offshore
Ghana.
Outlook
The economic growth outlook for China remains important for the mining sector with the country accounting for the largest
part of demand for many mined materials including iron ore and copper. The incoming US administration has announced an
intention to add further tariffs on goods imported from China and in order to maintain economic growth, we expect China to
stimulate its domestic economy. In the past, such stimulus measures have included infrastructure and the property sectors,
which may drive increased demand for certain metals. The supply of many metals remains constrained after a period of
relative underinvestment in new production capacity, providing the potential for a supportive pricing outlook for mining
companies.
The energy transition involves shifting from a predominantly oil & gas-based economy to lower carbon sources of energy,
which are more materials intensive. The scale of the renewables industry, which continues to expand rapidly, is at a level that is
already a material source of demand growth for certain metals, including copper and silver and the expected increase in power
demand, from reshoring manufacturing and AI data centres will likely add to this trend. Companies within the mining sector
have much stronger balance sheets today, with relatively low debt, enabling increased pricing to feed through to profits and
shareholder distribution, whilst we find companies trading at attractive valuations.
The build out of low carbon technologies will drive demand for materials:
Global copper demand in the Net Zero Scenario, 2023-2040.
Source: IEA, May 2024.
20
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
The outlook for the oil and gas industry appears uncertain, with a much wider-than-usual range of potential outcomes, both
positive and negative. Our base case is that new oil production meets or exceeds oil demand growth in 2025. However, the
potential for a supply shock is higher-than-normal given elevated geopolitical tensions. In one of its final acts, the previous
US administration introduced tighter oil-related sanctions on Russia, targeting the tankers transporting the country’s crude
production and the insurers backing this so called ‘shadow fleet’. However, it remains unclear what the new US administration’s
policy on Russia will be. Meanwhile, there is also the potential for the Trump administration to retighten the enforcement of
sanctions against Iranian oil supply, which have been relaxed over the past 4 years (see chart below). Ultimately, however, OPEC+
spare capacity at record levels means this could be used to help balance the market and effectively cap upside.
Iranian crude exports:
Ukraine
-
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Jan-17
Jan-19
Jan-21
Jan-23
Iranian Exports, mbpd
Trump
Biden
Source: EIA. Data as at December 2024.
On the demand side, importantly, we are no longer seeing downgrades to estimates around demand from China (the key factor
that held oil back through 2024) and in some instances, we are starting to see upgrades. Company valuations generally remain
inexpensive in our view, offering investment opportunities but this uncertainty increases the need to be selective. Beyond 2025, we
see demand exceeding supply, with fewer sizeable new oil production projects. Looking ahead, we believe that the duration of oil
demand growth remains underappreciated and not reflected in energy company valuations today. Many energy companies are able
to deliver attractive levels of cash flow generation at the expected oil price range of US$60-US$80/barrel and have strong balance
sheets. The energy intensity of global economic growth is expected to increase over the coming years because of electrification,
power demands of artificial intelligence, emerging market economy growth and the reshoring of supply chains, which may be
supportive for natural gas and nuclear assets.
Reform of US planning regulations may further support midstream companies, whilst energy typically offers a hedge against
geo-political risk and inflation.
The outlook for energy transition related companies appears exceptionally strong, however US policy uncertainty may continue
to impact on market sentiment towards renewables in the near term. There is a fundamental and pressing need for increased
electricity generation in the US and Europe and renewables will have to be part of that solution, due to speed to roll out and
low cost, even without considering corporate decarbonisation targets. Whilst we see increased demand for combined cycle
gas turbines (CCGTs) and for nuclear power, supply bottlenecks and time to build will likely drive increased demand for readily
available renewable generation.
The energy transition will not follow a straight line, and we have seen challenges to market sentiment over the past year. This
market caution has led to some companies trading on attractive valuations, in our view. We see several potential catalysts
in Europe and in the US. The headwind of high interest rates is steadily reversing and industry destocking within the EV
supply chain, which has impacted on underlying demand for semiconductors, appears to have largely finished. The new US
administration may drive an acceleration of investment into all forms of energy for national security reasons (energy security, re-
shoring of manufacturing of key technologies, AI data centres), whilst in Europe, tighter vehicle emission regulations may lead to
an increased demand for EVs. It is possible that reform to planning may facilitate project permitting which could be a significant
positive in enabling faster build out of renewable projects.
The Energy Transition is one of the key megatrends which will play out over the next 2-3 decades, although these trends will
not be linear. Your Company’s portfolio, with its mandate flexibly to invest across all 3 sectors and actively to select beneficiary
companies, is well positioned to take advantage of the growth this trend will deliver.
Tom Holl and Mark Hume
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
31 January 2025
Section 2: Portfolio
23
Portfolio
Global mining group Anglo American, whose portfolio includes
bulk commodities, base and precious metals and minerals, was the
Company’s largest holding at year end, and was also the subject of a
failed acquisition attempt by BHP.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGLO AMERCICAN
24
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Distribution of investments
as at 30 November 2024
Asset allocation – Commodity/sub-sectors
Asset allocation – Geography
Global¹ 49.1%
United States 26.2%
Canada 11.2%
United Kingdom 3.1%
Brazil 2.8%
Australia 2.1%
Italy 1.9%
Africa 1.8%
Latin America² 0.7%
Germany
0.6%
Ireland 0.5%
Source: BlackRock.
1
Global relates to companies having businesses and operations in multiple countries and territories.
2
Latin America represents Argentina.
Mining 40.2%
Traditional Energy 30.6%
Energy Transition 29.2%
Energy Efficiency 12.8%
Electrification 8.0%
Renewables 5.6%
Storage 1.9%
Transport 0.9%
Exploration & Production 15.9%
Integrated 6.4%
Distribution 3.5%
Oil Services 3.4%
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.4%
Diversified 19.9%
Copper 5.8%
Gold 3.7%
Aluminium 2.9%
Industrial Minerals 2.3%
Uranium 2.2%
Nickel 1.3%
Steel 1.2%
Metals & Mining 0.9%
Traditional Energy 30.6%
Energy Transition 29.2%
Mining 40.2%
Source: BlackRock.
Section 2: Portfolio
25
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGLO AMERICAN; RIO TINTO; TARGA RESOURCES; PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES, SHELL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED; HYDRO/ØYVIND BREIVIK; VALE; GLENCORE
10
7
4
1
9
6
3
8
5
2
26
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Ten largest
investments
1
Anglo American
(2023: 65th)
Diversified mining group
Market value: £8,687,000
Share of investments: 4.6%
1
(2023: 0.4%)
A global mining group. The group’s mining portfolio includes bulk commodities including iron ore, manganese,
metallurgical coal, base metals including copper and nickel and precious metals and minerals such as platinum and
diamonds. Anglo American has mining operations globally, with significant assets in Africa and South America.
2
Rio Tinto
(2023: 4th)
Diversified mining group
Market value: £8,453,000
Share of investments: 4.5%
(2023: 4.4%)
One of the world’s leading mining companies. The group’s primary product is iron ore, but it also produces aluminium,
copper, diamonds, gold, industrial minerals and energy products.
3
Targa Resources
(2023: n/a)
Traditional energy distribution
Market value: £6,722,000
Share of investments: 3.5%
(2023: n/a)
Targa Resources is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream
infrastructure companies in North America.
4
Shell
(2023: 5th)
Integrated oil group
Market value: £5,533,000
Share of investments: 2.9%
(2023: 3.8%)
Shell is one of the largest integrated energy companies globally with five main operating segments: Integrated Gas,
Upstream, Marketing, Chemicals and Products, and Renewables and Energy Solutions. The company has a high quality,
gas/liquified natural gas (LNG)-weighted portfolio.
5
Vertiv Holdings
(2023: n/a)
Energy efficiency
Market value: £5,474,000
Share of investments: 2.9%
(2023: n/a)
Vertiv Holdings is a multinational provider of critical infrastructure and services for data centres, communication
networks, and commercial and industrial environments.
Together, the Company’s ten largest investments represented 32.5% of the Company’s
portfolio as at 30 November 2024 (2023: 36.3%)
Section 2: Portfolio
27
6
Hydro
(2023: 24th)
Aluminium mining
Market value: £5,457,000
Share of investments: 2.9%
(2023: 1.6%)
Hydro is a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company that has 33,000 employees in more than 140 locations
and 40 countries.
7
Permian Resources
(2023: n/a)
Exploration & Production
Market value: £5,440,000
Share of investments: 2.9%
(2023: n/a)
Permian Resources is a leading independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Texas, USA. The group is the
second largest pure-play exploration and production company in the Permian Basin.
8
Vale
(2023: 3rd)
Diversified mining group
Market value: £5,316,000
Share of investments: 2.8%
2
(2023: 4.6%)
One of the largest mining groups in the world, with operations in 30 countries. Vale is the world’s largest producer
of iron ore and iron ore pellets, and the world’s largest producer of nickel. The group also produces manganese ore,
ferroalloys, metallurgical and thermal coal, copper, platinum group metals, gold, silver, cobalt, potash, phosphates and
other fertiliser nutrients.
9
EOG Resources
(2023: 25th)
Exploration & Production
Market value: £5,265,000
Share of investments: 2.8%
(2023: 1.6%)
EOG Resources is one of the largest crude oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the USA with
proven reserves in the USA and Trinidad.
10
Glencore
(2023: 1st)
Diversified mining group
Market value: £5,110,000
Share of investments: 2.7%
(2023: 4.8%)
One of the world’s largest globally diversified natural resources groups. The group’s operations include approximately
150 mining and metallurgical sites and oil production assets. Glencore’s mined commodity exposure includes copper,
cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, ferroalloys, aluminium, iron ore,
gold and silver.
1
(0.0)% relates to an equity option in Anglo American.
2
1.0% relates to interest in Vale shareholder debentures.
All percentages reflect the value of the holding as a percentage of total investments.
Arrows indicate the change in relative ranking of the position in the portfolio compared to its ranking as at 30 November 2023.
Percentages in brackets represent the value of the holding as at 30 November 2023.
28
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Investments
as at 30 November 2024
Main
geographic
exposure
Market
value
£’000
% of
investments
Mining
Diversified
Anglo American
Global
8,738
}
4.6
Anglo American Put Option 20/12/24
Global
(51)
Rio Tinto
Global
8,453
4.5
Vale
Brazil
3,410
}
2.8
Vale Debentures*
Brazil
1,906
Glencore
Global
5,110
2.7
Teck Resources
Global
4,265
2.2
BHP
Global
3,470
1.8
Abaxx Technologies
Global
2,387
1.3
37,688
19.9
Copper
First Quantum Minerals 6.875% 15/10/27
Global
1,646
}
1.5
First Quantum Minerals
Global
1,284
Freeport-McMoRan
United States
2,277
1.2
Foran Mining
Canada
1,732
0.9
Metals Acquisition
Australia
1,444
0.8
Ngex Minerals
Latin America
1,389
0.7
Ivanhoe Electric
United States
1,026
0.5
Develop Global
Australia
348
0.2
11,146
5.8
Gold
Barrick Gold
Global
2,050
1.1
Allied Gold Corporation 8.75% 07/09/2028
Africa
1,614
0.9
Wheaton Precious Metals
Global
1,581
0.8
Kinross Gold
Global
1,207
0.6
Newmont
Global
577
0.3
7,029
3.7
Aluminium
Hydro
Global
5,457
2.9
5,457
2.9
Industrial Minerals
Albemarle
Global
1,637
0.9
Lynas Corporation
Australia
933
0.5
CF Industries
United States
924
0.5
Nutrien
United States
788
0.4
4,282
2.3
Uranium
Cameco
Canada
4,210
2.2
4,210
2.2
Nickel
Lifezone Metals
Global
1,257
0.7
Nickel Mines
Australia
1,051
0.6
2,308
1.3
Section 2: Portfolio
29
Main
geographic
exposure
Market
value
£’000
% of
investments
Steel
ArcelorMittal
Global
2,203
1.2
Steel Dynamics
United States
7
2,210
1.2
Metals & Mining
Ivanhoe Mines
Africa
1,777
0.9
1,777
0.9
Total Mining
76,107
40.2
Traditional Energy
Exploration & Production
Permian Resources
United States
5,440
2.9
EOG Resources
United States
5,265
2.8
ConocoPhillips
Global
4,789
2.5
Arc Resources
Canada
3,601
1.9
Tourmaline Oil
Canada
3,584
1.9
Canadian Natural Resources
Canada
3,452
1.8
Diamondback Energy
United States
1,991
1.0
Hess
Global
1,533
0.8
Kosmos Energy
United States
637
0.3
30,292
15.9
Integrated
Shell
Global
5,533
2.9
ExxonMobil
Global
4,788
2.5
Eni
Global
1,883
1.0
Gazprom**
Russian Federation
12,204
6.4
Distribution
Targa Resources
United States
6,722
3.5
6,722
3.5
Oil Services
Gaztransport & Technigaz
Global
2,756
1.5
TechnipFMC
Global
1,812
1.0
Saipem
Global
1,686
0.9
6,254
3.4
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels
Pembina Pipeline
Canada
2,703
1.4
2,703
1.4
Total Traditional Energy
58,175
30.6
30
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Main
geographic
exposure
Market
value
£’000
% of
investments
Energy Transition
Energy Efficiency
Vertiv Holdings
Global
5,474
2.9
Schneider Electric
Global
4,321
2.3
Ingersoll-Rand
United States
4,052
2.1
Trane Technologies
United States
3,779
2.0
Analog Devices
Global
3,186
1.7
Regal Rexnord
United States
1,950
1.0
Kingspan Group
Ireland
857
0.5
Nidec Corp
Global
597
0.3
24,216
12.8
Electrification
National Grid
United Kingdom
4,244
2.2
Vistra
United States
2,635
1.4
Talen Energy
United States
2,264
1.2
Constellation Energy
United States
2,210
1.2
NextEra Energy
United States
1,901
1.0
Sempra
United States
1,863
1.0
EDP Renováveis
Global
31
15,148
8.0
Renewables
GE Vernova
United States
4,204
2.2
Innergex Renewable Energy
Canada
2,025
1.1
SSE
United Kingdom
1,679
0.9
First Solar
Global
1,573
0.8
Siemens Energy
Global
1,214
0.6
10,695
5.6
Storage
Prysmian Spa
Italy
3,618
1.9
3,618
1.9
Transport
Infineon Technologies
Germany
1,089
0.6
Samsung SDI
Global
653
0.3
1,742
0.9
Total Energy Transition
55,419
29.2
Total Portfolio
189,701
100.0
Comprising:
Equity and debt investments
189,752
100.0
Derivative financial instruments – written options
(51)
189,701
100.0
*
The investment in the Vale debenture is illiquid and has been valued using secondary market pricing information provided by the
Brazilian Financial and Capital Markets Association (ANBIMA).
**
The investment in Gazprom has been valued at a nominal value of RUB0.01 as secondary listings of the depositary receipts on
Russian companies have been suspended from trading.
All investments are ordinary shares unless otherwise stated. The total number of holdings (including options) at 30 November
2024 was 74 (2023: 78).
Investments
continued
Section 2: Portfolio
31
There was one open option and no open futures as at 30 November 2024 (2023: one option and one future).
The equity and fixed income investment total of £189,752,000 (2023: £175,540,000) above before the deduction of the negative
option valuation of £51,000 (2023: negative option valuation of £110,000 and negative futures contract valuation of £780,000)
represents the Group’s total investments held at fair value as reflected in the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of
Financial Position on page 96
. The table above excludes cash and gearing; the level of the Group’s gearing may be determined
with reference to the bank overdraft of £25,944,000 (2023: £17,862,000) and cash and cash equivalents of £3,714,000 (2023:
£5,276,000) that are also disclosed in the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position. Details of the AIC
methodology for calculating gearing are given in the Glossary on page
139.
As at 30 November 2024, the Company did not hold any equity interests comprising more than 3% of any company’s share
capital.
Governance
State constraints on Chinese aluminium exports should benefit aluminium and
renewable energy company Hydro. Headquartered in Norway, Hydro employs
33,000 people in 40 countries.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HYDRO/ HANS FREDRIK ASBJØRNSEN
Section 3: Governance
33
Governance structure
Responsibility for good governance lies with the Board. The governance
framework of the Company reflects that as an investment company the
Company has no employees, the Directors are all non-executive and the
investment management and administration functions are outsourced
to the Manager and other external service providers.
The Board
6 scheduled meetings per annum
Four non-executive Directors (NEDs), all independent of the Investment
Manager.
Chairman
: Adrian Brown (since March 2022)
Senior Independent Director (SID):
Anne Marie Cannon (since March 2024)
Objectives:
To determine and review the investment policy, guidelines, strategy and
parameters;
To provide leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls
which enable risk to be assessed and managed and the Company’s assets to be
safeguarded;
To challenge constructively and scrutinise performance of all outsourced
activities; and
• To set the Company’s remuneration policy.
Audit and Management
Engagement Committee
3 scheduled meetings per annum
Membership:
All independent NEDs excluding the Chairman of the Board
1
Chairman:
Andrew Robson (since March 2021)
Key objectives:
• To oversee financial reporting and the control environment;
To review the performance of the Manager and Investment Manager; and
• To review the performance of other service providers.
Nomination Committee
1 scheduled meeting per annum
Membership:
All independent NEDs
Chairman:
Adrian Brown (since March 2022)
Key objectives:
• To review regularly the Board’s structure and composition;
• To be responsible for Board succession planning; and
To make recommendations to the Board for any new appointments.
1
The Chairman of the Board is not a member of the Audit and Management Engagement Committee but may attend the Committee
meetings by invitation.
34
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Section 3: Governance
35
Directors’ biographies
Adrian Brown
Chairman
(with effect from 15 March 2022)
Appointed 10 December 2019
is a senior advisor for Apex Group,
where he provides investment advice
to institutional pension fund clients.
He is also a Trustee/Director of Boots
Pensions Ltd, and a Trustee of the
Archbishop Tenison School Foundation
and of Malawi Association for Christian
Support. He has a wealth of experience
in the financial and commerce sectors,
starting his career as an Investment
Analyst at Morgan Grenfell & Co.
Following an MBA at INSEAD, he joined
Boots plc, holding a range of senior
operating and strategic finance roles
before returning to work in the financial
services sector in 2006 as a Senior
Portfolio Manager at AllianceBernstein
LP and subsequently at JPMorgan
Asset Management, where he was
a Managing Director in the Global/
International Equity Group from 2011
until his retirement in 2018. Mr Brown
holds a degree in Natural Sciences
(Geology) from St John’s College,
Cambridge.
Attendance record:
Board: 6/6
Audit and Management Engagement
Committee
1
: n/a
Nomination Committee: 1/1
1
The Chairman of the Board is not a
member of the Audit and Management
Engagement Committee but may
attend the Committee meetings by
invitation.
Andrew Robson
Audit and Management Engagement
Committee Chairman
Appointed 8 December 2020
is a qualified chartered accountant
with over 15 years of corporate finance
experience, gained at Robert Fleming
& Co Limited and SG Hambros. He has
considerable experience as a finance
director and as chairman of audit
committees, including for a number of
investment companies. He is currently
a non-executive director of abrdn
New India Investment Trust plc and
with effect from 6 February 2024 a
non-executive director of JP Morgan
European Growth & Income plc. He
was also a non-executive director of
AVI Global Trust plc (formerly British
Empire Trust plc) until 2017 and Shires
Income plc until July 2020, JPMorgan
Smaller Companies Investment Trust
plc until November 2020 and Baillie
Gifford China Growth Trust plc until
16 June 2023. Mr Robson has a
degree in History from Trinity College,
Cambridge.
Attendance record:
Board: 6/6
Audit and Management Engagement
Committee: 3/3
Nomination Committee: 1/1
36
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company. The terms of their appointment are detailed in a letter sent to
them when they join the Board. These letters are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company and will be
available at the Annual General Meeting.
Carole Ferguson
Appointed 22 December 2021
is CEO of Carbon Transition Analytics
and a Non-Executive Director of
Henderson Far East Income Limited.
She was also on the advisory board
of WHEB Asset Management, an
impact investor focused on the
opportunities created by the transition
to a low carbon and sustainable global
economy, and was also formerly a
Managing Director of Industry Tracker,
a climate research house. Mrs Ferguson
has extensive experience in the
financial services sector in research,
finance and sustainability. She began
her career in fund management with
BZW Investment Management, moving
to work in equity derivatives with Swiss
Bank Corporation, JP Morgan Securities
and later with Jardine Fleming (Hong
Kong) and Robert Fleming (London).
Subsequently she was a senior member
of the UK fund management team at SG
Asset Management before moving to
work as a mining analyst at SP Angel for
four years. In 2017 she became Head
of Investor Research at CDP, the charity
that runs the global disclosure system
for investors, companies, and others to
manage their environmental impact.
Attendance record:
Board: 6/6
Audit and Management Engagement
Committee: 3/3
Nomination Committee: 1/1
Directors’ biographies
continued
Anne Marie Cannon
Senior Independent Director
(with effect from 15 March 2024)
Appointed 16 January 2024
has over 40 years experience in the
energy industry and investment
banking and is an experienced director
holding executive and non-executive
roles.
She is currently Deputy Chair
at Aker BP ASA and was formerly a
Non-Executive Director of Harbour
Energy plc, STV Group plc, Aker ASA
and Aker Energy AS. In addition, she
is a Senior Advisor in the Strategic
Advisory business at PJT Partners. Mrs
Cannon was previously a Senior Advisor
at Morgan Stanley and a Director at
Schroder Wagg and was an Executive
Director on the boards of Hardy Oil &
Gas plc and British Borneo plc. She
has also held financial and commercial
roles at Shell UK and Thomson North
Sea. Mrs Cannon is a Fellow of the
Energy Institute.
Attendance record:
Board: 6/6
Audit and Management Engagement
Committee: 3/3
Nomination Committee: 1/1
Section 3: Governance
37
Strategic report
The Directors present the Strategic Report of the Company for the year ended 30 November 2024. The aim of the Strategic
Report is to provide shareholders with the information required to enable them to assess how the Directors have performed in
their duty to promote the success of the Company for the collective benefit of shareholders.
The Chairman’s Statement together with the Investment Manager’s Report and the Section 172 Statement set out how the
Directors promote the success of the Company on pages
46 to 49
form part of the Strategic Report. The Strategic Report was
approved by the Board at its meeting on 31 January 2025.
Business and management of the Company
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc (the Company) is an investment trust company that has a premium listing
on the London Stock Exchange. Its principal activity is portfolio investment and option writing. The Company’s wholly owned
subsidiary is BlackRock Energy and Resources Securities Income Company Limited (together ‘the Group’). Its principal activity
is investment dealing.
Investment trusts, like unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs), are pooled investment vehicles which allow
exposure to a diversified range of assets through a single investment thus spreading, although not eliminating, investment
risk. In accordance with the Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive (AIFMD) the Company is an Alternative
Investment Fund (AIF). BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (the Manager) is the Company’s Alternative Investment Fund
Manager (AIFM). The management of the investment portfolio and the administration of the Company have been contractually
delegated to the Manager. The Manager, operating under guidelines determined by the Board, has direct responsibility for
decisions relating to the running of the Company and is accountable to the Board for the investment, financial and operating
performance of the Company.
The Company delegates fund accounting services to the Manager, which in turn subdelegates these services to the Fund
Accountant, The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited. The Company sub-delegates registration services to the
Registrar, Computershare Investor Services PLC. Other service providers include the Depositary, also performed by The Bank
of New York Mellon (International) Limited. Details of the contractual terms with these service providers are set out in the
Directors’ Report on page 55.
Business model
The Company invests in accordance with the investment objective. The Board is collectively responsible to shareholders for
the long-term success of the Company. There is a clear division of responsibility between the Board and the Manager. Matters
reserved for the Board include setting the Company’s strategy, including its investment objective and policy, setting limits
on gearing, capital structure, governance, and appointing and monitoring of the performance of service providers, including
the Manager. As the Company’s business model follows that of an externally managed investment trust, it does not have any
employees and outsources its activities to third party service providers including the Manager who is the principal service
provider.
Investment objective
The Company’s objectives are to achieve an annual dividend target and, over the long term, capital growth by investing
primarily in securities of companies operating in the mining and energy sectors.
Investment policy and strategy
The Company seeks to achieve its objectives through a focused portfolio, consisting of approximately 30 to 150 securities.
Although the Company has the flexibility to invest within this range, at 30 November 2024 the portfolio consisted of 74
investments (including one open option contract), and the detailed portfolio listing is provided on pages
28 to 30.
There are no restrictions on investment in terms of geography or sub-sector and, in addition to equities, other types of
securities, such as convertible bonds and debt issued primarily by mining or energy companies, may be acquired. Although
most securities will be quoted, listed or traded on an investment exchange, up to 10% of the gross assets of the Group, at
the time of investment, may be invested in unquoted securities. Investment in securities may be either direct or through
other funds, including other funds managed by BlackRock or its associates, with up to 15% of the portfolio being invested
in other listed investment companies, including listed investment trusts. In order to comply with the current Listing Rules,
the Company will not invest more than 10% of its gross asset value in other listed closed-ended investment funds which
themselves may invest more than 15% of their gross assets in other listed closed-ended investment funds. This restriction
38
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
does not form part of the Company’s investment policy. Up to 10% of the gross assets of the Group, at the time of investment,
may be invested in physical assets, such as gold and in securities of companies that operate in the commodities sector other
than the mining and energy sectors.
No more than 15% of the gross assets of the Group will be invested in any one company as at the date any such investment
is made and the portfolio will not own more than 15% of the issued shares of any one company, other than the Company’s
subsidiary. The Group may deal in derivatives, including options and futures, up to a maximum of 30% of the Group’s assets
for the purposes of efficient portfolio management and to enhance portfolio returns. In addition, the Group is also permitted to
enter into stock lending arrangements up to a maximum of 33.3% of the total asset value of the portfolio.
The Group may, from time to time, use borrowings to gear its investment policy or in order to fund the market purchase of its
own ordinary shares. This gearing typically is in the form of an overdraft or short-term facility, which can be repaid at any time.
Under the Company’s Articles of Association, the Board is obliged to restrict the borrowings of the Company to an aggregate
amount equal to 40% of the value of the gross assets of the Group. However, borrowings are not anticipated to exceed 20% of
gross assets at the time of drawdown of the relevant borrowings.
The Group’s financial statements are maintained in British Pound Sterling. Although many investments are denominated
and quoted in currencies other than British Pound Sterling, the Company does not intend to employ a hedging policy against
fluctuations in exchange rates but may do so in the future if circumstances warrant implementing such a policy.
No material change will be made to the investment policy without shareholder approval.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact
The Board’s ESG approach is set out on page 51. The direct impact of the Company’s activities is minimal as it has no
employees, premises, physical assets or operations either as a producer or a provider of goods or services. Neither does it
have customers. Its indirect impact occurs through the investments that it makes, and this is managed through BlackRock’s
approach to ESG integration.
Performance
Details of the Company’s performance for the year are given in the Chairman’s Statement on pages
5 and 6
. The Investment
Manager’s Report on pages
11 to 20 includes a review of the main developments during the year, together with information on
investment activity within the Company’s portfolio.
Results and dividends
The Company’s revenue earnings for the year amounted to 3.63p per share (2023: 4.39p). Details of dividends paid and declared
in respect of the year, together with the Company’s dividend policy, are set out on page
6
of the Chairman’s Statement.
Future prospects
The Board’s main focus is the achievement of an annual dividend target and, over the long term, capital growth. The future of
the Company is dependent upon the success of the investment strategy. The outlook for the Company is discussed in both the
Chairman’s Statement on pages 8 and 9
and in the Investment Manager’s Report on pages
11 to 20.
Employees, social, community and human rights issues
The Company has no employees, and all the Directors are non-executive, therefore, there are no disclosures to be made in respect
of employees. The Company believes that it is in shareholders’ interests to consider environmental, social and governance factors
and human rights issues when selecting and retaining investments. Details of the Company’s policy on socially responsible
investment are set out on pages 73 and 74.
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
39
Modern slavery act
As an investment vehicle the Company does not provide goods or services in the normal course of business and does not have
customers. Accordingly, the Directors consider that the Company is not required to make any slavery or human trafficking
statement under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The Board considers the Company’s supply chain, dealing predominantly with
professional advisers and service providers in the financial services industry, to be low risk in relation to this matter.
Directors and gender representation
The Directors of the Company are set out in the Governance structure and Directors’ biographies on pages
35 and 36
. All the
Directors held office throughout the year with the exception of Mrs Anne Marie Cannon (who was appointed to the Board on
16 January 2024). The Board consists of two male Directors and two female Directors.
Key performance indicators
A number of performance indicators (KPIs) are used to monitor and assess the Company’s success in achieving its objectives
and to measure its progress and performance. The principal KPIs are described below:
Performance
At each meeting the Board reviews the performance of the portfolio as well as the net asset value and share price for the
Company and compares this to the performance of other companies in the peer group. The Company does not have a
benchmark; however, the Board also reviews performance in the context of the blended performance of the MSCI ACWI Metals
and Mining Index, MSCI World Energy Index and the S&P Global Clean Energy Index and a 40:30:30 composite of the three
indices. The Board also monitors performance relative to a peer group of commodities and natural resources focused funds
and also regularly reviews the Company’s performance attribution analysis to understand how performance was achieved.
This provides an understanding of how components such as sector exposure, stock selection and asset allocation impacted
performance. Information on the Company’s performance is given in the performance record on page 4 and the Chairman’s
Statement and Investment Manager’s Report on pages 8 and
9 and pages 11 to 20 respectively.
Share rating
The Board monitors the level of the Company’s premium or discount to NAV on an ongoing basis and considers strategies for
managing any premium or discount. In the year to 30 November 2024, the Company’s share price to NAV traded in the range
of a discount of 8.0% and 14.2% on a cum income basis. The average discount for the year was 10.8%. 9,833,697 shares were
repurchased into treasury during the year at a total cost of £11,288,000 and an average discount of 10.8%. Details of shares
issued or repurchased since the year end date are given in note 15 on page 109.
Further details setting out how the discount or premium at which the Company’s shares trade is calculated are included in the
Glossary on page 139.
Ongoing charges
The ongoing charges represent the Company’s management fee and all other recurring operating expenses, excluding finance
costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation, prior year expenses written back and
certain non-recurring items, expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets. The ongoing charges are based on actual
costs incurred in the year as being the best estimate of future costs. The Company’s Manager has also agreed to reduce the
existing cap on ongoing charges from 1.25% to 1.15% with effect from 1 December 2024. To the extent that the Company’s
ongoing charges exceed 1.15% of average net assets, the Manager will rebate a portion of the management fee to ensure
they remain below 1.15%. The Board reviews the ongoing charges and monitors the expenses incurred by the Company on
an ongoing basis. A definition setting out in detail how the ongoing charges ratio is calculated is included in the Glossary
on page 142. The Company’s ongoing charges amounted to 1.20% for the year ended 30 November 2024 (there was no
management fee rebate due for the year).
Dividend target and income generation
The level of income is considered at each meeting and the Board receives detailed income forecasts. The Board also monitors the
risks and returns from option writing, and regularly reviews the Company’s levels of distributable reserves.
40
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
The table below sets out the key KPIs for the Company. These KPIs fall within the definition of ‘Alternative Performance
Measures’ (APMs) under guidance issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and additional
information explaining how these are calculated is set out in the Glossary on pages 139 to 143.
Key Performance Indicators
Year ended
30 November
2024
Year ended
30 November
2023
Net asset value total return
1,2
15.3%
-11.8%
Share price total return
1,2
14.0%
-15.2%
Discount at year end
2,3
12.1%
10.7%
Revenue return per share
3.63p
4.39p
Dividends per share
4.500p
4.425p
Ongoing charges
2, 4
1.20%
1.19%
1
This measures the Company’s NAV and share price total returns, which assumes dividends paid by the Company have been
reinvested.
2
Alternative Performance Measures, see Glossary on pages
139 to 143.
3
This is the difference between the share price and the cum-income NAV per share.
4
Ongoing charges represent the management fee and all other recurring operating expenses excluding finance costs, direct
transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation, prior year expenses written back and certain non-recurring
items, expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets. The cap on ongoing charges reduced from 1.25% to 1.15% with effect
from 1 December 2024.
Principal risks
The Company is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The Board has in place a robust process to identify, assess
and monitor the principal risks of the Company. A core element of this process is the Company’s risk register which identifies
the risks facing the Company and assesses the likelihood and potential impact of each risk and the controls established for
mitigation. A residual risk rating is then calculated for each risk.
The risk register is regularly reviewed, and the risks reassessed. The risk environment in which the Company operates is also
monitored and regularly appraised. New risks are also added to the register as they are identified which ensures that the
document continues to be an effective risk management tool.
The risk register, its method of preparation and the operation of key controls in the Manager’s and third-party service
providers’ systems of internal control are reviewed on a regular basis by the Audit and Management Engagement Committee.
In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Manager’s and other third-party service providers’ risk
management processes, and how these apply to the Company’s business, BlackRock’s internal audit department provides
an annual presentation to the Audit and Management Engagement Committee Chairman setting out the results of testing
performed in relation to BlackRock’s internal control processes. The Audit and Management Engagement Committee also
periodically receives presentations from BlackRock’s Risk & Quantitative Analysis teams, and reviews Service Organisation
Control (SOC 1) reports from BlackRock and other key service providers. The Custodian is appointed by the Company’s
Depositary and does not have a direct contractual relationship with the Company.
The Board has undertaken a robust assessment of both the principal and emerging risks facing the Company, including those
that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. The risk that unforeseen or unprecedented
events including (but not limited to) heightened geo-political tensions such as the war in Ukraine, high inflation and the current
cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on global markets. The Board has taken into consideration the risks posed to the
Company by these events and incorporated them into the Company’s risk register. Emerging risks are considered by the Board as
they come into view and are incorporated into the existing review of the Company’s risk register.
Additionally, the Manager considers emerging risks in numerous forums and the Risk and Quantitative Analysis team produces
an annual risk survey. Any material risks of relevance to the Company identified through the annual risk survey will be
communicated to the Board.
Emerging risks that have been considered by the Board over the year include the impact of climate change, escalating
geo-political conflict and technological advances.
The key emerging risks identified are as follows:
Climate change: Investors can no longer ignore the impact that the world’s changing climate will have on their portfolios, with
the impact of climate change on returns, including climate-related natural disasters, now potentially significant and with the
potential to escalate more swiftly than one is able to predict. The Board receives ESG reports from the Manager on the portfolio
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
41
and the way ESG considerations are integrated into the investment decision-making, so as to mitigate risk at the level of stock
selection and portfolio construction.
Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’): Advances in computing power means that AI has become a powerful tool that will impact a huge
range of areas and with a wide range of applications that have the potential to dislocate established business models and
disrupt labour markets, creating uncertainty in corporate valuations. The significant energy required to power this technological
revolution will create further pressure on environmental resources and carbon emissions.
Geo-political risk: Escalating geo-political tensions (including, but not limited to tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war
in Ukraine, or deteriorating relations between China and the US/other countries) have a significant negative impact on global
markets, with an increasing use of tariffs and domestic regulations making global trade more complex and driving economic
fragmentation.
The Board will continue to assess these risks on an ongoing basis. In relation to the UK Code, the Board is confident that the
procedures that the Company has put in place are sufficient to ensure that the necessary monitoring of risks and controls has
been carried out throughout the reporting period.
The principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Company during the financial year, together with the potential effects,
controls and mitigating factors are set out in the following table.
Investment performance
Principal risk
The returns achieved are reliant primarily upon the performance of the portfolio.
The Board is responsible for:
setting the investment strategy to fulfil the Company’s objective; and
monitoring the performance of the Investment Manager and the implementation of the investment strategy.
An inappropriate investment strategy may lead to:
poor performance;
widening discount;
a reduction or permanent loss of capital; and
dissatisfied shareholders and reputational damage.
The Board is also cognisant of the long-term risk to performance from inadequate attention to ESG issues, and in particular
the impact of climate change. More detail in respect of these risks can be found in the AIFMD Fund Disclosures document
available on the Company’s website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/individual/literature/policies/itc-disclosure-blackrock-energy-
and-resources-income-trust-plc.pdf
.
Mitigation/Control
To manage this risk the Board:
regularly reviews the Company’s investment mandate and long-term strategy;
where necessary, the Board seeks shareholder approval to both
repurchase and issue shares to help control the level
of discount/premium at which the shares trade. The Board also keep under review other mechanisms for reducing the
discount, including the option of offering occasional cash exits at close to NAV;
has set investment restrictions and guidelines which the Investment Manager monitors and regularly reports on;
receives from the Investment Manager a regular explanation of stock selection decisions, portfolio exposure, gearing and
any changes in gearing and the rationale for the composition of the investment portfolio; and
monitors the maintenance of an adequate spread of investments in order to minimise the risks associated with factors
specific to particular sectors, based on the diversification requirements inherent in the investment policy.
ESG analysis is integrated in the Manager’s investment process, as set out on pages
51 and 52. This is monitored by the Board.
42
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Income/dividend
Principal risk
The ability to pay dividends, and future dividend growth, is dependent on a number of factors including the level of dividends
earned from the portfolio and income generated from the option writing strategy. Income returns from the portfolio are
dependent, among other things, upon the Company successfully pursuing its investment policy.
Any change in the tax treatment of dividends or interest received by the Company including as a result of withholding taxes
or exchange controls imposed by jurisdictions in which the Company invests may reduce the level of dividends received by
shareholders.
Mitigation/Control
The Board monitors this risk through the receipt of detailed income forecasts and considers the level of income at each
meeting.
The Company has the ability to make dividend distributions out of special reserves and capital reserves as well as revenue
reserves to support any dividend target. These reserves totalled £96.0 million at 30 November 2024.
In setting the dividend target each year, the Board is mindful of the balance of shareholder returns between income and
capital.
Gearing
Principal risk
The Company’s investment strategy may involve the use of gearing, including borrowings.
Gearing may be generated through borrowing money or increasing levels of market exposure through the use of derivatives.
The Company currently has an overdraft facility with The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited. The use of gearing
exposes the Company to the risk associated with borrowing.
Gearing provides an opportunity for greater returns where the return on the Company’s underlying assets exceeds the cost
of borrowing. It is likely to have the opposite effect where the return on the underlying assets is below the cost of borrowings.
Consequently, the use of borrowings by the Company may increase the volatility of the NAV.
Mitigation/Control
The Company’s Articles of Association limit borrowings to an aggregate amount equal to 40% of the value of the gross assets
of the Company. However, to further manage this risk the Board does not anticipate borrowings will exceed 20% of gross
assets at the time of drawdown.
The use of derivatives, including options and futures has been limited to a maximum of 30% of the Group’s assets.
The Investment Manager will only use gearing when confident that market conditions and opportunities exist to enhance
investment returns.
The Investment Manager reports to the Board on a regular basis the levels of gearing in place as compared to limits set by the
Board under the investment policy and by the Manager as Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) under the Alternative
Investment Fund Managers’ Directive, as retained and onshored in the UK (AIFMD).
The Board monitors gearing levels and will raise any queries or concerns in respect of changes in the gearing level with the
Investment Manager.
Legal and regulatory compliance
Principal risk
The Company has been approved by HM Revenue & Customs as an investment trust, subject to continuing to meet the
relevant eligibility conditions and operates as an investment trust in accordance with Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation
Tax Act 2010. As such, the Company is exempt from capital gains tax on the profits realised from the sale of its investments.
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
43
Any breach of the relevant eligibility conditions could lead to the Company losing investment trust status and being subject to
corporation tax on capital gains realised within the Company’s portfolio.
Any serious breach could result in the Company and/or the Directors being fined or the subject of criminal proceedings or the
suspension of the Company’s shares which would in turn lead to a breach of the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
Amongst other relevant laws and regulations, the Company is required to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act
2006, the Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive, the Market Abuse Regulation, the UK Listing Rules, international
sanctions and the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
Mitigation/Control
The Investment Manager monitors investment movements, the level and type of forecast income and expenditure and the
amount of proposed dividends to ensure that the provisions of Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 are not
breached. The results are reported to the Board at each meeting.
Compliance with the accounting rules affecting investment trusts are also carefully and regularly monitored.
The Company Secretary, Manager and the Company’s professional advisers provide regular reports to the Board in respect of
compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. The Board and the Manager also monitor changes in government policy
and legislation which may have an impact on the Company.
The Company’s Investment Manager, BlackRock, at all times complies with the sanctions administered by the UK Office
of Financial Sanctions
Implementation, the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the United Nations,
European Union member states and any other applicable regimes.
The Market Abuse Regulation came into force on 3 July 2016. The Board has taken steps to ensure that individual Directors
(and their Persons Closely Associated) are aware of their obligations under the regulation and has updated internal processes,
where necessary, to ensure the risk of non-compliance is effectively mitigated.
Operational
Principal risk
The Company relies on the services provided by third parties.
Accordingly, it is dependent on the control systems of the Manager and The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited
(who act as both Depositary, Custodian and Fund Accountant and who maintain the Company’s assets, settlement and
accounting records). The Company’s share register is maintained by the Registrar, Computershare Investor Services PLC. The
security of the Company’s assets, dealing procedures, accounting records and adherence to regulatory and legal requirements
depend on the effective operation of the systems of the third-party service providers.
Failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations to the Company could have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s performance. Disruption through a Global IT outage, a cyber-attack or by way of any other event leading to the
disruption of the accounting, payment systems, custody records and other IT systems which prevent the accurate reporting
and monitoring of the Company’s financial position and operational activities.
Inadequate succession arrangements, particularly of the Manager, could disrupt the level of service provided.
Any significant reduction in the market value of the Company, including through falls in its share price and increased buy-
backs may result in the Company’s size becoming unviable.
Mitigation/Control
The Fund Accountant’s and the Manager’s internal control processes are regularly tested and monitored throughout the year
and are evidenced through their SOC 1 reports, which are subject to review by an Independent Service Assurance Auditor. The
SOC 1 reports provide assurance in respect of the effective operation of internal controls. These reports are provided to the
Audit and Management Engagement Committee.
The Company’s financial assets are subject to a strict liability regime and in the event of a loss of assets, the Depositary must
return assets of an identical type or the corresponding amount, unless able to demonstrate the loss was a result of an event
beyond its reasonable control.
The Board reviews the overall performance of the Manager, Investment Manager and all other third-party service providers on
a regular basis.
44
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Strategic report
continued
The Board also considers the business continuity arrangements of the Company’s key service providers on an ongoing basis
and reviews these as part of its review of the Company’s risk register.
The Board considers the Manager’s succession plans in so far as they affect the services provided to the Company.
The Board considers opportunities to enhance the size of the Company, monitors any buy-backs, and has in place an ongoing
charges cap.
Market
Principal risk
Market risk arises from volatility in the prices of the Company’s investments. The price of shares of companies in the mining,
traditional energy and energy transition sectors can be volatile and this may be reflected in the NAV and market price of the
Company’s shares.
The Company invests in the mining, traditional energy and energy transition sectors in many countries globally and will also be
subject to country-specific risk. A lack of growth in world or country-specific industrial production may adversely affect metal
and energy prices.
Companies operating within the sectors in which the Company invests will be impacted by climate change and by new
legislation governing climate change and environmental issues, which may have a negative impact on their valuation and
share price. Market risk includes the potential impact of events which are outside the Company’s control, including (but not
limited to) heightened geo-political tensions and military conflict, a global pandemic and high inflation.
There is the potential for the Company to suffer loss through holding investments in the face of negative market movements.
There is also risk related to the investment trust sector. The sector may be out of favour, leading to higher discounts.
Companies within the sector are also at risk that high discounts allow activist investors, whose objectives may not be aligned
with other shareholders, to secure significant stakes. The low level of retail voting at general meetings exacerbates this risk.
Mitigation/Control
The Board considers the diversification of the portfolio, asset allocation, stock selection, and levels of gearing on a regular
basis and has set investment restrictions and guidelines which are monitored and reported on by the Investment Manager.
The Board monitors the implementation and results of the investment process with the Investment Manager.
Under the Company’s investment policy, the Investment Manager has the ability to invest in energy transition stocks and
is mindful of the impact of any shift in energy consumption towards less carbon intensive energy supply. This is taken into
account by the Investment Manager in building a well diversified portfolio.
The Board also recognises the benefits of a closed-end fund structure in extremely volatile markets such as those experienced
during the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts. Unlike open
-ended counterparts, closed-end funds are not obliged
to sell-down portfolio holdings at low valuations to meet liquidity requirements for redemptions. During times of elevated
volatility, restrictions and impacts on securities and markets following the Russian invasion of the Ukraine and market stress,
the ability of a closed-end fund structure to remain invested for the long term enables the Portfolio Managers to adhere to
disciplined fundamental analysis from a bottom-up perspective and be ready to respond to dislocations in the market as
opportunities present themselves.
The Board monitors its share register, consults regularly with shareholders and seeks to improve engagement with retail
shareholders.
Financial
Principal risk
The Company’s investment activities expose it to a variety of financial risks that include interest rate risk and foreign currency risk.
The Company invests in both British Pound Sterling and non-British Pound Sterling denominated securities. Consequently, the
value of investments in the portfolio made in non-British Pound Sterling currencies will be affected by currency movements.
Mitigation/Control
Details of these risks are disclosed in note 17 to the Financial Statements, together with a summary of the policies for
managing these risks.
Section 3: Governance
45
Viability statement
In accordance with provision 31 of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the
Company over a longer period than the twelve months referred to by the ‘Going Concern’ guidelines. The Board is cognisant of
the uncertainty surrounding the potential duration of the conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Middle East, its impact on the global
economy and the prospects for many of the Company’s portfolio holdings. Notwithstanding these crises, and given the factors
stated below, the Board expects the Company to continue for the foreseeable future and has therefore conducted this review
for a period of five years. This is generally the investment holding period investors consider while investing in the sector. The
Board conducted this review for the period up to the AGM in 2030.
The Board has also considered a number of other factors in its assessment, including:
• portfolio liquidity;
setting the investment strategy to fulfill the Company’s objective; and monitoring the performance of the Investment
Manager and the implementation of the investment strategy. The Board regularly reviews the Company’s investment
mandate and long-term strategy; it has set investment restrictions and guidelines which the Investment Manager monitors
and regularly reports to the Board;
the Company’s revenue and expense forecasts. The Board is confident that the Company’s business model remains viable
and that there are sufficient resources to meet all liabilities as they fall due for the period under review;
the Company’s borrowing facility and the fact that the Company continues to meet its financial covenants in respect of this
facility;
the long-term risk to performance from inadequate attention to ESG issues, and in particular the impact of climate change.
ESG analysis is integrated in the Manager’s investment process. This is monitored by the Board;
the principal risks and uncertainties as set out above and the fact that the Company has appropriate controls and processes
in place to manage these and to maintain its operating model;
the operational resilience of the Company and its key service providers and their ability to continue to provide a good level of
service for the foreseeable future;
the effectiveness of business continuity plans in place for the Company and key service providers; and
the level of income generated by the Company and future income forecasts.
In its assessment of the viability of the Company the Directors have noted that:
the Company predominantly invests in highly liquid, large listed companies so its assets are readily realisable;
the Company has gearing facilities in place and no concerns around facilities, headroom or covenants;
the Company’s forecasts for revenues, expenses and liabilities are relatively stable, it has largely fixed overheads which
comprise a small percentage of net assets and ongoing charges are capped at 1.25% of average net asset value; and
the business model should remain attractive for longer than five years unless there is significant economic or regulatory
change.
The Directors have also reviewed:
the impact of a significant fall in global commodity equity markets on the value of the Company’s investment portfolio;
the ability of portfolio companies to pay dividends, and the Company’s portfolio yield and ability to meet its dividend target
over the longer term;
the ongoing relevance of the Company’s investment objective, business model and investment policy in the current
environment; and
the level of demand for the Company’s shares.
Based on the results of their analysis, the Directors have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Company
will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment.
46
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Section 172 Statement: promoting the success of BlackRock Energy and
Resources Income Trust plc
The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 require Directors to explain in detail how they have discharged
their duties under Section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006 in promoting the success of their companies for the benefit
of members as a whole. This enhanced disclosure covers how the Board has engaged with and understands the views of
stakeholders and how stakeholders’ needs have been taken into account, the outcome of this engagement and the impact that
it has had on the Board’s decisions.
As the Company is an externally managed investment company and does not have any employees or customers, the
Board considers the main stakeholders in the Company to be the shareholders, key service providers (being the Manager
and Investment Manager, the Custodian, Depositary, Registrar and Broker) and investee companies. The reasons for this
determination, and the Board’s overarching approach to engagement, are set out in the table below.
Stakeholders
Shareholders
Continued shareholder support and engagement are critical to the continued existence of the Company and the successful
delivery of its long-term strategy. The Board is focused on fostering good working relationships with shareholders and on
understanding the views of shareholders in order to incorporate them into the Board’s strategy and objectives in delivering
long-term growth and income. The Chairman met with a number of significant shareholders during the year.
Manager and Investment Manager
The Board’s main working relationship is with the Manager, who is responsible for the Company’s portfolio management
(including asset allocation, stock and sector selection) and risk management, as well as ancillary functions such as
administration, secretarial, accounting and marketing services. The Manager has sub-delegated portfolio management to the
Investment Manager. Successful management of shareholders’ assets by the Investment Manager is critical for the Company
to successfully deliver its investment strategy and meet its objective. The Company is also reliant on the Manager as AIFM to
provide support in meeting relevant regulatory obligations under the AIFMD and other relevant legislation.
Other key service providers
In order for the Company to function as an investment trust with a listing on the premium segment of the official list of the
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and trade on the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) main market for listed securities, the
Board relies on a diverse range of advisors for support in meeting relevant obligations and safeguarding the Company’s
assets. For this reason, the Board considers the Company’s Custodian, Depositary, Registrar and Broker to be stakeholders.
The Board maintains regular contact with its key external service providers and receives regular reporting from them through
the Board and committee meetings, as well as outside of the regular meeting cycle.
Investee companies
Portfolio holdings are ultimately shareholders’ assets, and the Board recognises the importance of good stewardship and
communication with investee companies in meeting the Company’s investment objective and strategy. The Board monitors
the Manager’s stewardship activities and receives regular feedback from the Manager in respect of meetings with the
management of portfolio companies.
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
47
A summary of the key areas of engagement undertaken by the Board with its key stakeholders in the year under review and
how Directors have acted upon this to promote the long-term success of the Company are set out in the table below.
Area of Engagement
Investment Mandate and Objective
Issue
The Board is committed to promoting the role and success of the Company in delivering on its investment mandate to
shareholders over the long term. However, the Board recognises that the sectors in which the Company invests are undergoing
structural changes, with a shift in the energy sector away from carbon-based energy supplies towards alternative and
renewable energy sources. The extractive industries in which the companies in the Company’s investment universe operate are
facing ethical and sustainability issues that cannot be ignored by asset managers and investment companies alike. More than
ever, consideration of material ESG information and sustainability risks is an important element of the investment process.
The Board also has responsibility to shareholders to ensure that the Company’s portfolio of assets is invested in line with the
stated investment objective and in a way that ensures an appropriate balance between spread of risk and portfolio returns.
Engagement
The Board believes that responsible investment and sustainability are integral to the longer-term delivery of growth in
capital and income and has worked very closely with the Manager throughout the year to regularly review the Company’s
performance, investment strategy and underlying policies to ensure that the Company’s investment objective continues to be
met in an effective, responsible way that is transparent to current and future investors.
In addition to six scheduled Board meetings a year, the Board holds a Strategy Day which is dedicated to an in depth review
of the Company’s strategy in conjunction with key advisors including the Company’s broker, public relations and marketing
teams and members of BlackRock’s portfolio management and risk analytics teams.
The Manager’s approach to the consideration of ESG factors in respect of the Company’s portfolio, as well as its engagement
with investee companies to encourage the adoption of sustainable business practices which support long-term value creation,
are kept under review by the Board.
The Manager reports to the Board in respect of its consideration of ESG factors and how these are integrated into the
investment process; a summary of BlackRock’s approach to ESG integration is set out on pages 51 to 53.
Impact
The portfolio activities undertaken by the Investment Manager can be found in the Investment Manager’s Report on pages
11
to 20.
The Board does not formally benchmark the Company’s performance against mining and energy sector indices because
meeting a specific dividend target is not within the scope of these indices and also because no index appropriately reflects
the Company’s blended exposure to the Energy (including the energy transition) and mining sectors. For internal monitoring
purposes, however, the Board compares the performance of the portfolio against a bespoke composite index. The neutral
sector weightings of this bespoke index are 40% Mining, 30% Traditional Energy and 30% Energy Transition, as measured
(respectively) by the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold and Silver IMI Index, the MSCI World Energy Index
and the S&P Global Clean Energy Index.
Details regarding the Company’s Key Performance Indicators can be found in this Strategic Report on page 40.
Management of Share Rating
Issue
The Board recognises the importance to shareholders that the market price of the Company’s shares should not trade at either
a significant discount or premium to the NAV. One of the Board’s long-term strategic aspirations is that the Company’s shares
should trade consistently at a price close to the NAV per share.
48
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Engagement
The Board monitors the Company’s discount on an ongoing basis and meets with the Manager and the Company’s Broker on a
regular basis to discuss methods to try to ensure that the shares trade neither at an excessive discount or premium to NAV, but
reasonably close to par. The Board considers both prevailing market conditions and the need to preserve the shares trading
liquidity (and the Company’s scale) in determining the level of buy back activity.
A range of discount control mechanisms
have been considered and the benefits and disadvantages of these have been discussed at length. The Chairman also had
discussions with major shareholders during the year.
For the year under review, the Board authorised the buy back of 9,833,697 shares at a cost of £11,288,000 and at an average
discount of 10.8%. Since the year end and up to 28 January 2025, the Company repurchased 1,708,000 ordinary shares for a
net consideration of £
2,046,000
at an average discount of 10.3%.
In addition, the Board has worked closely with the Manager to develop the Company’s marketing strategy, with the aim of
ensuring effective communication with existing shareholders and to attract new shareholders to the Company in order to
improve liquidity in the Company’s shares and to sustain the share rating of the Company.
Impact
The Company’s average discount for the year to 30 November 2024 was 10.8% (year to 30 November 2023: 6.4%) and as at
28 January 2025 the discount stood at 8.3%. This compares to an average discount for the AIC Commodities and Natural
resources sector of 13.1
% at 30 November 2024 and
12.2% at 28 January 2025.
The Company contributed during the year to a focused investment trust sales and marketing initiative operated by BIM (UK)
on behalf of the investment trusts under its management. For the year ended 30 November 2024, the Group’s contribution
to the consortium element of the initiative, which enables the trusts to achieve efficiencies by combining certain sales and
marketing activities, represented 0.025% per annum of its net assets (£167.4 million) as at 31 December 2024, and this
contribution was matched by BIM (UK). This marketing activity was one factor contributing to increased demand for the
Company’s shares, enabling it to grow in size and resulting in a lower operating charges ratio and greater liquidity.
Dividend target
Issue
A key element of the Company’s investment objective is to achieve an annual dividend target. The Board is cognisant that
portfolio investments with a high yield may have lower capital growth, and that seeking to ensure that any dividend target is
covered by current year dividend revenue may result in a lower total return. Conversely, a move to invest a higher proportion of
the portfolio in higher growth investments (including certain energy transition stocks) may result in a lower yielding portfolio.
Engagement
The Board reviews income forecasts and option writing activity in conjunction with the Manager to determine the most
effective approach for meeting the dividend target whilst generating the optimal level of total return for shareholders.
The Board aims to meet the annual target dividend primarily from a mix of dividend income from the portfolio and revenue
reserves, although this will be supported by the distribution of the Company’s other substantial distributable reserves
(£96.0 million at 30 November 2024) if required.
Impact
The Board’s dividend target for 2024 was to declare quarterly dividends of at least 1.125 pence per share in the year to
30 November 2024, making a total of at least 4.50 pence per share for the year as a whole. The shortfall of 0.87 pence between
earnings per share and the annual dividend target will be funded out of the Company’s revenue reserves and distributable
reserves (£96.0 million at 30 November 2024).
The Board has decided to maintain the annual dividend target of at least 4.50 pence per share for the year to 30 November
2025.
The Company has sufficient distributable reserves to meet its current target dividend for a period of 17 years.
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
49
Service levels of third party providers
Issue
The Board acknowledges the importance of ensuring that the Company’s principal suppliers are providing a suitable level
of service: this includes the Manager in respect of investment performance and delivering on the Company’s investment
mandate; the Custodian and Depositary in respect of their duties towards safeguarding the Company’s assets; the Registrar in
its maintenance of the Company’s share register and dealing with investor queries and the Company’s Broker in respect of the
provision of advice and acting as a market maker for the Company’s shares.
Engagement
The Manager reports to the Board on the Company’s performance on a regular basis. The Board carries out a robust annual
evaluation of the Manager’s performance, its commitment and available resources.
The Board performs an annual review of the service levels of all third-party service providers and concludes on their suitability
to continue in their role.
The Board receives regular updates from the AIFM, Depositary, Registrar and Broker on an ongoing basis.
Impact
All performance evaluations were performed on a timely basis and the Board concluded that all key third-party service
providers, including the Manager were operating effectively and providing a good level of service.
Board composition
Issue
The Board is committed to ensuring that its own composition brings an appropriate balance of knowledge, experience and
skills, and that it is compliant with best corporate governance practice under the UK Code, including guidance on tenure and
the composition of the Board’s committees.
Engagement
The Board reviews succession planning on an ongoing basis. A new Director,
Mrs Anne Marie Cannon, was appointed in
January 2024. As part of her selection process, the Nomination Committee agreed the selection criteria and the method of
selection, recruitment and appointment. Board diversity, including gender, was taken into account when establishing the
criteria. The services of an external search consultant, Cornforth Consulting Limited, was used to identify potential candidates.
The Board remain focused on best Corporate Governance Practice, and in particular the recommendation under the UK Code
that Directors’ tenure is limited to nine years. While the Board does not have a formal limit on tenure, Carol Bell retired as a
Director at the Annual General Meeting held on 15 March 2024, as her tenure exceeded nine years with effect from December
2023.
Impact
The Board appointed Mrs Anne Marie Cannon as a Director of the Company with effect from 16 January 2024. Mrs Cannon’s
biography is set out on page
36
. Details of each Director’s contribution to the success and promotion of the Company are set
out in the Directors’ Report on page
60
.
All Directors currently serving on the Board have tenure below the nine years maximum limit recommended under the UK
Code.
The Board’s composition currently meets all targets recommended under the Parker Review and enshrined in recent changes
to the FCA’s Listing Rules (which set new diversity targets and associated disclosure requirements for UK companies listed on
the London Stock Exchange).
50
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
BlackRock Investment Stewardship Engagement with portfolio companies in the
year ended 30 November 2024
Given the Board’s belief in the importance of engagement and communication with portfolio companies, they receive regular
updates from the Manager in respect of activity undertaken for the year under review. The Board notes that over the year
to 30 November 2024, 102 total company engagements were held with the management teams of 41 portfolio companies
representing 68% of the portfolio by value at 30 November 2024. To put this into context, there were 74 companies in the
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc portfolio at 30 November 2024. Additional information is set out in the table
and charts below as well as the key engagement themes for the meetings held in respect of the Company’s portfolio holdings.
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc -
year ended 30 November 2024
Number of engagements held
102
Number of companies met
41
% of equity investments covered
55
Shareholder meetings voted at
75
Number of proposals voted on
1,010
Number of votes against management
13
% of total votes represented by votes against management
1.25
Governance
Social
Environmental
Engagement Themes
1
Top Six Engagement Topics
1
Governance - Corporate Strategy
Governance - Board Composition
and Effectiveness
Environmental - Climate Risk
Management
Governance - Remuneration
Governance - Business
Oversight/Risk Management
Social - Health and Safety
97%
48%
40%
58%
48%
44%
37%
36%
23%
1
Most engagement conversations cover multiple topics. More detail about BIS’ engagement priorities can be found here:
www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/publication/blk-stewardship-priorities-final.pdf
. Percentages reflect the number
of meetings held in respect of the Company’s portfolio holdings at which a particular topic is discussed as a percentage of
the total meetings held; as more than one topic is discussed at each meeting, the total will not add up to 100%.
BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s benchmark policies are the foundation for the team’s voting and engagement activities.
The policies – which are comprised of
published BlackRock Investment Stewardship Global Principles, regional voting
guidelines, and engagement priorities – take a financial materiality-based approach and are focused solely on advancing
clients’ financial interests. The policies provide clients, companies, and other external stakeholders, visibility and clarity into
the core elements of corporate governance that guide BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s program globally and within each
regional market every
year.
BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s benchmark policies are reviewed annually by BlackRock Investment Stewardship and the
BlackRock Investment Stewardship oversight and advisory committees, which are comprised of BlackRock senior executives
with relevant experience and oversight. The policies are updated as necessary to reflect changes in market standards, evolving
governance practices, and insights gained from multiyear engagements.
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
51
BlackRock Investment Stewardship does not act collectively with other shareholders or organizations in voting shares. Instead,
it makes decisions on how to engage companies and how to vote proxies independently, based solely on its professional
assessment of what is in the long-term financial interests of BlackRock’s clients.
The BlackRock Investment Stewardship Global Principles, regional voting guidelines, and engagement priorities are all
available here:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/investment-stewardship/blackrock-investment-stewardship
.
BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s five engagement priorities are: board quality and effectiveness; strategy, purpose, and
financial resilience; incentives aligned with financial value creation; climate and natural capital; and company impacts on
people. The BlackRock Investment Stewardship engagement priorities reflect the themes on which the team most frequently
engages companies, where they are relevant, as these can be a source of material business risk or opportunity.
A detailed approach to the team’s engagement priorities is available here:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/
publication/blk-stewardship-priorities-final.pdf
.
BlackRock Investment Stewardship
#
BlackRock Investment Stewardship (BIS) is responsible for engagement and voting in relation to clients’ assets managed
by certain index equity portfolio managers. The BlackRock Investment Stewardship team takes a long-term approach in
its stewardship efforts, reflecting the investment horizons of the majority of BlackRock’s clients. BlackRock Investment
Stewardship’s activities include engaging with companies, proxy voting on clients’ behalf, contributing to industry dialogue
on stewardship, and reporting on its activities. These activities are the main components of the stewardship toolkit and are
performed all year long. BlackRock Investment Stewardship aims to take a globally consistent approach, while recognizing the
unique markets and sectors in which companies operate.
Environmental, Social And Governance Approach
The Board’s approach
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues can present both opportunities and risks to long-term investment
performance. The Company’s investment universe comprises sectors that are undergoing significant structural change
and are likely to be highly impacted by increasing regulation as a result of climate change and other social and governance
factors. Your Board is committed to ensuring that we have appointed a manager that integrates ESG considerations into its
investment process and has the skill and vision to navigate the structural transition that the Company’s investment universe is
undergoing.
The Board believes multi-year engagement with management is, in most cases, the most constructive way of building our
understanding of a company’s approach to addressing material business risks and opportunities. Engagement can lead to
stronger relationships with companies and more constructive outcomes for shareholders and businesses alike.
More information on BlackRock’s global approach to ESG integration, as well as activity specific to the BlackRock Energy and
Resources Income Trust plc portfolio, is set out below. BlackRock has defined ESG integration as the practice of incorporating
financially material ESG information and consideration of sustainability risks into investment decisions in order to enhance
risk-adjusted returns. ESG integration does not change the Company’s investment objective or constrain the Investment
Manager’s investable universe and does not mean that an ESG or impact focused investment strategy or any exclusionary
screens have been or will be adopted by the Company. Similarly, ESG integration does not determine the extent to which the
Company may be impacted by sustainability risks. More information on sustainability risks may be found in the AIFMD Fund
Disclosures document of the Company available on the Company’s website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/individual/literature/
policies/itc-disclosure-blackrock-energy-and-resources-income-trust-plc.pdf
.
The Company does not meet the criteria for Article 8 or 9 products under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
(“SFDR”) and the investments underlying this financial product do not take into account the EU criteria for environmentally
sustainable economic activities.
#
As of 1 January 2025, BlackRock’s stewardship policies are developed and implemented by two independent, specialist teams,
BlackRock Investment Stewardship (BIS) and BlackRock Active Investment Stewardship (BAIS). While the two teams operate
independently, their general approach is grounded in widely recognized norms of corporate governance and shareholder rights and
responsibilities. BIS is responsible for engagement and voting in relation to clients’ assets managed by certain index equity portfolio
managers. Approximately 90% of BlackRock clients’ public equity assets under management are held in index strategies, as of
30 September 2024. BAIS partners with BlackRock’s active investment teams on company engagement and voting in relation to their
holdings.
52
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
BlackRock’s reporting and disclosures
In terms of its own reporting, BlackRock believes that the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board provides a clear set
of standards for reporting sustainability information across a wide range of issues, from labour practices to data privacy to
business ethics. For evaluating and reporting climate-related risks, as well as the related governance issues that are essential
to managing them, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) provides a valuable framework. BlackRock
recognises that reporting to these standards requires significant time, analysis, and effort. BlackRock’s 2023 TCFD report can
be found at
www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/continuous-disclosure-and-important-information/tcfd-report
-2023-
blkinc.pdf
.
BlackRock’s approach to ESG integration
BlackRock believes that sustainability risks including climate risk are investment risks. As a fiduciary, we manage material
risks and opportunities that could impact portfolios. Sustainability can be a driver of investment risks and opportunities, and
we incorporate them in our firm wide processes when they are material. This in turn (in BlackRock’s view) is likely to drive a
significant reallocation of capital away from traditional carbon intensive industries over the next decade. BlackRock believes
that carbon-intensive companies will play an integral role in unlocking the full potential of the energy transition, and to do this,
they must be prepared to adapt, innovate and pivot their strategies towards a low carbon economy.
BlackRock incorporates into its firmwide processes relevant, financially material information, including financially material
data and information related to ESG. BlackRock’s investment view is that doing so can provide better risk-adjusted returns for
its clients over the long term.
BlackRock’s clients have a wide range of perspectives on a variety of issues and investment themes, including sustainable
and low-carbon transition investing. Given the wide range of unique and varied investment objectives sought by its clients,
BlackRock’s investment teams have a range of approaches to considering financially material E, S, and/or G factors. As with
other investment risks and opportunities, the financial materiality of E, S and/or G considerations may vary by issuer, sector,
product, mandate, and time horizon. Depending on the investment approach, this financially material E, S and/or G data or
information may help inform due diligence, portfolio or index construction, and/or monitoring processes of client portfolios, as
well as BlackRock’s approach to risk management.
BlackRock’s ESG integration framework is built upon its history as a firm founded on the principle of thorough and thoughtful
risk management. Aladdin, BlackRock’s core risk management and investment technology platform, allows investors to
leverage financially material E, S and/or G data or information as well as the combined experience of BlackRock’s investment
teams to effectively identify investment opportunities and investment risks.
BlackRock’s heritage in risk management combined with the strength of the Aladdin platform enables BlackRock’s approach
to ESG integration.
BlackRock structures its approach around three main pillars: investment processes, material insights and transparency. These
pillars underpin ESG integration at BlackRock and they are supported by equipping BlackRock employees with investment
relevant E, S and/or G data, tools, and education.
More information in respect of BlackRock’s approach to ESG integration can be found at
https://www.blackrock.com/
corporate/literature/publication/blk-esg-investment-statement-web.pdf
.
BIS benchmark policies
BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s benchmark policies, and the vote decisions made consistent with these policies, take a
financial materiality-based approach and are focused solely on advancing clients’ financial interests. BlackRock Investment
Stewardship’s benchmark policies – comprised of the BlackRock Investment Stewardship Global Principles, regional voting
guidelines, and engagement priorities – apply to clients’ assets invested through index equity strategies and provide
guidance on BlackRock Investment Stewardship’s position on common corporate governance matters. BlackRock Investment
Stewardship takes a globally consistent approach, while recognizing the unique markets and sectors in which companies
operate.
More detail in respect of BIS reporting can be found at:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/investment-
stewardship/blackrock-investment-stewardship
.
Strategic report
continued
Section 3: Governance
53
Global principles
The BIS Global Principles reflect BIS’ views on certain globally applicable fundamental elements of governance that contribute
to a company’s ability to create long-term financial value, anchored in transparency and accountability. The Global Principles
are available on BIS’ website:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/fact-sheet/blkresponsible- investment-
engprinciples-global.pdf
.
Regional voting guidelines
The BIS regional voting guidelines provide context on how the Principles inform BIS’ voting decisions in relation to common
ballot items for shareholder meetings in those markets.
BIS’ regional voting guidelines are available on its website at:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/insights/investment-
stewardship/blackrock-investment-stewardship#stewardship-policies
.
Engagement priorities
The BIS engagement priorities are the five themes on which BIS most frequently engages with companies, where they are
relevant and a source of material business risk or opportunity. The engagement priorities are available on BIS’ website:
https://
www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/publication/blk-stewardship-priorities-final.pdf
.
The above forms part of the Strategic Report.
By order of the Board
GRAHAM VENABLES
For and on behalf of
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
54
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
The Directors present the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiary (together the Group) for
the year ended 30 November 2024.
Status of the company
The Company carries on business as an investment trust. It has been approved by HM Revenue & Customs as an investment
trust in accordance with Sections 1158 and 1159 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010, subject to the Company continuing to meet
eligibility conditions. The Directors are of the opinion that the Company has conducted its affairs in a manner which will satisfy
the conditions for continued approval.
The Company is domiciled in the UK as an investment company within the meaning of Section 833 of the Companies Act
2006. It is not a close company and has no employees.
As an investment company that is managed and marketed in the United Kingdom, the Company is an Alternative Investment
Fund (AIF) falling within the scope of, and subject to, the requirements of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive
(AIFMD). The Company is governed by the provisions of the European Union (Alternative Investment Fund Managers)
Regulations 2013 (the Regulations). It must comply with a number of obligations, including the appointment of an Alternative
Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) and a Depositary to carry out certain functions. The AIFM must also comply with the
Regulations in respect of leverage, outsourcing, conflicts of interest, risk management, valuation, remuneration and capital
requirements and must also make additional disclosures to both shareholders and the FCA. Further details are set out on the
Company’s website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
, the Regulatory Disclosures section on pages 132 to 134 and in the notes
to the financial statements on pages 98 to 123.
The Company’s ordinary shares are eligible for inclusion in the stocks and shares component of an Individual Savings Account
(ISA).
Shareholder Rights Directive II
The Shareholder Rights Directive II took effect from 10 June 2019 with some transitional provisions. It encourages long-term
shareholder engagement and transparency between companies and shareholders. In substantive terms the changes were
small for investment companies and the majority of requirements apply to the Company’s remuneration policy and disclosure
of processes, as well as related party transactions. There are also additional rules for Alternative Investment Fund Managers
and proxy advisers.
GDPR
Data protection rights were harmonised across the European Union following the implementation of the General Data
Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) on 25 May 2018. The Board has sought and received assurances from its third-party service
providers that they have taken appropriate steps to ensure compliance with the regulation. The Company’s ‘Data Privacy
Policy’ can be found on the Company’s website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
Facilitating retail investments
The Company currently conducts its affairs so that the shares issued by the Company can be recommended by independent
financial advisers to ordinary retail investors in accordance with the FCA’s rules in relation to non-mainstream pooled
investments and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
The shares are excluded from the FCA’s restrictions which apply to non-mainstream pooled investments because they are
shares in an investment trust.
The Common Reporting Standard
Tax legislation under the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Common Reporting Standard for
Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (The Common Reporting Standard) was introduced on 1 January 2016.
The legislation requires investment trust companies to provide personal information to HMRC about investors who purchase
shares in investment trusts. As an affected company, BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc will have to provide
information annually to the local tax authority on the tax residencies of a number of non-UK based certificated shareholders
and corporate entities. The local tax authority to which the information is initially passed may in turn exchange the information
with the tax authorities of another country or countries in which the shareholder may be tax resident, where those countries (or
tax authorities in those countries) have entered into agreements to exchange financial account information.
All new shareholders, excluding those whose shares are held in CREST, entered onto the share register will be sent a
certification form for the purposes of collecting this information.
Directors’ report
Section 3: Governance
55
Dividends
Details of dividends paid and payable in respect of the year are set out in the Chairman’s Statement on page 6 and in note 8 on
page 106.
Investment management and administration
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) was appointed as the AIFM with effect from 2 July 2014. The management contract
is terminable by either party on six months’ notice.
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK)) acts as the Company’s Investment Manager under a delegation
agreement with BFM. BIM (UK) also acted as the Secretary of the Company throughout the year. BFM receives a fee of 0.80%
on gross assets. In addition, BFM has agreed, if required, to rebate a portion of the Company’s Management fee each year to
ensure that the Company’s ongoing charges, as set out and defined in its annual report (and for avoidance of doubt including
the management fee) do not exceed 1.15% per annum of net assets (with effect from 1 December 2024; prior to this, the cap
was 1.25%). Further details in relation to the management fee are given in note 4 on page 103. The Board believes that the
current fee structure is appropriate for an investment company in this sector.
The Company contributes to a focused investment trust sales and marketing initiative operated by BIM (UK) on behalf of
the investment trusts under its management. For the year ended 30 November 2024, the Company’s contribution to the
consortium element of the initiative, which enables the trusts to achieve efficiencies by combining certain sales and marketing
activities, represented 0.025% per annum of its net assets (£167.4 million) as at 31 December 2023, and this contribution is
matched by BIM (UK). For the year ended 30 November 2024, £80,000 (excluding VAT) has been invoiced and paid in respect
of this initiative. The purpose of the programme is to ensure effective communication with existing shareholders and to attract
new shareholders to the Company. This has the benefit of improving liquidity in the Company’s shares and helps sustain the
stock market rating of the Company.
BFM and BIM (UK) are subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. which is a publicly traded corporation on the New York Stock Exchange
operating as an independent firm.
Appointment of the manager
The Board considers the arrangements for the provision of investment management and other services to the Company on
an ongoing basis and a formal review is conducted annually. As part of the annual review the Board considers the quality and
continuity of the personnel assigned to handle the Company’s affairs, the investment process and the results achieved to date.
The Board believes that the continuing appointment of BFM (the Manager) as AIFM, and the delegation of investment
management services to BIM (UK) (the Investment Manager) on the terms disclosed above, is in the interests of shareholders
as a whole given the track record of BlackRock’s Natural Resources team in the commodities sector.
The Board believes that the excellent performance in recent years and the quality of BlackRock’s team and its support services,
fully justify its continuing appointment.
Depositary and Custodian
The Company has appointed The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited (BNY or the Depositary) to perform this
role. The Depositary’s duties and responsibilities are outlined in the investment fund legislation (as set out in the FCA AIF
Rulebook). The main role of the Depositary under the AIFM Directive is to act as a central custodian with additional duties to
monitor the operations of the Company, including monitoring cash flows and ensuring that the Company’s assets are valued
appropriately in accordance with the relevant regulations and guidance. The Depositary is also responsible for enquiring into
the conduct of the AIFM in each annual accounting period. The Depositary receives a fee payable at a rate of 0.0095% per
annum of net assets. The Company has appointed the Depositary in a tripartite agreement, to which the Manager as AIFM is
also a signatory. The Depositary is also liable for the loss of financial instruments held in custody.
Under the depositary agreement, custody services in respect of the Company’s assets have been delegated to The Bank of
New York Mellon (International) Limited (BNY). BNY receives a custody fee payable by the Company at rates depending on
the number of trades effected and the location of securities held. The depositary agreement is subject to 90 days’ notice of
termination by any party.
56
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Registrar
The Company has appointed Computershare Investor Services PLC as its Registrar (Computershare or the Registrar). The
principal duty of the Registrar is the maintenance of the register of shareholders (including registering transfers). It also
provides services in relation to any corporate actions, dividend administration and shareholder documentation, the Common
Reporting Standard and for the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.
Computershare receive a fixed fee, plus disbursements and VAT for the maintenance of the share register. Fees in respect of
corporate actions are negotiated on an arising basis.
Foreign exchange
At the financial year end, approximately 87.7% of the Company’s portfolio was invested in non-British Pound Sterling assets,
with 43.8% invested in US Dollar denominated assets. The Investment Manager does not actively hedge currency exposure.
Derivative transactions
During the year the Group entered into a number of derivative option contracts generating option premium income of
£1,164,000 (2023: £1,209,000). There was one open option contract at 30 November 2024 (2023: one). The Group had no
futures contracts open at 30 November 2024 (2023: one) and generated interest of £nil (2023: £7,000).
Change of control
There are no agreements which the Company is party to that might be affected by a change of control of the Company.
Information to be disclosed in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.4 (information to be
included in Annual Report and Financial Statements)
Disclosures in respect of how the Company has complied with Listing Rule 9.8.4 are set out on page 134.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Regulation of ‘non-mainstream pooled investments’,
MiFID II ‘complex investments’
The Company currently conducts its affairs so that the shares issued by the Company can be recommended by independent
financial advisers to ordinary retail investors in accordance with the FCA’s rules in relation to non-mainstream pooled
investment products and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The Company’s shares are excluded from
the FCA’s restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products because they are shares in an investment trust.
The Company’s ordinary shares are not considered to be ‘complex instruments’ under the FCA’s ‘Appropriateness’ rules and
guidance in the Conduct of Business Sourcebook.
Exercise of voting rights in investee companies
The exercise of voting rights attached to the Company’s portfolio has been delegated to the Investment Manager, whose voting
policy is set out below. BlackRock’s approach to voting at shareholder meetings, engagement with companies and corporate
governance is framed within an investment context. BlackRock believes that sound corporate governance practices by
companies contribute to their long-term financial performance and thus to better risk-adjusted returns.
BlackRock’s proxy voting process is led by the BlackRock Investment Stewardship team (BIS), located in nine offices around
the world.
#
During the year under review, the Investment Manager voted on 1,010 proposals at 75 general meetings on behalf of the
Company. At these meetings the Investment Manager voted in favour of most resolutions, as should be expected when
investing in well run companies but voted against management on 13 (1.25%) of resolutions and abstained from voting on 2
(0.2%) resolutions. Most of the votes against were in respect of resolutions relating to the election or re-election of directors,
changes to board structure and governance and directors’ remuneration, which were deemed by the Investment Manager as
not being in the best interests of shareholders.
#
As of 1 January 2025, BlackRock’s stewardship policies are developed and implemented by two independent, specialist teams,
BlackRock Investment Stewardship (BIS) and BlackRock Active Investment Stewardship (BAIS). While the two teams operate
independently, their general approach is grounded in widely recognized norms of corporate governance and shareholder rights and
responsibilities.
BIS is responsible for engagement and voting in relation to clients’ assets managed by certain index equity portfolio managers.
Approximately 90% of BlackRock clients’ public equity assets under management are held in index strategies, as of 30 September
2024. BAIS partners with BlackRock’s active investment teams on company engagement and voting in relation to their holdings.
Directors’ report
continued
Section 3: Governance
57
Principal risks
The key risks faced by the Company are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 40 to 44.
Going concern
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going concern basis. As described in the viability statement
on page
45
of the annual report, the Board is mindful that the risk that unforeseen or unprecedented events including
(but not limited to) heightened geo-political tensions such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, high inflation and
the current cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on global markets. Notwithstanding this significant degree of
uncertainty, the Directors are satisfied that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
period to 29 November 2026, being a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements,
and is financially sound. The Board is also satisfied that the Company and its key third party service providers have in place
appropriate business continuity plans and will be able to maintain service levels. For this reason, they continue to adopt the
going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
The Company’s ongoing charges represent a very small proportion of the Company’s assets (and have been capped at
1.15% (with effect from 1 December 2024; prior to this, the cap was 1.25%) per annum of net assets by the Manager) and
the Board is confident that the Company will be able to meet all of its liabilities and ongoing expenses from its assets and
income generated from these assets. More information in respect of how the ongoing charges ratio (which is an Alternative
Performance Measure) is calculated is set out in the Glossary on page 142; more information on how the cap is applied is set
out in note 4 on page 103.
Directors
The Directors of the Company and their biographies are set out on pages 35 and 36. Details of the Directors’ interests in the
ordinary shares of the Company are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 65. All of the Directors held office
throughout the year under review, except Mrs Cannon who was appointed on 16 January 2024.
The Board may appoint additional Directors to the Board but any Director so appointed must stand for election by the
shareholders at the next AGM.
Board independence and tenure
The Board’s policy on tenure is that length of service does not necessarily compromise the independence or contribution of
directors of an investment trust company, where continuity and experience can add significantly to the strength of the Board.
After due consideration and further to the annual evaluation process, the Board has concluded that all the Directors continue
to be independent in both character and judgement and that there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to
affect the judgement of any Director.
Director’s appointment, retirement and succession
Although the Articles of Association require that one third of the Directors retire and submit themselves for re-election at
each AGM the Board has resolved that all of the Directors should be subject to re-election on an annual basis. Accordingly,
Mr Brown, Mrs Cannon, Mrs Ferguson and Mr Robson will offer themselves for re-election. Further details of the independence
of the Board and Board tenure is provided in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 69 and 70.
The Board has considered the position of Mr Brown, Mrs Cannon, Mrs Ferguson and Mr Robson as part of the evaluation
process and believes that it would be in the Company’s best interests for each of them to be proposed for re-election at the
forthcoming AGM, given their material level of contribution and commitment to the role.
Having considered the Directors’ performance within the annual Board performance evaluation process (further details
of which are provided on pages 69 to 71), the Board believes that it continues to operate effectively and that the Directors
bring extensive knowledge and commercial experience and demonstrate a range of valuable business, financial and asset
management skills. The Board therefore recommends that shareholders vote in favour of each Director’s proposed
re-election/election. More details in respect of the skills and experience each Director brings to the Board are set out in more
detail on page 60.
There were no contracts subsisting during the year under review or up to the date of this report in which a Director of the
Company is or was materially interested and which is or was significant in relation to the Company’s business. None of the
Directors are entitled to compensation for loss of office on the takeover of the Company. None of the Directors has a service
contract with the Company.
58
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Directors’ indemnity
In addition to Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance cover, the Company’s Articles of Association provide, subject to the
provisions of applicable UK legislation, an indemnity for Directors in respect of costs incurred in the defence of any proceedings
brought against them by third parties arising out of their positions as Directors, in which they are acquitted, or judgement is given
in their favour. The Company has entered into Deeds of Indemnity with each of the Directors individually which are available for
inspection at the Company’s registered office and will be available at the AGM.
Conflicts of interest
The Board has put in place a framework for Directors to report conflicts of interest, or potential conflicts of interest.
All Directors are required to notify the Company Secretary of any situations, or potential situations, where they consider
that they have or may have a direct, or indirect interest or duty that conflicts, or possibly conflicts, with the interests of the
Company. All such situations are reviewed by the Board and duly authorised. Directors are also made aware at each meeting
that there remains a continuing obligation to notify the Company Secretary of any new situations that may arise, or any
changes to situations previously notified. It is the Board’s intention to continue to review all notified situations on a regular
basis.
The Board considers that the framework has worked effectively throughout the year under review.
Directors’ remuneration report and policy
The Directors’ Remuneration Report is set out on pages 63 to 66. An advisory ordinary resolution to approve this report will be
put to shareholders at the Company’s AGM. The Company is also required to put the Director’s Remuneration Policy to a binding
shareholder vote every three years. The Company’s Remuneration Policy was last put to shareholders at the AGM in 2023.
Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors’ responsibilities in preparing these financial statements are noted on pages 82 and 83.
Substantial share interests
As at 30 November 2024, CG Asset Management Ltd had notified the Company that it held interests in 5.04% of the
voting rights attached to the Company’s issued share capital (excluding shares in treasury). Subsequently and up to
28 January 2025, the Company had not received any additional notifications in accordance with the FCA’s Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rule 5.1.2R of interests in 3% or more of the voting rights attaching to the Company’s issued
share capital or any changes to existing interests.
Share capital
Details of the Company’s issued share capital are given in note 15 on page 109. Details of the voting rights are given in note 16
of the notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting on page 149.
The ordinary shares carry the right to receive dividends and have one voting right per ordinary share. There are no restrictions
on the voting rights of the ordinary shares. There are no shares which carry specific rights with regard to the control of the
Company.
Share issues
During the year, the Company issued no shares (2023: 1,230,000 shares for net proceeds of £1,789,000).
The current authority to issue new ordinary shares or sell ordinary shares from treasury for cash was granted to the Directors
on 15 March 2024 and will expire at the conclusion of the 2025 AGM. The Directors are proposing that their authority to issue
new ordinary shares or sell shares from treasury for cash be renewed at the forthcoming AGM. The Company will be seeking
the authority to allot new ordinary shares or sell from treasury ordinary shares representing up to 10% of the Company’s
issued ordinary shares capital.
Share repurchases
The current authority to repurchase up to 14.99% of the Company’s issued share capital to be held in treasury or for
cancellation was granted to the Directors on 15 March 2024 and will expire at the conclusion of the 2025 AGM. 9,833,697
ordinary shares were bought back to be held in treasury in the year under review.
Directors’ report
continued
Section 3: Governance
59
As at the date of this report, 1,708,000 additional shares have been bought back since 30 November 2024.
The Directors are proposing that their authority to buy back up to 14.99% of the Company’s issued share capital be renewed at
the forthcoming AGM.
Although the Manager initiates any buy backs, the policy and parameters are set by the Board and reviewed at regular
intervals. The Company raises the cash needed to finance any purchase of shares either by selling securities in the Company’s
portfolio or by short-term borrowing.
Treasury shares
As described above, the Company is authorised to purchase its own ordinary shares to be held in treasury for re-issue at a
premium, or cancellation at a future date. As at 30 November 2024, 14,033,697 ordinary shares were held in treasury.
Streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR) statement: greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions and energy consumption disclosure
As an externally managed investment company, the Company has no greenhouse gas emissions to report from its operations,
nor does it have any responsibility for any other emissions producing sources under the Companies Act (Strategic Report and
Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013. For the same reason, the Company considers itself to be a low energy user under the
SECR regulations and therefore is not required to disclose energy and carbon information.
As an investment company, the Company does not need to report against the Task Force on Climate-related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD) framework. However, BlackRock reports detailed information about its management of climate-related
risks and opportunities across its business in its TCFD-aligned reports. The Company’s latest product level TCFD report can be
found at
https://www.blackrock.com/uk/literature/public-disclosure/tcfd-product-level-disclosure-report-it.pdf
.
Articles of association
Any amendments to the Company’s Articles must be made by special resolution.
Annual general meeting
The following information to be discussed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting is important and requires your
immediate attention. If you are in any doubt about the action you should take, you should seek advice from your stockbroker,
bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other financial adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
(as amended).
If you have sold or transferred all of your ordinary shares in the Company you should pass this document, together with any
other accompanying documents including the form of proxy, at once to the purchaser or transferee, or to the stockbroker, bank
or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected, for onward transmission to the purchaser or transferee.
Resolution 1 – Approval of the Annual Report and Financial Statements:
This resolution seeks shareholder approval of the Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November
2024 and the Auditor’s report thereon.
Resolution 2 – Approval of the Directors’ Remuneration Report:
This resolution is an advisory vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Report, excluding any content relating to the Remuneration
Policy.
Resolution 3 – Approval of the Company’s dividend policy:
This is a binding resolution to approve the Company’s dividend policy to continue to pay four quarterly interim dividends,
which in the year under review totalled 4.50p per share.
60
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Resolutions for the re-election of directors
The biographies of the Directors are set out on pages 35 and 36 and are incorporated into this report by reference. The skills and
experience each Director brings to the Board for the long-term sustainable success of the Company are set out on page 60. All
the Directors apart from Mrs Cannon (who joined on 16 January 2024) held office throughout the year under review. All Directors,
will stand for re-election by shareholders, at the meeting in accordance with the requirements of the UK Code.
Resolution 4
relates to the re-election of Mr Adrian Brown who was appointed on 10 December 2019 and as Chairman of
the Board on 16 March 2022. Mr Brown brings leadership skills and has a wealth of experience in the financial sector and
in developing corporate strategy. He brings in-depth knowledge, expertise and experience in investment management and
investment marketing having worked in the financial services sector as a senior portfolio manager and a client portfolio
manager at Alliance Bernstein and JP Morgan Asset Management respectively, and brings extensive management
experience from senior roles as a number of corporates.
Resolution 5
relates to the re-election of Mr Andrew Robson who was appointed on 8 December 2020 and has a wealth of
experience in the financial sector, with over 15 years of corporate finance experience, gained at Robert Fleming & Co Limited
and SG Hambros. He has considerable experience as a finance director and as chairman of audit committees, including for a
number of investment companies. He is also a qualified chartered accountant.
Resolution 6
relates to the re-election of Mrs Carole Ferguson who was appointed on 22 December 2021 and has a
wealth of experience in the financial services sector in research, finance and sustainability. She began her career in fund
management with BZW Investment Management, moving to work in equity derivatives with Swiss Bank Corporation, JP
Morgan Securities and later with Jardine Fleming (Hong Kong) and Robert Fleming (London). Subsequently she was a
senior member of the UK fund management team at SG Asset Management before moving to work as a mining analyst at
SP Angel for four years. In 2017 she became Head of Investor Research at CDP, the charity that runs the global disclosure
system for investors, companies, and others to manage their environmental impact. She was CEO of Carbon Transition
Analytics and a Non-Executive Director of Henderson Far East Income Limited. She was also on the advisory board of
WHEB Asset Management, an impact investor focused on the opportunities created by the transition to a low carbon and
sustainable global economy and was formerly a Managing Director of Industry Tracker, a climate research house.
Resolution 7
relates to the re-election of Mrs Anne Marie Cannon who was appointed on 16 January 2024 and has over 40
years’ experience in the energy industry and investment banking and is an experienced director, holding executive and non-
executive roles. She is currently Deputy Chair at Aker BP ASA and was formerly a Non-Executive Director of Harbour Energy
plc, STV Group plc, Aker ASA and Aker Energy AS. In addition, she is a Senior Advisor in the Strategic Advisory business at
PJT Partners. Mrs Cannon was previously a Senior Advisor at Morgan Stanley and a Director at Schroder Wagg and was an
Executive Director on the boards of Hardy Oil & Gas plc and British Borneo plc. She has also held financial and commercial
roles at Shell UK and Thomson North Sea.
Ordinary resolutions relating to the following items of special business will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General
Meeting.
Resolutions 8 and 9 – Reappointment of the external auditor and the auditors’ remuneration:
These resolutions relate to the reappointment and remuneration of the Company’s auditor. In line with emerging best
corporate governance practice and EU regulations on mandatory audit rotation, an audit tender process was carried out by the
Company during 2023 and, as a result, it was recommended that Deloitte LLP be appointed as the Company’s independent
auditors for the year starting from 1 December 2023. A resolution to appoint Deloitte LLP as auditors of the Company
was proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 15 March 2024, together with a resolution to authorise the Audit and
Management Engagement Committee to determine their remuneration.
Resolution 10 – Authority to allot shares:
The Directors may only allot shares if authorised to do so by shareholders in a general meeting. This resolution seeks to renew
the authority of the Directors to allot ordinary shares up to an aggregate nominal amount of £119,984 which is equivalent to
11,984,497 ordinary shares of 1p each and represents 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding any
treasury shares) as at the date of the Notice of the Annual General Meeting. The Directors will use this authority when it is in
the best interests of the Company to issue ordinary shares. This authority will expire at the conclusion of the Annual General
Meeting to be held in 2026 unless renewed prior to that date.
The following special resolutions relating to the following items of special business will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting.
Directors’ report
continued
Section 3: Governance
61
Resolution 11 – Authority to disapply pre‑exemption rights:
By law, Directors require specific authority from shareholders before allotting new shares or selling shares out of treasury for
cash without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their holdings.
Resolution 11 empowers the Directors to allot new ordinary shares for cash or to sell ordinary shares held by the Company
in treasury for cash, otherwise than to existing shareholders on a pro rata basis, subject to the passing of resolution 10, up
to an aggregate nominal amount of £119,984 which is equivalent to 11,984,449 ordinary shares and represents 10% of the
Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at the date of the Notice of Annual General Meeting. This authority will expire at
the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2026 unless renewed prior to that date.
All shares allotted, or sold from treasury, pursuant to this resolution 11 would be at a premium to the prevailing NAV per
ordinary share.
Resolution 12 – Authority to buy back shares:
The resolution to be proposed will seek to renew the authority granted to Directors enabling the Company to purchase its own
shares. The Directors will only consider repurchasing shares in the market if they believe it to be in shareholders’ interests and
as a means of correcting any imbalance between supply and demand for the Company’s shares. The Directors are seeking
authority to purchase up to 17,964,690 ordinary shares, being approximately 14.99% of the issued share capital (excluding
treasury shares) as at the date of the Notice of Annual General Meeting. This authority will expire at the conclusion of the
Annual General Meeting to be held in 2026 unless renewed prior to that date.
Any ordinary shares purchased pursuant to resolution 12 shall be cancelled immediately upon completion of the purchase or
held, sold, transferred or otherwise dealt with as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
Resolution 13 – Notice period for General Meetings:
This resolution 13 empowers the Directors to hold general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days’
notice, which is the minimum notice period permitted by the Companies Act 2006. The Companies Act 2006 increases the
minimum notice period to 21 days unless three conditions are met.
The first condition is that the general meeting is not an annual general meeting. The second condition is that the Company
offers facilities for shareholders to vote by electronic means. The third condition is that there is a resolution of shareholders
approving the reduction in the minimum notice period from 21 days to 14 days, hence this resolution being proposed. It is not
intended that this power will be used as a matter of course, rather that this flexibility will be utilised where the Board believes
that the nature of the business to be conducted requires that a general meeting be convened at 14 days’ notice.
Recommendation
Your Board considers that each of the resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting is likely to promote the
success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and are in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders as a whole. The Directors unanimously recommend that shareholders vote in favour of the resolutions, as they
intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings.
Corporate governance
Full details are given in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 69 to 75. The Corporate Governance Statement forms
part of this Directors’ Report.
Audit information
As required by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006 each of the Directors who held office at the date of approval of this
Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s Auditor
is unaware and each Director has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Director to make themselves aware of
any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.
62
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Auditor
A resolution to appoint Deloitte LLP as the Company’s new auditors will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General
Meeting, together with a resolution to authorise the Audit and Management Engagement Committee to determine their
remuneration.
The Directors’ Report was approved by the Board at its meeting on 31 January 2025.
By order of the Board
GRAHAM VENABLES
For and on behalf of
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
Directors’ report
continued
Section 3: Governance
63
The Board presents the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 November 2024 which has been prepared in
accordance with Sections 420-422 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium
-sized Companies and Groups
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
The law requires the Company’s Auditor to audit certain of the disclosures provided. Where disclosures have been audited,
they are indicated as such. The Auditor’s opinion is included in their report on pages 86 to 92.
Statement by the chairman
A key driver of the remuneration policy is that fees payable to Directors should be sufficient to attract and retain individuals
with suitable knowledge and experience to promote the long-term success of the Company whilst also reflecting the time
commitment and responsibilities of the role. The Board’s focus is on setting the strategy for the successful progression of the
Company and monitoring performance against the strategic objectives set. In order to do this effectively, Directors spend a
substantial amount of time preparing for the six scheduled Board meetings and three Audit and Management Engagement
Committee meetings held each year. At these meetings, the Directors review the Company’s portfolio, monitor investment
performance and review compliance with investment guidelines.
The Board also reviews and monitors the Company’s ongoing operating costs to ensure that these represent optimal value and
are in line with agreed budgets. In addition, the Board sets the marketing strategy of the Company and contributes to a sales
and marketing initiative operated by BlackRock; the Board has set key performance indicators to monitor progress and reviews
these on a regular basis to monitor and assess the effectiveness of this initiative. The Board monitors the Company’s share
rating closely and is responsible for determining the appropriate action to be taken to manage this where necessary.
Directors are also responsible for establishing and maintaining the Company’s control systems to manage risk effectively,
and a register of these controls and the risks facing the Company are reviewed at each Audit and Management Engagement
Committee meeting, along with control reports from external auditors. Directors also receive an annual update from
BlackRock’s internal audit department. As well as this usual business, Directors also spend additional time as and when
required in ad hoc meetings to address other issues as they arise, including the Board’s response to emerging risks.
Investment trusts are subject to a large number of regulatory and disclosure requirements, including the requirements of
the UK Code, UKLA Listing Rules, and Investment Trust Company tax regulations. The regulatory burden has increased
significantly in recent years, with the implementation of AIFMD, GDPR, Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the
Common Reporting Standard requiring considerable additional time to be spent by the Board to ensure that new depositary
and management agreements comply with best industry practice. There are yet more new regulatory obligations that will
become applicable to the Company over the next few years, all of which are expected to generate an increased workload for
Directors, and the Board will continue to be mindful of this in setting remuneration levels.
For the year ended 30 November 2024, the Chairman received an annual fee of £42,000, the Audit and Management
Engagement Committee Chairman received £35,000 per annum and the other Directors received £30,000 per annum.
Following a review on 28 November 2024, it was agreed that with effect from 1 December 2024 the Chairman would receive
an annual fee of £43,500, the Audit and Management Engagement Committee Chairman would receive £36,000 per annum
and the other Directors receive £31,000 per annum with an additional fee of £1,000 for the Senior Independent Director. Prior
to this, Directors’ fees were last increased on 1 December 2023. Additional information in respect of the Board’s remuneration
and the basis for determining the level of any increase in the Directors’ remuneration is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration
Policy on pages 67 and 68.
No discretionary fees have been paid to Directors during the year or since inception and the payment of such fees is expected
to be a rare occurrence, only necessary in exceptional circumstances. Any discretionary fees paid to the Directors will be
clearly disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report accompanied by an explanation of the work undertaken and why it was
deemed necessary to pay such additional remuneration.
Remuneration committee
The Board as a whole fulfils the function of the Remuneration Committee and considers any change in the Directors’
remuneration policy. A separate Committee has therefore not been established. The Company’s Directors as at the date of this
report are all non-executive and are independent of the Manager. No advice or services were provided by any external agencies
or third parties in respect of remuneration levels.
Remuneration/service contracts
The maximum remuneration of the Directors is determined within the limits of the Company’s Articles and currently amounts
in aggregate to £200,000 per annum. No element of the Directors’ remuneration is performance related.
Directors’ remuneration report
64
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
None of the Directors is entitled to receive from the Company:
performance related remuneration;
any benefits in kind except reasonable travel expenses in the course of travel to attend meetings and duties undertaken on
behalf of the Company;
share options;
rewards through a long-term incentive scheme;
a pension or other retirement benefit; and
compensation for loss of office.
The Company has no employees and consequently no consideration is required to be given to employment conditions
elsewhere in setting Directors’ fees.
All of the Directors are non-executive. None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company and the terms of their
appointment are detailed in a letter of appointment. New directors are appointed for an initial term of three years and it is
expected that they will serve two further three-year terms. The continuation of an appointment is contingent on satisfactory
performance evaluation and re-election at each Annual General Meeting (AGM). A director may resign by notice in writing to
the Board at any time, there is no notice period. The letters of appointment are available for inspection at the registered office
of the Company.
Implementation of the remuneration policy
The Directors intend that the Company’s Remuneration Policy will be implemented as set out on pages 63 to 68. The Directors’
remuneration policy on page 67 and the policy table on page 68 form part of this report. The Directors do not receive any
performance related remuneration or incentives. Discretionary payments are permitted under the policy; however, such
discretionary payments would only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Remuneration implementation report
A single figure for total remuneration of each Director is set out in the table below for the year ended 30 November 2024:
Year ended 30 November 2024
Year ended 30 November 2023
Directors
Fees
Taxable
benefits
1
Total
Fees
Taxable
benefits
1
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Adrian Brown (Chairman)
42,000
42,000
40,000
196
40,196
Dr Carol Bell
2
8,978
8,978
30,000
30,000
Carole Ferguson
30,000
30,000
29,000
29,000
Andrew Robson
35,000
35,000
34,000
34,000
Anne Marie Cannon
3
26,858
26,858
Total
142,836
142,836
133,000
196
133,196
1
Taxable benefits relate to travel and subsistence costs.
2
Dr Bell retired from the Board with effect from 15 March 2024.
3
Mrs Cannon joined the Board with effect from 16 January 2024 and was appointed Senior Independent Director effective 16 March 2024.
No discretionary payments were made in the year to 30 November 2024 (2023: £nil).
The information in the table above has been audited. The amounts paid by the Company to the Directors were for services as
non-executive Directors. The Directors receive no variable remuneration.
At 30 November 2024, fees of £12,000 (2023: £11,000) were outstanding to Directors in respect of their annual fees.
Directors’ remuneration report
continued
Section 3: Governance
65
Relative importance of spend on pay
As the Company has no employees, the table above also comprises the total remuneration costs and benefits paid by the
Company. To enable shareholders to assess the relative importance of spend on pay, this has been shown in the table below
compared to the Company’s net profit on ordinary activities after taxation, total operating expenditure and dividend distributions.
2024
2023
Change
£’000
£’000
£’000
Directors’ total remuneration
143
133
+10
Total dividends paid and payable
5,556
5,915
-359
Issue of ordinary shares
1,789
-1,789
Buy back of ordinary shares
11,288
4,837
+6,451
Net revenue profit on ordinary activities after tax
4,541
5,774
-1,233
No payments were made in the period to any past Directors (2023: £nil).
Five year change comparison
Over the last five years, Directors’ pay has increased as set out in the table below:
2024
2019
Change
£’000
£’000
%
Chairman
42,000
38,000
+10.5
Audit and Management Engagement Committee Chairman
35,000
32,000
+9.4
Director
30,000
27,000
+11.1
As previously noted, the Company does not have any employees and hence no comparisons are given in respect of the
comparison between Directors’ and employees’ pay increases.
Shareholdings
The interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the Company are set out in the table below. The Company does not
have a share option scheme, therefore none of the Directors has an interest in any share options in the Company. There is no
requirement for Directors to hold shares in the Company.
30 November
2024
30 November
2023
Ordinary
shares
Ordinary
shares
Mr Adrian Brown
35,000
35,000
Mrs Carole Ferguson
14,505
14,505
Mr Andrew Robson
35,000
35,000
Mrs Anne Marie Cannon
1
15,000
1
Mrs Cannon joined the Board with effect from 16 January 2024.
The information in the table above has been audited.
All the holdings of the Directors are beneficial. No other changes to these holdings have been notified up to the date of this
report.
Retirement of Directors
Further details are given in the Directors’ Report on page 57.
66
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Performance
The following graph compares the Company’s net asset value and share price performance with the performance of an
equivalent investment in a Composite Index; 50% EMIX Global Mining Index and 50% MSCI World Energy Index up to 31 May
2020. From 1 June 2020 to 31 July 2023, the Composite Index has been adjusted to represent a blend of 40% EMIX Global
Mining (ex Gold) Index, 30% MSCI World Energy Index and 30% S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Effective 1 August 2023,
on the discontinuation of the EMIX Global Mining (ex Gold) Index, it was replaced by MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining
Producers Ex Gold and Silver IMI Net Index. This Composite Index is deemed to be the most appropriate as the Company has
global mining and energy investment objectives, with energy transition stocks forming an increasingly important part of both
the mining and energy sectors.
Performance from 30 November 2014 to 30 November 2024
Sources: BlackRock and LSEG Datastream.
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
Share price performance
NAV performance
Composite Index¹
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 21
Nov 20
1
Up to 31 May 2020, the composite index in the chart above was comprised of 50% EMIX Global Mining Index and 50% MSCI World Energy
Index. From 1 June 2020 and up to 31 July 2023 the composite index is comprised of a blend of 40% EMIX Global Mining (ex Gold) Index,
30% MSCI World Energy Index and 30% S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Effective 1 August 2023, on the discontinuation of the EMIX
Global Mining (ex Gold) Index, it was replaced by MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold and Silver IMI Net Index. The
first two indices are a reasonable proxy for the types of investment that are held within the Mining and Traditional Energy components of
the Company’s portfolio, and the recent changes to the S&P Global Clean Energy Index have made it more representative of the Energy
Transition sector. The Energy Transition section of the Company’s portfolio invests in a wide range of stocks with exposure to the Energy
Transition theme which are not included within the S&P Global Clean Energy Index, including mining stocks that produce materials used in
the renewable transport and energy sectors, as described in more detail in the Investment Manager’s report on pages 11 to 20.
Performance figures are calculated in British Pound Sterling terms, with dividends reinvested. Rebased to 100 at 30 November
2014.
By order of the Board
ADRIAN BROWN
Chairman
31 January 2025
Directors’ remuneration report
continued
Section 3: Governance
67
In setting the appropriate level of Directors’ fees, a number of factors are considered, including the workload of the Directors,
their responsibilities, any change in these responsibilities and additional legal duties (for example as a result of new legislation
being implemented), the relationship with their suppliers and service providers and the size and complexity of the Company.
The time commitment required, the level of skills and appropriate experience required and the need for Directors to maintain
on an ongoing basis an appropriate level of knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements in an industry environment
of increasing complexity are also taken into account. The Board also considers the average rate of inflation during the period
since the last fee increase and reviews the level of remuneration in comparison with other investment trusts of a similar size
and/or mandate, as well as taking account of any data published by the Association of Investment Companies to ensure
that fees are in line with industry practice. This comparison, together with consideration of any alteration in non-executive
Directors’ responsibilities, is used to review whether any change in remuneration is necessary. The review is performed on
an annual basis. Directors’ salaries were reviewed at the Board meeting held on 28 November 2024 and the Board agreed
to increase the Directors’ salaries with effect from 1 December 2024, the Chairman would receive an annual fee of £43,500,
the Audit and Management Engagement Committee Chairman would receive £36,000 per annum and the other Directors
would receive £31,000 per annum with an additional fee of £1,000 for the Senior Independent Director. (At the Board meeting
on 24 January 2023, the Board approved the creation of the role of Senior Independent Director, with an additional annual
fee payable to the Director filling this role of £1,000 per annum in recognition of the additional responsibilities and time
commitments of the role). More information is given in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 69 and 70.
The Company has no employees and consequently no consideration is required to be given to employment conditions
elsewhere in setting this policy and there has been no employee consultation.
No element of the Directors’ remuneration is performance related or subject to recovery or withholding (except for tax).
Directors cannot be awarded any share options or long-term performance incentives. None of the Directors has a service
contract with the Company or receives any non-cash benefits (except as described in the policy table), pension entitlements or
compensation for loss of office.
The remuneration policy would be applied when agreeing the remuneration package of any new Director. The terms of
Directors’ appointments are detailed in a letter sent to them when they join the Board. These letters are available for inspection
at the registered office of the Company. Directors’ appointments do not have a fixed duration, but they can be terminated by
the Company in writing at any time without obligation to pay compensation. On termination of the appointment, Directors
shall only be entitled to accrued fees as at the date of termination together with reimbursement of any expenses properly
incurred prior to that date. No payments for loss of office are made. Directors are subject to annual re-election.
Consideration of shareholders’ views
An ordinary resolution to approve the remuneration report is put to members at each AGM. The Company is committed to
ongoing shareholder dialogue and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. Shareholders have the opportunity to express
their views and ask questions in respect of the remuneration policy at the AGM. To date, no shareholders have commented
in respect of the remuneration policy. In the event that there was a substantial vote against any resolution proposed at the
Company’s AGM, the reasons for any such vote would be sought and appropriate action taken. Should the votes be against
resolutions in relation to the directors’ remuneration, further details will be provided in future Directors’ Remuneration
Reports.
In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Company is required to seek shareholder approval of its remuneration policy
on a triennial basis as detailed on page 68. An ordinary resolution for the approval of the remuneration policy was approved by
shareholders at the AGM held on 13 March 2023, with 97.59% of votes cast (including votes cast at the Chairman’s discretion)
in favour and 2.41% votes cast against.
The remuneration policy will next be put to a binding shareholder vote at the AGM to be held in March 2026.
The Directors’ Remuneration Report was also last approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 15 March 2024, with 97.66%
of votes cast (including votes cast at the Chairman’s discretion) in favour and 0.06% of votes cast against.
Any discretionary fees paid to the Directors will be clearly disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report accompanied by an
explanation of the work undertaken.
Directors’ remuneration policy
68
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Future policy table
Purpose and link to strategy
Fees payable to Directors should be sufficient to attract and retain individuals of high calibre with
suitable knowledge and experience. Those chairing the Board and key Committees should be
paid higher fees than other Directors in recognition of their more demanding roles. Fees should
reflect the time spent by Directors on the Company’s affairs and the responsibilities borne by the
Directors.
Description
Current levels of fixed annual fee (with effect from 1 December 2024):
Chairman – £43,500
Audit and Management Engagement Committee Chairman – £36,000
Senior Independent Director – £32,000
Director – £31,000
All reasonable expenses to be reimbursed.
Maximum and minimum
levels
Remuneration consists of a fixed fee each year, set in accordance with the stated policies and any
increase granted must be in line with the stated policies.
The Company’s Articles of Association provide that the Directors are paid fees for their services not
exceeding in the aggregate an annual sum of £200,000 or such larger amount as the Company
may by Ordinary Resolution decide divided between the Directors as they agree.
In accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association, the Directors are
entitled to be repaid all reasonable travelling, hotel and other expenses incurred by them
respectively in or about the performance of their duties as Directors. There is a limit of £10,000 in
relation to the amount payable in respect of expenses reimbursed.
These ceilings have been set at a level to provide flexibility in respect of the recruitment of
additional Board members and inflation.
Policy on share ownership
Directors are not required to own shares in the Company.
Fixed fee element
The Board reviews the quantum of Directors’ fees each year to ensure that they are in line with the
level of Directors’ remuneration for other investment trusts of a similar size. When considering
any changes in fees, the Board will take into account wider factors such as the average rate of
inflation over the period since the previous review, and the level and any change in complexity of
the Directors’ responsibilities (including additional time commitments as a result of increased
regulatory or corporate governance requirements). Directors are not eligible to be compensated for
loss of office, nor are they eligible for bonuses, pension benefits, share options or other incentives
or benefits. Directors do not have service contracts, but are appointed under letters of appointment.
Discretionary payments
The Company’s Articles authorise the payment of discretionary fees to Directors for any additional
work undertaken on behalf of the Company which is outside of their normal duties. Any such
extra work undertaken is subject to the prior approval of the Chairman or, in the case of the
Chairman undertaking the extra work, subject to the prior approval of the Chairman of the Audit
and Management Engagement Committee. The level of discretionary fees shall be determined
by the Directors. Any discretionary fees paid will be disclosed in the Director’s remuneration
implementation report within the Annual Report. The payment of such fees would only be
considered in exceptional circumstances and any discretionary fees paid will be clearly disclosed.
Taxable benefits
Some expenses incurred by Directors are required to be treated as taxable benefits. Taxable
benefits include (but are not limited to) travel expenses incurred by the Directors in the course of
travel to attend Board and Committee meetings which are held at the Company’s registered offices
in London, and which are reimbursed by the Company and therefore treated as a benefit in kind
and are subject to tax and national insurance. The Company’s policy in respect of this element of
remuneration is that all reasonable costs of this nature will be reimbursed as they are incurred,
including the tax and national insurance costs incurred by the Director on such expenses.
Directors’ remuneration policy
continued
Section 3: Governance
69
Chairman’s introduction
Corporate governance is the process by which the Board seeks to look after shareholders’ interests and protect and enhance
shareholder value. Shareholders hold the Directors responsible for the stewardship of the Company, delegating authority and
responsibility to the Directors to manage the Company on their behalf and holding them accountable for its performance.
The Board is ultimately responsible for framing and executing the Company’s strategy and for closely monitoring risks.
We aim to run our Company in a manner which is responsible and consistent with our belief in honesty, transparency and
accountability. In our view, good governance means managing our business well and engaging effectively with investors. We
consider the practice of good governance to be an integral part of the way we manage the Company and we are committed to
maintaining high standards of financial reporting, transparency and business integrity.
As a UK-listed investment trust company our principal reporting obligation is driven by the UK Corporate Governance Code
(the UK Code) issued by the Financial Reporting Council in July 2018. However, as listed investment trust companies differ
in many ways from other listed companies, the Association of Investment Companies has drawn up its own set of guidelines,
the AIC Code of Corporate Governance (the AIC Code) issued in February 2019, which addresses the governance issues
relevant to investment companies and meets the approval of the Financial Reporting Council. Both the UK Code and the AIC
Code apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The Board has determined that it has complied with
the recommendations of the AIC Code. This in most material respects is the same as the UK Code, save that there is greater
flexibility regarding the tenure of the Chairman and membership of the audit committee.
The 2018 Corporate Governance Code was updated in January 2024 and will apply to financial years beginning on or after
1 January 2025.
This report, which is part of the Directors’ Report, explains how the Board addresses its responsibility, authority and
accountability.
Compliance
The Board has made the appropriate disclosures in this report to ensure that the Company meets its continuing obligations. It
should be noted that, as an investment trust, most of the Company’s day-to-day responsibilities are delegated to third parties,
the Company has no employees and the Directors are non-executive.
Therefore, not all of the provisions of the UK Code are directly applicable to the Company.
The Board considers that the Company has complied with the recommendations of the AIC Code and the provisions contained
within the UK Code that are relevant to the Company throughout this accounting period, except the provisions relating to:
the need for an internal audit function;
the role of the chief executive; and
executive directors’ remuneration.
For the reasons set out in the AIC Code of Corporate Governance, and as explained in the UK Code, the Board considers that
these provisions are not relevant to the position of the Company being an externally managed investment company with no
executive employees. In view of BlackRock having an internal audit function it does not consider it necessary for the Company
to have its own internal audit function. The Board receives regular reports from BlackRock’s internal audit function. In addition,
BlackRock’s internal audit department provides an annual presentation to the Audit Committee chairmen of the BlackRock
investment trusts on the results of testing performed in relation to BlackRock’s internal control processes.
The UK Code is available from the Financial Reporting Council’s website at
www.frc.org.uk
. The AIC Code is available from the
Association of Investment Companies at
www.theaic.co.uk
.
Information on how the Company has applied the principles of the AIC Code and UK Code is set out below.
Board composition
The Board currently consists of four non-executive Directors. All the Directors will stand for re-election at the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting and the biographies of all the Directors can be found on pages 35 and 36. The refreshment of the
Board will remain as an ongoing process to ensure that the Board is well balanced through the appointment of new Directors
with the skills and experience necessary. Directors must be able to demonstrate commitment to the Company, including in
terms of time.
Corporate governance statement
70
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
All Directors are considered to be independent of the Company’s Manager. The provision of the UK Code which relates to
the combination of the roles of the chairman and chief executive does not apply as the Company has no executive directors.
The UK Code recommends that the Board should appoint one of the independent non-executive directors to be the senior
independent director.
The Directors’ biographies, on pages 35 and 36 demonstrate a breadth of investment knowledge, business and financial skills
which enable them to provide effective strategic leadership and proper governance of the Company. Details of the Chairman’s
other significant time commitments can also be found on page 35.
Diversity
While the Board does not have a formal policy on diversity, it recognises the benefits at Board level and believes that Directors
should have a mix of different skills, experience, backgrounds, ethnicity, gender and other characteristics.
The Parker Review in respect of board diversity and the recent changes to the FCA’s Listing Rules set new diversity targets
and associated disclosure requirements for UK companies listed on the premium and standard segment of the London Stock
Exchange. Listing Rule 9.8.6R (9) requires listed companies to include a statement in their annual reports and accounts in
respect of certain targets on board diversity, or if those new targets have not been met to disclose the reasons for this. This new
requirement applies to accounting periods commencing on or after 1 April 2022.
Further information on the composition and diversity of the Board and its Committees as at 30 November 2024 can be found
in the disclosure table which follows below.
Gender
Number of
Board Members
Percentage of Board
Number of
senior roles held¹
Men
2
50%
2
Women
2
50%
1
Ethnicity²
,
³
White British (or any other white
background)
3
75%
3
Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups
0
0%
0
Asian/Asian British
1
25%
0
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British
0
0%
0
Other ethnic group, including Arab
0
0%
0
1
According to the Listing Rules, the Chairman and Senior Independent Director are defined as senior positions. In addition, the
Company considers that the role of the Audit and Management Engagement Chairman is a senior position.
²
Categorisation of ethnicity is stated in accordance with the Office of National Statistics classification.
³
Columns corresponding to the ‘Number in executive management’ and ‘Percentage of executive management’ are not included in
the table. These are inapplicable as the Company is externally managed and does not have executive management functions.
Board independence and tenure
Details of the Board’s policy on tenure and independence are set out on pages 57 and 58.
Directors’ appointment, retirement and rotation
The rules concerning the appointment, retirement and rotation of Directors are discussed in the Directors’ Report on pages 57
and 58. Appointments of new Directors are made on a formalised basis, with the Nomination Committee agreeing the selection
criteria and method of selection. The services of an external search consultant may be used to identify suitable candidates.
During the year, the Company engaged the services of Cornforth Consulting Limited, an independent search consultant, to
identify suitable Board candidates, which resulted in the appointment of Mrs Cannon with effect from 16 January 2024.
None of the Directors has a service contract with the Company. The terms of their appointment are detailed in a letter sent to
them when they join the Board. These letters are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company and will be
available at the AGM.
Corporate governance statement
continued
Section 3: Governance
71
Directors’ training and induction
When a new Director is appointed to the Board, he or she is provided with all relevant information regarding the Company and
his or her duties and responsibilities as a Director. In addition, a new Director will also spend some time with representatives
of the Manager, including the Portfolio Managers and the Company Secretary, whereby he or she will become familiar with the
various processes which are considered necessary for the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
The Company’s policy is to encourage Directors to keep up to date and attend training courses on matters which are directly
relevant to their involvement with the Company. The Directors also receive regular briefings from, amongst others, the Auditor
and the Company Secretary regarding any proposed developments or changes in law or regulations that could affect them or
the Company.
Directors’ liability insurance
The Company has maintained appropriate Directors’ liability insurance cover throughout the year.
The Board’s responsibilities
The Board is responsible to shareholders for the effective stewardship of the Company and a formal schedule of matters
reserved for the decision of the Board has been adopted. Investment policy and strategy are determined by the Board. It is also
responsible for the gearing policy, dividend policy, public documents such as the Annual Report and Financial Statements,
the terms of the discount control mechanism, buy back policy and corporate governance matters. In order to enable them to
discharge their responsibilities effectively the Board has full and timely access to relevant information.
The Board currently meets at least six times a year to review investment performance, financial reports and other reports of
a strategic nature. Board or Board committee meetings are also held on an ad hoc basis to consider particular issues as they
arise. Key representatives of the Manager and/or Investment Manager attend each meeting and between these meetings there
is regular contact with the Manager and Investment Manager.
The Board has direct access to company secretarial advice and the services of the Manager which, through its nominated
representative, is responsible for ensuring that Board and Committee procedures are followed and that applicable regulations
are complied with. The appointment and removal of the Company Secretary is a matter for the whole Board.
The Board has established a procedure whereby Directors wishing to do so in the furtherance of their duties, may take
independent professional advice at the Company’s expense.
Performance evaluation
A formal appraisal system has been agreed for the evaluation of the Board, its Committees and the individual Directors,
including the Chairman.
External evaluation
A formal appraisal system has been agreed for the evaluation of the Board, its Committees and the individual Directors,
including the Chairman.
The annual evaluation for the year ended 30 November 2024 has been carried out. This took the form of questionnaires
followed by discussions to identify how the effectiveness of the Board’s activities, including its Committees, policies or
processes might be enhanced. An external evaluation was conducted in 2023, and the benefit of future external evaluations
will be kept under review.
The Chairman also reviewed with each Director their individual performance, contribution and commitment. The appraisal of
the Chairman followed the same format and was led by the Senior Independent Director. The results of the evaluation process
were presented to and considered by the Board. There were no significant actions arising from the evaluation process and it
was agreed that the current composition of the Board and its Committees reflected a suitable mix of skills and experience, and
that the Board as a whole, the individual Directors and its Committees were functioning effectively.
72
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Delegation of responsibilities
The Board has delegated the following areas of responsibility:
Management and administration
The management of the investment portfolio and the administration of the Company have been contractually delegated to
BFM as the Company’s AIFM, and BFM (with the permission of the Company) has delegated certain investment management
and other ancillary services to BIM (UK) (the Investment Manager). The contractual arrangements with the Manager are
summarised on page
55
.
The Manager, operating under guidelines determined by the Board, has direct responsibility for the decisions relating to the
day-to-day running of the Company and is accountable to the Board for the investment, financial and operating performance
of the Company.
The review of the Manager’s performance is an ongoing duty and responsibility of the Board which is carried out at every
Board meeting. In addition, a formal review is undertaken annually, details of which are set out above.
The assets of the Company have been entrusted to the Depositary for safekeeping. The Depositary is The Bank of New York
Mellon (International) Limited. The address at which the business is conducted is given on page 131.
The Board has delegated the exercise of voting rights attaching to the securities held in the portfolio to the Investment
Manager. Details of the Investment Manager’s voting policy are set out on page 56.
Committees of the board
The Board has appointed a number of committees as set out below and on page 34. Copies of the terms of reference of each
committee are available on request from the Company’s registered office, on the BlackRock website at
www.blackrock. com/
uk/beri
and at each Annual General Meeting.
Audit and Management Engagement Committee
The Audit and Management Engagement Committee consists of Andrew Robson who acts as Chairman, Anne Marie Cannon,
Adrian Brown and Carole Ferguson. Mr Brown is not a member of the Committee but may attend by invitation.
Further details are provided in the Report of the Audit and Management Engagement Committee on pages 76 to 81.
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee comprises all the Directors and is chaired by the Chairman of the Board. The role of the Committee
is to review Board structure, size and composition, the balance of knowledge, experience and skills range and to consider
succession planning and tenure policy. Appointments of new Directors are made on a formalised basis, with the Nomination
Committee agreeing the selection criteria and method of selection. The services of an external search consultant may be
used to identify suitable candidates. The Company engaged the services of Cornforth Consulting Limited, an independent
search consultant, to identify suitable Board candidates, which resulted in the appointment of Mrs Cannon with effect from
16 January 2024.
The Committee meets at least once a year and more regularly if required.
Remuneration Committee
The Company’s policy on Directors’ remuneration, together with details of the remuneration of each Director, is detailed in the
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 63 to 66.
As stated in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, the full Board determines the level of Directors’ fees and accordingly there is
no separate Remuneration Committee.
Internal controls
The Board is responsible for the internal controls of the Company and for reviewing their effectiveness, for ensuring that
financial information published or used within the business is reliable, and for regularly monitoring compliance with
regulations governing the operation of investment trusts. The Board reviews the effectiveness of the internal control systems
to identify, evaluate and manage the Company’s significant risks. As part of that process, there are procedures designed to
Corporate governance statement
continued
Section 3: Governance
73
capture and evaluate any failings or weaknesses. Should a matter be categorised by the Board as significant, procedures exist
to ensure that necessary action is taken to remedy the failings. The Board is not aware of any significant failings or weaknesses
arising in the year under review.
Control of the risks identified, covering financial, operational, compliance and risk management, is embedded in the
operations of the Company. There is a monitoring and reporting process to review these controls, which has been in place
throughout the year under review and up to the date of this report carried out by the Manager’s corporate audit department.
This accords with the Financial Reporting Council’s ‘Internal Control: Revised Guidance for Directors on the UK Corporate
Governance Code’.
The Company’s risk register sets out the risks relevant to the Company and describes, where relevant, the internal controls
that are in place at the AIFM, the Investment Manager and other third party service providers to mitigate these risks. The Audit
and Management Engagement Committee (the Committee) formally reviews this register on a semi-annual basis and BFM as
the Company’s AIFM reports on any significant issues that have been identified in the period. In addition, BlackRock’s internal
audit department provides an annual presentation to the Audit and Management Engagement Committee Chairman on the
results of testing performed in relation to BlackRock’s internal control processes. The Depositary also reviews the control
processes in place at the Custodian, the Fund Accountant and the AIFM and reports formally to the Committee twice yearly.
Both the AIFM and the Depositary will escalate issues and report to the Committee outside of these meetings on an ad hoc
basis to the extent this is required. The Committee also receives annual and quarterly Service Organisation Control (SOC 1)
reports respectively from BlackRock and other key service providers on the internal controls of their respective operations,
together with the opinion of their reporting accountants.
The Board recognises that these control systems can only be designed to manage rather than to eliminate the risk of failure to
achieve business objectives, and to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss, and
relies on the operating controls established by the Manager and the Custodian. The Investment Manager prepares revenue
forecasts and management accounts which allow the Board to assess the Company’s activities and review its performance.
The Board and the Investment Manager have agreed clearly defined investment criteria, specified levels of authority and
exposure limits. Reports on these issues, including performance statistics and investment valuations, are submitted to the
Board at each meeting.
Internal audit function
The Company does not have its own internal audit function, as all the administration is delegated to the Manager. The Board
monitors the controls in place through the Manager’s internal audit department and considers that there is currently no need
for the Company to have its own internal audit function, although this matter is kept under review.
Financial reporting
The Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and Financial Statements is set out on pages 82
and 83, the Report of the Independent Auditor on pages 86 to 92 and the Statement of Going Concern on page 57.
Socially responsible investment
Generally, investment trusts do not employ staff and accordingly have no direct impact on social matters but can be
significant investors in the economies of the regions in which they invest. The Company invests primarily in the securities of
companies operating in the mining and energy sectors around the world in a range of countries which have varying degrees
of political and corporate governance standards. The Investment Manager’s evaluation procedures and financial analysis
of the companies within the portfolio includes research and appraisal, and also takes into account environmental policies,
social, ethical and other business issues. In this regard, the Natural Resources team works closely with BlackRock’s Investment
Stewardship team.
The Company’s investment process is ESG integrated. The Investment Manager defines ESG integration as the practice of
explicitly incorporating ESG information into investment decisions to help enhance risk-adjusted returns.
Details on ESG integration can be found in the Strategic Report on pages 51 and 52.
BlackRock Investment Stewardship has been a signatory to the revised 2020 UK Stewardship Code (the Code) since 2021. As
mandated by signatory status to the Code, every year BlackRock Investment Stewardship submits a report on its investment
stewardship activities to the Financial Reporting Council, which oversees the Code. The Financial Reporting Council
then assesses the report against the Code’s 12 Principles and reporting expectations. Based on this annual submission,
74
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
BlackRock’s signatory status to the Code was first granted in September 2021,renewed in October 2022, August 2023, and
again most recently in July 2024. BlackRock’s most recent submission to the Financial Reporting Council is available here:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/publication/annualstewardship-report
-2023.pdf
.
BlackRock’s statement of adherence to the UK Stewardship Code is available here:
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/
insights/investment-stewardship/blackrock-investment-stewardship
.
Bribery prevention policy
The provision of bribes of any nature to third parties in order to gain a commercial advantage is prohibited and is a criminal
offence. The Board has a zero tolerance policy towards bribery and a commitment to carry out business fairly, honestly
and openly. The Board takes its responsibility to prevent bribery very seriously. The Manager has anti-bribery policies and
procedures in place which are high level, proportionate and risk-based, which are periodically reviewed by the Board. The
Company’s other service providers have been contacted in respect of their anti-bribery policies and, where necessary,
contractual changes are made to existing agreements in respect of anti-bribery provisions.
Criminal Finances Act 2017
The Company has a commitment to zero tolerance towards the criminal facilitation of tax evasion.
Communication with shareholders
All shareholders have the opportunity to attend and vote at the AGM. The Notice of Annual General Meeting is sent out at least
20 working days in advance of the meeting and sets out the business of the meeting and any item not of an entirely routine
nature is explained in the Directors’ Report on pages 59 to 61, separate resolutions are proposed for substantive issues.
In addition, regular updates on performance are available to shareholders and the Investment Manager will review the
Company’s portfolio and performance at the AGM, where the Board and representatives of the Investment Manager will be
available to answer shareholders’ queries. Proxy voting figures will be announced to shareholders at the AGM and will be
made available on the Company’s website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
shortly after the meeting. In accordance with the
UK Corporate Governance Code, when, in the opinion of the Board, a significant proportion of votes have been cast against a
resolution at any general meeting, the Board will explain, when announcing the results of voting, what actions it intends to take
to understand the reasons behind the vote result.
The Company’s willingness to enter into discussions with institutional shareholders is also demonstrated by the programmes
of institutional presentations made by the Investment Manager. The Board discusses any feedback from meetings with
shareholders with the Investment Manager at each Board meeting. It also receives reports from its corporate broker in relation
to the views of shareholders and demand for the Company’s shares.
There is a section within this report entitled ‘Additional Information – Shareholder Information’ on pages 126 to 128, which
provides an overview of useful information available to shareholders.
The Company’s financial statements, regular factsheets and other information are also published on the BlackRock website at
blackrock.com/uk/beri
. The work undertaken by the Auditor does not involve consideration of the maintenance and integrity
of the website and, accordingly, the Auditor accepts no responsibility for any changes that have occurred to the financial
statements since they were initially presented on the website. Visitors to the website need to be aware that legislation in the
United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the accounts may differ from legislation in their jurisdiction.
Packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (PRIIPs) regulation (the
‘Regulation’)
This Regulation (as onshored in the UK and amended) requires that anyone manufacturing, advising on, or selling a PRIIP to a
retail investor in the UK must comply with the regulation. Shares issued by Investment Trusts fall into scope of the regulation.
Investors should be aware that the Regulation requires the AIFM, as PRIIPs manufacturer, to prepare a key information
document (‘KID’) in respect of the Company. This KID must be made available, free of charge, to UK retail investors prior to
them making any investment decision and have been published on BlackRock’s website. The Company is not responsible
for the information contained in the KID and investors should note that the procedures for calculating the risks, costs and
potential returns are prescribed by the Regulation. The figures in the KID may not reflect the expected returns for the Company
and anticipated performance returns cannot be guaranteed.
The PRIIPs KID in respect of the Company can be found at:
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
. The disclosure of charges is under
review.
Corporate governance statement
continued
Section 3: Governance
75
Consumer Duty
The FCA’s Consumer Duty rules were published in July 2022. The rules comprise a fundamental component of the FCA’s
consumer protection strategy and aim to improve outcomes for retail customers across the entire financial services industry
through the assessment of various outcomes, one of which is an assessment of whether a product provides value. Under
the Consumer Duty, the Manager is the product ‘manufacturer’ of the Company and therefore the Manager was required to
publish its assessment of value from April 2023.
The Manager developed an assessment methodology that considered a wide range of factors, including the quality of services
delivered, the performance of the Company (against both benchmark and peers) and total costs associated with the product
(including management fees and entry and exit fees as applicable to the Company). The Manager also considered whether all
consumers, including vulnerable consumers, were able to receive fair value from the product. The Manager has concluded that
the Company is providing value based on the above assessment. The Board reviewed the Manager’s assessment methodology
to gain an understanding of the basis used, and no concerns were identified with either the assessment method or the
outcome of the assessment.
The Board reviewed the Manager’s assessment methodology to gain an understanding of the basis used, and no concerns
were identified with either the assessment method or the outcome of the assessment.
Disclosure guidance and transparency rules
Other information required to be disclosed pursuant to the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules has been placed
in the Directors’ Report on pages 54 to 62 because it is information which refers to events that have taken place during the
course of the year.
By order of the Board
ADRIAN BROWN
Chairman
31 January 2025
76
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
As Chairman of the Audit and Management Engagement Committee (the Committee) I am pleased to present the Committee’s
report to shareholders for the year ended 30 November 2024.
Composition
All of the Directors at the date of this report, except the Chairman of the Board, are members of the Committee. The Chairman
may attend the Committee meetings by invitation. Mrs Anne Marie Cannon became a member of the Committee from the date
of her appointment on 16 January 2024. The Committee is composed of Mr Robson (who acts as Chairman), Mrs Ferguson
and Mrs Cannon.
The Directors’ biographies are given on pages 35 and 36 and the Board considers that at least two members of the Committee
have sufficient recent and relevant financial experience for the Committee to discharge its function effectively. The Board is
also satisfied that the Audit and Management Engagement Committee as a whole has competence relevant to the sector in
which the Company operates.
Role and responsibilities
During the year under review the Committee met three times. Two of the three planned meetings were held prior to the Board
meetings to approve the half yearly and annual results in July and January respectively. The third meeting is held in late
November or early December to start the report and accounts preparation process.
The Committee operates within written terms of reference detailing its scope and duties and these are available on the
Company’s website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
. The Committee’s principal duties, as set out in the terms of reference, fall
into seven main categories, as set out below. In accordance with these duties the principal activities of the Committee during
the year included:
Internal controls, financial reporting and risk management systems
reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal financial controls and the internal control and risk
management systems;
reasonably satisfying itself that such systems meet relevant legal and regulatory requirements;
monitoring the integrity of the financial statements including the half yearly and annual report and financial statements;
reviewing the consistency of, and any changes to, accounting policies;
reviewing the half yearly and annual report and financial statements to ensure that the Company’s results and financial
position are represented accurately and fairly to shareholders;
reviewing semi-annual reports from the Manager on its activities as AIFM; and
reviewing half yearly reports from the Depositary on its activities.
Narrative reporting
reviewing the content of the annual report and financial statements and advising the Board on whether, taken as a whole,
it is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s
position, performance, business model and strategy.
External audit
making recommendations to the Board, to be put to shareholders for approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in
relation to the appointment, re-appointment and removal of the Company’s external auditor;
overseeing the relationship with the external auditor;
meeting with the auditor and at least once without management being present;
reviewing and approving the annual audit plan;
reviewing the findings of the audit with the external auditor, including any major issues which arose during the audit, any
accounting and audit judgements and the level of errors identified during the audit; and
reviewing any representation letters requested by the external auditor before signature by the Board.
The fees paid to the external auditor are set out in note 5 on page 104. An explanation on how auditor objectivity and
independence are safeguarded is reported under ‘Assessment of the effectiveness of the external audit process’ on pages 80
and 81.
Report of the audit and management
engagement committee
Section 3: Governance
77
Management engagement
reviewing the management contract to ensure that the terms remain competitive;
satisfying itself that the continuing appointment of the Manager is in the interests of shareholders as a whole;
to consider the appointment or re-appointment of the Manager and the level of management fees;
considering the appointment of third party service providers; and
ensuring that third party service providers comply with the terms of their agreements and that the provisions of such
agreements remain competitive.
Reporting responsibilities
reporting to the Board on its proceedings and how it has discharged its responsibilities making whatever recommendations
it deems appropriate on any area within its remit; and
compiling a report on its activities to be included in the annual report and financial statements.
Whistleblowing and fraud
reviewing the adequacy and security of the Manager’s arrangements for its employees and contractors to raise concerns, in
confidence about possible wrongdoing in financial reporting or other matters insofar as they affect the Company.
Internal audit
considering the need for an internal audit function, as set out in the Corporate Governance Statement on page 73.
Whistleblowing policy
The Committee has reviewed and accepted the whistleblowing policy that has been put in place by the Manager under which its
staff, in confidence, can raise concerns about possible improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other matters, insofar as
they affect the Company.
Internal audit
The Company does not have its own internal audit function, as all the administration is delegated to the Manager. The
Committee considers that it is sufficient to rely on the internal audit department of BlackRock. The requirement for an internal
audit function is kept under review.
United Kingdom Single Electronic Format regulatory technical standard (UKSEF)
We considered the preparation of our financial statements in digital form under the UKSEF taxonomy and regulatory technical
standard. As this was the first report in this format, we made sure the necessary procedures had been completed by all parties,
including the technical accounting team of the Manager, our fund accountants, The Bank of New York Mellon and a specialist
information technology provider.
Audit Committee Standard
The Financial Reporting Council’s Audit Committee Standard ‘Audit Committees and the External Audit: Minimum Standard’
was published in May 2023 with immediate effect. It is applicable to FTSE 350 companies with a premium listing on the London
Stock Exchange and will operate on a comply or explain basis until the creation of the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority
(ARGA), at which time compliance will be mandated. This Standard is not anticipated to have a significant impact on the
Company, but the Audit and Management Engagement Committee will be reviewing its current practices against the Standard to
avoid any non compliance when ARGA is formed.
Significant issues considered regarding the annual report and financial statements
During the year, the Committee considered a number of significant issues and areas of key audit risk in respect of the Annual
Report and Financial Statements. The Committee reviewed the external audit plan at an early stage and concluded that the
appropriate areas of audit risk relevant to the Company had been identified by the auditor and discussed the audit procedures
and plan with the auditors. The table on pages 78 and 79 sets out the key areas of risk identified by the Committee and also
explains how these were addressed by the Committee.
78
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
As the provision of portfolio valuation, fund accounting and administration services is delegated to the Company’s Manager,
which sub-delegates fund accounting to The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited, and the provision of depositary
services is contracted to BNY, the Committee has also reviewed the SOC 1 reports prepared by BlackRock, the Registrar, the
Custodian and Fund Accountant. This enables the Committee to ensure that the control procedures in place over the areas of
risk identified in the following table are adequate and appropriate and have been designated as operating effectively by their
reporting auditor.
Significant issue
The accuracy of the valuation of the investment portfolio.
How the issue was addressed
Listed investments are valued using stock exchange prices provided by third party pricing vendors. Unquoted or illiquid
investments, are valued by the Directors based on recommendations from BlackRock’s Pricing Committee. As at 30 November
2024, there were two unquoted holding amounts to a total value of £1,906,000. The Board reviews portfolio valuations at each
of its Board meetings and receives confirmation from the Manager that the pricing basis is appropriate, in line with relevant
accounting standards as adopted by the Company and that the carrying values are materially correct. The Board also relies on
the Manager’s and Fund Accountant’s controls which are documented in an annual and a semi-annual internal controls report
respectively which is reviewed by the Audit Committee. Investments which are subject to international sanctions are valued at
nil in the financial statements.
Significant issue
The risk of misappropriation of assets and unsecured ownership of investments.
How the issue was addressed
The Depositary is responsible for financial restitution for the loss of financial investments held in custody. The Depositary
reports to the Committee twice a year. The Committee reviews reports from its service providers on key controls over the assets
of the Company and will take action to address any significant issues that are identified in these reports, which may include
direct discussions with representatives of the relevant service providers to obtain more detailed information surrounding any
matters of concern and gaining assurance that appropriate remediation action has been taken. Any significant issues are
reported by the Manager to the Committee. The Manager has put in place procedures to ensure that investments can only be
made to the extent that the appropriate contractual and legal arrangements are in place to protect the Company’s assets.
Significant issue
The risk that income is overstated, incomplete or inaccurate through failure to recognise proper income entitlements or to
apply the appropriate accounting treatment for recognition of income.
How the issue was addressed
The Committee reviews income forecasts, including special dividends and option income and receives explanations from
the Investment Manager for any variations or significant movements from previous forecasts and prior year figures. The
Committee also reviews the facts and circumstances of all special dividends to determine the revenue/capital treatment.
The Board reviews the option transactions at each board meeting to confirm revenue treatment. The Directors also review a
detailed schedule of dividends received from portfolio holdings at each meeting which sets out current and historic dividend
rates, and the amounts accrued. Any significant movements or unusual items are discussed with the Manager. The Committee
also reviews SOC 1 Reports from its service providers, including the Company’s Fund Accountant and Custodian, The Bank
of New York Mellon (International) Limited. These reports include information on the control processes in place to ensure the
accurate recording of income, and any exceptions are highlighted to the Committee and will be investigated further to ensure
that appropriate remediation action has been taken where relevant. Dividend income from investments which are subject to
international sanctions have been accounted for, but are fully provided for in the financial statements.
Report of the audit and management
engagement committee
continued
Section 3: Governance
79
Significant issue
The accuracy of the calculation of management fees.
How the issue was addressed
The management fee is calculated in accordance with the contractual terms in the investment management agreement by the
Fund Accountants and is reviewed in detail by the Manager and is also subject to analytical review by the Board.
External audit and tender process
The Committee is mindful of the regulations on mandatory auditor rotation which require the appointment of a new auditor
or perform an audit tender every ten years. As a result, the Company carried out a formal tender process in July 2023 and
Deloitte LLP was selected as the Company’s new independent auditors for the year ended 30 November 2024. The Committee
will continue to review the auditors’ appointment each year to ensure that the Company is receiving an optimal level of
service. There are no contractual obligations that restrict the Company’s choice of auditors. The Committee appointed an
internal Selection Panel (the Panel) on its behalf to review the competitive tender bids and make recommendations to it for
consideration.
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the relationship with the external auditors and for considering their terms of
engagement, remuneration, effectiveness, independence and continued objectivity. The Committee reviews annually the
audit requirements of the Group, for the business and in the context of the external environment, placing great importance on
ensuring a high quality, effective external audit process.
Planning and preparation
As part of planning the tender process, the Committee has taken due regard of the current FRC guidance on audit tenders and
has considered the relevant sections of the ‘Audit Committees and the External Audit: Minimum Standard published by the
FRC in May 2023.
The steps that were undertaken as part of the tender process are set out below:
The Company issued a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to the three firms (Deloitte LLP, Mazars LLP and
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) which had confirmed a willingness to participate in the tender process detailing the evaluation
criteria which would be used by the Panel in informing its decision, which included but were not limited to:
independence criteria;
quality and clarity of audit approach and audit quality review record of the firm;
the quality of understanding of the audit risk areas;
audit transition and implementation plan;
depth of understanding of the business, its industry and the risks in the industry; and
overall quality of the response and adherence to RFP instructions.
Written proposal
The Company received a written proposal from each of the firms.
Presentations and Q&A session
At the final stage, the participating firms delivered presentations and their proposed audit plan, followed by a question-and
answer session. The meetings were attended by all of the Panel members.
Evaluation, assessment and Committee recommendation
The Committee’s unanimous view was that each firm participated with energy, enthusiasm and integrity and that each
could perform a quality audit of the Company. However, based on the evaluation criteria above, the Panel discussed and
unanimously agreed to recommend PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Deloitte LLP to the Committee for consideration, but
also expressed their thanks to Mazars LLP for its participation. Following a review, the Committee concurred with the Panel’s
findings and recommendations.
80
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Board decision
Based on the Panel’s findings, the Committee recommended the two firms to the Board, with a preference for the tender to be
awarded to Deloitte LLP. The Board endorsed the Committee’s recommendation.
The appointment of Deloitte LLP was approved at the AGM on 15 March 2024. Deloitte LLP are also the corporate auditors of
BlackRock Inc. and its subsidiaries.
The Committee is satisfied that the Company has complied with the provisions of the Statutory Audit Services for Large
Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Processes and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order
2014, published by the Competition and Markets Authority on 26 September 2014.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the external audit process
The Committee has primary responsibility for assessing the effectiveness of the external audit process and for making
recommendations to the Board on the appointment, reappointment or removal of the external auditor. It considers the
planning, scope, quality of performance, cost effectiveness and independence of the external auditor. The Committee reviews
and approves the external audit plan in advance of the audit and throughout the year, any non-audit services proposed to be
performed by the external auditor. The external audit plan includes an analysis of the key audit risks and calculations of audit
materiality, which the Committee considers in forming its assessment of key risks to the Company’s financial statements.
To assess the effectiveness of the external audit, members of the Committee work closely with the Manager to obtain a
good understanding of the quality and efficiency of the audit. The Committee has adopted a formal framework to review the
effectiveness of the external audit process and audit quality. This includes a review of the following areas:
the quality of the audit engagement partner and the audit team;
the expertise of the audit firm and the resources available to it;
identification of areas of audit risk;
planning, scope and execution of the audit;
consideration of the appropriateness of the level of audit materiality adopted;
the role of the Committee, the Manager and other third party service providers in an effective audit process;
communication, by the Auditor, with the Committee;
how the Auditor supports the work of the Committee;
a review of independence and objectivity of the audit firm; and
the quality of the formal audit report to shareholders.
Feedback in relation to the audit process and also of the effectiveness of the Manager in performing its role is also sought
from relevant involved parties, including the audit partner and team.
The external auditor is invited to attend the Committee meetings at which the half yearly and annual report and financial
statements are considered and at which they have the opportunity to meet with the Committee without representatives of
the Manager or Investment Manager being present. The effectiveness of the external audit process is assessed principally in
relation to how successfully any issues in respect of areas of accounting judgement are identified and resolved, the quality
and timeliness of papers analysing these judgements, the views of the independent auditors and the booking of any audit
adjustments arising, and the timely provision of draft public documents for review by the Auditor and the Committee.
To form a conclusion with regard to the independence of the external Auditor, the following factors are considered. The
Committee considers whether the skills and experience of the auditor make them a suitable supplier of the non-audit services
and whether there are safeguards in place to ensure that there is no threat to its objectivity and independence in the conduct
of the audit resulting from the provision of such services. On an ongoing basis, Deloitte reviews the independence of its
relationship with the Group and reports to the Committee, providing details of any other relationships with the Manager.
Report of the audit and management
engagement committee
continued
Section 3: Governance
81
As part of this review, the Auditor will provide the Committee with information about policies and processes for maintaining
independence and monitoring compliance with relevant requirements. This will include information on the rotation of audit
partners and staff, the level of fees that the Group pays, details of any relationships between the audit firm and its staff and the
Group as well as an overall confirmation from the auditor of its independence and objectivity.
As a result of their review, the Committee has concluded that the external audit has been conducted effectively and also that
Deloitte is independent of the Group.
Conclusions in respect of the Annual Report and Financial Statements
The production and the audit of the Group’s annual report and financial statements is a comprehensive process requiring
input from a number of different contributors. In order to reach a conclusion that the annual report and financial statements
are fair, balanced and understandable, the Board has requested that the Committee advise on whether these criteria are
satisfied. In doing so the Committee has given consideration to the following:
the comprehensive control framework over the production of the annual report and financial statements including the
verification process in place to deal with the factual content;
the extensive levels of review that are undertaken in the production process by the Manager, the Depositary and the
Committee;
the Manager and other third party service provider controls to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the Group’s financial
records and the security of the Group’s assets; and
the existence of satisfactory SOC 1 reports to verify the effectiveness of the internal controls of the Manager, Custodian,
Fund Accountant and other key service providers.
The Committee has reviewed the Annual Report and Financial Statements and is satisfied that, taken as a whole, they are
fair, balanced and understandable. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee has assumed that the reader of the Annual
Report and Financial Statements would have a reasonable level of knowledge of the investment trust industry in general and
of investment trusts in particular. The Committee has reported on these findings to the Board who affirm the Committee’s
conclusions in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and Financial Statements on
pages 82 and 83.
ANDREW ROBSON
Chairman
Audit and Management Engagement Committee
31 January 2025
82
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable
United Kingdom law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the Directors
have elected to prepare the Group and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK-adopted International
Accounting Standards (IFRSs). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are
satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of the
Group and the Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and
Errors and then apply them consistently;
present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and
understandable information;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
in respect of the Group financial statements, state whether UK-adopted International Accounting Standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs is insufficient to enable users to
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group and Company financial position
and financial performance;
in respect of the Parent Company financial statements, state whether UK-adopted International Accounting Standards, have
been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and/or the
Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s
and the Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the
Company and enable them to ensure that the Group and Company financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and Parent Company and hence for taking reasonable
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report,
Directors’ Remuneration Report, Corporate Governance Statement and the Report of the Audit and Management Engagement
Committee that comply with that law and those regulations. The Directors have delegated responsibility to the Manager for the
maintenance and integrity of the Group’s corporate and financial information included on the BlackRock website. Legislation
in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in
other jurisdictions.
The Directors confirm, to the best of their knowledge:
that the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards, give a
true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Parent Company and undertakings included in the
consolidation taken as a whole;
that the annual report, including the strategic report, includes a fair review of the development and performance of the
business and the position of the Company and undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face; and
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
in respect of the Annual Report and
Financial Statements
Section 3: Governance
83
that they consider the annual report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information
necessary for shareholders to assess the company’s position, performance, business model and strategy.
In order to reach a conclusion on this matter, the Board has requested that the Audit and Management Engagement
Committee advise on whether it considers that the Annual Report and Financial Statements fulfils these requirements.
The process by which the Committee has reached these conclusions is set out in the Audit and Management Engagement
Committee’s Report on pages 76 to 81. As a result, the Board has concluded that the Annual Report for the year ended
30 November 2024, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for
shareholders to assess the Group’s and the Company’s position, performance, business model and strategy.
For and on behalf of the Board
ADRIAN BROWN
Chairman
31 January 2025
Financial
statements
Energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) specialist
Trane Technologies was among the top contributors to performance.
The company’s brands and subsidiaries include commercial and residential
HVAC business Trane and refrigeration transport business Thermo King.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRANE TECHNOLOGIES
Section 4: Financial statements
85
86
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
1. Opinion
In our opinion:
the financial statements of BlackRock Energy and
Resources Income Trust plc (the ‘parent company’) and
its subsidiary
(the ‘group’) give a true and fair view of the
state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as
at 30 November 2024 and of the group’s profit for the year
then ended;
the group financial statements have been properly
prepared in accordance with United Kingdom adopted
international accounting standards and the Statement
of Recommended Practice issued by the Association of
Investment Companies in July 2022 ‘Financial Statements
of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital
Trusts’;
the parent company financial statements have been
properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom
adopted international accounting standards and
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act 2006; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income;
the consolidated statement of changes in equity;
the parent company statement of changes in equity;
the consolidated and parent company statements of
financial position;
the consolidated and parent company cash flow
statements; and
the related notes 1 to 20.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied
in their preparation is applicable law and, United Kingdom
adopted international accounting standards and, as regards
the parent company financial statements, as applied in
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.
2. Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International
Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable
law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further
described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the
financial statements section of our report.
We are independent of the group and the parent company in
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to
our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the
Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard
as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with
these requirements. We confirm that we have not provided
any non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical
Standard to the group or the parent company.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
3. Summary of our audit approach
Key audit matters
The key audit matter that we
identified in the current year
was:
Valuation and existence of
investments.
Materiality
The materiality that we
used for the group financial
statements was £1,673,000
which was determined on the
basis of 1% of net assets as at
30 November 2024.
Scoping
Audit work to respond to the
risks of material misstatement
was performed directly by the
audit engagement team. The
audit team concluded that
the group contained a single
component which the audit
team directly tested.
Significant changes in our
approach
We have concluded that
accuracy, and completeness
of income is no longer a key
audit matter as the key audit
matter is focussed on the
valuation and existence of
investments.
4. Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that
the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in
the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s
and parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting included:
Obtaining an understanding of management’s process
for evaluating the company’s ability to continue as a
going concern;
Reviewing the output of management’s assessment of
the group’s ability to remain an Investment Trust;
Assessing the performance and position of the group,
including its cash position, dividend income and
management fee expenses;
Independent auditor’s report
to the members of BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
Section 4: Financial statements
87
Assessing the impact of geo-political events high
inflation and the cost of living crisis;
Assessing the risks to the investment portfolio of market
altering factors such as stock volatility and illiquidity;
Assessing the group’s ability to cover its expenses for the
12-month period from the date of signing the financial
statements, including the ability of the group to exit
underperforming investments, if needed; and
Assessing the appropriateness of the disclosures in the
financial statements relating to going concern.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified
any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions
that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt
on the group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as
a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from
when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In relation to the reporting on how the group has applied the
UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material
to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’
statement in the financial statements about whether the
directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors
with respect to going concern are described in the relevant
sections of this report.
5. Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not
due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the
allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
5.1.
Valuation and existence of investments
Key audit matter description
The group held investments of £189.8m as at 30 November 2024 (2023: £175.5m).
The parent company held investments of £190.7m (2023: £178.0). These represent the
most significant element of the net asset value as disclosed in the statement of financial
position.
There is a risk that investments may not be valued correctly or may not exist. This may
result in a material misstatement within the investments held at fair value through profit
or loss and we consider that there is a potential area for fraud since investment return is a
key performance indicator for the company.
The accounting policy on investments can be found in note 2g and details of the
investments are disclosed in note 10 to the financial statements. The valuation and
existence of listed investments is included in the Audit Committee Report as a significant
reporting matter on page
78
.
How the scope of our audit
responded to the key audit
matter
We performed the following procedures to address the valuation and existence of the
investment portfolio:
We obtained an understanding of relevant controls over the valuation and existence
of investments. We have tested the controls over the valuation of investments;
Using an independent pricing source we evaluated the accuracy of management’s
valuation of 100% of the investment portfolio; and
We have obtained an independent confirmation of the existence of 100% of the
investment portfolio at the year-end date.
Key observations
Based on the work performed, we concluded that the valuation and existence of
investments was appropriate.
88
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
6. Our application of materiality
6.1. Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the
scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
Group financial statements
Parent company financial statements
Materiality
£1,673,000
£1,589,000
Basis for
determining
materiality
1% of net assets
1% of company net assets, capped at 95% of the
group materiality
Rationale for the
benchmark applied
Net assets has been chosen as we concluded that
it represented the most relevant benchmark for
investors and is a key driver of shareholder value.
Net assets has been chosen as we concluded that
it represented the most relevant benchmark for
investors and is a key driver of shareholder value.
6.1. Materiality
Net Assets £167m
Net Assets
Materiality
Materiality £1.67m
Audit Committee
reporting threshold
£0.08m
6.2. Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and
undetected misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole.
Group financial statements
Parent company financial statements
70% of group materiality
70% of parent company materiality
In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors:
a.
there have been no significant changes in the business structure and operations;
b.
our experience from review of the previous auditor’s file has indicated a low number of corrected and uncorrected
misstatements identified in prior periods; and
c.
there were no significant changes in the company’s operating environment caused by the uncertainty and volatility
brought about by inflation and increased interest rates.
6.3. Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of
£0.08m as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also
report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial
statements.
Independent auditor’s report
continued
Section 4: Financial statements
89
7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping of components
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the
group and parent company and its environment, including
internal controls and assessing the risks of material
misstatement. Due to the portfolio of investments held by
the parent company, the parent company was identified
as the only significant component, and a full scope audit
was performed to a component materiality of £1,589,000.
Full scope audit procedures were also performed on the
subsidiary company, BlackRock Energy and Resources
Securities Income Company Limited, to a materiality
level of £9,600. All audit work to respond to the risks of
material misstatement was performed directly by the audit
engagement team.
7.2. Our consideration of the control environment
The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited
(“BNYM”), provides day to day administration of the group
and is also responsible for the group’s general administrative
functions, including the calculation and publication of the
net asset value and maintenance of the group’s accounting
and statutory records.
In assessing the group’s control environment, we considered
controls in place at the administrator. As part of this we
reviewed BNYM’s Service Organisation Controls (“SOC 1”)
report and gained an understanding of the relevant controls
relating to valuation and existence of investments. We also
reviewed the SOC 1 report in respect of general IT controls.
Further, we obtained an understanding of relevant business
processes and controls including those relevant to the
group’s financial reporting.
7.3. Our consideration of climate-related risks
In planning our audit, we have considered the potential
impact of climate change on the group’s business and its
financial statements. The group continues to develop its
assessment of the potential impacts of environmental, social
and governance factors (“ESG”) on the group, including
climate change, as outlined on page 18. As part of our audit,
we held discussions with management to understand the
process of identifying climate-related risks, management’s
determination of mitigating actions and the impact on
the group’s financial statements. We performed our own
qualitative risk assessment of the potential impact of climate
change on the group’s account balances and classes of
transactions. We have read the disclosures in relation to
climate change made in the other information within the
annual report to ascertain whether the disclosures are
materially consistent with the financial statements and our
knowledge from our audit. Management has identified there
to be no material impact arising from climate change on the
judgements and estimates made in the financial statements,
as disclosed in note 2 (p).
8. Other information
The other information comprises the information included
in the annual report, other than the financial statements and
our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for
the other information contained within the annual report.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover
the other information and, except to the extent otherwise
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and,
in doing so, consider whether the other information is
materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our
knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise
appears to be materially misstated.
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent
material misstatements, we are required to determine
whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the
financial statements themselves. If, based on the work
we have performed, we conclude that there is a material
misstatement of this other information, we are required to
report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
9. Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities
statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation
of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they
give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the
directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation
of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are
responsible for assessing the group’s ability to continue as
a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related
to going concern and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the
group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have
no realistic alternative but to do so.
10. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and
to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is
not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they
could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial
statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of
the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities
. This description
forms part of our auditor’s report.
90
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
11. Extent to which the audit was considered
capable of detecting irregularities, including
fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures
in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect
material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including
fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of
detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
11.1. Identifying and assessing potential risks related to
irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement
in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-
compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the
following:
the nature of the industry and sector, control
environment and business performance including
the design of the group’s remuneration policies, key
drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and
performance targets;
results of our enquiries of management, the directors and
the audit committee about their own identification and
assessment of the risks of irregularities, including those
that are specific to the group’s sector;
any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed
the group’s documentation of their policies and
procedures relating to:
identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and
regulations and whether they were aware of any
instances of non-compliance;
detecting and responding to the risks of fraud
and whether they have knowledge of any actual,
suspected or alleged fraud;
the internal controls established to mitigate risks of
fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;
the matters discussed among the audit engagement
team and relevant internal specialists including IT, tax
and financial instruments specialists regarding how and
where fraud might occur in the financial statements and
any potential indicators of fraud.
As a result of these procedures, we considered the
opportunities and incentives that may exist within the
organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential
for fraud in the following area: valuation and existence of
investments. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we
are also required to perform specific procedures to respond
to the risk of management override.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and
regulatory framework that the group operates in, focusing
on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a
direct effect on the determination of material amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws
and regulations we considered in this context included
the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, tax legislation, and
the statement of Recommended Practice issued by the
Association of Investment Companies ‘Financial Statements
of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts.
In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and
regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial
statements but compliance with which may be fundamental
to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.
These included the requirements of the United Kingdom’s
Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and Alternative
Investment Fund Managers Directive.
11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified the
valuation and existence of investments as a key audit matter
related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit matters
section of our report explains the matter in more detail and
also describes the specific procedures we performed in
response to that key audit matter.
In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks
identified included the following:
reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing
to supporting documentation to assess compliance with
provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as
having a direct effect on the financial statements;
enquiring of management and the Audit Committee
concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual
or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of
material misstatement due to fraud;
reading minutes of meetings of those charged with
governance, reviewing correspondence with HMRC and
FCA; and
in addressing the risk of fraud through management
override of controls, testing the appropriateness of
journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether
the judgements made in making accounting estimates
are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the
business rationale of any significant transactions that are
unusual or outside the normal course of business.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and
regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team
members including internal specialists, and remained alert
to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and
regulations throughout the audit.
Independent auditor’s report
continued
Section 4: Financial statements
91
Report on other legal and regulatory
requirements
12. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report
to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with
the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of
the audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the
directors’ report for the financial year for which the
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the
financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors’ report have
been prepared in accordance with applicable legal
requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group
and parent company and their environment obtained in
the course of the audit, we have not identified any material
misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.
13. Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’
statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability
and that part of the Corporate Governance Statement
relating to the group’s compliance with the provisions of the
UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we
have concluded that each of the following elements of the
Corporate Governance Statement is materially consistent
with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained
during the audit:
the directors’ statement with regards to the
appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of
accounting and any material uncertainties identified set
out on page
57
;
the directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the
group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and
why the period is appropriate set out on page
45
;
the directors’ statement on fair, balanced and
understandable set out on page 76;
the board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust
assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out
on pages 40 and 41;
the section of the annual report that describes the review
of effectiveness of risk management and internal control
systems set out on page 40; and
the section describing the work of the Audit Committee
set out on pages 76 to 81.
14. Matters on which we are required to report by
exception
14.1. Adequacy of explanations received and accounting
records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to
you if, in our opinion:
we have not received all the information and explanations
we require for our audit; or
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the
parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have
not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in
agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
14.2. Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to
report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’
remuneration have not been made or the part of the
directors’ remuneration report to be audited is not in
agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
15. Other matters which we are required to
address
15.1. Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the audit committee,
we were appointed by the shareholders at the Annual
General Meeting on 15 March 2024 to audit the financial
statements for the year ending 30 November 2024
and subsequent financial periods. The period of total
uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and
reappointments of the firm is 1 year, covering the year ending
30 November 2024.
15.2. Consistency of the audit report with the additional
report to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to
the audit committee we are required to provide in accordance
with ISAs (UK).
92
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
16. Use of our report
This report is made solely to the group’s members, as a body,
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies
Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we
might state to the group’s members those matters we are
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the
group and the group’s members as a body, for our audit work,
for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule (DTR) 4.1.15R
– DTR 4.1.18R, these financial statements will form part of
the Electronic Format Annual Financial Report filed on the
National Storage Mechanism of the FCA in accordance with
DTR 4.1.15R – DTR 4.1.18R. This auditor’s report provides
no assurance over whether the Electronic Format Annual
Financial Report has been prepared in compliance with DTR
4.1.15R – DTR 4.1.18R.
MICHAEL CAULLAY
CA
(Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP, Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
31 January 2025
Independent auditor’s report
continued
 
Section 4: Financial statements
93
Consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 November 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Revenue
Capital
Total
Revenue
Capital
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Income from investments held at fair value
through profit or loss
3
4,951
4,951
6,258
79
6,337
Other income
3
1,200
1,200
1,218
1,218
Total income
6,151
6,151
7,476
79
7,555
Net profit/(loss) on investments and derivatives held at
fair value through profit or loss
10
18,986
18,986
(27,606)
(27,606)
Net profit on foreign exchange
25
25
6
6
Total
6,151
19,011
25,162
7,476
(27,521)
(20,045)
Expenses
Investment management fees
4
(356)
(1,069)
(1,425)
(387)
(1,162)
(1,549)
Other operating expenses
5
(511)
(9)
(520)
(535)
(16)
(551)
Total operating expenses
(867)
(1,078)
(1,945)
(922)
(1,178)
(2,100)
Net profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before finance
costs and taxation
5,284
17,933
23,217
6,554
(28,699)
(22,145)
Finance costs
6
(230)
(690)
(920)
(196)
(588)
(784)
Net profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation
5,054
17,243
22,297
6,358
(29,287)
(22,929)
Taxation (charge)/credit
7
(513)
128
(385)
(584)
117
(467)
Net profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation
4,541
17,371
21,912
5,774
(29,170)
(23,396)
Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share (pence)
9
3.63
13.87
17.50
4.39
(22.17)
(17.78)
The total columns of this statement represent the Group’s Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with
UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS). The supplementary revenue and capital accounts are both prepared
under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). All items in the above statement derive from
continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued during the year. All income is attributable to the equity
holders of the Group.
The Group does not have any other comprehensive income/(loss) (2023: £nil). The net profit/(loss) for the year disclosed
above represents the Group’s total comprehensive income.
The notes on pages 98 to 123 form part of these financial statements.
 
 
94
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Consolidated statement of changes
in equity
for the year ended 30 November 2024
The notes on pages 98 to 123 form part of these financial statements.
Group
Notes
Called
up share
capital
Share
premium
account
Special
reserve
Capital
reserves
Revenue
reserve
Total
For the year ended 30 November 2024
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2023
1,356
69,980
66,100
18,660
6,266
162,362
Total comprehensive income:
Net profit for the year
17,371
4,541
21,912
Transaction with owners, recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
15, 16
(11,208)
(11,208)
Share repurchase costs
15, 16
(80)
(80)
Dividends paid
1
8
(5,659)
(5,659)
At 30 November 2024
1,356
69,980
54,812
36,031
5,148
167,327
For the year ended 30 November 2023
At 30 November 2022
1,344
68,203
70,937
47,803
6,421
194,708
Total comprehensive (loss)/income:
Net (loss)/profit for the year
(29,170)
5,774
(23,396)
Transaction with owners, recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary share issues
15, 16
12
1,781
1,793
Share issue costs
15, 16
(4)
(4)
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
15, 16
(4,802)
(4,802)
Share repurchase costs
15, 16
(35)
(35)
Share reissue costs written back
16
27
27
Dividends paid
2
8
(5,929)
(5,929)
At 30 November 2023
1,356
69,980
66,100
18,660
6,266
162,362
1
4th interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 7 December 2023 and paid on
12 January 2024; 1st interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024, declared on 15 March 2024 and
paid on 26 April 2024; 2nd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024, declared on 4 June 2024 and
paid on 15 July 2024 and 3rd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024, declared on 18 September
2024 and paid on 28 October 2024.
2
4th interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2022, declared on 7 December 2022 and paid on
13 January 2023; 1st interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 13 March 2023 and
paid on 19 April 2023; 2nd interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 7 June 2023 and
paid on 14 July 2023 and 3rd interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 20 September
2023 and paid on 27 October 2023.
 
Section 4: Financial statements
95
Parent company statement of changes
in equity
The notes on pages 98 to 123 form part of these financial statements.
Company
Notes
Called
up share
capital
Share
premium
account
Special
reserve
Capital
reserves
Revenue
reserve
Total
For the year ended 30 November 2024
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2023
1,356
69,980
66,100
20,294
4,632
162,362
Total comprehensive income:
Net profit for the year
16,692
5,220
21,912
Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
15, 16
(11,208)
(11,208)
Share repurchase costs
15, 16
(80)
(80)
Dividends paid
1
8
(5,659)
(5,659)
At 30 November 2024
1,356
69,980
54,812
36,986
4,193
167,327
For the year ended 30 November 2023
At 30 November 2022
1,344
68,203
70,937
50,437
3,787
194,708
Total comprehensive (loss)/income:
Net (loss)/profit for the year
(30,170)
6,774
(23,396)
Transactions with owners, recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary share issues
15, 16
12
1,781
1,793
Share issue costs
15, 16
(4)
(4)
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
15, 16
(4,802)
(4,802)
Share repurchase costs
15, 16
(35)
(35)
Share reissue costs written back
16
27
27
Dividends paid
2
8
(5,929)
(5,929)
At 30 November 2023
1,356
69,980
66,100
20,294
4,632
162,362
1
4th interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 7 December 2023 and paid on
12 January 2024; 1st interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024, declared on 15 March 2024 and
paid on 26 April 2024; 2nd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024, declared on 4 June 2024 and
paid on 15 July 2024 and 3rd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024, declared on 18 September
2024 and paid on 28 October 2024.
2
4th interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2022, declared on 7 December 2022 and paid on
13 January 2023; 1st interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 13 March 2023 and
paid on 19 April 2023; 2nd interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 7 June 2023 and
paid on 14 July 2023 and 3rd interim dividend of 1.100p per share for the year ended 30 November 2023, declared on 20 September
2023 and paid on 27 October 2023.
For information on the Company’s distributable reserves please refer to note 16 on pages 109 to 111.
 
96
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
30 November 2024
30 November 2023
Notes
Group
Company
Group
Company
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Non current assets
Investments held at fair value through profit or
loss
10
189,752
190,707
175,540
177,995
Current assets
Other receivables
12
436
3,176
618
3,359
Current tax asset
193
193
130
130
Cash collateral pledged with brokers
17
591
591
1,538
1,538
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
17
3,714
19
5,276
80
Total current assets
4,934
3,979
7,562
5,107
Total assets
194,686
194,686
183,102
183,102
Current liabilities
Other payables
13
(1,364)
(1,364)
(1,988)
(1,988)
Derivative financial liabilities held at fair value
through profit or loss
10
(51)
(51)
(890)
(890)
Cash and cash equivalents - bank overdraft
14, 17
(25,944)
(25,944)
(17,862)
(17,862)
Total current liabilities
(27,359)
(27,359)
(20,740)
(20,740)
Net assets
167,327
167,327
162,362
162,362
Equity attributable to equity holders
Called up share capital
15
1,356
1,356
1,356
1,356
Share premium account
16
69,980
69,980
69,980
69,980
Special reserve
16
54,812
54,812
66,100
66,100
Capital reserves
16
At 1 December
18,660
20,294
47,803
50,437
Net profit for the year
17,371
16,692
(29,170)
(30,170)
Transactions with owners, recorded directly to
equity
27
27
At 30 November
36,031
36,986
18,660
20,294
Revenue reserve
16
At 1 December
6,266
4,632
6,421
3,787
Net profit for the year
4,541
5,220
5,774
6,774
Dividends paid
(5,659)
(5,659)
(5,929)
(5,929)
At 30 November
5,148
4,193
6,266
4,632
Total equity
167,327
167,327
162,362
162,362
Net asset value per ordinary share (pence)
9
137.66
137.66
123.58
123.58
The financial statements on pages 93 to 123 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 31 January
2025 and signed on its behalf by Adrian Brown, Chairman.
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
Registered in England, No. 5612963
Consolidated and parent company
statements of financial position
as at 30 November 2024
The notes on pages 98 to 123 form part of these financial statements.
 
 
Section 4: Financial statements
97
The notes on pages 98 to 123 form part of these financial statements.
30 November 2024
30 November 2023
Group
Company
Group
Company
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Operating activities
Net profit on ordinary activities before taxation
1
22,297
22,297
(22,929)
(22,929)
Add back finance costs
920
920
784
784
Net profit on investments and derivatives held at fair
value through profit or loss (including transaction costs)
(18,986)
(17,486)
27,606
28,606
Net profit on foreign exchange
(25)
(6)
Sales of investments held at fair value through profit or
loss
123,914
123,914
97,330
97,330
Purchases of investments held at fair value through profit
or loss
(119,979)
(119,979)
(93,247)
(93,247)
Decrease in other receivables
182
183
(134)
(134)
Decrease in other payables
(55)
(55)
471
471
Decrease in amounts due to brokers
(569)
(569)
1,496
1,496
Net movement in cash collateral held with brokers
947
947
(1,253)
(1,253)
Net cash inflow from operating activities before
taxation
8,646
10,172
5,849
6,855
Taxation on investment income included within gross
income
(448)
(448)
(494)
(494)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
8,198
9,724
5,355
6,361
Financing activities
Interest paid
(920)
(920)
(784)
(784)
Shares repurchased into treasury
(11,208)
(11,208)
(4,802)
(4,802)
Share repurchase costs
(80)
(80)
(35)
(35)
Dividends paid
(5,659)
(5,659)
(5,929)
(5,929)
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities
(17,867)
(17,867)
(9,816)
(9,816)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(9,669)
(8,143)
(4,461)
(3,455)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
25
6
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(9,644)
(8,143)
(4,455)
(3,455)
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
(12,586)
(17,782)
(8,131)
(14,327)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
(22,230)
(25,925)
(12,586)
(17,782)
Comprised of:
Cash at bank
3,714
19
5,276
80
Bank overdraft
(25,944)
(25,944)
(17,862)
(17,862)
(22,230)
(25,925)
(12,586)
(17,782)
1
Dividends and interest received in cash during the year amounted to £4,080,000 and £436,000 (2023: £5,107,000 and £482,000).
Consolidated and parent company cash
flow statements
for the year ended 30 November 2024
 
Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 30 November 2024
98
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
1. Principal activity
The principal activity of the Company is that of an investment trust company within the meaning of Section 1158 of the
Corporation Tax Act 2010. The Company was incorporated on 4 November 2005 and this is the seventeenth Annual Report.
2. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group and Company are set out below.
(a) Basis of preparation
The Group and Company financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention modified by the revaluation
of certain financial assets and financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss and in accordance with UK-adopted
International Accounting Standards (IAS), with future changes being subject to endorsement by the UK Endorsement Board and
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies reporting under those standards. All of the Group’s
operations are of a continuing nature. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided under Section 408 of the
Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual Statement of Comprehensive Income and related notes.
Insofar as the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for investment trust companies and venture capital trusts, issued
by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) in October 2019 and updated in July 2022, is compatible with UK-adopted
IAS, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with guidance set out in the SORP.
Substantially, all of the assets of the Group consist of securities that are readily realisable and, accordingly, the Directors
are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future for the
period to 31 January 2026, being a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements
and therefore consider the going concern assumption to be appropriate. The Directors have reviewed compliance with the
covenants associated with the bank overdraft facility, income and expense projections and the liquidity of the investment
portfolio in making their assessment.
The Directors have considered the impact of climate change on the value of the investments included in the Financial
Statements and have concluded that there was no further impact of climate change to be considered as the investments are
valued based on market pricing as required by IFRS 13.
None of the Group’s other assets and liabilities were considered to be potentially impacted by climate change.
The Group’s financial statements are presented in British Pound Sterling, which is the functional currency of the Group
and the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates. All values are rounded to the nearest
thousand pounds (£’000) except when otherwise indicated.
Adoption of new and amended International Accounting Standards and interpretations:
IFRS 17 – Insurance contracts
(effective 1 January 2023). This standard replaced IFRS 4 and applies to all types of insurance
contracts. IFRS 17 provides a consistent and comprehensive model for insurance contracts covering all relevant accounting
aspects.
IAS 12 - Deferred tax related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction
(effective 1 January 2023). The
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has amended IAS 12 Income Taxes to require companies to recognise
deferred tax on particular transactions that, on initial recognition, give rise to equal amounts of taxable and deductible
temporary differences. According to the amended guidance, a temporary difference that arises on initial recognition of an
asset or liability is not subject to the initial recognition exemption if that transaction gave rise to equal amounts of taxable
and deductible temporary differences. These amendments might have a significant impact on the preparation of financial
statements by companies that have substantial balances of right-of-use assets, lease liabilities, decommissioning, restoration
and similar liabilities. The impact for those affected would be the recognition of additional deferred tax assets and liabilities.
IAS 8 – Definition of accounting estimates
(effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has amended IAS 8 Accounting Policies,
Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors to help distinguish between accounting policies and accounting estimates,
replacing the definition of accounting estimates.
IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 - Disclosure of accounting policies
(effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has amended
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to help preparers in deciding which accounting policies to disclose in their
financial statements by stating that an entity is now required to disclose material accounting policies instead of significant
accounting policies.
Section 4: Financial statements
99
IAS 12 – International Tax Reform Pillar Two Model Rules
(effective 1 January 2023). The IASB has published amendments
to IAS 12 Income Taxes to respond to stakeholders’ concerns about the potential implications of the imminent implementation
of the OECD pillar two rules on the accounting for income taxes. The amendment is an exception to the requirements in IAS 12
that an entity does not recognise and does not disclose information about deferred tax assets as liabilities related to the OECD
pillar two income taxes and a requirement that current tax expenses must be disclosed separately to pillar two income taxes.
The amendment of these standards did not have any significant impact on the Group.
Relevant International Accounting Standards that have yet to be adopted:
IAS 1 – Classification of liabilities as current or non current
(effective 1 January 2024). The IASB has amended IAS 1
Presentation of Financial Statements to clarify its requirement for the presentation of liabilities depending on the rights that
exist at the end of the reporting period. The amendment requires liabilities to be classified as non current if the entity has a
substantive right to defer settlement for at least 12 months at the end of the reporting period. The amendment no longer refers
to unconditional rights.
IAS 1 – Non current liabilities with covenants
(effective 1 January 2024). The IASB has amended IAS 1 Presentation of
Financial Statements to introduce additional disclosures for liabilities with covenants within 12 months of the reporting
period. The additional disclosures include the nature of covenants, when the entity is required to comply with covenants, the
carrying amount of related liabilities and circumstances that may indicate that the entity will have difficulty complying with
the covenants.
IAS 21 – Lack of exchangeability
(effective 1 January 2025). The IASB issued amendments to IAS 21 The Effects of Changes
in Foreign Exchange Rates to specify how an entity should assess whether a currency is exchangeable and how it should
determine a spot exchange rate when exchangeability is lacking. The amendments also require disclosure of information that
enables users of its financial statements to understand how the currency not being exchangeable into the other currency
affects, or is expected to affect, the entity’s financial performance, financial position and cash flows.
IFRS 18 – Presentation and disclosure in financial statements
(effective 1 January 2027). The IASB issued IFRS 18,
which replaces IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. IFRS 18 introduces new requirements for presentation within
the statement of profit or loss, including specified totals and subtotals. Furthermore, entities are required to classify all
income and expenses within the statement of profit or loss into one of five categories: operating, investing, financing,
income taxes and discontinued operations, whereof the first three are new. It also requires disclosure of newly defined
management performance measures, subtotals of income and expenses, and includes new requirements for aggregation and
disaggregation of financial information based on the identified ‘roles’ of the primary financial statements and the notes.
None of the standards that have been issued, but are not yet effective, are expected to have a material impact on the Group.
(b) Basis of consolidation
The Group’s financial statements are made up to 30 November each year and consolidate the financial statements of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, which is registered and operates in England and Wales, BlackRock Energy and
Resources Securities Income Company Limited (together ‘the Group’).
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Company obtains control, and
continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. The financial statements of subsidiaries used in the
preparation of the consolidated financial statements are based on consistent accounting policies. All intra-group balances
and transactions, including unrealised profits arising therefrom, are eliminated.
(c) Presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
In order to better reflect the activities of an investment trust company and in accordance with guidance issued by the AIC,
supplementary information which analyses the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income between items of a revenue
and a capital nature has been presented alongside the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
(d) Segmental reporting
The Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a single segment of business being investment business.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
2. Accounting policies
100
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
(e) Income
Dividends receivable on equity shares are recognised as revenue for the year on an ex-dividend basis. Where no ex-dividend
date is available, dividends receivable on or before the year end are treated as revenue for the year. Provision is made for any
dividends not expected to be received. Special dividends, if any, are treated as a capital or a revenue receipt depending on the
facts or circumstances of each particular case. The return on a debt security is recognised on a time apportionment basis so as
to reflect the effective yield on the debt security.
Options may be purchased or written over securities held in the portfolio for generating or protecting capital returns, or for
generating or maintaining revenue returns. Where the purpose of the option is the generation of income, the premium is
treated as a revenue item. Where the purpose of the option is the maintenance of capital, the premium is treated as a capital
item.
Option premium income is recognised as revenue evenly over the life of the option contract and included in the revenue
account of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income unless the option has been written for the maintenance and
enhancement of the Group’s investment portfolio and represents an incidental part of a larger capital transaction, in which
case any premia arising are allocated to the capital account of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Deposit interest receivable is accounted for on an accruals basis.
Where the Group has elected to receive its dividends in the form of additional shares rather than in cash, the cash equivalent
of the dividend is recognised as revenue. Any excess in the value of the shares received over the amount of the cash dividend is
recognised in capital.
(f) Expenses
All expenses, including finance costs, are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses have been charged wholly to the
revenue account of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, except as follows:
expenses which are incidental to the acquisition or sale of an investment are charged to the capital account of the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Details of transaction costs on the purchases and sales of investments
are disclosed within note 10 to the financial statements on page 107;
expenses are treated as capital where a connection with the maintenance or enhancement of the value of the investments
can be demonstrated; and
the investment management fee and finance costs have been allocated 25% to the revenue account and 75% to the
capital account of the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in line with the Board’s expectations of the long
term split of returns, in the form of capital gains and income, respectively, from the investment portfolio. The investment
management fee rebate accrued as a result of the application of the cap on ongoing charges of 1.25% per annum of
average daily net assets is offset against management fees and is allocated between revenue and capital in the ratio of
total ongoing charges allocated between revenue and capital during the year.
Finance costs incurred by the Subsidiary are charged 100% to revenue.
(g) Taxation
The Group accounts do not reflect any adjustment for group relief between the Company and the Subsidiary.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based on the
taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive
Income because it excludes items of income or expenses that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes
items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that were applicable
at the balance sheet date.
Where expenses are allocated between capital and revenue accounts, any tax relief in respect of expenses is allocated between
capital and revenue returns on the marginal basis using the Company’s effective rate of corporation tax for the accounting
period.
Section 4: Financial statements
101
Deferred taxation is recognised in respect of all temporary differences that have originated but not reversed at the financial
reporting date, where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more taxation in the future or right to pay less
tax in the future have occurred at the financial reporting date. This is subject to deferred taxation assets only being recognised
if it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable profits from which the future reversal of the temporary
differences can be deducted. Deferred taxation assets and liabilities are measured at the rates applicable to the legal
jurisdictions in which they arise.
(h) Investments held at fair value through profit or loss
In accordance with IFRS 9, the Group classifies its investments at initial recognition as held at fair value through profit or loss
and are managed and evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with its investment strategy and business model.
All investments are measured initially and subsequently at fair value through profit or loss. Purchases of investments are
recognised on a trade date basis. Sales of investments are recognised at the trade date of the disposal.
The fair value of the financial investments is based on their quoted bid price at the financial reporting date, without deduction
for the estimated selling costs. This policy applies to all current and non-current asset investments held by the Group.
The fair value of the investment in the subsidiary is calculated based on the net asset value of the underlying balances within
the subsidiary.
Changes in the value of investments held at fair value through profit or loss and gains and losses on disposal are recognised
in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as ‘Net profit/(loss) on investments and options held at fair value
through profit or loss’. Also included within the heading are transaction costs in relation to the purchase or sale of investments.
For all financial instruments not traded in an active market, the fair value is determined by using various valuation techniques.
Valuation techniques include market approach (i.e., using recent arm’s length market transactions adjusted as necessary and
reference to the current market value of another instrument that is substantially the same) and the income approach (i.e.,
discounted cash flow analysis and option pricing models making use of available and supportable market data as possible).
See note 2(p) below.
(i) Options
Options are held at fair value through profit or loss based on the bid/offer prices of the options written to which the Group
is exposed. The value of the option is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the fair value through profit or loss of the
option based on traded prices. Where the premium is taken to revenue, an appropriate amount is shown as capital return such
that the total return reflects the overall change in the fair value of the option. When an option is exercised, the gain or loss is
accounted for as a capital gain or loss. Any cost on closing out an option is transferred to revenue along with any remaining
unamortised premium.
(j) Other receivables and other payables
Other receivables and other payables do not carry any interest and are short-term in nature and are accordingly stated on an
amortised cost basis.
(k) Dividends payable
Under IAS, final dividends should not be accrued in the financial statements unless they have been approved by shareholders
before the financial reporting date. Interim dividends should not be recognised in the financial statements unless they have
been paid.
Dividends payable to equity shareholders are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.
(l) Foreign currency translation
Transactions involving foreign currencies are converted at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency
monetary assets and liabilities and non-monetary assets held at fair value are translated into British Pound Sterling at the rate
ruling on the financial reporting date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income as a revenue or capital item depending on the income or expense to which they relate.
For investment transactions and investments held at the year end, denominated in a foreign currency, the resulting gains
or losses are included in the net profit/(loss) on investments and options held at fair value through profit or loss in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
2. Accounting policies
102
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
(m) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash in hand, bank overdrafts and on demand deposits. Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid
investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in
value.
(n) Bank borrowings
Bank overdrafts are recorded as the proceeds received. Finance charges are accounted for on an accruals basis in the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income using the effective interest rate method and are added to the carrying
amount of the instruments to the extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.
(o) Share repurchases and share reissues
Shares repurchased and subsequently cancelled – share capital is reduced by the nominal value of the shares repurchased,
and the capital redemption reserve is correspondingly increased in accordance with Section 733 of the Companies Act 2006.
The full cost of the repurchase is charged to the special reserve.
Shares repurchased and held in treasury – the full cost of the repurchase is charged to the special reserve.
Where treasury shares are subsequently reissued:
amounts received to the extent of the repurchase price are credited to the special reserve and capital reserves based on a
weighted average basis of amounts utilised from these reserves on repurchases; and
any surplus received in excess of the repurchase price is taken to the share premium account.
Where new shares are issued, the par value is taken to called up share capital and amounts received to the extent of any
surplus received in excess of the par value are taken to the share premium account.
Share issue costs are charged to the share premium account. Costs on share reissues are charged to the special reserve and
capital reserves.
(p) Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions
will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. Estimates and judgements are regularly evaluated and are based on
historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. The Directors do not believe that any accounting judgements or estimates have a significant risk of causing a
material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
3. Income
2024
2023
£’000
£’000
Investment income:
UK dividends
1,184
608
UK stock dividends
128
Fixed income
505
453
Overseas dividends
2,835
4,578
Overseas special dividends
299
619
Total investment income
4,951
6,258
Other income:
Bank interest
4
2
Interest on collateral received
32
7
Option premium income
1,164
1,209
Total other income
1,200
1,218
Total
6,151
7,476
Section 4: Financial statements
103
During the year, the Group received option premium income in cash totalling £1,164,000 (2023: £1,209,000) for writing
covered call and put options for the purposes of revenue generation.
Option premium income is amortised evenly over the life of the option contract and accordingly, during the year, option
premiums of £1,164,000 (2023: £1,209,000) were amortised to revenue.
At 30 November 2024, there was one open option position (2023: one) with an associated liability of £51,000 (2023:
£110,000).
No special dividends have been recognised in capital during the year (2023: £79,000).
4. Investment management fee
2024
2023
Revenue
Capital
Total
Revenue
Capital
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Investment management fee
356
1,069
1,425
387
1,162
1,549
Total
356
1,069
1,425
387
1,162
1,549
The investment management fee is levied at 0.80% of gross assets per annum. Gross assets for the purposes of calculating
the management fee equate to the value of the portfolio’s gross assets held on the relevant date as valued on the basis of
applicable accounting policies, less the value of any investments in in-house funds.
The fee is allocated 25% to the revenue account and 75% to the capital account of the Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income. There is no additional fee for company secretarial and administration services.
The Company is entitled to a rebate from the investment management fee charged by the Manager in the event the Company’s
ongoing charges exceed the cap of 1.25% per annum of average daily net assets. No rebate was payable for the year ended
30 November 2024 (2023: £nil). The rebate, if any, is offset against management fees and is allocated between revenue and
capital in the ratio of total ongoing charges (as defined on page 142) allocated between revenue and capital during the year.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
104
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
5. Other operating expenses
2024
2023
£’000
£’000
Allocated to revenue:
Custody fee
7
9
Auditor’s remuneration – audit services
1
51
48
Registrars’ fee
32
35
Directors’ emoluments
2
143
133
Broker fees
25
24
Depositary fees
16
17
Marketing fees
80
84
Printing and postage fees
40
39
Legal and professional fees
24
26
Directors search fees
38
Bank charges
14
14
Stock exchange listing fees
11
14
Other administration costs
68
75
Write back of prior year expenses
3
(21)
Total revenue expenses
511
535
Allocated to capital:
Custody transaction charges
4
9
16
Total
520
551
The Company’s ongoing charges
5
, calculated as a percentage of average daily net assets and
using the management fee and all other operating expenses, excluding finance costs, direct
transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation, prior year expenses
written back and certain non-recurring items were:
1.20%
1.19%
1
No non-audit services are provided by the Company’s auditors (2023: none).
2
Further information on Directors’ emoluments can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 64. The Company has
no employees.
3
For the year ended 30 November 2024, no prior year expenses were written back (2023: miscellaneous fees, external Director
evaluation fees, legal fees and legal and professional fees).
4
For the year ended 30 November 2024, expenses of £9,000 (2023: £16,000) were charged to the capital account of the Statement of
Comprehensive Income. These relate to transaction costs charged by the custodian on sale and purchase trades.
5
Alternative Performance Measure, see Glossary on pages 139 to 143.
The Company’s ongoing charges, as defined on page 142 (including the investment management fee), are capped at 1.25% per
annum of average daily net assets. The Company is entitled to a rebate from the investment management fee charged by the
Manager in the event the Company’s ongoing charges exceed the cap.
The overall cap on ongoing charges and any applicable rebate is calculated and accrued on a daily basis and will be adjusted in
the investment management fees charged up to 30 November every year. See note 4 on page 103.
6. Finance costs
2024
2023
Revenue
Capital
Total
Revenue
Capital
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Interest payable – bank overdraft
230
690
920
196
588
784
Total
230
690
920
196
588
784
Finance costs for the Company are charged 25% to the revenue account and 75% to the capital account of the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income. Subsidiary finance costs are charged 100% to the revenue account of the Consolidated
Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Section 4: Financial statements
105
7. Taxation
(a) Analysis of charge/(credit) for the year
2024
2023
Revenue
Capital
Total
Revenue
Capital
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Corporation taxation
165
(165)
183
(183)
Corporation tax - prior year adjustment
9
(9)
Double taxation relief
(37)
37
(63)
63
Overseas taxation
385
385
455
12
467
Total taxation charge/(credit) (note 7(b))
513
(128)
385
584
(117)
467
(b) Factors affecting total taxation charge/(credit) for the year
The taxation assessed for the year is lower (2023: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax used of 25.00% (2023:
blended rate of corporation tax of 23.01% based on a rate of 19.00% up to 31 March 2023 and a rate of 25.00% from 1 April
2023). The differences are explained below:
2024
2023
Revenue
Capital
Total
Revenue
Capital
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Net profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation
5,054
17,243
22,297
6,358
(29,287)
(22,929)
Net profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied
by standard rate of 25.00% (2023: blended rate of
23.01%)
1,264
4,311
5,575
1,463
(6,739)
(5,276)
Effects of:
Non-taxable UK dividend income
(328)
(328)
(140)
(140)
Non-taxable overseas dividend income
(771)
(771)
(1,140)
(18)
(1,158)
Irrecoverable overseas withholding tax
385
385
455
12
467
Net loss/(profit) on investments held at fair value
through profit or loss
(4,747)
(4,747)
6,352
6,352
Double tax relief for overseas withholding tax
(37)
28
(9)
(63)
48
(15)
Net foreign exchange profit not taxable
(6)
(6)
(1)
(1)
Current period management expenses not utilised
284
284
234
234
Corporation tax - prior year adjustment
9
(9)
Disallowed expenses
2
2
4
4
Total taxation charge/(credit) (note 7(a))
513
(128)
385
584
(117)
467
The Company is exempt from corporation tax on capital gains provided it maintains its status as an investment trust under
Chapter 4 of Part 24 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Due to the Company’s intention to meet the conditions required to
maintain its investment trust status, it has not provided for deferred UK corporation tax on any capital gains or losses.
The Company’s taxable income is exceeded by its tax allowable expenses, which include both the revenue and capital
elements of the management fee. As at 30 November 2024, the Company had accumulated surplus management expenses of
£2,277,000 (2023: £1,142,000).
As at 30 November 2024, the Company has not recognised a deferred tax asset of £569,000 (2023: £285,000) in respect of
the accumulated expenses. The deferred tax asset has been calculated based on the corporation tax rate in effect from 1 April
2023 of 25%, as enacted by the Finance Act 2021. Provided the Company continues to maintain its current investment profile,
it is unlikely that the expenses will be utilised and that the Company will obtain any benefit from this.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
106
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
8. Dividends
2024
2023
Dividends paid on equity shares
Record date
Payment date
£’000
£’000
4th interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the
year ended 30 November 2023 (2023: 1.100p)
14 December 2023
12 January 2024
1,468
1,478
1st interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the
year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.100p)
28 March 2024
26 April 2024
1,422
1,491
2nd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the
year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.100p)
13 June 2024
15 July 2024
1,396
1,491
3rd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the
year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.100p)
26 September 2024
28 October 2024
1,373
1,469
Accounted for in the financial statements
5,659
5,929
The total dividends payable in respect of the year ended 30 November 2024 which form the basis of Section 1158 of the
Corporation Tax Act 2010 and Section 833 of the Companies Act 2006, and the amounts declared, meet the relevant
requirements as set out in this legislation.
2024
2023
Dividends paid (for Section 1158 compliance) on equity shares for the year ended
30 November
£’000
£’000
1st interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.100p)
1,422
1,491
2nd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.100p)
1,396
1,491
3rd interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.100p)
1,373
1,469
4
th interim dividend of 1.125p per share for the year ended 30 November 2024 (2023: 1.125p)
1,365
1,464
Total
5,556
5,915
9. Earnings/(loss) and net asset value per ordinary share
Total revenue, capital earnings/(loss) and net asset value per ordinary share are shown below and have been calculated using
the following:
2024
2023
Net revenue profit attributable to ordinary shareholders (£’000)
4,541
5,774
Net capital profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders (£’000)
17,371
(29,170)
Total profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders (£’000)
21,912
(23,396)
Total shareholders’ funds (£’000)
167,327
162,362
The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year on which the
earnings per ordinary share was calculated was:
125,204,148
131,610,148
The actual number of ordinary shares in issue at the end of the year on which the net asset
value per ordinary share was calculated was:
121,552,497
131,386,194
Calculated on weighted average number of ordinary shares
Revenue earnings per share (pence) - basic and diluted
3.63
4.39
Capital earnings/(loss) per share (pence) - basic and diluted
13.87
(22.17)
Total earnings/(loss) per share (pence) - basic and diluted
17.50
(17.78)
As at
As at
30 November
30 November
2024
2023
Net asset value per share (pence)
137.66
123.58
Ordinary share price (pence)
121.00
110.40
There were no securities in issue at the year end that have any dilutive effect on earnings per share.
Section 4: Financial statements
107
10. Investments held at fair value through profit or loss
Group
Company
Group
Company
2024
2024
2023
2023
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
UK listed equity investments held at fair value through
profit or loss
30,458
30,458
20,884
20,884
Overseas listed equity investments held at fair value
through profit or loss
154,128
154,128
148,287
148,287
Fixed income investments held at fair value through
profit or loss
5,166
5,166
6,369
6,369
Investment in subsidiary held at fair value through
profit or loss
1
955
2,455
Total value of financial asset investments
189,752
190,707
175,540
177,995
Derivative financial instruments – written option contracts
(51)
(51)
(110)
(110)
Derivative financial instruments – commodity futures
(780)
(780)
Total value of financial asset investments and
derivatives at 30 November
189,701
190,656
174,650
177,105
Opening book cost of investments
159,063
159,063
156,994
156,994
Investment holding gains
15,587
18,042
49,345
52,800
Opening fair value
174,650
177,105
206,339
209,794
Analysis of transactions made during the year:
Purchases at cost
119,979
119,979
93,247
93,247
Sales proceeds received
(123,914)
(123,914)
(97,330)
(97,330)
Gains on investments and derivatives
18,986
17,486
(27,606)
(28,606)
Closing fair value
189,701
190,656
174,650
177,105
Closing book cost of investments
163,467
163,467
159,063
159,063
Closing investment holding gains
26,234
27,189
15,587
18,042
Closing fair value
189,701
190,656
174,650
177,105
Comprising of:
– Equity investments
189,752
190,707
175,540
177,995
– Derivative financial instruments – written option
contracts
(51)
(51)
(110)
(110)
– Derivative financial instruments – commodity futures
(780)
(780)
Total
189,701
190,656
174,650
177,105
1
Relates to wholly owned subsidiary, BlackRock Energy and Resources Securities Income Company Limited.
The Group and Company received £123,914,000 (2023: £97,330,000) from investments sold in the year. The book cost of these
investments when they were purchased was £115,575,000 (2023: £91,178,000). These investments have been revalued over time
and until they were sold and any unrealised gains/losses were included in the fair value of the investments.
During the year, transaction costs of £150,000 (2023: £89,000) were incurred on the acquisition of investments. Costs relating to
the disposal of investments during the year amounted to £43,000 (2023: £23,000). All transaction costs have been included within
the capital reserves.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
108
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
11. Investment in subsidiary
At 30 November 2024, the Company had one wholly owned subsidiary which is registered and operating in England and Wales
and has been included in the consolidated financial statements. BlackRock Energy and Resources Securities Income Company
Limited was incorporated on 9 November 2005. There are no non-controlling interests in the subsidiary.
The principal activity of the subsidiary, BlackRock Energy and Resources Securities Income Company Limited, is investment
dealing and options writing. The registered office address for the subsidiary company is 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London
EC2N 2DL. During the year, the subsidiary paid a dividend of £1,500,000 (2023: £1,000,000) to the Company.
Description of
Authorised and issued
ordinary shares
share capital
2024
2023
Ordinary shares
BlackRock Energy and Resources Securities Income Company Limited
of £1
£1
£1
12. Other receivables
Group
Company
Group
Company
2024
2024
2023
2023
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Prepayments and accrued income
436
436
618
618
Amounts receivable from subsidiary
2,740
2,741
Total
436
3,176
618
3,359
13. Other payables
Group
Company
Group
Company
2024
2024
2023
2023
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Accruals for expenses and interest payable
1,364
1,364
1,419
1,419
Amounts due to brokers
569
569
Total
1,364
1,364
1,988
1,988
14. Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
Group
Company
Group
Company
2024
2024
2023
2023
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Debt arising from financing activities at beginning of
the year
Bank overdraft
17,862
17,862
14,345
14,345
Cash flows:
Movement in overdraft
8,082
8,082
3,517
3,517
Debt arising from financing activities at end of the year
Bank overdraft
25,944
25,944
17,862
17,862
The Group has an overdraft facility of £40 million (2023: £40 million) which is updated and renewed on an annual basis. The
overdraft facility is provided by The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited. The interest rate on the overdraft facility is
Sterling Overnight Interbank Average (SONIA) plus 0.90% (2023: SONIA plus 0.90%).
Section 4: Financial statements
109
15. Called up share capital
Ordinary
Treasury
Total
Nominal
shares
shares
shares
value
number
number
number
£’000
Allotted, called up and fully paid share capital
comprised:
Ordinary shares of 1 pence each:
At 30 November 2022
134,356,194
134,356,194
1,344
Ordinary share issues
1,230,000
1,230,000
12
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
(4,200,000)
4,200,000
At 30 November 2023
131,386,194
4,200,000
135,586,194
1,356
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
(9,833,697)
9,833,697
At 30 November 2024
121,552,497
14,033,697
135,586,194
1,356
During the year ended 30 November 2024, 9,833,697 shares were repurchased into treasury (2023: 4,200,000) for a net
consideration after costs of £11,288,000 (2023: £4,837,000).
During the year ended 30 November 2024, the Company issued no shares (2023: 1,230,000) for a net consideration after
costs of £nil (2023: £1,789,000).
Since the year end, and as at
28
January 2025 a further 1,708,000 ordinary shares have been repurchased into treasury for a
total consideration of £2,046,000.
16. Reserves
Capital
reserve
Capital
arising on
reserve
revaluation
Share
arising on
of
premium
Special
investments
investments
Revenue
Group
account
reserve
sold
held
reserve
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2023
69,980
66,100
3,210
15,450
6,266
Movement during the year:
Total comprehensive income:
Net profit for the year
6,727
10,644
4,541
Transactions with owners recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
(11,208)
Share repurchase costs
(80)
Dividends paid
(5,659)
At 30 November 2024
69,980
54,812
9,937
26,094
5,148
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
16. Reserves
110
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Distributable reserves
Capital
reserve
Capital
arising on
reserve
revaluation
Share
arising on
of
premium
Special
investments
investments
Revenue
Company
account
reserve
sold
held
reserve
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2023
69,980
66,100
2,392
17,902
4,632
Movement during the year:
Total comprehensive income:
Net profit for the year
7,548
9,144
5,220
Transactions with owners recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
(11,208)
Share repurchase costs
(80)
Dividends paid
(5,659)
At 30 November 2024
69,980
54,812
9,940
27,046
4,193
Exchange gains of £821,000 arising in the subsidiary company in the year ended 30 November 2016 were incorrectly treated
in the parent company accounts. This has been corrected in the net revenue and net capital profit of the parent company in
the current year. The revenue reserves of the parent company had been overstated by £821,000 and the capital reserves of the
parent company understated by the same amount. The adjustment has no impact on the net assets, net revenue and capital
profit and revenue, capital and distributable reserves of the Group.
Capital
reserve
Capital
arising on
reserve
revaluation
Share
arising on
of
premium
Special
investments
investments
Revenue
Group
account
reserve
sold
held
reserve
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2022
68,203
70,937
(1,350)
49,153
6,421
Movement during the year:
Total comprehensive income/(loss):
Net profit/(loss) for the year
4,533
(33,703)
5,774
Transactions with owners recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary share issues
1,781
Share issue costs
(4)
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
(4,802)
Share repurchase costs
(35)
Share reissue costs written back
27
Dividends paid
(5,929)
At 30 November 2023
69,980
66,100
3,210
15,450
6,266
Section 4: Financial statements
111
Distributable reserves
Capital
reserve
Capital
arising on
reserve
revaluation
Share
arising on
of
premium
Special
investments
investments
Revenue
Company
account
reserve
sold
held
reserve
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2022
68,203
70,937
(2,168)
52,605
3,787
Movement during the year:
Total comprehensive income/(loss):
Net profit/(loss) for the year
4,533
(34,703)
6,774
Transactions with owners recorded directly to equity:
Ordinary share issues
1,781
Share issue costs
(4)
Ordinary shares repurchased into treasury
(4,802)
Share repurchase costs
(35)
Share reissue costs written back
27
Dividends paid
(5,929)
At 30 November 2023
69,980
66,100
2,392
17,902
4,632
The share premium account and capital redemption reserve are not distributable reserves under the Companies Act 2006. In
accordance with ICAEW Technical Release 02/17BL on Guidance on Realised and Distributable Profits under the Companies
Act 2006, the special reserve and capital reserves of the Parent Company may be used as distributable reserves for all
purposes and, in particular, the repurchase by the Parent Company of its ordinary shares and for payments such as dividends.
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association, the special reserve, capital reserves and the revenue reserve may be
distributed by way of dividend. The Parent Company’s capital gains of £36,986,000 (2023: £20,294,000) comprise a gain on
capital reserve arising on investments sold of £9,940,000 (2023: £2,392,000), a gain on capital reserve arising on revaluation
of listed investments of £26,091,000 (2023: £15,447,000) and a revaluation gain on the investment in the subsidiary of
£955,000 (2023: £2,455,000). The gain on capital reserve arising on the revaluation of investments of £26,091,000 (2023:
£15,447,000) is subject to fair value movements and may not be readily realisable at short notice, as such it may not be
entirely distributable. The investments are subject to financial risks, as such capital reserves (arising on investments sold)
and the revenue reserve may not be entirely distributable if a loss occurred during the realisation of these investments. The
reserves of the subsidiary company are not distributable until distributed as a dividend to the Parent Company.
17. Risk management policies and procedures
The Group’s investment activities expose it to various types of risks which are associated with the financial instruments
and markets in which it invests. The following information is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all risks and
shareholders should refer to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive FUND 3.2.2R Disclosures which can be
found at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
for a more detailed discussion of the risks inherent in investing in the Group.
Risk management framework
The following information refers to the risk management framework of the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM).
However, as disclosed in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 69 to 75 and in the Statement of Directors’
Responsibilities on pages 82 and 83, it is the ultimate responsibility of the Board to ensure that the Group’s risks are
appropriately monitored, and to the extent that elements of this are delegated to third party service providers, the Board is
responsible for ensuring that the relevant parties are discharging their duties in accordance with the terms of the relevant
agreements and taking appropriate action to the extent issues are identified.
The Directors of the AIFM review quarterly investment performance reports and receive semi-annual presentations in person
from the Investment Manager covering the Group’s performance and risk profile during the year. The AIFM has delegated
the day-to-day administration of the investment programme to the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager is also
responsible for ensuring that the Group is managed within the terms of its investment guidelines and limits set out in the
Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive FUND 3.2.2R Disclosures which can be found at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
17. Risk management policies and procedures
112
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
net basis.
The AIFM is responsible for monitoring investment performance, product risk monitoring and oversight and has the
responsibility for the monitoring and oversight of regulatory and operational risk for the Group. The Directors of the AIFM
have appointed a Risk Manager who has responsibility for the daily risk management process with assistance from key risk
management personnel of the Investment Manager, including members of the Risk and Quantitative Analysis Group (RQA)
which is a centralised group which performs an independent risk management function. RQA independently identifies,
measures and monitors investment risk, including climate-related risk, and tracks the actual risk management practices
being deployed across the Group. By breaking down the components of the process, RQA has the ability to determine if the
appropriate risk management processes are in place. This captures the risk management tools employed, how the levels of risk
are controlled, ensuring risk/return is considered in portfolio construction and reviewing outcomes.
The AIFM reports to the Audit and Management Engagement Committee twice yearly on key risk metrics and risk management
processes; in addition, the Depositary monitors the performance of the AIFM and reports to the Audit and Management
Engagement Committee. Any significant issues are reported to the Board as they arise.
Risk Exposures
The risk exposures of the Group and Company are set out as follows:
(a) Market risk
Market risk arises mainly from uncertainty about future values of financial instruments influenced by other price, currency and
interest rate movements. It represents the potential loss the Group may suffer through holding market positions in financial
instruments in the face of market movements.
A key metric RQA uses to measure market risk is Value-at
-Risk (VaR) which encompasses price, currency and interest rate risk.
VaR is a statistical risk measure that estimates the potential portfolio loss from adverse market moves in an ordinary market
environment. VaR analysis reflects the interdependencies between risk variables (including foreign currency risk, interest rate
risk and other price risk), unlike a traditional sensitivity analysis.
The VaR calculations are based on a confidence level of 99% with a holding period of not greater than one day and a historical
observation period of not less than one year (250 days). A VaR number is defined at a specified probability and a specified time
horizon. A 99% one day VaR means that the expectation is that 99% of the time over a one day period the Company will lose
less than this number in percentage terms. Therefore, higher VaR numbers indicate higher risk. It is noted that the use of VaR
methodology has limitations, namely assumptions that risk factor returns are normally distributed and that the use of historical
market data as a basis for estimating future events does not encompass all possible scenarios, particularly those that are of an
extreme nature and that the use of a specified confidence level (e.g. 99%) does not take into account losses that occur beyond
this level. There is some probability that the loss could be greater than the VaR amounts. These limitations, and the nature of the
VaR measure, mean that the Company can neither guarantee that losses will not exceed the VaR amounts indicated, nor that
losses in excess of the VaR amounts will not occur more frequently.
The one-day VaR for the Group/Company as of 30 November 2024 and 30 November 2023 (based on a 99% confidence level)
was 2.67% and 2.23%, respectively.
(i) Market risk arising from other price risk
Exposure to other price risk
Other price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in
market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors
specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer, or factors affecting similar financial instruments traded in the market.
Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues,
recessions, climate change, or other events could have a significant impact on the Group and the market price of its investments
and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Group’s net asset value.
The Group is exposed to market price risk arising from its equity investments and written options. The movements in the prices
of these investments result in movements in the performance of the Group. Other price risk sensitivity has been covered by the
VaR analysis under the market risk section above.
Use of derivatives
The Group may utilise both exchange traded and over-the-counter derivatives, including, but not limited to, options, as part of its
investment policy. Options written by the Group provide the purchaser with the opportunity to purchase from or sell to the Group
the underlying asset at an agreed-upon value either on or before the expiration of the option. Options are generally settled on a
Section 4: Financial statements
113
Management of other price risk
By diversifying the portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with the Group’s objectives, the risk that a price change
of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of the Group is minimised which is in line with the investment
objectives of the Group.
The Group’s exposure to other changes in market prices at 30 November 2024 on its equity and fixed income investments was
£189,752,000 (2023: £175,540,000). In addition, the Group’s gross market exposure to these price changes through its option
and future portfolios was £2,400,000 (2023: £5,718,000).
(ii) Market risk arising from foreign currency risk
Exposure to foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of
changes in foreign exchange rates. Foreign currency sensitivity risk has been covered by the VaR analysis under the market
risk section.
The fair values of the Group’s and Company’s monetary items which have foreign currency exposure at 30 November 2024 and
30 November 2023 are shown below. Where equity investments which are not monetary items are denominated in a foreign
currency, they have been included separately in the analysis so as to show the overall level of exposure.
US
Canadian
2024
Dollar
Dollar
Euro
Other
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Receivables (due from brokers, withholding tax
receivable, dividends and other income receivable)
256
33
153
68
Payables (due to brokers and other expenses payables)
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
4
15
Total foreign currency exposure on net monetary items
260
33
168
68
Investments at fair value through profit or loss
93,800
28,882
17,453
15,860
Total net foreign currency exposure
94,060
28,915
17,621
15,928
US
Canadian
2023
Dollar
Dollar
Euro
Other
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Receivables (due from brokers, withholding tax
receivable, dividends and other income receivable)
522
32
86
83
Payables (due to brokers and other expenses payables)
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
7
73
Total foreign currency exposure on net monetary items
529
32
159
83
Investments at fair value through profit or loss
78,782
24,027
22,590
21,731
Derivative financial liabilities at fair value through profit
or loss
(780)
Total net foreign currency exposure
78,531
24,059
22,749
21,814
Management of foreign currency risk
The Investment Manager monitors the Group’s exposure to foreign currencies on a daily basis and reports to the Board of the
Group on a regular basis.
The Investment Manager measures the risk to the Group of the foreign currency exposure by considering the effect on the
Group’s net asset value and income of a movement in the exchange rate to which the Group’s assets, liabilities, income and
expenses are exposed.
The Group does not use financial instruments to mitigate the currency exposure in the period between the time that income
is included in the financial statements and its receipt. Derivative contracts are not used to hedge against exposure to foreign
currency risk.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
17. Risk management policies and procedures
114
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Consequently, the Group is exposed to risks that the exchange rate of its reporting currencies, relative to other currencies, may
change in a manner which has an adverse effect on the value of the portion of the Group’s assets which are denominated in
currencies other than their own currencies.
(iii) Market risk arising from interest rate risk
Exposure to interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in
market interest rates.
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk specifically through its fixed income investments, cash holdings and its borrowing
facility for investment purposes. Interest rate movements may affect the level of income receivable from any cash at bank
and on deposits. The effect of interest rate changes on the earnings of the companies held within the portfolio may have
a significant impact on the valuation of the Group’s investments. Interest rate sensitivity risk has been covered by the VaR
analysis under the market risk section.
Interest rate exposure
The exposure for the Group and Company at 30 November 2024 and 30 November 2023 of financial assets and liabilities to
interest rate risk is shown by reference to:
floating interest rates – when the interest rate is due to be re-set; and
fixed interest rates – when the financial instrument is due for repayment.
2024
2023
Within
More
Within
More
one
than one
one
than one
Group
year
year
Total
year
year
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Exposure to floating interest rates:
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
3,714
3,714
5,276
5,276
Cash and cash equivalents – bank overdraft
(25,944)
(25,944)
(17,862)
(17,862)
Cash collateral
591
591
1,538
1,538
Exposure to fixed interest rates:
Fixed income investments
5,166
5,166
6,369
6,369
Total exposure to interest rates
(21,639)
5,166
(16,473)
(11,048)
6,369
(4,679)
2024
2023
Within
More
Within
More
one
than one
one
than one
Company
year
year
Total
year
year
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Exposure to floating interest rates:
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
19
19
80
80
Cash and cash equivalents – bank overdraft
(25,944)
(25,944)
(17,862)
(17,862)
Cash collateral
591
591
1,538
1,538
Exposure to fixed interest rates:
Fixed income investments
5,166
5,166
6,369
6,369
Total exposure to interest rates
(25,334)
5,166
(20,168)
(16,244)
6,369
(9,875)
Interest rates paid on bank overdrafts in British Pound Sterling is approximately 6.00% per annum (2023: 5.33% per annum).
The interest rate received on cash collateral is approximately 0.50% per annum (2023: 0.50%).
Section 4: Financial statements
115
Management of interest rate risk
The possible effects on fair value and cash flows that could arise as a result of changes in interest rates are taken into account
when making investment decisions and borrowings under the overdraft facility.
The Group finances part of its activities through borrowings at levels approved and monitored by the Board of the Company.
The Group, generally, does not hold significant balances, with short-term borrowings being used when required. Derivative
contracts are not used to hedge against the exposure to interest rate risk.
(b) Counterparty credit risk
Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a financial instrument will fail to fulfil an obligation or commitment that it
has entered into with the Group.
The Group is exposed to counterparty credit risk from the parties with which it trades and will bear the risk of settlement
default. Counterparty credit risk to the Group arises from transactions to purchase or sell investments and through option
writing transactions on equity investments held within the portfolio.
The major counterparties engaged with the Group are all widely recognised and regulated entities.
There were no past due or impaired assets as of 30 November 2024 (2023: nil).
Depositary
The Group’s Depositary is The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited (BNY or the Depositary) (S&P long-term credit
rating as at 30 November 2024: AA- (2023: AA-)). The Group’s listed investments are held on its behalf by The Bank of New
York Mellon (International) Limited (BNY) as the Group’s Custodian (as sub-delegated by the Depositary). All of the equity
assets and cash of the Group are held within the custodial network of the global custodian appointed by the Depositary.
Bankruptcy or insolvency of the Depositary/Custodian may cause the Group’s rights with respect to its investments held by
the Depositary/Custodian to be delayed or limited. The maximum exposure to this risk at 30 November 2024 is the total value
of equity investments held with the Depositary/Custodian and cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Position.
In accordance with the requirements of the depositary agreement, the Depositary will ensure that any agents it appoints to
assist in safekeeping the equity and fixed income investments of the Group will segregate the equity and fixed income assets
of the Group. Thus, in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Depositary, the Group’s non-cash assets are segregated
and this reduces counterparty credit risk. The Group will, however, be exposed to the counterparty credit risk of the Depositary
in relation to the Group’s cash held by the Depositary. In the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the Depositary, the
Group will be treated as a general creditor of the Depositary in relation to cash holdings of the Group. The Board monitors the
Company’s risk by reviewing the custodian’s internal control reports.
Counterparties⁄brokers
The Group only invests directly in markets that operate on a ‘delivery versus payment’ basis, and consequently most
investment transactions in listed securities involve simultaneous delivery of securities against cash payment using an
approved broker. The risk of default is considered minimal, and the trade will fail if either party fails to meet its obligation.
For a few markets that the Group invests in from time to time, although they operate on a ‘delivery versus payment’ basis,
there may be a very short time gap between stock delivery and payment, giving potential rise to counterparty credit risk with
the broker in relation to transactions awaiting settlement. Risk relating to unsettled transactions is considered small due to
the short settlement period involved and the high credit quality of the brokers used for those markets. The Group monitors the
credit rating and financial position of the broker used to further mitigate this risk.
Cash held by a counterparty to financial derivative contracts is subject to the credit risk of the counterparty. The following table
details the total number of counterparties to which the Group is exposed, the maximum exposure to any one counterparty,
the collateral held by the Group against this exposure, the total exposure to all other counterparties and the lowest long-term
credit rating of any one counterparty (or its ultimate parent if unrated).
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
17. Risk management policies and procedures
116
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Maximum
exposure
Total exposure
Lowest credit
Total number of
to any one
to all other
rating of any one
Year
counterparties
counterparty
1
Collateral held
1
counterparties
1
counterparty
2
£’000
£’000
£’000
2024
2
3,714
591
591
A+
2023
2
5,276
1,538
1,538
A+
1
Calculated on a net basis.
2
Standard & Poor’s Ratings.
The Group may also be exposed to counterparty risk should there be any rehypothecation of pledged collateral. Collateral
is received/paid where the client service agreement states that there should be collateral movements agreed with the
counterparty, where there is a requirement for a mark-to-market process or collateralisation to ensure that the Group is
protected against any counterparty default.
Over-the-counter (OTC) financial derivative instruments
During the year ended 30 November 2024 and 30 November 2023, the Group wrote covered call and put option contracts
to generate revenue income for the Group. As the call and put options are covered by dedicated cash or stock resources and
no call or put option contracts were written to manage price risk, there is no impact on the Group’s exposure to gearing or
leverage as a result of writing covered call and put options. The notional amount of call/put options written that were open at
30 November 2024 was £2,400,000 (2023: £2,772,000).
Management of OTC financial derivative instruments
Economic exposure through option writing transactions is restricted such that no more than 30% of the Group’s assets shall
be under options at any given time. Exposures are monitored daily by the Investment Manager, BlackRock, and its independent
risk management team. The Group’s Board also reviews the exposures regularly.
The option positions are diversified across sectors and geographies comprising one open position as at 30 November 2024
(2023: one open position).
The economic exposures to options can be closed out at any time by the Group with immediate effect. Details of securities and
exposures to market risk and credit risk implicit within the options portfolio are given elsewhere in this note.
Collateral
The Group engages in activities which may require collateral to be provided to a counterparty (pledged collateral). Cash
collateral pledged by the Group is separately identified as an asset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and is
not included as a component of cash and cash equivalents.
The fair value of cash collateral pledged is reflected in the table below:
Pledged collateral
As at
As at
30 November
30 November
2024
2023
£’000
£’000
Cash collateral – Bank of America Merrill Lynch
591
1,538
Receivables
Amounts due from debtors are disclosed in the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position as
other receivables. The counterparties included in other receivables are the same counterparties discussed previously under
counterparty credit risk and subject to the same scrutiny by the BlackRock RQA Counterparty & Concentration Risk team (RQA
CCR). The Group monitors the ageing of receivables to mitigate the risk of debtor balances becoming overdue.
Section 4: Financial statements
117
In summary, the exposure to credit risk at 30 November 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Group
2024
2023
£’000
£’000
Fixed income investments
5,166
6,369
Cash collateral held with brokers
591
1,538
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
3,714
5,276
Other receivables (amounts due from brokers, dividends and interest receivable)
436
618
Total
9,907
13,801
Company
2024
2023
£’000
£’000
Fixed income investments
5,166
6,369
Cash collateral held with brokers
591
1,538
Cash and cash equivalents – cash at bank
19
80
Other receivables (amounts due from brokers, dividends, interest receivable and receivable amounts
from subsidiary company)
3,176
3,359
Total
8,952
11,346
Management of counterparty credit risk
Credit risk is monitored and managed by RQA CCR. The team is headed by BlackRock’s Chief Credit Officer who reports to the
Global Head of RQA. Credit authority resides with the Chief Credit Officer and selected team members to whom specific credit
authority has been delegated. As such, counterparty approvals may be granted by the Chief Credit Officer, or by identified RQA
Credit Risk Officers who have been formally delegated authority by the Chief Credit Officer.
The counterparty/credit risk is managed as follows:
transactions are only entered into with those counterparties approved by RQA CCR, with a formal review carried out for each
new counterparty and with counterparties selected by RQA CCR on the basis of a number of risk mitigation criteria designed
to reduce the risk to the Group of default;
the creditworthiness of financial institutions with whom cash is held is reviewed regularly by the RQA CCR; and
RQA CCR review the credit standard of the Group’s brokers on a periodic basis and set limits on the amount that may be due
from any one broker.
The Board monitors the Group’s counterparty risk by reviewing:
the semi-annual report from the Depositary, which includes the results of periodic site visits to the Company’s Custodian
where controls are reviewed and tested;
the Custodian’s Service Organisation Control (SOC 1) reports which include a report by the Custodian’s auditor. This report
sets out any exceptions or issues noted as a result of the auditor’s review of the Custodian’s control processes;
the Manager’s internal control reports which include a report by the Manager’s auditor. This report sets out any exceptions
or issues noted as a result of the auditor’s review of the Manager’s control processes; and
in addition, the Depositary and the Manager report to the Board any significant breaches or issues arising as soon as these
are identified.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
17. Risk management policies and procedures
118
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Offsetting disclosures
In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Group mitigate its counterparty risk, the
Group may enter into an ISDA Master Agreement or similar agreement with its OTC derivative contract counterparties. An
ISDA Master Agreement is an agreement between the Group and the counterparty that governs OTC derivative contracts
and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or
termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Group has a contractual right to offset with the counterparty certain
derivative financial instruments payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net
payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency
laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency
or other events.
For financial reporting purposes, the Group does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting
arrangements in the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position. The disclosures set out in the
following tables include financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement
or similar agreement.
At 30 November 2024 and 2023, the Group’s and Company’s derivative assets and liabilities (by type) are as follows:
At 30 November 2024
At 30 November 2023
Derivatives
Assets
Liabilities
Assets
Liabilities
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Written option contracts
(51)
(110)
Commodity futures
(780)
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Consolidated
and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position
(51)
(890)
Total assets and liabilities subject to a master netting
agreement
(51)
(890)
The following table presents the Group’s and Company’s derivative liabilities by counterparty, net of amounts available for
offset, under a master netting agreement and net of any related collateral paid by the Group at 30 November 2024 and
30 November 2023:
Derivative
liabilities
subject to
a master
Net amount
netting
as per
agreement
Derivatives
statement
Non-cash
Pledged
Net amount
by a
available
of financial
collateral
cash
of derivative
Counterparty
counterparty
for offset
position
given
collateral
assets
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
At 30 November 2024
BofA Securities
(51)
(51)
51
At 30 November 2023
BofA Securities
(890)
(890)
890
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulties in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.
The Group is also exposed to the liquidity risk for margin calls on derivative instruments. At the year end, the Group had an
overdraft facility of the lower of £40.0 million or 20% of the Group’s net assets (2023: £40.0 million or 20% of the Group’s
net assets).
Section 4: Financial statements
119
Liquidity risk exposure
The remaining undiscounted gross cash outflows of the financial liabilities as at 30 November 2024 and 30 November 2023,
based on the earliest date on which payment can be required, were as follows:
3 months
Not more
Group
or less
than one year
Total
2024
£’000
£’000
£’000
Amounts due to brokers, accruals and provisions
1,364
1,364
Derivative financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
51
51
Cash and cash equivalents – bank overdraft
25,944
25,944
Total
27,359
27,359
3 months
Not more
Company
or less
than one year
Total
2024
£’000
£’000
£’000
Amounts due to brokers, accruals and provisions
1,364
1,364
Derivative financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
51
51
Cash and cash equivalents – bank overdraft
25,944
25,944
Total
27,359
27,359
3 months
Not more
Group
or less
than one year
Total
2023
£’000
£’000
£’000
Amounts due to brokers, accruals and provisions
1,988
1,988
Derivative financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
890
Cash and cash equivalents – bank overdraft
17,862
17,862
Total
20,740
19,850
3 months
Not more
Company
or less
than one year
Total
2023
£’000
£’000
£’000
Amounts due to brokers, accruals and provisions
1,988
1,988
Derivative financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss
890
Cash and cash equivalents – bank overdraft
17,862
17,862
Total
20,740
19,850
Management of liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is minimised by holding sufficient liquid investments which can be readily realised to meet liquidity demands.
Asset disposals may also be required to meet liquidity needs. However, the timely sale of trading positions can be impaired
by many factors including decreased trading volume and increased price volatility. As a result, the Group may experience
difficulties in disposing of assets to satisfy liquidity demands. Liquidity risk is not significant as the Group’s assets are
investments in listed securities that are readily realisable.
The Group’s liquidity risk is managed on a daily basis by the Investment Manager in accordance with established policies and
procedures in place. The Portfolio Managers’ review daily forward-looking cash reports which project cash obligations. These
reports allow them to manage their obligations.
For the avoidance of doubt, none of the assets of the Group are subject to special liquidity arrangements.
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
17. Risk management policies and procedures
120
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
(d) Valuation of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are either carried in the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial
Position at their fair value (investments and derivatives) or at an amount which is a reasonable approximation of fair value
(due from brokers, dividends and interest receivable, due to brokers, accruals, cash at bank and bank overdrafts). IFRS 13
requires the Group to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of inputs used
in making the measurements. The valuation techniques used by the Group are explained in the accounting policies note 2(h)
to the Financial Statements on page 101.
Categorisation within the hierarchy has been determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair
value measurement of the relevant asset.
The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
Level 1 – Quoted market price for identical instruments in active markets
A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices are readily available from an exchange, dealer,
broker, industry group, pricing service or regulatory agency and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market
transactions on an arm’s length basis. The Group does not adjust the quoted price for these instruments.
Level 2 – Valuation techniques using observable inputs
This category includes instruments valued using quoted prices for similar instruments in markets that are considered less
than active, or other valuation techniques where all significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from market data.
Valuation techniques used for non-standardised financial instruments such as options, currency swaps and other over-the-
counter derivatives include the use of comparable recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are
substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques commonly used
by market participants making the maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity specific inputs.
Over-the-counter derivative option contracts have been classified as Level 2 investments as their valuation has been based on
market observable inputs represented by the underlying quoted securities to which these contracts expose the Group.
Level 3 – Valuation techniques using significant unobservable inputs
This category includes all instruments where the valuation technique includes inputs not based on market data and these
inputs could have a significant impact on the instrument’s valuation.
This category includes instruments that are valued based on quoted prices for similar instruments where significant entity
determined adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect differences between the instruments and instruments for
which there is no active market. The Investment Manager considers observable data to be that market data that is readily
available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that
are actively involved in the relevant market.
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the
basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. If a fair value measurement uses observable
inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a Level 3 measurement.
Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering
factors specific to the asset or liability including an assessment of the relevant risks including but not limited to credit risk,
market risk, liquidity risk, business risk and sustainability risk. The determination of what constitutes ‘observable’ inputs
requires significant judgement by the Investment Manager and these risks are adequately captured in the assumptions and
inputs used in measurement of Level 3 assets or liabilities.
The investment in the subsidiary is classified within Level 3 since the subsidiary is not a listed entity. The fair value of the
investment in the subsidiary is calculated based on the net asset value of the underlying balances within the subsidiary.
Therefore, no sensitivity analysis has been presented.
Section 4: Financial statements
121
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
The table below sets out fair value measurements using the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at
30 November 2024 – Group
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Assets:
Equity investments
184,586
184,586
Fixed income investments
5,166
5,166
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments – written options
(51)
(51)
Total
184,535
5,166
189,701
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at
30 November 2024 – Company
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Assets:
Equity investments
184,586
955
185,541
Fixed income investments
5,166
5,166
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments – written options
(51)
(51)
Total
184,535
5,166
955
190,656
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at
30 November 2023 – Group
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Assets:
Equity investments
169,171
169,171
Fixed income investments
4,022
2,347
6,369
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments – written options
(110)
(110)
Derivative financial instruments – commodity futures
(780)
(780)
Total
172,303
2,347
174,650
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at
30 November 2023 – Company
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
£’000
£’000
£’000
£’000
Assets:
Equity investments
169,171
2,455
171,626
Fixed income investments
4,022
2,347
6,369
Liabilities:
Derivative financial instruments – written options
(110)
(110)
Derivative financial instruments – commodity futures
(780)
(780)
Total
172,303
2,347
2,455
177,105
In addition to the investment in the subsidiary, the Company held one other Level 3 security as at 30 November 2024 (2023:
one).
Notes to the financial statements
continued
continued
17. Risk management policies and procedures
122
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
A reconciliation of fair value measurement in Level 3 is set out below.
Level 3 Financial assets fair value through profit or loss at 30 November – Company
2024
2023
£’000
£’000
Opening fair value
2,455
3,455
Total gains or losses included in profit/(loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income:
– assets held at the end of the year
(1,500)
(1,000)
Closing balance
955
2,455
As at 30 November 2024, the investment in Gazprom has been valued at a nominal value of RUB0.01 due to lack of access
to the Moscow Stock Exchange as a result of sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Following the
suspension of the secondary listings of depositary receipts of Russian companies, the investment in Gazprom ADRs was
transferred from Level 1 to Level 3. Towards the end of the year ended 30 November 2023, the ADRs in Gazprom were
converted into equity shares of Gazprom. As at the year-end, this investment is considered a Level 3 financial asset.
For exchange listed equity investments, the quoted price is the bid price. Substantially, all investments are valued based on
unadjusted quoted market prices. Where such quoted prices are readily available in an active market, such prices are not
required to be assessed or adjusted any price related risks, including climate risk, in accordance with the fair value related
requirements of the Company’s financial reporting framework.
(e) Capital management policies and procedures
The Group’s capital management objectives are:
to ensure it will be able to continue as a going concern; and
to achieve an annual dividend target and over the long term capital growth by investing primarily in securities of companies
operating in the mining and energy sectors.
This is to be achieved through an appropriate balance of equity capital and gearing. The Group operates a flexible gearing
policy which depends on prevailing conditions.
The Group’s total capital at 30 November 2024 was £193,271,000 (2023: £180,224,000), comprising a bank overdraft of
£25,944,000 (2023: £17,862,000) and equity shares, capital and reserves of £167,327,000 (2023: £162,362,000).
Under the terms of the overdraft facility agreement, the Group’s total indebtedness shall at no time exceed £40.0m or 20% of
the Group’s net asset value (whichever is the lowest) (2023: £40.0m or 20% of the Group’s net asset value (whichever is the
lowest)).
The Board with the assistance of the Investment Manager monitors and reviews the broad structure of the Group’s capital on
an ongoing basis. This review includes:
the planned level of gearing, which takes into account the Investment Manager’s view on the market; and
the need to buy back equity shares, either for cancellation or to be held in treasury, which takes account of the difference
between the NAV per share and the share price (i.e. the level of share price discount or premium).
The Group is subject to externally imposed capital requirements:
as a public company, the Company has a minimum share capital of £50,000; and
in order to be able to pay dividends out of profits available for distribution, the Company has to be able to meet one of the
two capital restrictions tests imposed on investment companies by law.
During the year, the Company complied with the externally imposed capital requirements to which it was subject including
those imposed in respect of overdraft covenants.
Section 4: Financial statements
123
(f) Investments held through Stock Connect
The Company may invest no more than 10% of its net asset value in investments held through Stock Connect. Any China
A shares invested in via Stock Connect will be held by the Depositary/Sub custodian in accounts in the Hong Kong Central
Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS) maintained by the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC) as
central securities depositary in Hong Kong. HKSCC in turn will hold any such China A Shares, as the nominee holder, through
an omnibus securities account in its name registered with ChinaClear for the Company. At 30 November 2023 the Company
did not hold any investments through Stock Connect (2023: none).
18. Related party disclosure
Directors’ emoluments
At the date of this report, the Board consists of four non-executive Directors, all of whom are considered to be independent of
the Manager by the Board.
Disclosures of the Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares of the Company and fees and expenses payable to the Directors
are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 64 and 65. At 30 November 2024, £12,000 (2023: £11,000) was
outstanding in respect of Directors’ fees.
Significant holdings
The following investors are:
a.
funds managed by the BlackRock Group or are affiliates of BlackRock Inc. (“Related BlackRock Funds”); or
b.
investors (other than those listed in (a) above) who held more than 20% of the voting shares in issue in the Company and
are as a result, considered to be related parties to the Company (“Significant Investors”).
Total % of shares held by
Number of Significant
Significant Investors who are
Investors who are not affiliates
Total % of shares held by
not affiliates of BlackRock
of BlackRock Group or
Related BlackRock Funds
Group or BlackRock, Inc.
BlackRock, Inc.
As at 30 November 2024
0.7
n/a
n/a
As at 30 November 2023
0.7
n/a
n/a
19. Transactions with the Investment Manager and AIFM
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) provides management and administrative services to the Group under a contract
which is terminable on six months’ notice. BFM has (with the Group’s consent) delegated certain portfolio and risk services,
and other ancillary services to BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (BIM (UK)). Further details of the investment
management contract are disclosed in the Directors’ Report on page
55
.
The investment management fee due for the year ended 30 November 2024 amounted to £1,425,000 (2023: £1,549,000).
At the year end, £1,072,000 was outstanding in respect of the management fee (2023: £742,000).
The Company is entitled to a rebate from the investment management fee charged by the Manager in the event the
Company’s ongoing charges exceeds the cap of 1.25% per annum of average daily net assets. The amount of rebate
accrued to 30 November 2024 amounted to £nil (2023: £nil).
Further details in respect of the management fee and rebate are given in note 4 on page 103.
In addition to the above services, BIM (UK) has provided the Group with marketing services. The total fees paid or payable for
these services for the year ended 30 November 2024 amounted to £80,000 excluding VAT (2023: £84,000). Marketing fees of
£28,000 excluding VAT (2023: £106,000) were outstanding as at the year end.
The ultimate holding company of the Manager and the Investment Manager is BlackRock, Inc., a company incorporated in
Delaware USA.
20. Contingent liabilities
There were no contingent liabilities at 30 November 2024 (2023: nil).
Section 5: Additional information
125
Additional
information
The iron ore price touched around US$90 per tonne in August 2024, followed by
suggestions that this could be a reasonable longer-term price for the industry.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGLO AMERICAN
126
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Financial calendar
The timing of the announcement and publication of the Company’s results may normally be expected in the months shown
below:
January/February
Annual results for the year ended 30 November announced and the Annual Report and Financial
Statements published.
March
Annual General Meeting.
July
Half yearly figures to 31 May announced and Half Yearly Financial Report published.
Quarterly Dividends
Dividends are paid quarterly as follows:
Period ending
Ex-date
Payment
date
28 February
March
April
31 May
June
July
31 August
September
October
30 November
December
January
Payment of dividends
Cash dividends will be sent by cheque to the first-named shareholder at their registered address. Dividends may also be paid
directly into a shareholder’s bank account. This may be arranged by contacting the Company’s registrar, Computershare
Investor Services PLC (Computershare), on 0370 707 1476, through their secure website
investorcentre.co.uk
, or by
completing the Mandate Instructions section on the reverse of your dividend counterfoil and sending it to Computershare.
Dividend confirmations will be sent to shareholders at their registered address, unless other instructions have been given, to
arrive on the payment date.
Dividend tax allowance
The annual tax-free allowance on dividend income across an individual’s entire share portfolio is currently £500. Above
this amount, individuals pay tax on their dividend income at a rate dependent on their income tax bracket and personal
circumstances.
The Company continues to provide registered shareholders with confirmation of the dividends paid and this should be
included with any other dividend income received when calculating and reporting total dividend income received. It is a
shareholder’s responsibility to include all dividend income when calculating any tax liability.
If you have any tax queries, please contact a financial advisor.
Dividend reinvestment scheme
Shareholders may request that their dividends be used to purchase further shares in the Company. Dividend reinvestment
forms may be obtained from Computershare Investor Services PLC on 0370 707 1476 or through their secure website,
investorcentre.co.uk
. Shareholders who have already opted to have their dividends reinvested do not need to reapply.
Share price
The Company’s mid-market ordinary share price is quoted daily in The Financial Times and The Times under ‘Investment
Companies’ and in The Daily Telegraph under ‘Investment Trusts’. The share price is also available on the BlackRock website at
blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
ISIN/SEDOL numbers
The ISIN/SEDOL numbers and mnemonic codes for the Company’s shares are:
Ordinary shares
ISIN
GB00B0N8MF98
SEDOL
B0N8MF9
Reuters Code
BERI:L
Bloomberg Code
BERI:LN
Shareholder information
Section 5: Additional information
127
Share dealing
Investors wishing to purchase more shares in the Company or sell all or part of their existing holding may do so through a
stockbroker. Most banks also offer this service. Alternatively, please go to
www.computershare.com/dealing/uk
for a range of
dealing services made available by Computershare.
CREST
The Company’s shares may be held in CREST, an electronic system for uncertificated securities trading.
Private investors can continue to retain their share certificates and remain outside the CREST system. Private investors are
able to buy and sell their holdings in the same way as they did prior to the introduction of CREST, although there may be
differences in dealing charges.
Electronic communications
Computershare provides a service to enable shareholders to receive correspondence electronically (including annual and
half yearly financial reports) if they wish. If a shareholder opts to receive documents in this way, paper documents will only
be available on request (unless electronic submission fails, in which case a letter will be mailed to the investor’s registered
address giving details of the website address where information can be found online). Shareholders who opt for this service
will receive a Notice of Availability via e-mail from Computershare with a link to the relevant section of the BlackRock website
where the documents can be viewed and printed. For more information, to view the terms and conditions and to register
for this service, please visit Computershare’s internet site at
investorcentre.co.uk/ecomms
(you will need your shareholder
reference number).
Electronic proxy voting
Shareholders are able to submit their proxy votes electronically via Computershare’s internet site at
eproxyappointment.com
using a unique identification PIN which will be provided with voting instructions and the Notice of Annual General Meeting.
CREST members who wish to appoint one or more proxies or give an instruction through the CREST electronic proxy appointment
service may do so by using the procedures described in the CREST manual. Further details are set out in the notes on the Form of
Proxy and the Notice of Annual General Meeting. For shareholders who hold shares via platforms, information on how to vote can
be found here:
https://www.theaic.co.uk/availability-on-platforms
.
Nominee code
Where shares are held in a nominee company name, the Company undertakes:
to provide the nominee company with multiple copies of shareholder communications, so long as an indication of quantities
has been provided in advance; and
to allow investors holding shares through a nominee company to attend general meetings, provided the correct authority
from the nominee company is available.
Nominee companies are encouraged to provide the necessary authority to underlying shareholders to attend the Company’s
general meetings.
Publication of NAV/portfolio analysis
The NAV per share of the Company is calculated and published daily. Details of the Company’s investments and performance
are published monthly.
The daily NAV per share and monthly information are released through the London Stock Exchange’s Regulatory News Service
and are available on the BlackRock website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
and through the Reuters News Service under the
code ‘BLRKINDEX’, on page 8800 on Topic 3 (ICV terminals) and under ‘BLRK’ on Bloomberg (monthly information only).
Online access
Other details about the Company are also available on the BlackRock website at
blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
The financial statements and other literature are published on the website. Visitors to the website need to be aware that
legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements may differ from
legislation in their jurisdiction.
Shareholders can also manage their shareholding online by using Investor Centre, Computershare’s secure website, at
investorcentre.co.uk
.
128
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
To register on Computershare’s website you will need your shareholder reference number. Listed below are the most frequently
used features of the website.
Holding enquiry – view balances, values, history, payments and reinvestments.
Payments enquiry – view your dividends and other payment types.
Address change – change your registered address.
Bank details update – choose to receive your dividend payment directly into your bank account instead of by cheque.
e-Comms sign
-up – choose to receive email notification when your shareholder communications become available instead
of paper communications.
Outstanding payments – reissue payments using the online replacement service.
Downloadable forms – including dividend mandates, stock transfer, dividend reinvestment and change of address forms.
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
ISAs are a tax-efficient method of investment and the Company’s shares are eligible investments for inclusion in an ISA. In
the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 tax years, investors will be able to invest up to £20,000 in Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
either as cash or shares.
Shareholder enquiries
The Company’s registrar is Computershare Investor Services PLC. Certain details relating to your holding can be checked
through the Computershare Investor Centre website. As a security check, specific information will need to be input accurately
to gain access to your account including your shareholder reference number, available from your share certificate, dividend
confirmation or other electronic communications received from Computershare. The address of the Computershare website is
investorcentre.co.uk
. Alternatively, please contact the registrar on 0370 707 1476.
Changes of name or address must be notified in writing either through Computershare’s website, or to the registrar at:
Computershare Investor Services PLC,
The Pavilions,
Bridgwater Road,
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
General enquiries
Enquiries about the Company should be directed to:
The Company Secretary
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London EC2N 2DL
Telephone: 020 7743 3000
Email:
Cosec@blackrock.com
Shareholder information
continued
Section 5: Additional information
129
By type of holder
Number of
shares
% of total
2024
% of total
2023
Number of
holders
% of total
2024
% of total
2023
Direct private investors
1,067,040
0.8
1.2
143
35.5
37.5
Banks and nominee companies
118,601,711
87.5
94.1
238
59.1
57.5
Others
1,883,746
1.4
1.5
21
5.2
4.8
Shares held in Treasury
14,033,697
10.3
3.2
1
0.2
0.2
135,586,194
100.0
100.0
403
100.0
100.0
By size of holding
Number of
shares
% of total
2024
% of total
2023
Number of
holders
% of total
2024
% of total
2023
1-10,000
603,846
0.5
0.5
174
43.2
44.7
10,001-100,000
5,223,950
3.9
0.6
128
31.8
27.6
100,001-1,000,000
25,406,148
18.7
22.0
79
19.6
22.5
1,000,001-5,000,000
50,905,447
37.5
38.1
17
4.2
3.3
5,000,001-9,999,999
53,446,803
39.4
38.8
5
1.2
1.9
135,586,194
100.0
100.0
403
100.0
100.0
Analysis of ordinary shareholders
as at 30 November 2024
130
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Year ended
30 November
Net assets
attributable
to ordinary
shareholders
Net asset
value per
ordinary
share
Ordinary
share price
(mid-market)
Revenue
return per
ordinary
share
Dividend
per
ordinary
share
Ongoing
charges
ratio
1
£’000
p
p
p
p
At launch, 13 December 2005
73,500
98.00
100.00
Period ended 30 November 2006
79,784
105.53
101.25
5.28
4.500
1.50
Year ended 30 November 2007
110,018
158.05
149.75
6.31
5.250
1.30
Year ended 30 November 2008
57,625
80.25
72.50
6.96
5.400
1.40
Year ended 30 November 2009
90,260
120.63
119.75
5.74
5.500
1.50
Year ended 30 November 2010
125,848
139.05
143.00
5.85
5.600
2
1.40
Year ended 30 November 2011
118,642
131.08
127.75
5.88
5.750
1.30
Year ended 30 November 2012
111,663
118.47
122.75
6.10
5.900
1.30
Year ended 30 November 2013
101,830
105.79
109.50
5.87
5.950
1.40
Year ended 30 November 2014
96,696
91.95
99.00
6.20
6.000
1.50
Year ended 30 November 2015
69,430
60.08
59.75
6.32
6.000
1.40
Year ended 30 November 2016
98,933
83.57
82.75
4.43
5.000
1.39
Year ended 30 November 2017
91,357
76.92
75.00
4.84
4.000
1.36
Year ended 30 November 2018
88,109
75.87
70.60
4.37
4.000
1.39
Year ended 30 November 2019
85,945
75.28
66.00
3.97
4.000
1.48
Year ended 30 November 2020
91,642
80.76
71.40
4.31
4.000
1.25
Year ended 30 November 2021
120,828
103.97
96.70
4.96
4.100
1.21
Year ended 30 November 2022
194,708
144.92
135.00
4.99
4.400
1.13
Year ended 30 November 2023
162,362
123.58
110.40
4.39
4.425
1.19
Year ended 30 November 2024
167,327
137.66
121.00
3.63
4.500
1.20
1
Revised for years prior to 30 November 2014 to conform to AIC best practice guidance. The ongoing charges ratio is an Alternative
Performance Measure. See the Glossary on page
142
for more details in respect of the calculation.
2
In addition, two special dividends were also paid during the year, totalling 1.52 pence per share.
Historical analysis
Section 5: Additional information
131
Registered Office
(Registered in England, No. 5612963)
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London EC2N 2DL
Alternative Investment Fund Manager
1
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited
2
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London EC2N 2DL
Telephone: 020 7743 3000
Investment Manager and Company Secretary
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
2
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London EC2N 2DL
Email:
cosec@blackrock.com
Banker, Custodian and Depositary
The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited
2
160 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4LA
Registrar
Computershare Investor Services PLC
2
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
Telephone: 0370 707 1476
Auditor
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
1 New Street Square,
London EC4A 3HQ
United Kingdom
Stockbroker
Winterflood Securities Limited
2
The Atrium Building
25 Dowgate Hill
London EC4R 2GA
Solicitor
Gowling WLG (UK) LLP
4 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AU
Management & other service providers
1
BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (BFM) was appointed as the Alternative Investment Fund Manager on 2 July 2014. BlackRock
Investment Management (UK) Limited continues to act as the Investment Manager under a delegation agreement with BFM.
2
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
132
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Remuneration related disclosures in accordance with Article 22(2) of the AIFMD, Article 107 of the
AIFMD Regulations and Section XIII of the ESMA Guidelines on sound remuneration policies under
the AIFMD
The below disclosures are made in respect of the remuneration policies of the BlackRock group (“BlackRock”), as they apply
to BlackRock Fund Managers Limited (the “Manager”). The disclosures are made in accordance with the provisions in the
UK implementing the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (the “AIFMD”), the European Commission Delegated
Regulation supplementing the AIFMD (the “Delegated Regulation”) and the “Guidelines on sound remuneration policies under
the AIFMD” issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority.
Quantitative Remuneration Disclosure
The Manager is required to make quantitative disclosures of remuneration in accordance with the AIFMD, the Delegated
Regulation and the FCA FUND Handbook. These disclosures are made in line with BlackRock’s interpretation of currently
available regulatory guidance on quantitative remuneration disclosures. As market or regulatory practice develops BlackRock
may consider it appropriate to make changes to the way in which quantitative remuneration disclosures are calculated. Where
such changes are made, this may result in disclosures in relation to a fund not being comparable to the disclosures made in
the prior year, or in relation to other BlackRock fund disclosures in that same year.
Disclosures are provided in relation to (a) the staff of the Manager; (b) staff who are senior management; and (c) staff who have
the ability to materially affect the risk profile of the Fund, including individuals who, although not directly employed by the
Manager, are assigned by their employer to carry out services directly for the Manager.
All individuals included in the aggregated figures disclosed are rewarded in line with BlackRock’s remuneration policy for their
responsibilities across the relevant BlackRock business area. As all individuals have a number of areas of responsibilities,
only the portion of remuneration for those individuals’ services attributable to the Fund is included in the aggregate figures
disclosed.
Members of staff and senior management of the Manager typically provide both AIFMD and non-AIFMD related services
in respect of multiple funds, clients and functions of the Manager and across the broader BlackRock group. Therefore, the
figures disclosed are a sum of each individual’s portion of remuneration attributable to the Manager according to an objective
apportionment methodology which acknowledges the multiple-service nature of the Manager. Accordingly the figures are not
representative of any individual’s actual remuneration or their remuneration structure.
The amount of the total remuneration awarded to the Manager’s staff in respect of the Manager’s financial year ending
31 December 2023 is US$171.29 million. This figure is comprised of fixed remuneration of US$98.27 million and variable
remuneration of US$73.02 million. There were a total of 3,683 beneficiaries of the remuneration described above.
The amount of the aggregate remuneration awarded by the Manager in respect of the Manager’s financial year ending
31 December 2023, to its senior management was US$6.11 million, and to other members of its staff whose actions potentially
have a material impact on the risk profile of the Manager or its funds was US$4.20 million. These figures relate to the entire
Manager and not to the Company.
AIFMD report on remuneration
(unaudited)
Section 5: Additional information
133
Other AIFMD disclosures (unaudited)
Leverage
The Company may employ leverage and borrow cash in accordance with its stated investment policy or investment strategy.
The Company may also employ leverage in its investment programme through foreign exchange forward contracts and may
also utilise a variety of exchange traded and over-the-counter (OTC) derivative instruments such as covered put/call options
as part of its investment policy. The use of derivatives may expose the Company to a higher degree of risk. In particular,
derivative contracts can be highly volatile and the amount of initial margin is generally small relative to the size of the contract
so that transactions may be leveraged in terms of market exposure. A relatively small market movement may have a potentially
larger impact on derivatives than on standard underlying bonds or equities. Leveraged derivative positions can therefore
increase the Company’s volatility. The use of borrowings and leverage has attendant risks and can, in certain circumstances,
substantially increase the adverse impact to which the Company’s investment portfolio may be subject. No foreign exchange
forward contracts or derivatives were used for leverage purposes during the year.
For the purposes of this disclosure, leverage is any method by which the Company’s exposure is increased, whether through
borrowing of cash or securities, or leverage embedded in foreign exchange forward contracts or by any other means.
The AIFMD requires that each leverage ratio be expressed as the ratio between a Company’s exposure and its NAV, and
prescribes two required methodologies, the gross methodology and the commitment methodology (as set out in AIFMD Level
2 Implementation Guidance), for calculating such exposure.
Using the methodologies prescribed under the AIFMD, the leverage of the Group and Company is disclosed in the following
table below:
Commitment
leverage as at
30 November
2024
Gross leverage
as at
30 November
2024
Leverage ratio
1.24
1.12
Further information on the calculation of leverage ratios is provided in the Glossary on page
1
40.
Other risk disclosures
The financial risk disclosures relating to risk framework and liquidity risk are set out in note 17 to the notes to the financial
statements on pages
111 to 123
.
Pre investment disclosures
The AIFMD requires certain information to be made available to investors in AIFs before they invest and requires that material
changes to this information be disclosed in the annual report of each AIF. An Investor Disclosure Document, which sets out
information on the Company’s investment strategy and policies, leverage, risk, liquidity, administration, management, fees,
conflicts of interest and other shareholder information is available on the website at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
There have been no material changes (other than those reflected in these financial statements or previously disclosed to the
London Stock Exchange through a primary information provider) to this information requiring disclosure. Any information
requiring immediate disclosure pursuant to the AIFMD will be disclosed to the London Stock Exchange through a primary
information provider.
GRAHAM VENABLES
For and on behalf of
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
134
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
The disclosures below are made in compliance with the requirements of Listing Rule 9.8.4.
9.8.4 (1) The Company has not capitalised any interest in the period under review.
9.8.4 (2) The Company has not published any unaudited financial information in a class 1 circular or prospectus or any profit
forecast or profit estimate.
9.8.4 (3) This provision has been deleted.
9.8.4 (4) The Company does not have any long-term incentive schemes in operation.
9.8.4 (7) During the year, no shares were issued from treasury.
9.8.4 (8) and 9.8.4 (9) are not applicable.
9.8.4 (11) This provision is not applicable to the Company.
9.8.4 (12) and (13) There were no arrangements under which a shareholder has waived or agreed to waive any dividends or
future dividends.
9.8.4 (14) This provision is not applicable to the Company.
By order of the Board
GRAHAM VENABLES
For and on behalf of
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
Information to be disclosed in accordance
with Listing Rule 9.8.4
Section 5: Additional information
135
The Stock Connect links markets in mainland China and Hong Kong, allowing foreign (non-Chinese) investors to invest in
China A Shares listed on the relevant mainland markets more easily than was possible prior to establishment of the Stock
Connect. The disclosures below are given to provide shareholders and investors in the Company with more information in
respect of how the Stock Connect works, and more detail on the risks associated with the scheme. Additional disclosures are
set out in the notes to the financial statements on page
123
.
The Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing linked program developed by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
Market (HKEX), Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and China Clear with an aim to achieve mutual stock market access between
the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong. The Stock Connect comprises a Northbound Trading Link and a
Southbound Trading Link. Under the Northbound Trading Link, Hong Kong and overseas investors (including the Company),
through their Hong Kong brokers and a securities trading service company established by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
(SEHK), may be able to trade eligible China A Shares listed on the SSE by routing orders to SSE. Under the Southbound
Trading Link investors in the PRC will be able to trade certain stocks listed on the SEHK. Under a joint announcement issued by
the SFC and CSRC on 10 November 2014 the Stock Connect commenced trading on 17 November 2014.
Companies and funds investing in the PRC may invest in China A Shares trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange via Stock
Connect. The Stock Connect is a programme that links the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the SEHK. Under the programme,
investors can access the Shanghai Stock Exchange via the Hong Kong Central Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS)
maintained by the Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Ltd (HKSCC) as central securities depositary in Hong Kong.
Investing in China A Shares via Stock Connect bypasses the requirement to obtain Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional
Investor (RQFII) status which is required for direct access to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Quota limitations
Investing in the PRC via Stock Connect is subject to quota limitations which apply to the Investment Manager. In particular,
once the remaining balance of the relevant quota drops to zero or the daily quota is exceeded, buy orders will be rejected
(although investors will be permitted to sell their cross-boundary securities regardless of the quota balance).
Investment thresholds for stock connect funds
The Company may invest no more than 10% of its net asset value in the Stock Connect.
Legal/beneficial ownership
The China A Shares invested in via the Stock Connect will be held by the Trustee in accounts in the Hong Kong Central Clearing
and Settlement System the China Securities Repository and Clearing Company Limited (CCASS) maintained by the HKSCC
as central securities depositary in Hong Kong. HKSCC in turn holds the China A Shares, as the nominee holder, through
an omnibus securities account in its name registered with the China Securities Depository and Clearing Company Limited
(CSDCC). The precise nature and rights of the Stock Connect Funds as the beneficial owners of the China A Shares through
HKSCC as nominee is not well defined under PRC law. There is lack of a clear definition of, and distinction between, “Legal
Ownership” and “Beneficial Ownership” under PRC law and there have been few cases involving a nominee account structure
in the PRC courts. Therefore the exact nature and methods of enforcement of the rights and interests of the Stock Connect
Funds under PRC law is uncertain. Because of this uncertainty, in the unlikely event that HKSCC becomes subject to winding
up proceedings in Hong Kong it is not clear if the China A Shares will be regarded as held for the beneficial ownership of the
Company or as part of the general assets of HKSCC available for general distribution to its creditors.
Clearing and settlement risk
HKSCC and CSDCC will establish the clearing links and each will become a participant of each other to facilitate clearing and
settlement of cross-boundary trades. For cross-boundary trades initiated in a market, the clearing house of that market will
on one hand clear and settle with its own clearing participants, and on the other hand undertake to fulfil the clearing and
settlement obligations of its clearing participants with the counterparty clearing house. As the national central counterparty
of the PRC’s securities market, CSDCC operates a comprehensive network of clearing, settlement and stock holding
infrastructure. CSDCC has established a risk management framework and measures that are approved and supervised by
the CSRC. The chances of CSDCC default are considered to be remote. In the remote event of a CSDCC default, HKSCC’s
liabilities in respect of China A Shares invested in via the Stock Connect will be limited under its market contracts with clearing
participants to assisting clearing participants in pursuing their claims against CSDCC. HKSCC should in good faith, seek
recovery of the outstanding stocks and monies from CSDCC through available legal channels or through CSDCC’s liquidation.
In that event, the Company may suffer a delay in the recovery process or may not fully recover its losses from CSDCC.
Information to be disclosed in respect of
investment in the People’s Republic of
China (PRC) via the Stock Connect
136
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Suspension risk
It is contemplated that both the SEHK and the Shanghai Stock Exchange reserve the right to suspend trading if necessary for
ensuring an orderly and fair market and that risks are managed prudently. Consent from the relevant regulator will be sought
before a suspension is triggered. Where a suspension is effected, the Company’s ability to access the PRC market will be
adversely affected.
Differences in trading day
The Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when
banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. So it is possible that there are occasions when it is a
normal trading day for the PRC market but the Company cannot carry out any China A Shares trading via the Stock Connect.
The Company may be subject to a risk of price fluctuations in China A Shares during the time when the Stock Connect is not
trading as a result.
Restrictions on selling imposed by front-end monitoring
PRC regulations require that before an investor sells any share, there should be sufficient shares in the account; otherwise the
Shanghai Stock Exchange will reject the sell order concerned. SEHK will carry out pre-trade checking on China A Share sell
orders of its participants (i.e. the stock brokers) to ensure there is no over-selling. If the Company intends to sell certain China
A Shares it holds, it must transfer those China A Shares to the respective accounts of its broker(s) before the market opens
on the day of selling (“trading day”). If it fails to meet this deadline, it will not be able to sell those shares on the trading day.
Because of this requirement, the Company may not be able to dispose of its holdings of China A Shares in a timely manner.
Regulatory risk
The Stock Connect is a novel concept. The current regulations are untested and there is no certainty as to how they will be
applied. In addition, the current regulations are subject to change and there can be no assurance that the Stock Connect will
not be abolished. New regulations may be issued from time to time by the regulators/stock exchanges in the PRC and Hong
Kong in connection with operations, legal enforcement and cross-border trades under the Stock Connect. The Company may
be adversely affected as a result of such changes.
Recalling of eligible stocks
When a stock is recalled from the scope of eligible stocks for trading via the Stock Connect, the stock can only be sold but
restricted from being bought. This may restrict the ability of the Company to acquire shares.
No protection by investor compensation fund
Investment in China A Shares via the Stock Connect is conducted through brokers, and is subject to the risk of default by such
brokers in their obligations. Investments of the Company are not covered by the Hong Kong’s investor compensation fund,
which has been established to pay compensation to investors of any nationality who suffer pecuniary losses as a result of
default of a licensed intermediary or authorised financial institution in relation to exchange-traded products in Hong Kong.
Since default matters in respect of China A Shares invested in via the Stock Connect do not involve products listed or traded on
the SEHK, they will not be covered by the investor compensation fund. Therefore the Company is exposed to the risks of default
of the broker(s) it engages in its trading in China A Shares through the Stock Connect.
Operational risk
The Stock Connect is premised on the functioning of the operational systems of the relevant market participants. Market
participants are permitted to participate in this program subject to meeting certain information technology capability, risk
management and other requirements as may be specified by the relevant exchange and/or clearing house.
The securities regimes and legal systems of the SEHK and the Shanghai Stock Exchange differ significantly and market
participants may need to address issues arising from the differences on an on-going basis. There is no assurance that
the systems of the SEHK and market participants will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and
developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading in both markets
through the program could be disrupted. The Company’s ability to access the China A Share market (and hence to pursue its
investment strategy) may be adversely affected.
Information to be disclosed in respect of
investment in the People’s Republic of
China (PRC) via the Stock Connect
continued
Section 5: Additional information
137
Taxation risks
The PRC tax authorities have also made announcements that gains derived from China A Shares investments via the Stock
Connects would be temporarily exempted from PRC taxation effective from 17 November 2014. This temporary exemption
applies to China A-Shares generally, including shares in PRC ‘land
-rich’ companies. The duration of the period of temporary
exemption has not been stated and may be subject to termination by the PRC tax authorities with or without notice and, in
the worst case, retrospectively. If the temporary exemption is withdrawn the relevant Stock Connect Funds would be subject
to PRC taxation in respect of gains on China A Shares and the resultant tax liability would eventually be borne by investors.
However, this liability may be mitigated under the terms of an applicable tax treaty, and if so, such benefits will also be passed
to investors.
138
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Depositary report
06 January 2025
To the Board of Directors
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust Plc
12 Throgmorton Avenue,
London
EC2N 2DL
Dear Sir / Madam,
Re: BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust Plc (‘the Entity’)
Statement of the Depositary's Responsibilities in Respect of the Scheme and Report of the Depositary to the
Shareholders of the BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust Plc (“the Company”) for the Period Ended 30
November 2024.
The Depositary must ensure that the Company is managed in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s
Investment Funds Sourcebook, (“the Sourcebook”), the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”)
(together “the Regulations”) and the Company’s Articles of Association.
The Depositary must in the context of its role act honestly, fairly, professionally, independently and in the interests of
the Company and its investors.
The Depositary is responsible for the safekeeping of the assets of the Company in accordance with the Regulations.
The Depositary must ensure that:
• the Company’s cash flows are properly monitored and that cash of the Company is booked into the cash accounts in
accordance with the Regulations;
• the sale, issue, repurchase, redemption and cancellation of shares are carried out in accordance with the Regulations;
• the assets under management and the net asset value per share of the Company are calculated in accordance with the
Regulations;
• any consideration relating to transactions in the Company’s assets is remitted to the Company within the usual time
limits;
• that the Company’s income is applied in accordance with the Regulations; and
• the instructions of the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (“the AIFM”) are carried out (unless they conflict with
the Regulations).
The Depositary also has a duty to take reasonable care to ensure that Company is managed in accordance with the
Articles of Association in relation to the investment and borrowing powers applicable to the Company.
Having carried out such procedures as we consider necessary to discharge our responsibilities as Depositary of the
Company, it is our opinion, based on the information available to us and the explanations provided, that in all material
respects the Company, acting through the AIFM has been managed in accordance with the rules in the Sourcebook, the
Articles of Association of the Company and as required by the AIFMD.
Yours sincerely
Colin Campbell
Senior Manager
The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited – UK Trustee & Depositary
The Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited is registered in England & Wales with Company 3236121 with its
Registered Office at 160 Queen Victoria Street London
EC4V 4LA.
Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
The Bank of New York Mellon
(International) Limited
160 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4LA
T +44 (0)20 7570 1784
Section 5: Additional information
139
Alternative Performance Measure (APM)
An APM is a measure of performance or financial position that is not defined in applicable accounting standards and cannot
be directly derived from the financial statements.
The Group’s APMs are set out below and are cross-referenced where relevant to the financial inputs used to derive them as
contained in other sections of the Annual Financial Report.
Closed-end company
An investment trust works along the same lines as a unit trust, in that it pools money from investors which is then managed
on a collective basis. The main difference is that an investment trust is a company listed on the Stock Exchange and, in most
cases, trading takes place in shares which have already been issued, rather than through the creation or redemption of units.
As the number of shares which can be issued or cancelled at any one time is limited, and requires the approval of existing
shareholders, investment trusts are known as closed end funds or companies. This means that investment trusts are not
subject to the same liquidity constraints as open ended funds and can therefore invest in less liquid investments.
Discount and premium*
Investment trust shares can frequently trade at a discount to NAV. This occurs when the share price (based on the mid-
market share price) is less than the NAV and investors may therefore buy shares at less than the value attributable to them
by reference to the underlying assets. The discount is the difference between the share price and the NAV, expressed as a
percentage of the NAV.
As at 30 November 2024, the share price was 121.00 pence (2023: 110.40 pence) and the NAV per share was 137.66 pence
(123.58 pence) giving a discount of 12.1% (2023: 10.7%) (please see note 9 of the financial statements for the audited inputs
to these calculations).
A premium occurs when the share price (based on the mid-market share price) is more than the NAV and investors would
therefore be paying more than the value attributable to the shares by reference to the underlying assets. For example, if the
share price was 370p and the NAV 365p, the premium would be 1.4%.
Discounts and premiums are mainly the consequence of supply and demand for the shares on the stock market.
Gearing and borrowings*
Investment companies can borrow to purchase additional investments. This is called ‘gearing’. It allows investment companies
to take advantage of a long-term view on a sector or to take advantage of a favourable situation or a particularly attractive stock
without having to sell existing investments.
Gearing works by magnifying a company’s performance. If a company ‘gears up’ and then markets rise and returns on the
investments outstrip the costs of borrowing, the overall returns to investors will be even greater. But if markets fall and the
performance of the assets in the portfolio is poor, then losses suffered by the investor will also be magnified.
The Group may achieve gearing through borrowings or the effect of gearing through an appropriate balance of equity capital,
investment in derivatives and structured financial instruments, and borrowings. Gearing through the use of derivatives is limited
to a maximum of 30% of the Group’s assets for the purposes of efficient portfolio management and to enhance portfolio returns.
Gearing through borrowings is limited to 40% of the Group’s gross assets; however borrowings are not envisaged to exceed 20%
of the Group’s gross assets at the date or drawdown.
Net gearing calculation
Page
30 November
2024
£’000
30 November
2023
£’000
Net assets
96
167,327
162,362
(a)
Borrowings
96
25,944
17,862
(b)
Total assets (a+b)
193,271
180,224
(c)
Current assets
1
96
4,934
7,562
(d)
Current liabilities (excluding borrowings)
96
(1,415)
(2,878)
(e)
Net current assets (d+e)
3,519
4,684
(f)
Net gearing figure (g=(c-f-a)/a) (%)
13.4
8.1
(g)
1
Includes cash at bank.
Glossary
* Alternative Performance Measure.
140
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Gross assets
Gross assets is defined as the total of the Group’s net assets and borrowings.
Leverage
Leverage is defined in the AIFM Directive as “any method by which the AIFM increases the exposure of an AIF it manages
whether through borrowing of cash or securities, or leverage embedded in derivative positions or by any other means”.
Leverage is measured in terms of ‘exposure’ and is expressed as a ratio of net asset value:
Leverage ratio
=
Exposure
Net assets
The Directive sets out two methodologies for calculating exposure. These are the Gross Method and the Commitment Method.
The treatment of cash and cash equivalent balances in terms of calculating what constitutes an “exposure” under AIFMD
differs for these two methods. The definitions for calculating the Gross Method exposures require that “the value of any cash
and cash equivalents which are highly liquid investments held in the base currency of the AIF, that are readily convertible to a
known amount of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value and provide a return no greater than the rate of a
three-month high quality government bond” should be excluded from exposure calculations.
NAV and share price return (with dividends reinvested)*
Performance statistics enable the investor to make performance comparisons between investment trusts with different dividend
policies. The performance measures the combined effect of any dividends paid, together with the rise or fall in the share price
or NAV. This is calculated by the movement in the share price or NAV plus the dividends paid by the Group assuming these are
reinvested in the Group at the prevailing NAV/share price (please see note 9 of the financial statements for the inputs to the
calculations).
NAV total return
Page
30 November
2024
30 November
2023
Closing NAV per share (pence)
106
137.66
123.58
Add back interim and final dividends (pence)
106
4.50
4.40
Effect of dividend reinvestment (pence)
0.37
(0.17)
Adjusted closing NAV (pence)
142.53
127.81
(a)
Opening NAV per share (pence)
106
123.58
144.92
(b)
NAV total return (c = ((a - b)/b)) (%)
15.3
(11.8)
(c)
Share price total return
Page
30 November
2024
30 November
2023
Closing share price (pence)
106
121.00
110.40
Add back interim and final dividends (pence)
106
4.50
4.40
Effect of dividend reinvestment (pence)
0.31
(0.37)
Adjusted closing share price (pence)
125.81
114.43
(a)
Opening share price (pence)
106
110.40
135.00
(b)
Share price total return (c = ((a - b)/b)) (%)
14.0
(15.2)
(c)
* Alternative Performance Measure.
Glossary
continued
Section 5: Additional information
141
NAV total return since inception
Page
For the period
since
inception to
31 October
2024
For the period
since
inception to
31 October
2023
Closing NAV per share (pence)
106
137.66
123.62
Add back quarterly dividends (pence)
94.67
90.17
Effect of dividend reinvestment (pence)
120.40
92.14
Adjusted closing NAV (pence)
352.73
305.93
(a)
Opening NAV per share (pence)
98.00
98.00
(b)
NAV total return
(c = ((a - b)/b)) (%)
259.9
212.2
(c)
Share price total return since inception
Page
For the period
since
inception to
31 October
2024
For the period
since
inception to
31 October
2023
Closing share price (pence)
106
121.00
110.40
Add back quarterly dividends (pence)
94.67
90.17
Effect of dividend reinvestment (pence)
102.75
78.85
Adjusted closing share price (pence)
318.42
279.42
(a)
Opening share price (pence)
100.00
100.00
(b)
Share price total return
(c = ((a - b)/b)) (%)
218.4
179.4
(c)
Net asset value per share (Cum income NAV)
This is the value of the Group’s assets attributable to one ordinary share. It is calculated by dividing ‘equity shareholders’
funds’ by the total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares). For example, as at 30 November 2024,
equity shareholders’ funds were worth £167,327,000 (2023: £162,362,000) and there were 121,552,497 (2023: 131,386,194)
ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares); the undiluted NAV was therefore 137.66 pence per ordinary share (2023:
123.58 pence per ordinary share) (please see note 9 of the financial statements for the inputs to the calculations).
Equity shareholders’ funds are calculated by deducting from the Group’s total assets, its current and long-term liabilities and
any provision for liabilities and charges.
Net asset value per share (Capital only NAV)*
The capital only NAV is a popular point of reference when comparing a range of investment trusts. This NAV focuses on the
value of the Group’s assets disregarding the current period revenue income, on the basis that most trusts will distribute
substantially all of their income in any financial period. It is also the measure adopted by the Association of Investment
Companies for preparation of statistical data. It is calculated by dividing ‘equity shareholders’ funds’ (excluding current period
revenue) by the total number of ordinary shares in issue.
As at 30 November 2024, equity shareholders’ funds less the current year net revenue return (after interim dividends)
amounted to £166,977,000 (2023: £161,039,000) and there were 121,552,497 (2023: 131,386,194) ordinary shares in issue
(excluding treasury shares); therefore the capital only NAV was 137.37 pence (2023: 122.57 pence).
Equity shareholders’ funds (excluding current period revenue) of £166,977,000 (2023: £161,039,000) are calculated by
deducting from the Group’s net assets £167,327,000 (2023: £162,362,000) its current period revenue £4,541,000 (2023:
£5,774,000) and adding back the interim dividends paid from revenue £4,191,000 (2023: £4,451,000).
Ongoing charges ratio*
Ongoing charges (%)
=
Annualised ongoing charges
Average undiluted net asset value
in the period
* Alternative Performance Measure.
142
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Ongoing charges are those expenses of a type which are likely to recur in the foreseeable future, whether charged to capital or
revenue, and which relate to the operation of the investment company as a collective fund. Ongoing charges are based on costs
incurred in the year as being the best estimate of future costs and include the annual management charge.
As recommended by the AIC in its guidance, ongoing charges are calculated using the Group’s annualised recurring revenue and
capital expenses (excluding finance costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation, prior
year expenses written back and certain non-recurring items) expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the
Group during the year.
The inputs that have been used to calculate the ongoing charges percentage are set out in the following table.
Ongoing charges calculation
Page
30 November
2024
£’000
30 November
2023
£’000
Management fee
103
1,425
1,549
Other operating expenses
1
104
511
556
Total management fee and other operating expenses
1,936
2,105
(a)
Average daily net assets in the year
161,847
176,911
(b)
Ongoing charges (c = a/b) (%)
1.20
1.19
(c)
1
Excluding the write back of prior year expenses totalling £nil (2023: £21,000).
The Company’s ongoing charges (including the investment management fee), are capped at 1.25% per annum of average
daily net assets.
Options and options overwriting strategy
An option is a contract that offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a security or other
financial asset at an agreed-upon price (the strike price) during a certain period of time or on a specific date (exercise date) for
a fee (the premium). The sale of call or put options on stocks that are believed to be overpriced or underpriced, based on the
assumption that the options will not be exercised, is referred to as an ‘options overwriting’ strategy.
The seller of the option collects a premium but, if the option subsequently expires without being exercised, there will be no
down side for the seller. However, if the stock rises above the exercise price the holder of the option is likely to exercise the
option and this strategy can reduce returns in a rising market.
The Group employs an options overwriting strategy but seeks to mitigate risk by utilising predominantly covered call options
(meaning that call options are only written in respect of stocks already owned within the Group’s portfolio such that, if the
options are exercised, the Group does not need to purchase stock externally at fluctuating market prices to meet its obligations
under the options contract). Any use of derivatives for efficient portfolio management and options for investment purposes will
be made on the basis of the same principles of risk spreading and diversification that apply to the Group’s direct investments.
Quoted securities and unquoted securities
Securities that trade on an exchange for which there is a publicly quoted price. Unquoted securities are financial securities
that do not trade on an exchange and for which there is not a publicly quoted price.
Reference index
Reference index is the blended comparator index comprised of three indices – the MSCI ACWI Select Metals & Mining
Producers Ex Gold and Silver IM (Mining), the MSCI World Energy Index (Traditional Energy) and S&P Global Clean Energy
Index (Energy Transition) with a 40:30:30 mix of the 3 indices.
Revenue profit and revenue reserves
Revenue profit is the net revenue income earned after deduction of fees and expenses allocated to the revenue account and
taxation suffered by the Group. Revenue reserves is the undistributed income that the Group keeps as reserves. Investment
trusts do not have to distribute all the income they generate, after expenses. They may retain up to 15% of revenue generated
which will be held in a revenue reserve. This reserve can be used at a later date to supplement dividend payments to
shareholders.
* Alternative Performance Measure.
Glossary
continued
Section 5: Additional information
143
Treasury shares
Treasury shares are shares that a company keeps in its own treasury which are not currently issued to the public. These
shares do not pay dividends, have no voting rights and are not included in a company’s total issued share capital amount for
calculating percentage ownership. Treasury stock may have come from a repurchase or buy back from shareholders, or it may
never have been issued to the public in the first place. Treasury shares may be reissued from treasury to the public to meet
demand for a company’s shares in certain circumstances.
Total dividends and yield*
Total dividends represent interim and final dividends declared by the Company for a particular year. The yield is the amount of
cash (in percentage terms) that is returned to the owners of the security, in the form of interest or dividends received from it.
Normally, it does not include the price variations, distinguishing it from the total return.
Page
30 November
2024
30 November
2023
Interim dividends paid/payable (pence)
1
106
4.500
4.425
(a)
Ordinary share price (pence)
106
121.00
110.40
(b)
Yield (c = a/b) (%)
3.7
4.0
(c)
1
Comprising dividends declared/paid for the twelve months to 30 November.
Section 6: Notice of annual general meeting
145
Annual
general
meeting
Increased demand for power in the US has driven demand for nuclear energy
and a higher uranium price, which underpinned a positive contribution from
uranium producer Cameco.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMECO CORPORATION
146
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Notice is hereby given that the next Annual General Meeting of BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc (the
“Company”
) will be held at the offices of BlackRock at 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2N 2DL on Thursday, 20 March
2025 at 12.00 noon for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the following resolutions (which will be proposed
in the case of resolutions 1 to 10, as ordinary resolutions and, in the case of resolutions 11 to 13, as special resolutions). More
information in respect of the contribution of each Director to support their re-election is given in the Directors’ Report on
pages 54 to 62.
Ordinary business
1.
To receive the report of the Directors of the
Company
and the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2024,
together with the report of the Auditor thereon.
2.
To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 November 2024.
3.
That the shareholders approve the
Company’s
dividend policy to continue to pay four quarterly interim dividends, which in
the year under review totalled 4.50p per share.
4.
To re-elect Mr Brown as a Director.
5.
To re-elect Mr Robson as a Director.
6.
To re-elect Mrs Ferguson as a Director.
7.
To re-elect Mrs Cannon as a Director.
8.
To reappoint Deloitte LLP as Auditor of the
Company
to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General
Meeting of the
Company
.
9.
To authorise the Audit and Management Engagement Committee to determine the Auditor’s remuneration.
Special business
Ordinary resolutions
10.
That, in addition to all existing authorities, the Directors of the
Company
be and they are hereby generally and
unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the
“Act”
), to exercise all the powers of the
Company
to allot ordinary shares of 1p each in the capital of the
Company
(the “
Ordinary Shares
”) and to grant rights to
subscribe for or to convert any security into Ordinary Shares (together the “
Securities
”) up to an aggregate nominal amount
of £119,984 (equivalent to 11,984,449 Ordinary Shares representing approximately 10% of the aggregate nominal amount
of the issued Ordinary Share capital, excluding any treasury shares of the
Company
at the date of this notice) provided that
this authority shall (unless previously revoked) expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the
Company
to be held in 2026, but the
Company
shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of this authority which
would or might require Securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot such Securities pursuant to any
such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.
Special resolutions
11.
That, subject to the passing of resolution 10 above and in addition to all existing authorities, the Directors of the
Company
be and are hereby empowered pursuant to Sections 570 and 573 of the
Act
to allot equity securities (as defined in Section
560 of the
Act
) pursuant to the authority granted in resolution 10 above, and to sell equity securities held by the
Company
as treasury shares (as defined in Section 724 of the
Act
) for cash, as if Section 561(1) of the
Act
did not apply to any such
allotments and sales of equity securities, provided that this authority:
(a)
shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the
Company
to be held in 2026, except that the
Company
may before such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be
allotted or sold after such expiry and notwithstanding such expiry the Directors may allot and sell equity securities in
pursuance of such offers or agreements;
Notice of annual general meeting
Section 6: Notice of annual general meeting
147
(b)
shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities and/or sale of equity securities held in treasury for cash up to an
aggregate nominal amount of £119,984 (equivalent to 11,984,449 Ordinary Shares representing approximately 10%
of the aggregate nominal amount of the issued Ordinary Share capital, excluding treasury shares of the
Company
at
the date of this notice); and
(c)
shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities and/or the sale of equity securities held in treasury at a price of
not less than the net asset value per Ordinary Share as close as practicable to the allotment or sale.
12.
That, in substitution for the
Company’s
existing authority to make market purchases of Ordinary Shares, the
Company
be
and is hereby generally and, subject as hereinafter appears, unconditionally authorised in accordance with Section 701 of
the
Act
to make market purchases of Ordinary Shares (within the meaning of Section 693 of the
Act
) provided that:
(a)
the maximum number of Ordinary Shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 17,964,690 or, if less, that
number of Ordinary Shares which is equal to 14.99% of the
Company’s
issued Ordinary Share capital (excluding any
treasury shares) at the date of the Annual General Meeting;
(b)
the minimum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for any such Ordinary Share shall be 1p being the
nominal value per Ordinary Share;
(c)
the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for any such Ordinary Share shall be no more than the
higher of (i) an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle market quotations of an Ordinary Share taken
from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days prior to the day on which the market
purchase is made and (ii) an amount equal to the higher of the price quoted for (a) the last independent trade of; and
(b) the highest current independent bid for, any number of Ordinary Shares on the trading venue where the purchase
is carried out; and
(d)
unless renewed varied or revoked by the
Company
in general meeting, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at
the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the
Company
to be held in 2026 save that the
Company
may, prior
to such expiry, enter into a contract to purchase Ordinary Shares under the authority hereby conferred and may make
a purchase of Ordinary Shares pursuant to any such contract notwithstanding such expiry.
All Ordinary Shares purchased pursuant to the above authority shall be either:
(a)
cancelled immediately on completion of the purchase; or
(b)
held, sold, transferred or otherwise dealt with as treasury shares in accordance with the provisions of the
Act
.
13.
That, the period of notice required for general meetings of the
Company
(other than Annual General Meetings) shall be not
less than 14 clear days’ notice.
By order of the Board
GRAHAM VENABLES
For and on behalf of
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
Registered Office:
12 Throgmorton Avenue
London EC2N 2DL
148
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Notes:
1.
A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting convened by the above Notice is also entitled to appoint one or more proxies
to exercise all or any of the rights of the member to attend, speak and vote in his place. A proxy need not be a member of the
Company. If a member appoints more than one proxy to attend the meeting, each proxy must be appointed to exercise the rights
attached to a different share or shares held by the member.
2.
To appoint a proxy you may use the Form of Proxy enclosed with this Notice of Annual General Meeting. To be valid, the Form
of Proxy, together with the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed or a notarially certified or office
copy of the same, must be completed and returned to the office of the Company’s registrar in accordance with the instructions
thereon as soon as possible and in any event by not later than 12.00 noon on 18 March 2025 (Saturdays, Sundays and public
holidays excepted). Amended instructions must also be received by the Company’s registrar by the deadline for receipt of forms
of proxy. Alternatively you can vote or appoint a proxy electronically by visiting eproxyappointment.com. You will be asked to enter
the Control Number, the Shareholder Reference Number and PIN which are printed on the Form of Proxy. The latest time for the
submission of proxy votes electronically is 12.00 noon on 18 March 2025 (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted).
3.
Proxymity Voting – if you are an institutional investor you may also be able to appoint a proxy electronically via the Proxymity
platform, a process which has been agreed by the Company and approved by the Registrar. For further information regarding
Proxymity, please go to www.proxymity.io. Your proxy must be lodged by 12.00 noon on 18 March 2025 in order to be considered
valid. Before you can appoint a proxy via this process you will need to have agreed to Proxymity’s associated terms and conditions.
It is important that you read these carefully as you will be bound by them and they will govern the electronic appointment of your
proxy.
4.
Completion and return of the Form of Proxy will not prevent a member from attending the meeting and voting in person.
5.
Any person receiving a copy of this Notice as a person nominated by a member to enjoy information rights under Section
146 of the Companies Act 2006 (a Nominated Person) should note that the provisions in notes 1 and 2 above concerning the
appointment of a proxy or proxies to attend the meeting in place of a member, do not apply to a Nominated Person as only ordinary
shareholders have the right to appoint a proxy. However, a Nominated Person may have a right under an agreement between the
Nominated Person and the member by whom he or she was nominated to be appointed, or to have someone else appointed, as
proxy for the meeting. If a Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment right or does not wish to exercise it, he/she may have
a right under such agreement to give instructions to the member as to the exercise of voting rights at the meeting.
6.
Nominated Persons should also remember that their main point of contact in terms of their investment in the Company remains
the member who nominated the Nominated Person to enjoy the information rights (or perhaps the custodian or broker who
administers the investment on their behalf). Nominated Persons should continue to contact that member, custodian or broker
(and not the Company) regarding any changes or queries relating to the Nominated Person’s personal details and interest in the
Company (including any administrative matter). The only exception to this is where the Company expressly requests a response
from the Nominated Person.
7.
Pursuant to regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, only ordinary shareholders registered in the register
of members of the Company by not later than 6.00 p.m. two days prior to the time fixed for the meeting shall be entitled to
attend and vote at the meeting in respect of the number of ordinary shares registered in their name at such time. If the meeting
is adjourned, the time by which a person must be entered on the register of members of the Company in order to have the right
to attend and vote at the adjourned meeting is 6.00 p.m. two days prior to the time of adjournment. Changes to the register of
members after the relevant times shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend and vote at the meeting.
8.
In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior holder who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the
exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders and, for this purpose, seniority will be determined by the order in which the names
stand in the register of members of the Company in respect of the relevant joint holding.
9.
Shareholders who hold their ordinary shares electronically may submit their votes through CREST, by submitting the appropriate
and authenticated CREST message so as to be received by the Company’s registrar not later than 48 hours before the start of
the meeting (excluding non-working days). Instructions on how to vote through CREST can be found by accessing the following
website: euroclear.com/CREST. Shareholders are advised that CREST and the internet are the only methods by which completed
proxies can be submitted electronically.
10.
If you are a CREST system user (including a CREST personal member) you can appoint one or more proxies or give an instruction
to a proxy by having an appropriate CREST message transmitted. To appoint one or more proxies or to give an instruction to a
proxy (whether previously appointed or otherwise) via the CREST system, CREST messages must be received by Computershare
(ID number 3RA50) not later than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting (excluding non-working days). For
this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp generated by the CREST system)
from which Computershare is able to retrieve the message. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members should
contact their CREST sponsor for assistance with appointing proxies via CREST. For further information on CREST procedures,
limitations and system timings please refer to the CREST manual. The Company may treat as invalid a proxy appointment sent by
CREST in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of The Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.
Notice of annual general meeting
continued
Section 6: Notice of annual general meeting
149
11.
If the Chairman, as a result of any proxy appointments, is given discretion as to how the votes subject of those proxies are cast and
the voting rights in respect of those discretionary proxies, when added to the interest in the Company’s securities already held by
the Chairman, result in the Chairman holding such number of voting rights that he has a notifiable obligation under the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Chairman will make the necessary notifications to the Company and the Financial
Conduct Authority. As a result, any member holding 3% or more of the voting rights in the Company, who grants the Chairman a
discretionary proxy in respect of some or all of those voting rights and so would otherwise have a notification obligation under the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, need not make a separate notification to the Company and the Financial Conduct
Authority.
12.
Any questions relevant to the business of the meeting may be asked at the meeting by anyone permitted to speak at the meeting.
A shareholder may alternatively submit a question in advance by a letter addressed to the Company Secretary at the Company’s
registered office. Under Section 319A of the Companies Act 2006, the Company must answer any question a shareholder asks
relating to the business being dealt with at the meeting, unless (i) answering the question would interfere unduly with the
preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential information; (ii) the answer had already been given on a
website in the form of an answer to a question; or (iii) it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of the
meeting that the question be answered.
13.
Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its
powers as a member provided that, if it is appointing more than one corporate representative, it does not do so in relation to the
same shares. It is therefore no longer necessary to nominate a designated corporate representative.
14.
Under Section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, members meeting the threshold requirements set out in that section have the right
to require the Company to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to:
(i)
the audit of the Company’s accounts (including the Auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that are laid before the
meeting; or
(ii)
any circumstance connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold office since the previous meeting at which annual
accounts and reports were laid in accordance with Section 437 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Company may not require the members requesting such website publication to pay its expenses in complying with Sections
527 or 528 of the Companies Act 2006. Where the Company is required to place a statement on a website under Section 527 of the
Companies Act 2006, it must forward the statement to the Company’s Auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement
available on the website. The business which may be dealt with at the meeting includes any statement that the Company has been
required under Section 527 of the Companies Act 2006 to publish on a website.
15.
Under Sections 338 and 338A of the Companies Act 2006, members meeting the threshold requirements in those sections have
the right to require the Company:
(i)
to give, to members of the Company entitled to receive notice of the meeting, notice of a resolution which may properly be
moved and is intended to be moved at the meeting; and/or
(ii)
to include in the business to be dealt with at the meeting any matter (other than a proposed resolution) which may be properly
included in the business.
A resolution may properly be moved or a matter may properly be included in the business unless:
(a)
(in the case of a resolution only) it would, if passed, be ineffective (whether by reason of inconsistency with any enactment or
the Company’s constitution or otherwise);
(b)
it is defamatory of any person; or
(c)
it is frivolous or vexatious.
Such a request may be in hard copy form or in electronic form, and must identify the resolution of which notice is to be given or the
matter to be included in the business, must be authorised by the person or persons making it, must be received by the Company
not later than on 19 February 2025, being the date five clear weeks before the meeting, and (in the case of a matter to be included
in the business only) must be accompanied by a statement setting out the grounds for the request.
16.
As at 28 January 2025 (being the last practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice of Annual General Meeting), the
Company’s issued share capital consisted of
119,844,497 ordinary shares of 1p each. Each ordinary share carries the right to one
vote and therefore the total voting rights in the Company as at 28 January 2025 are 119,844,497.
17.
Further information regarding the meeting which the Company is required by Section 311A of the Companies Act 2006 to publish
on a website in advance of the meeting (including this Notice), can be accessed at
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri
.
18.
No service contracts exist between the Company and any of the Directors, who hold office in accordance with letters of
appointment and the Articles of Association.
150
BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc
l
Annual Report and Financial Statements 30 November 2024
Be ScamSmart
Investment scams are designed
to look like genuine investments
Spot the warning signs
Have you been:
contacted out of the blue
promised tempting returns and told the investment is safe
called repeatedly, or
told the offer is only available for a limited time?
If so, you might have been contacted by fraudsters.
Avoid investment fraud
Reject cold calls
Check the FCA Warning List
Get impartial advice
you hand over any money. Seek advice from someone
Report a scam
Find out more at
www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart
1
2
3
Remember: if it sounds too good to
be true, it probably is!
The FCA Warning List is a list of firms and individuals we
know are operating without our authorisation.
If you’ve received unsolicited contact about an investment
opportunity, chances are it’s a high risk investment or a
scam. You should treat the call with extreme caution.
The safest thing to do is to hang up.
If you suspect that you have been approached by
fraudsters please tell the FCA using the reporting form at
www.fca.org.uk/consumers
. You can also call the
FCA Consumer Helpline on
0800 111 6768
If you have lost money to investment fraud, you should
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at
www.actionfraud.police.uk
SGN001
Share fraud warning
Printed by Park Communications on FSC® certified paper.
Park works to the EMAS standard and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001.
This publication has been manufactured using 100% offshore wind electricity sourced from UK wind.
100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and, on
average 99% of any waste associated with this production will be recycled and the remaining 1% used to
generate energy.
This document is printed on paper made of material from well-managed FSC®-certified forests and other
controlled sources.
www.blackrock.com/uk/beri