Why Did Murray Income Trust plc Shares Rise on 13 November 2026?

Murray Income Trust plc (LSE:MUT) shares rose 0.20% to 1,026p on 13 November 2026. The UK income trust remained in focus after publishing its Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2026 on 9 September 2026.

The results covered the first months under its new manager, Artemis, and extended its record of Dividend growth.

Key Highlights

Net asset value total return was 15.1% for the year and share price total return was 19.2%. The dividend rose from 40.0p to 41.0p per share, a 2.5% increase marking the 53rd consecutive year of growth.

Net Revenue per share was 40.6p, and the discount to net asset value narrowed from 9.6% to 6.7%. The fourth Interim Dividend of 12.5p was paid on 10 September 2026.

About Murray Income Trust plc

Murray Income Trust is an Investment trust founded in 1923 that aims for high and growing income with Capital growth, mainly through UK equities. It holds the AIC Dividend Hero status.

The trust's board undertook a strategic review and appointed Artemis Investment Management to manage the portfolio from early March 2026.

New Management

Artemis placed Adrian Frost, Andy Marsh and Nick Shenton in charge of the trust. Between them they have 57 years of experience running UK income portfolios.

Since the change, net asset value has risen 9.1% and the share price 11.5%, following portfolio changes made by the new team.

Discount and Share Buybacks

The board bought back 4.6m shares at an average discount of 8.3%, adding 0.4% to the NAV return. The discount narrowed over the year, reflecting a wider easing across the investment trust sector.

Buybacks give the board a tool to reduce Volatility in the discount.

Dividend Record

The total dividend for the year to 30 June 2026 was 41.0p per share. A 53-year run of dividend increases places the trust among the longest-standing records in the sector.

The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 29 October 2026.

Understanding Total Return and Dividend Growth

Total return combines capital growth with reinvested income, and shows the full result for a shareholder. It can be measured on net asset value or on the share price, and the two can differ when the discount changes.

Dividend growth shows how much income the trust has paid out over time. Because trusts can hold back some income in reserves, they can maintain payments even when Earnings fluctuate.

Why the Update Matters for the Sector

UK income trusts are followed for their ability to combine rising dividends with capital growth. A narrowing discount and a long dividend record place Murray Income in a prominent position within the sector.

The change of manager is also a reminder that board reviews can reshape a trust's direction. Investors in the sector often track what a new team changes in the portfolio and how that shows up in net asset value and share price returns over time.

Key Growth Catalysts

A refreshed portfolio, a narrower discount and a long dividend record give shareholders several markers to follow. Buybacks add a tool for discount management.

Factors to Monitor

Income returns vary with markets and company dividends, and a new manager's portfolio changes may take time to be reflected in results.

What Investors Should Watch Next

Investors may wish to follow the annual general meeting on 29 October 2026, monthly net asset value announcements, discount movements and the first interim dividend of the new year.

Conclusion

Murray Income Trust plc (LSE:MUT) rose 0.20% to 1,026p on 13 November 2026. Murray Income Trust reported a 15.1% net asset value total return, a 41.0p dividend and a narrowing discount in its first year-end under Artemis. Dividend announcements and NAV updates are the main items to follow.