The Hargreave Hale AIM VCT
Fund Overview
Hargreave Hale AIM VCT invests primarily in high-growth companies listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange's market for small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund also selectively invests in unquoted private companies. Established in 2004, the VCT has distributed over £96.7 million in tax-free dividends to shareholders.
The minimum investment is £5,000, and the fund aims to deliver a tax-free dividend yield of 5% of net asset value annually.
Investment Strategy
Hargreave Hale AIM VCT focuses on building a diversified portfolio of small-cap growth companies. The investment approach includes:
- Primary Focus: Investments in AIM-listed businesses with growth potential.
- Supplementary Focus: Investments in unquoted companies with innovative business models.
- Active Engagement: Support for portfolio companies to achieve their growth objectives.
Recent Highlights:
- As of August 2024, the fund managed net assets of £152.3 million.
- Seven qualifying investments made in the 11 months to August 2024, totaling £8.8 million.
Performance Metrics
| Year | NAV Total Return (%) | Dividends Paid (p/share) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | -2.3 | 3.5 |
| 2023 | 8.0 | 3.0 |
| 2022 | 6.0 | 2.8 |
Five-Year Performance Summary: Cumulative dividends paid to shareholders exceed 95p per share, reflecting consistent distributions and portfolio growth.
Tax Benefits
Investors benefit from:
- 30% income tax relief: Available for investments up to £200,000 annually.
- Tax-free dividends: Receive regular income payments without tax obligations.
- Capital gains tax exemption: No CGT on share disposals.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.
Fund Documents
Contact Information
- Phone: 01253 376 622
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Hargreave Hale AIM VCT
Why Consider Access EIS Instead?
Both Hargreave Hale AIM VCT and Access EIS offer tax-efficient investment opportunities, but they cater to different investor needs:
| Feature | Hargreave Hale AIM VCT | Access EIS |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Focus | High-growth AIM-listed and private companies | Early-stage, high-growth UK startups |
| Minimum Investment | £5,000 | £5,000 |
| Tax Benefits |
- 30% Income Tax Relief - Tax-Free Dividends - Capital Gains Tax Exemption |
- 30% Income Tax Relief - Capital Gains Tax Deferral |
| Liquidity | Limited liquidity through buyback schemes | Illiquid, with returns realized after ~5–7 years |
| Dividends | Regular, tax-free dividends | No dividends; all profits reinvested |
| Risk Level | Moderate to High | Very High |