BlackRock American Income Trust plc Announces Total Voting Rights and Issued Share Capital as of 23 July 2026 in Accordance with FCA Regulations

Overview of BlackRock American Income Trust plc and Its Market Role

Managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, BlackRock American Income Trust plc is a UK-listed investment trust specializing in income generation within the investment trust sector. The company adheres to FCA governance and regulatory reporting standards, making timely disclosures of capital and voting rights vital for market transparency and investor protection.

Investment trusts like BlackRock American Income Trust plc provide investors with professionally managed, diversified portfolios. The trust’s share capital and voting rights structure underpin its engagement with shareholders and regulatory compliance. Therefore, publishing voting rights and issued capital details is a fundamental aspect of maintaining transparent investor relations and meeting financial regulatory requirements.

Total Voting Rights Statement as of 23 July 2026

As of 23 July 2026, BlackRock American Income Trust plc reported an issued share capital of 61,660,138 Ordinary Shares, each carrying one vote, establishing a clear voting framework. This figure excludes treasury shares and serves as the denominator for shareholders and the company to calculate disclosure obligations under FCA transparency rules.

The announcement highlights that shareholders must use the 61,660,138 figure to determine if their holdings cross notification thresholds. This denominator directly impacts the percentage calculations that trigger disclosure requirements, typically at 3%, 5%, 10%, and subsequent 5% increments. Shareholders calculate their percentage ownership by dividing their shares by this denominator, with movements across these thresholds mandating prompt notification to the FCA and the market.

Distinction Between Treasury Shares and Issued Share Capital

BlackRock American Income Trust plc holds 33,701,167 Ordinary Shares in treasury as of 23 July 2026. Treasury shares are repurchased shares held by the company itself, not cancelled or reissued to shareholders. Unlike issued shares, treasury shares do not carry voting rights or economic benefits and are excluded from the denominator used for disclosure calculations.

This separation aligns with FCA regulations and corporate governance best practices. The total shares outstanding, combining issued and treasury shares, amount to 95,361,305. However, only the 61,660,138 issued shares are relevant for calculating major holding disclosures, ensuring that voting power calculations accurately reflect shareholder influence without distortion from treasury holdings. Investors should note that future changes in treasury shares or issued capital could affect this denominator and related disclosure thresholds.

Compliance with FCA Transparency Rules and Article 15 Requirements

This notification by BlackRock American Income Trust plc complies with the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, specifically provision 5.6.1, and the Transparency Directive’s Article 15. These regulations require listed companies to provide the market with up-to-date information on voting rights and capital structure changes, supporting transparency and investor protection.

Under FCA rules, all issuers with shares admitted to trading on regulated markets must regularly notify the market of total voting rights and capital changes. Publishing voting rights as of a specific date offers a reference point for shareholders and market participants to perform necessary disclosure calculations. This is a standard regulatory practice for UK-listed investment trusts and other public companies.

Calculating Shareholder Disclosure Obligations Under FCA Rules

Shareholders must use the disclosed denominator of 61,660,138 Ordinary Shares to determine if their holdings cross FCA notification thresholds. Typically, notifications are required when holdings reach or fall below thresholds such as 3%, and at subsequent 1% or 5% increments depending on the rules.

For example, a shareholder owning 1,850,000 shares would divide this by 61,660,138 to calculate their percentage holding. If this percentage meets or exceeds a threshold (e.g., 3%), they must notify the company and FCA promptly. Non-compliance can lead to regulatory penalties. This announcement equips shareholders with the essential data to monitor their compliance and adjust holdings accordingly.

Share Capital Management and Treasury Share Implications

The holding of 33,701,167 treasury shares indicates prior share repurchase activity by BlackRock American Income Trust plc, which can serve various corporate objectives such as capital management or employee share schemes. Treasury shares constitute approximately 35% of total shares outstanding (33,701,167 out of 95,361,305), a significant proportion.

The distinction between issued shares used for disclosure (61,660,138) and total shares outstanding (95,361,305) is critical for investors evaluating the company’s capital structure. Future changes in treasury shares, whether through repurchases, cancellations, or reissuances, may alter the denominator and impact disclosure thresholds. Investors should monitor announcements related to share buybacks or capital adjustments closely.

Regulatory Compliance and Company Administration Details

This announcement was made by William Rowledge, Company Secretary, on behalf of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, the trust’s investment manager and administrator. Market participants and shareholders can contact the company at 0207 743 2284 for further information regarding capital structure or regulatory matters. The notification underscores the company’s commitment to FCA compliance and transparent market communication.

Investment trusts like BlackRock American Income Trust plc are obligated to maintain accurate records of issued share capital, treasury shares, and voting rights, and to report material changes regularly as mandated by the FCA. While procedural, these disclosures are vital for the proper operation of UK capital markets and investor protection. This notification as of 23 July 2026 establishes the official capital structure baseline for all future shareholding percentage calculations and disclosure requirements.

Investor Considerations and Shareholding Monitoring

For current and prospective investors, this notification provides key reference data for portfolio management and regulatory compliance. Investors nearing disclosure thresholds such as 3%, 5%, or 10% should use the disclosed denominator to assess notification obligations. Failure to notify can result in FCA enforcement actions including fines and public reprimands.

The denominator of 61,660,138 shares is now the official figure for all disclosure calculations until superseded by a new notification. Investors should update their compliance records and shareholding monitoring systems accordingly. Those managing substantial stakes or planning significant acquisitions should ensure their regulatory frameworks align with these disclosed figures.

Anticipated Future Notifications and Capital Structure Changes

The voting rights notification dated 23 July 2026 reflects the company’s capital structure at that point in time. Any subsequent changes in issued share capital or treasury share holdings will trigger new notifications, establishing updated denominators for disclosure calculations. Such changes may result from share issuances, buybacks, cancellations, or other capital management actions.

Investors should stay informed of future announcements from BlackRock American Income Trust plc regarding voting rights changes, as these materially affect shareholding percentage calculations. The company’s regulatory calendar ensures timely communication of any capital structure updates. Until then, the current denominator of 61,660,138 Ordinary Shares remains authoritative for disclosure and compliance purposes.