The European Smaller Companies Trust Regulatory News (ESCT)

JANUS HENDERSON FUND MANAGEMENT UK LIMITEDTHE EUROPEAN SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC

Legal Entity Identifier: 213800N1B1HJCQG2W4V90

20 January 2026

THE EUROPEAN SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC

('the Company')

Interim dividend in respect of the second quarter for the year ending 30 June 2026

The directors have declared an interim dividend in respect of the second quarter for the year ending 30 June 2026 in the amount of 2.81 pence per ordinary share. The dividend will be paid on 27 February 2026 to shareholders on the register at 30 January 2026 (the record date). The shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 29 January 2026. 

The NAV per share at 30 June 2025 was 224.4 pence per ordinary share and, pursuant to the new dividend policy adopted in October 2025, it is anticipated that dividends of at least 2.81 pence per ordinary share will also be paid in May and August 2026.

New dividend policy

Following completion of the combination with European Assets Trust PLC, the Company has adopted the new dividend policy as set out in the circular to shareholders dated 9 September 2025. The Company will maintain its investment focus on capital growth and introduce the payment of quarterly dividends, with payments in November, February, May and August each year. The total dividend will target at least 5% of the NAV per share as at the end of the preceding financial year. It is expected that the dividend will be paid out of income and capital returns and reserves.

For further information, please contact:

Janus Henderson Secretarial Services UK Limited

Corporate Secretary to The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC

+44 (0)20 7818 1818