JANUS HENDERSON FUND MANAGEMENT UK LIMITED

THE EUROPEAN SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC

Legal Entity Identifier: 213800N1B1HCQG2W4V90

21 April 2026

THE EUROPEAN SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC

('the Company')

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

The directors have declared an interim dividend of 2.81p in respect of the third quarter for the year ending 30 June 2026. 

This brings the dividends declared to 5.62p per share in respect of the current financial year.

A further interim dividend of 2.81p per ordinary share is expected to be paid in August 2026, in keeping with the new dividend policy adopted in October 2025.

The dividend will be paid on 29 May 2026 to shareholders on the register at 1 May 2026 (the record date). The shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 30 April 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