Dividend Declaration

JANUS HENDERSON FUND MANAGEMENT UK LIMITEDTHE EUROPEAN SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC

Legal Entity Identifier: 213800N1B1HCQG2W4V90

30 September 2026

THE EUROPEAN SMALLER COMPANIES TRUST PLC

('the Company')

First interim dividend for the year ending 30 June 2027

The directors have declared the first interim dividend for the year ending 30 June 2027 of 3.16p per ordinary share.

The dividend will be paid on 27 November 2026 to shareholders on the register as at 30 October 2026 (the record date). The shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 29 October 2026. 

The NAV per share as at 30 June 2026 was 252.4p per ordinary share and, pursuant to the new dividend policy adopted in October 2025, it is anticipated that dividends of at least 3.16p per ordinary share will be paid in February, May and August 2027.

Dividend policy

The Company targets a minimum total dividend of 5% of the NAV per share as at the preceding year end, which will be paid in four equal payments in November, February, May and August in respect of each financial year.

The Company will maintain its investment focus on capital growth and dividends are expected to 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