Global Smlr Cos.Tst - Half-Year Report and Dividend Announcement

Global Smaller Companies Trust

16/12/2025 07:00

RNS Number : 6442L

Global Smaller Cos. Trust PLC (The)

16 December 2025

 

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

The Global Smaller Companies Trust PLC

 

Unaudited Statement of Results

for the half year ended 31 October 2025 and Interim

 dividend announcement

 

                       

 

Legal Entity Identifier: 2138008RRULYQP8VP386

 

Information disclosed in accordance with Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 4.2

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025 AND INTERIM DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

·    Net Asset Value ("NAV") with debt at fair value increased to 190.7p per share, giving a total return of 15.6% compared to the Benchmark total return of 21.6%.

 

·    The share price ended the period at 168.6p, delivering a total return to shareholders of 15.1%.

 

·    The Board announces an interim dividend in respect of the financial year to 30 April 2026 of 0.70p per ordinary share.  This dividend is payable on 29 January 2026 to shareholders on the register on 30 December 2025, with an ex dividend date of 29 December 2025.

 

 

 

 

Date:                16 December 2025

 

Contact:           Nish Patel                                                     

                        Columbia Threadneedle Investment Business Limited     

                        020 7464 5000

 

 

 

Chairman's Review

 

Performance and the Discount

By following its philosophy of conservatively investing in good quality, growing businesses when they become available at an attractive valuation, the Company has delivered good investment returns over the longer term and a dividend which has risen for 55 consecutive years. The six months ended 31 October 2025 presented an environment that was challenging for this style of investment, instead particularly rewarding more speculative investment or investment in companies already at elevated valuations. The Company still delivered a strong rise in its NAV in the period, but underperformed its Benchmark. Taking the Company's long-term liabilities at fair value, the NAV per share rose to 190.7p, a 15.6% total return for the six months, compared to a return of 21.6% from the Benchmark. The Lead Manager's review, starting on page 4, provides detail on the various drivers of performance over the period.

 

The Company's discount widened, ending the period at 11.6%. The share price rose by 13.5% in the six months to 168.6p, giving a total return of 15.1% after adding dividends paid in the period.

 

The Board continued to use its buyback powers actively to address the discount, and the Company repurchased 11.4m shares for treasury over the six months under review at an average discount to NAV of 10.8%, enhancing the NAV by 0.3% in the process.

 

The Company also continued its marketing and PR efforts with the purpose of attracting buyers of its shares. While still maintaining global coverage, the Lead Manager has continued a process of reducing the number of holdings in each region with the aim of enhancing investment returns. Further opportunities have been identified in this regard.

 

Economic Backdrop

The World economy showed remarkable resilience in the period with growth surpassing expectations. Activity continued to be healthy amongst higher income consumers because of rising asset prices. In contrast, lower and middle income cohorts remained more price sensitive and selective in their consumption.

 

Labour markets softened over the summer, with younger workers particularly affected, while sectors sensitive to interest rates such as housing, continued to struggle. Despite inflation remaining above central bank targets, interest rates were cut in several regions as authorities sought to maintain economic growth. For the Federal Reserve, matters were complicated by it coming under increasing political pressure to be more aggressive in easing monetary policy.

 

Geopolitical developments continued to shape sentiment and impact share prices in the period. While the majority of tariffs that were announced in early April by the US Government have been subsequently brought down from the initially declared levels, they are still at the highest levels since the 1930's. As well as altering trade flows to and from the US, displacement effects have the potential to impact local trade patterns globally and lead to higher inflation. Armed conflicts, changes in national political landscapes, persistent inflation, development of artificial intelligence, interest rate decisions of central banks, currency movements and fluctuations in energy prices all added to a complex investment environment, raising both risks and opportunities.

 

Regional economic performance varied considerably across the globe. The US economy benefited from substantial artificial intelligence (AI) related investments and pre-tariff purchasing activity that boosted consumption. Sentiment remained weak in the UK, especially ahead of the Budget. Inflation in the UK lingered but encouragingly it showed signs of stabilising at the end of the period. Europe's economic recovery progressed more slowly than expected, hampered by US tariffs and earnings pressure from a stronger Euro. In contrast, a falling Yen helped Japanese companies and continued to support the country's tourism sector. Inflation was also persistent in Japan. The Emerging Markets were affected by uncertainty over trade, none more so than China. However, this was partially offset by a weakening US Dollar. Economic stimulus in China along with investment by the country's technology sector led to improved sentiment amongst Chinese businesses and consumers. India saw weakness amongst its middle and lower income consumers and interest rates were cut in response to this.

Dividends

While revenue returns per share rose by 0.7%, in comparison to the six months to 31 October 2024, the Board has decided to maintain the interim dividend rate at 0.70p per share. Shareholders on the register on 30 December 2025 will receive this dividend on 29 January 2026.

Gearing

Gearing ended the six months at 4.5%, slightly down on the 5.3% at the end of April 2025, as we continue to take a cautious approach to the use of leverage for now.

Cancellation of the Share Premium Account and Capital Redemption Reserve

Following approval from shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting held on 15 August 2025, the Company has completed the court process required to cancel its share premium account and capital redemption reserve (the 'Reduction of Capital').  These reserve accounts were non-distributable.  Cancelling them creates additional distributable reserves which will provide the Company with additional flexibility, if required, to fund share buy-backs, dividends and other returns of capital in accordance with applicable law.  This Reduction of Capital became effective on 4 December 2025.

Change of Corporate Broker

Following the period end, on 5 December 2025, the Board appointed Investec Bank plc as the Company's sole corporate broker.

Board Changes

Following the Annual General Meeting on 15 August 2025, the Chairman Anja Balfour retired from the Board and I was pleased to accept the Board's invitation to become Chairman. Anja was a director of your Company since 1 June 2015 and served as Chairman since 30 July 2020. I would like to thank Anja for her significant contribution and commitment to the Company throughout this time. Following Anja's retirement I have also become Chairman of the Nomination Committee. Bulbul Barrett has been appointed Senior Independent Director.

.

 

 

Graham Oldroyd

Chairman

15 December 2025

 

 

 

Lead Manager's Review

Equity Market background

After a sharp sell-off in April, equity markets rallied strongly in the six months ended 31st October 2025 with the Benchmark up 21.6% in the period. Investors anticipated backtracking by the US government on tariffs that were announced on 'Liberation Day.' This optimistic shift in trade policy expectations significantly boosted market sentiment. Equity markets were also buoyed by enthusiasm over the AI sector, especially after the announcement of large investments in companies within this area and after several AI related businesses announced intentions to expand their computing capacity significantly. Markets also climbed in anticipation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve after the US labour market showed signed of weakening.

 

In terms of returns, Asia ex Japan led the way with its smaller companies index surging 28.1%. North America once again delivered strong gains and its market climbed by 25.0% albeit returns to UK investors were reduced somewhat due to the weakness in the Dollar. There were also healthy returns in Japan, the UK and mainland Europe. The best performing sector by far was technology. This was followed by industrials and energy. The laggards were consumer staples, real estate and consumer discretionary. Corporate earnings were generally better than expected in most regions. Equity market valuations of smaller companies expanded over the period. Renewed animal spirits lifted capital markets activity and there was a noticeable pick up in takeovers and new listings.

 

Over the six months, the market became increasingly speculative with the lowest quality companies significantly outperforming the highest quality businesses. Unprofitable smaller companies rallied strongly as did those on the highest valuations. This was particularly challenging for the Company's investment philosophy of taking a long term, conservative approach to investing in good quality, growing businesses when they become available at an attractive valuation.

 

Despite interest rates being cut, longer dated government bond yields remained high, reflecting concerns over the size of government budget deficits and a potential resurgence in inflation. These factors also supported the gold price, which surged 22% over the six month period.

Regional portfolio performance

The table below shows how the different geographical regional portfolios performed over the period versus the local smaller companies comparator indices, with all return numbers measured in Sterling. Returns from the North American, UK and the Rest of World portfolios were behind their local smaller company indices.

 

Geographical performance (total return sterling adjusted)
for the half year ended 31 October 2025
Portfolio
Local smaller companies index
North America
+13.5%
+25.0%
UK
+11.1%
+14.6%
Europe
+16.4%
+13.8%
Japan
+19.3%
+16.4%
Rest of World
+19.7%
+28.1% (Asia Pacific ex Japan)
+17.6% (Latin America)
Source: Columbia Threadneedle Investments


Summary of performance from the Company's Investments

Financial results from companies in the aerospace and defence sector revealed strong demand from customers as the West continues to increase its expenditure on defence after years of under-investment. Businesses linked to expenditure on AI and data centres also delivered impressive earnings. Positive sentiment in this area extended to adjacent industries such as power generation and nuclear. Whilst the healthcare sector faced continued pressure, we began to see signs of stabilisation in spending on research and development. Takeover activity was vibrant, with five of our companies receiving takeover bids in the period.

 

In an environment of higher interest rates, housing related companies suffered from depressed transaction volumes. In the chemicals sector, economic uncertainty and price competition from China induced a weakening in industry volumes and pricing. After significant increases in recent years, the insurance industry saw a reduction in the growth rate of premiums. Consumer staples and adjacent sectors revealed diminished demand in the period as consumers increasingly migrated toward lower priced alternatives. Whilst tariffs created uncertainty and delayed the initiation of new projects, confidence gradually returned as the period progressed. Some companies were seen by the market as potentially being disrupted by AI. In many cases these concerns appeared to be overdone.

 

On the pages that follow there are tables outlining for each region the largest contributors to, and detractors from performance over the six months and reasons for those movements.

Asset allocation changes

The table below shows the exposure of the portfolio across the different markets. Over the period, our exposure to the Rest of World, Europe and Japan increased, whilst the UK and North America came down. This reflected market movements and purchase and sale activity in the period. Relative to the Benchmark our overweight positions in Europe and Japan climbed, as did our underweight positions in North America and the UK. In the Rest of World we moved from being underweight to almost neutral. Over the six-month period asset allocation across the regions had a very slight negative impact on the Company's performance relative to its Benchmark.

 

 

Geographical distribution of the investment portfolio
Portfolio weighting
31 October 2025
%
30 April 2025
%
North America
43.1
43.5
UK
18.2
19.6
Rest of World
16.1
14.9
Europe
12.1
11.9
Japan
10.5
10.1
Source: Columbia Threadneedle Investments


 

 

North American Portfolio

 

Largest contributors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
Curtiss-Wright
Producer of mission-critical components for the aerospace, defence, general industrial and power sectors.
75.8%
1.3%
Strong growth from the company's aerospace, defence and power businesses. Sales and earnings guidance were raised. Was seen as a beneficiary of increased spending on nuclear power generation.
Boot Barn Holdings
Retailer of western and work wear.
84.8%
1.1%
Acceleration in same-store sales growth led to better-than-expected earnings. Long term store count guidance raised. Concerns over tariffs receded.
Advanced Energy Industries
Producer of electrical components that focus on power conversion.
111.9%
0.7%
Higher sales and earnings in the company's data center business. Stabilisation seen in the group's industrial and medical segments.
The Ensign Group
Operator of skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facilities and provider of home health and assisted living services.
42.1%
0.5%
Higher occupancy lifted revenues. Further progress was made on the company's acquisition strategy. Funding environment remained healthy.
Standex International
A diversified manufacturer that specialises in electronics, engineering technologies, scientific equipment and industrial engraving services.
68.3%
0.5%
New product introductions and a recovery in the company's electronics business led to higher earnings forecasts.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

North American Portfolio

 

Largest detractors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
Brown & Brown
Insurance broker that focuses on small and medium sized businesses.
-26.5%
-1.7%
Organic revenue growth slowed because of a deceleration in insurance rate increases. Issuance of equity for a large acquisition.
Graphic Packaging
A vertically integrated producer of boxboard packaging for food, beverage and consumer products companies.
-35.1%
-1.6%
Packaging volumes fell because of a challenging consumer environment. Industry overcapacity led to lower prices. Consequently, earnings declined.
Genpact
A business process outsourcer that serves the financial services, consumer, healthcare, manufacturing and technology verticals.
-22.2%
-1.1%
Tariff related uncertainty led to delays in the signing of new outsourcing deals. Market perceived the company to be potentially disrupted by AI.
Molina Healthcare
A managed care business that provides health insurance under government programmes.
-52.4%
-1.0%
Fears of cuts to funding for Medicaid programmes by the new US administration. Loss ratios increased because of higher acuity and increased utilisation of services.
Nomad Foods
A producer of branded frozen foods.
-41.4%
-1.0%
Revenues were affected by destocking and consumers seeking lower priced products. Margins were dragged down by higher input costs.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

UK Portfolio

 

Largest contributors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
Oxford BioMedica
Contract development and manufacturing organisation that focuses on cell and gene therapy.
127.7%
1.4%
Strong order growth and the announcement of new medium targets that were above expectations
FD Technologies
Software and analytics business that specialises in financial markets.
36.6%
0.5%
Takeover bid from TA Associates at a 27% premium.
Everplay
Developer of video games.
49.1%
0.5%
Announced encouraging sales growth from new titles. Progress made on the company's IP acquisition strategy
WAG Payment
Solutions
Payments platform for the commercial road transportation industry.
67.3%
0.5%
Good execution with healthy organic growth in the company's toll business and progress on debt reduction.
Molten
Ventures
Venture capital firm.
75.1%
0.4%
Realisations exceeded expectations. Delivered solid growth in NAV per share.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

UK Portfolio

 

Largest detractors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
Auction
Technology
Group
Supplier of proprietary auction platform technology for online marketplaces.
-46.9%
-1.2%
An adverse shift in business mix crimped profitability. Announced an acquisition that concerned some investors
GlobalData
Data and analytics solutions for a broad range of industries.
-38.5%
-0.8%
Discussions with a potential acquirer ended without a deal. Lacklustre organic revenue growth and margin pressure from spending on growth investments held back earnings.
Marshalls
Producer of building materials for the residential, commercial and infrastructure end markets.
-38.0%
-0.8%
Earnings declined in the company's landscape business because of weak demand and price competition.
Kitwave
Distributor of confectionary, food and drink to mostly independent convenience stores and restaurants.
-26.4%
-0.7%
Profit guidance lowered because of lower demand, higher National Insurance costs and investment in the company's distribution infrastructure.
Moonpig
An online greeting card and gifting platform.
-5.9%
-0.4%
Reported lower than expected revenues. CEO unexpectedly resigned.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

Europe Portfolio

 

Largest contributors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
RENK
Producer of drive systems for military vehicles
29.1%
1.2%
Reported very strong order growth and this led to higher earnings forecasts. Received broker upgrades.
Bank of Ireland
Provider of banking and financial services to retail and corporate customers
44.3%
1.1%
A strong Irish economy led to solid core loan growth. A favorable UK Supreme Court ruling on industry wide mis-selling of vehicle financing lifted the shares.
Kardex
Manufacturer of automated material handling systems.
52.2%
0.8%
Customer order growth resumed after a period of tariff related uncertainty. This prompted higher earnings forecasts.
Storebrand
A diversified provider of financial services that include insurance, pensions, asset management and banking.
31.1%
0.6%
Earnings benefitted from higher insurance rates and growth in the company's asset management business.
Konecranes
Engineering business that specialises in the production of cranes and overhead lifting equipment.
50.3%
0.6%
Announced healthy backlog growth, especially from customers in the defence and power generation industries.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

Europe Portfolio

 

Largest detractors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
CTS Eventim
Distributor of tickets for live entertainment. Organiser of tours and events.
-21.6%
-1.4%
Higher costs to integrate recent acquisitions and a lower margin in the Live Entertainment division hurt profitability.
Vidrala
Manufacturer of glass bottles for the food and beverage industries.
-6.2%
-0.8%
Lower demand for packaging for beer and wine led to declines in overall volumes and pricing.
Wienerberger
Producer of building products for residential and commercial customers.
-11.3%
-0.6%
Volumes declined in the company's North American business because of a sluggish housing market.
R&S
Supplier of power related transformers and components to the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
-2.7%
-0.6%
Profit taking after a period of strong performance.
IMCD
Distributor of specialty chemicals.
-20.5%
-0.5%
Uncertainty amongst customers led to a deterioration in organic revenue growth, particularly in the company's industrial, beauty and personal care businesses.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

Japan Portfolio

 

Largest contributors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
Furuno Electric
Manufacturer of marine equipment.
217.2%
3.9%
Strong demand ahead of US tariffs prompted management to raise its profits guidance. Outlook for defence spending improved.
IHI
Producer of heavy machinery for the aerospace, defence, energy and infrastructure sectors.
90.7%
1.8%
Announced and started to execute on a strategy to divest non core businesses that are outside of aerospace, defence and nuclear.
Kinden
Construction company that focuses on infrastructure.
58.8%
1.2%
Healthy backlog growth and good progress on existing construction projects led to management raising its earnings and dividend forecast.
Niterra
Automotive components producer.
36.6%
0.7%
Earnings benefitted from price increases and a weaker Yen. Announced the acquisition of Denso's spark plug and sensor businesses.
Anycolor
Animation studio.
54.6%
0.5%
Higher than expected revenues from the company's events division drove strong profits growth.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

Japan Portfolio

 

Largest detractors to performance

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
Sanwa Holdings
Global producer of shutters and doors for residential and commercial buildings.
-14.2%
-1.1%
Earnings from the US business were impeded by lower commercial demand and tariffs.
Nomura Real Estate
Real estate development and property management services.
-0.5%
-0.8%
Impacted by potential restrictions on the resale of new apartments.
NSD
Software developer
-7.6%
-0.7%
Annual earnings forecast was lower than expected because of higher wages.
WingArc1st
Provider of software and services that help their customers better utilise data
-15.7%
-0.7%
Challenging prior year comparisons and acquisition related costs weighed on profits.
Amano
A diversified producer of technology hardware.
-6.2%
-0.6%
After a strong 2024, growth decelerated in the company's parking systems business.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

 

Rest of World Portfolio

 

Overview of performance from third party funds held

Company
Business activity
Share price movement(1)
Contribution to relative performance of regional portfolio(2)
Reasons for movement
The Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies Trust
To achieve long-term capital growth by investing mainly in smaller Asian quoted companies.
1.4%
-6.3%
Lower beta portfolio did not keep up with a rapidly rising market. Overweight positions in the Philippines and the consumer staples sector hurt performance, as did the underweight positions in Taiwan, South Korea and the technology sector. Food store Philippine Seven and restaurant franchise operator DPC Dash underperformed because of declines in same store sales. The discount widened in the period. Share repurchases continued.
Utilico Emerging Markets Trust
To provide a long term total return through a flexible investment policy that permits the company to make investments predominantly in infrastructure, utility and related sectors, primarily in emerging markets.
20.2%
-1.2%
Underexposed to AI related companies and overindexed to the more defensive utilities sector. IT services company FPT saw a slowdown in growth. Courier services business InPost faced challenges with one of its major customers and misexecuted on the integration of an acquisition. Shares were repurchased and the discount narrowed over the six months.
Schroder ISF Emerging Markets Smaller Companies Fund
To provide capital growth in excess of the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap (Net TR) Index after fees have been deducted over a three to five year period by investing in equities of small-sized companies in global emerging market countries.
27.5%
-0.1%
Overweight position in technology and good stock selection in this sector helped performance. Notable contributors included electronic components company Taiwan Union Technology and measuring instruments business Chroma ATE. Underweight stance to India also contributed to relative returns.
PineBridge Asia ex Japan Small Cap Equity Fund
To seek long term capital appreciation by investing in smaller to medium-sized companies in the Asian Region.
33.5%
1.1%
The fund's allocation to China and the technology sector helped relative performance as did its underindexation to India and the real estate sector as a whole. Strong performers included optical modules company Eoptolink Technology and packaged food producer Samyang Foods.

(1)   This is the share price total return in GBP over the period that the shares were held

(2)   This is the geometric total effect of holding the stock within the regional portfolio

Source: Factset

Outlook

The period saw strong stock market returns, albeit these were driven by a narrow group of industries and market factors. Positively, trade uncertainty appears to be clearing, although the full effects of the policies are probably yet to be felt. Beyond these challenges, we can look forward to deregulation and the benefits of the recently passed tax bill in the US. We should also start to see disbursements from European infrastructure programmes and the introduction of fiscal growth initiatives by Japan's new government. Several sectors of the World economy should also benefit from lower inflation and subsequent interest rate cuts.

 

AI has garnered much attention and today it resembles previous booms in capital expenditures following the rise of a new and exciting technology. If history serves as a guide, the eventual impact of this technology will probably be underestimated; however, its benefits will likely materialise later than currently anticipated. Whilst elevated levels of spending in the near term should be supportive of growth, there is the potential for investors to be disappointed if sufficient returns from these projects are not delivered. After the recent news of bankruptcies amongst US companies with off-balance sheet financing, we are also paying close attention to corporate credit markets, as these have historically been an important source of financing for smaller companies.

 

It remains a very uncertain investing environment, yet market participants seem complacent. Accordingly, the backdrop calls for caution rather than aggression. Whilst our conservative style of investing is currently not in vogue, we remain confident that it will come back into favour and that it is the right approach to take over the long term.

 

 

Nish Patel

Lead Manager

15 December 2025

Unaudited Condensed Income Statement

                                                                                                                             

 

for the half year ended 31 October
2025
2024
Revenue
Capital
Total
Revenue
Capital
Total
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
Gains/(losses) on investments
-
109,199
109,199
-
13,302
13,302
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains
(15)
(176)
(191)
(51)
208
157
Income
8,353
230
8,583
8,913
1,468
10,381
Management fees
(513)
(1,538)
(2,051)
(543)
(1,630)
(2,173)
Other expenses
(679)
(13)
(692)
(625)
(16)
(641)
Net return before finance costs and taxation
7,146
107,702
114,848
7,694
13,332
21,026
Finance costs
(177)
(532)
(709)
(197)
(591)
(788)
Net return on ordinary activities before taxation
6,969
107,170
114,139
7,497
12,741
20,238
Taxation on ordinary activities
(502)
-
(502)
(528)
-
(528)
Net return attributable to shareholders
6,467
107,170
113,637
6,969
12,741
19,710
Return per share - pence
1.46
24.26
25.72
1.45
2.65
4.10

 

The total column of this statement is the profit and loss account of the Company.

All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.

 

Unaudited Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity

 

 

Half year ended
31 October 2025
Share
Capital
Total
Share
premium
redemption
Capital
Revenue
shareholders'
capital
account
reserve
reserves
reserve
funds
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
Balance at 30 April 2025
15,513
212,639
16,158
472,553
19,952
736,815
Movements during the
half year ended
31 October 2025
Dividends paid
Shares repurchased by the Company and held in treasury
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(18,804)
(10,193)
-
(10,193)
(18,804)
Net return attributable to equity
shareholders
-
-
-
107,170
6,467
113,637
Balance at 31 October 2025
15,513
212,639
16,158
560,919
16,226
821,455

 

Half year ended
31 October 2024
Share
Capital
Total
Share
premium
redemption
Capital
Revenue
shareholders'
capital
account
reserve
reserves
reserve
funds
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
Balance at 30 April 2024
15,513
212,639
16,158
605,607
20,145
870,062
Movements during the
half year ended
31 October 2024
Dividends paid
Shares repurchased by the Company and held in treasury
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(43,897)
(10,304)
-
(10,304)
(43,897)
Net return attributable to equity
shareholders
-
-
-
12,741
6,969
19,710
Balance at 31 October 2024
15,513
212,639
16,158
574,451
16,810
835,571

 

Year ended 30 April 2025
Share
Capital
Total
Share
premium
redemption
Capital
Revenue
shareholders'
capital
account
reserve
reserves
reserve
funds
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
Balance at 30 April 2024
15,513
212,639
16,158
605,607
20,145
870,062
Movements during the year
ended 30 April 2025
Dividends paid
-
-
-
-
(13,536)
(13,536)
Shares repurchased by the Company and held in treasury
-
-
-
(77,132)
-
(77,132)
Net return attributable to equity
shareholders
-
-
-
(55,922)
13,343
(42,579)
Balance at 30 April 2025
15,513
212,639
16,158
472,553
19,952
736,815


 

Unaudited Balance Sheet

 

 

31 October 2025
31 October 2024
30 April 2025
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
Fixed assets
Investments
858,340
869,837
774,733
Current assets
Debtors
4,111
55,901
3,685
Cash and cash equivalents
15,452
9,687
12,490
Total current assets
19,563
65,588
16,175
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loans
(16,187)
(16,212)
(16,050)
Creditors
(5,261)
(48,642)
(3,043)
Total current liabilities
(21,448)
(64,854)
(19,093)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
(1,885)
734
(2,918)
Total assets less current liabilities
856,455
870,571
771,815
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Loan notes
(35,000)
(35,000)
(35,000)
Net assets
821,455
835,571
736,815
Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital
15,513
15,513
15,513
Share premium account
212,639
212,639
212,639
Capital redemption reserve
16,158
16,158
16,158
Capital reserves
560,919
574,451
472,553
Revenue reserve
16,226
16,810
19,952
Total shareholders' funds
821,455
835,571
736,815
Net asset value per share (debt at par value) - pence
188.40
178.48
164..67

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

Half year ended
Half year ended
31 October 2025
31 October 2024
£'000s
£'000s
Cash flows from operating activities before dividends received and interest paid
(3,419)
(2,151)
Dividends received
9,053
9,918
Interest received
209
187
Interest paid
(685)
(768)
Cash flows from operating activities
5,158
7,186
Investing activities
Purchases of investments
(113,182)
(66,720)
Sales of investments
140,112
113,237
Cash flows from investing activities
26,930
46,517
Cash flows before financing activities
32,088
53,703
Financing activities
Ordinary dividends paid
(10,193)
(10,304)
Cash flows from share buybacks for treasury shares
(18,879)
(44,639)
Cash flows from financing activities
(29,072)
(54,943)
Net movement in cash and cash equivalents
3,016
(1,240)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
12,490
11,021
Effect of movement in foreign exchange
(54)
(94)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
15,452
9,687
Represented by:
Cash at bank
3,541
3,220
Short term deposits less than 3 months
11,911
6,467
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
15,452
9,687


Unaudited Notes on the Condensed Financial Statements

 

1    Accounting policies

These condensed financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102, Interim Financial Reporting (FRS 104) and the Statement of Recommended Practice "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts" (SORP) issued by the AIC.

 

The accounting policies applied for the condensed set of financial statements are set out in the Company's annual report for the year ended 30 April 2025.

 

2    Return per share

Basic returns per share attributable to ordinary shareholders are based on the following data.

Half Year ended
Half year ended
Year ended
31 October 2025
31 October 2024
30 April 2025
£'000s
£'000s
£'000s
Revenue return attributable to shareholders - £'000s
6,467
6,969
13,343
Capital return attributable to shareholders - £'000s
107,170
12,741
(55,922)
Total return attributable to shareholders - £'000s
113,637
19,710
(42,579)
Revenue return per share - pence
1.46
1.45
2.84
Capital return per share - pence
24.26
2.65
(11.90)
Total return per share - pence
25.72
4.10
(9.06)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period
441,759,289
481,649,140
469,806,386

 

3    Dividends

Dividends on ordinary shares
Register date
Payment date
Half year ended 31 October 2025
£'000s
Half year ended 31 October 2024
£'000s
Year ended 30 April 2025
£'000s
Final for the year ended 30 April 2024 of 2.13 pence
12 July 2024
20 August 2024
-
10,304
10,304
Interim for the year ended 30 April 2025 of 0.70 pence
27 December 2024
23 January 2025
-
-
3,232
Final for the year ended 30 April 2025 of 2.30 pence
11 July 2025
20 August 2025
10,193
-
-
10,193
10,304
13,536


 

The Directors have declared an interim dividend in respect of the year ending 30 April 2026 of 0.70p per share, payable on 29 January 2026 to all shareholders on the register at close of business on 30 December 2025. The amount of this dividend would be £3,035,000 based on 433,564,357 shares in issue at 12 December 2025. This amount has not been accrued in the results for the half year ended 31 October 2025.

4    Investments

Total (Level 1*)
£'000s
Cost at 30 April 2025
665,736
Gains at 30 April 2025
108,997
Fair value of investments at 30 April 2025
774,733
Movements in the period:
Purchases at cost
115,509
Sales proceeds
(141,350)
Gains on investments sold in period
19,632
Gains on investments held at period end
89,816
Fair value of investments at 31 October 2025
858,340
Total
£'000s
Cost at 31 October 2025
659,527
Gains at 31 October 2025
198,813
Fair value of investments at 31 October 2025
858,340

 

* Level 1 includes investments listed on any recognised stock exchange or quoted on AIM in the UK. Level 2 includes investments for which the quoted price has been suspended. Level 3 includes any unquoted investments which are held at Directors' valuation. There were no investments held which are valued in accordance with level 2 or level 3.

 

5    Share capital

Shares held in
Shares entitled
Total shares
Issued and fully
treasury
to dividend
in issue
paid nominal
Equity share capital
Number
Number
Number
£'000s
Ordinary shares of 2.5p each
Balance at 30 April 2025
173,090,341
447,443,429
620,533,770
15,513
Shares repurchased by the Company and held in treasury
11,424,855
(11,424,855)
-
-
Balance at 31 October 2025
184,515,196
436,018,574
620,533,770
15,513

 

During the half year ended 31 October 2025, 11,424,855 ordinary shares were repurchased and held in treasury incurring a cost of £18,804,000. Since the period end up to 12 December 2025 a further 2,454,217 ordinary shares have been bought back and held in treasury, costing £4,157,000.

 

6    Net asset value per ordinary share

31 October 2025
31 October 2024
30 April 2025
NAV with debt at par value
Net assets attributable at the period end - £'000s
821,455
835,571
736,815
Number of ordinary shares in issue at the period end
436,018,574
468,147,559
447,443,429
Net asset value per share with debt at par value - pence
188.40
178.48
164.67

 

31 October 2025
31 October 2024
30 April 2025
NAV with debt at fair value
Net assets attributable at the period end - £'000s
821,455
835,571
736,815
Add back: Debt as par - £'000s
51,187
51,212
51,050
Deduct: Debt at fair value - £'000s
(41,096)
(40,388)
(40,392)
Net assets with debt at fair value - £'000s
831,546
846,395
747,473
Number of ordinary shares in issue at the period end
436,018,574
468,147,559
447,443,429
Net asset value per share with debt at fair value - pence
190.71
180.80
167.05

 

7    Going concern

In assessing the going concern basis of accounting, the Directors have had regard to the guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council. They have also considered the Company's objective, strategy and policy, the current cash position of the Company, the availability of its loan facilities, compliance with its covenants and the operational resilience of the Company and its service providers. It is recognised that the Company is mainly invested in readily realisable, globally listed securities that can be sold, if necessary, to repay indebtedness.

 

Based on this information, the Directors believe that the Company has the ability to meet its financial obligations as they fall due for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

 

8    Transactions with related parties and the Manager

The Board of Directors is defined as a related party. Under the FCA UK Listing Rules, the Manager is also defined as a related party. However, the existence of an independent Board of Directors demonstrates that the Company is free to pursue its own financial and operating policies and therefore under the AIC SORP, the Manager is not considered a related party for accounting purposes.

 

The Directors receive aggregated remuneration for services as Directors and for which there were no outstanding balances at the period end. There have been no transactions with related parties during the first six months of the current financial year that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during the period and there have been no changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report and Financial Statements that could do so.

 

Management fees to the Manager are set out in note 3 and note 9 in the Half Year Report, where accrued management fees are disclosed.

 

9    Results

The results for the half year ended 31 October 2025 and 31 October 2024, which are unaudited and which have not been reviewed by the Company's auditor pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on 'Review of Interim Financial Information', constitute non-statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. The latest published accounts which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies are for the year ended 30 April 2025; the report of the auditor thereon was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006. The condensed financial statements shown above for the year ended 30 April 2025 are an extract from those financial statements.

                                                                         

 

 

 

By order of the Board

Columbia Threadneedle Investment Business Limited, Company Secretary

Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC2N 6AG

15 December 2025

 

 

Directors' Statement of Principal and Emerging Risks

 

The Company's principal and emerging risks are described in detail under the heading "Principal and Emerging Risks" within the strategic report in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 30 April 2025. They include:

 

·      Service providers and systems security - Errors, fraud or control failures at service providers or loss of data through business continuity failure or cyber-attacks could damage reputation or investors' interests or result in loss. Cyber risks remain heightened.

·      Investment performance - Inappropriate business strategy or policy, or ineffective implementation, could result in poor returns for shareholders. Failure to access the targeted market or meet investor needs or expectations, including Responsible Investment and climate change in particular, leading to significant pressure on the share price. Political risk factors could also impact performance as could market shocks such as those experienced in relation to Covid-19 and the US trade tariffs.

·      Discount/premium - A significant share price discount or premium to the Company's NAV per share, or related volatility, could lead to high levels of uncertainty or speculation and the potential to reduce investor confidence. Increased uncertainty in markets due to an event such as Covid-19 could lead to falls and volatility in the Company's NAV.

 

The Directors continue to review the key risk register for the Company which identifies the risks that the Company is exposed to, the controls in place and the actions being taken to mitigate them. The Board has also considered the outlook for inflation and ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns.

 

The Board believes that there have not been any material changes to the nature of the risks outlined above since the previous Annual Report and that the principal risks and uncertainties, as summarised, remain applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year. The Board has considered this in relation to going concern, as set out in note 7.

 

 

 

Directors' Statement of Responsibilities in Respect of the Half Year Financial Report

In accordance with Chapter 4 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge: 

·      the condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with applicable UK Accounting Standards on a going concern basis, and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and net return of the Company;

·      the Chairman's Review, Lead Manager's Review and the Directors' Statement of Principal and Emerging  Risks (together constituting the Interim Management Report) includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule ("DTR") 4.2.7R. being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the financial statements;

·      the Directors' Statement of Principal and Emerging Risks shown above is a fair assessment of the principal and emerging risks for the remainder of the financial year; and

·      The Half Year Report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could do so.

 

On behalf of the Board

Graham Oldroyd

Chairman

15 December 2025

 

 

 

ENDS

A copy of the Half Year Report will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism 

 

The Half Year Report for the six months ended 31 October 2025 will be posted to shareholders and made available shortly on the Company's website at globalsmallercompanies.co.uk, where up to date information on the Company, including daily NAV and share prices, factsheets and portfolio information can also be found. Copies may also be obtained from the Company's registered office, Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC2N 6AG.

Neither the contents of the Company's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

 

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