**Summary of European Opportunities Trust PLC Half-Year Financial Report (February 2026)**
**Financial Performance Highlights**
**Net Asset Value (NAV) Total Return** -0.2% (with dividends reinvested) for the six months to November 2025, underperforming the benchmark MSCI Europe Total Return Index in GBP, which returned 10.1%.
**Share Price Total Return:** 0.9%compared to the benchmark’s 10.1%.
**Discount to NAV** 6.6% at period end, down from 7.5% in May 2025. No shares were repurchased during the period.
**Long-Term Performance** Since launch in 2000, annualised NAV total return is 10.2% and share price total return is 9.7%, versus 6.5% for the benchmark.
**Strategic Developments**
**Strategic Review Initiated** The Board announced a Strategic Review on February 13, 2026, to evaluate the Company’s future, including investment management arrangements. Options include a potential merger, cash exit, or a roll-over into an open-ended fund proposed by River Global PLC.
**Management Changes** Devon Equity Management Limited, the Investment Manager, was acquired by River Global PLC in October 2025. The Board views this positively due to expanded resources and capabilities.
**Revised Management Fees** Effective October 1, 2025, management fees were reduced to 0.65% on the first £400 million of net assets, 0.60% on the next £200 million, and 0.55% <mark style="background-color:yellow">above</mark> £600 million.
**Appointment of Juniper Partners** Juniper Partners was appointed as the new company secretary effective January 1, 2026.
**Portfolio Activity**
**Gearing** Net gearing increased to 13.7% from 7.2% in May 2025, reflecting strategic borrowing to enhance long-term returns.
**Tender Offer** A 25% tender offer in June 2025 was fully subscribed, reducing net assets under management to £463 million.
**Top Contributors** Genus (32.8% return), Prysmian (58.8%), Camurus (25.3%), Ryanair (25.7%), and Grifols (17.0%).
**Top Detractors** Dassault Systèmes (-23.9%), RELX (-23.8%), Novo Nordisk (-27.0%), Edenred (-26.9%), and Deutsche Börse (-15.1%).
**Investment Strategy and Outlook**
Focus on companies leveraging global growth drivers, including AI, electrification, and defense spending.
Challenges include underperformance in Novo Nordisk and Edenred, perceived AI impact on data-centric companies, and underweight exposure to mainstream banks.
Confidence in portfolio companies’ ability to thrive despite macroeconomic headwinds, particularly in Europe.
**Governance and Risks**
The Board continues to monitor principal risks (investment strategy, market, operational, legal, and regulatory) and emerging risks like global conflicts, AI, and climate change.
The Company remains on a going concern basis, with adequate resources to meet financial commitments for at least 12 months.
**Conclusion**
The Company faces performance challenges but remains committed to enhancing shareholder value through strategic initiatives, cost management, and a focus on long-term growth opportunities. The Strategic Review underscores the Board’s proactive approach to addressing current issues and exploring optimal solutions for stakeholders.