**Summary of Octopus AIM VCT 2 plc Final Results for the Year Ended 30 November 2025**
**Overview**
Octopus AIM VCT 2 plc, a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) managed by Octopus Investments Limited, announced its final results for the year ended 30 November 2025. The company aims to provide shareholders with tax-free dividends and long-term capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio of AIM-traded companies. Despite global economic uncertainty, the UK economy demonstrated resilience, with falling inflation, interest rate cuts, and improved business and consumer sentiment.
**Financial Highlights**
**Net Assets**£77.4 million (2024: £79.1 million).
**Profit After Tax**£0.17 million (2024: Loss of £0.40 million).
**Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share**36.9p (2024: 40.5p).
**Dividends per Share**3.6p (2024: 7.2p).
**NAV Total Return**0.0% (2024: -0.4%).
**Final Dividend Proposed**1.8p (subject to shareholder approval).
**Special Dividend Declared**3.6p (payable on 1 April 2026).
**Ongoing Charges**2.3% (2024: 2.4%).
**Cumulative Dividends Paid Since Launch**: 74.5p (2024: 70.9p).
**Performance**
The company delivered a stable performance with a 0.0% NAV total return after dividends, an improvement from the previous year’s decline. While relative performance lagged broader indices like the AIM Index (4.9%) and FTSE SmallCap Index (8.1%), this was attributed to investor caution toward smaller growth companies and limited exposure to strong-performing sectors like mining and financials. Portfolio fundamentals remain solid, positioning the company for a gradual recovery in the VCT-qualifying smaller company segment.
**Dividends**
An interim dividend of 1.8p was paid in November 2025, and a final dividend of 1.8p is proposed, totaling 3.6p for the year. A special dividend of 3.6p was declared due to exceptional profits from disposals, including Breedon Group, Learning Technologies Group, and Intelligent Ultrasound Group. The dividend policy has been updated to target 6% of opening NAV annually, with flexibility for special dividends from significant portfolio realisations.
**Portfolio and Investments**
The company invested £2.5 million in new qualifying opportunities and £1.1 million in follow-on investments, maintaining a disciplined approach. Notable investments included Aurrigo International plc, RC Fornax plc, and Windar Photonics plc. Disposals generated net profits of £5.6 million, with significant realisations from Breedon Group (615% profit), Learning Technologies Group (340% profit), and Intelligent Ultrasound Group (25% profit).
**Board Changes**
Keith Mullins, Chair for 21 years, will retire after the 2026 AGM. Andy Raynor will succeed him as Chair, and Brad Ormsby will become Audit Committee Chair. Recruitment for a new Non-executive Director is ongoing.
**Shareholder Matters**
**Share Premium Cancellation**Shareholders approved the cancellation of £12.0 million in share premium to increase distributable reserves.
**Dividend Reinvestment Scheme (DRIS)**3.78 million new shares were issued under DRIS, returning £1.4 million to the company.
**Share Issue**Raised £8.9 million through a prospectus offer in January 2026.
**Share Buybacks**Purchased 8.8 million shares for £3.2 million, maintaining a 4.5% discount to NAV.
**Liquidity and VCT Status**
At year-end, 36.0% of net assets were in cash or collective investment funds, 47.2% in quoted shares, and 17.1% in unquoted investments. The company remains compliant with HMRC VCT regulations, maintaining a 90% qualifying investment level.
**Outlook**
The Board remains cautiously optimistic, citing improving UK economic conditions, attractive valuations, and supportive VCT rule changes. The portfolio is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities, with a strong pipeline and disciplined long-term approach.
**Key Risks**
Principal risks include investment risk, VCT qualifying status risk, operational risk, cyber and information security, economic uncertainty, legislative changes, liquidity, and valuation challenges. Mitigation strategies are in place, including diversification, compliance monitoring, and robust internal controls.
**Conclusion**
Octopus AIM VCT 2 plc demonstrated resilience in a challenging environment, delivering stable performance and maintaining its commitment to shareholder returns. With a well-diversified portfolio and strategic investments, the company is poised to benefit from improving market conditions and regulatory reforms in the VCT sector.