The European Smaller Companies Trust (LON:ESCT) Sets New 12-Month Low – Here’s What Happened

The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (LON:ESCT)’s share price hit a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 155.45 ($1.99) and last traded at GBX 159 ($2.03), with a volume of 178163 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 168 ($2.15).

The European Smaller Companies Trust Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.30. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 181.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 176.24. The firm has a market cap of £645.28 million, a PE ratio of 7.71 and a beta of 1.25.

The European Smaller Companies Trust (LON:ESCT) last released its earnings results on Thursday, March 20th. The company reported GBX 1.19 ($0.02) earnings per share for the quarter. The European Smaller Companies Trust had a net margin of 87.06% and a return on equity of 10.91%.

The European Smaller Companies Trust Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 3rd will be issued a GBX 1.45 ($0.02) dividend. This represents a yield of 0.77%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 3rd. The European Smaller Companies Trust’s payout ratio is currently 23.57%.

About The European Smaller Companies Trust

The Company’s investment objective is to achieve capital growth by investing predominantly in smaller and medium sized companies in Europe. The Company maintains a diversified portfolio. The Company invests 7% of its total assets. The Company invests in equities and other investments for long term, so as to secure its investment objective.