Bullish indicating open at $55-$60, IPO prices at $37
LONDON - Northern Venture Trust PLC (LSE:NVT) reported a 7% total return on opening net asset value for the year ended March 31, 2025, with net assets increasing to £121.3 million from £114.8 million in the previous year.
The venture capital trust’s net asset value per share rose to 61.5 pence from 60.3 pence, according to the company’s annual report released Tuesday. The total return per share was 4.2 pence, compared with 1.8 pence in the prior year.
The company declared a final dividend of 1.5 pence per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 3.1 pence, representing a tax-free yield of 5.1% based on opening net asset value.
Investment activity remained consistent with previous years, with £14.3 million invested across six new and 11 existing portfolio companies. The unquoted portfolio valuation increased by £5.6 million during the year, with notable gains in Pure Pet Food and Project Glow Topco, each increasing in value by over £3 million.
The company completed six exits during the period, including Gentronix, which was sold for £6.1 million, representing 4.5 times the original investment cost of £1.4 million.
A share offer launched in January 2025 was oversubscribed, raising £15 million through the issuance of 24.2 million new ordinary shares in April 2025.
The strong performance triggered a £399,000 performance fee to the company’s adviser, Mercia Fund Management Limited, compared to no performance fee in the previous year.
Chair Deborah Hudson (NYSE:HUD) expressed cautious optimism about the UK’s growth prospects, noting the portfolio’s "resilience, diversity and growth potential" despite ongoing economic uncertainties.
The company announced that following an audit tender process, it intends to recommend Johnston Carmichael LLP for appointment as auditor for the next financial year, replacing Forvis Mazars LLP.
This article is based on a press release statement from Northern Venture Trust PLC.
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