CT PRIVATE EQUITY TRUST PLC - Half-year Shareholder Update

CT Private Equity Trust PLC delivered a resilient first-half 2026 performance, with improving realisation activity and continued strong growth across its diversified private equity portfolio. First-half realisations reached almost £64m, the highest level since H1 2021 and more than double the prior year, with exits achieving an average 32% uplift to carrying value.  Portfolio companies recorded revenue growth of 16% and EBITDA growth of 23% over the 12 months to June 2026, while the portfolio remained conservatively valued at 9.8x EV/EBITDA with prudent net debt of 2.7x EBITDA.  The Trust continues to pursue its proven growth strategy across lower mid-market businesses in the UK, Europe and North America, combining new fund commitments with direct co-investments in sectors including healthcare, energy transition, technology and consumer services. A strong pipeline of mature investments, with around two-thirds of the portfolio more than three years old, provides potential for further exits as M&A markets recover. The Trust also remains focused on shareholder returns, maintaining a quarterly dividend that has increased for 13 consecutive years and currently offers a 5.7% yield, alongside selective share buybacks.  Management believes increasing exit activity, attractive new investment opportunities and continued portfolio growth position CT Private Equity Trust to deliver further NAV growth, capital appreciation and income for shareholders.