The European Smaller Companies Trust (LON:ESCT) Sets New 52-Week High – Time to Buy?

The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (LON:ESCT)’s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 195.80 ($2.61) and last traded at GBX 195 ($2.60), with a volume of 163821 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 193.40 ($2.57).

The European Smaller Companies Trust Stock Performance

The stock’s 50-day moving average price is GBX 182.59 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 177.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 0.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.30. The company has a market capitalization of £775.93 million, a P/E ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 1.25.

The European Smaller Companies Trust (LON:ESCT) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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 firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, April 3rd were paid a dividend of GBX 1.45 ($0.02) per share. This represents a yield of 0.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 3rd. The European Smaller Companies Trust’s dividend payout ratio is presently 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.