Apollo Venture Capital Trust Excels Despite Uncertain Economic Environment - Posts Exceptional 2025 Year-end Results

Venture Capital Trust (VCT) Octopus Apollo proved its mettle throughout fiscal 2025, resulting in stellar final results for the year, ending 31 January 2025. Managed by the renowned Octopus Investments Limited through team Octopus Ventures, the Trust had an ambitious goal- offering shareholders tax-free dividends and long-term capital growth. Notably, the Trust achieves this by churning funds into a diverse cache of primarily unquoted companies. Despite the volatile macro environment, Octopus Apollo VCT plc showcased its resilience and adroit financial management, delivering a robust performance. The net asset value per share stayed steady at 50.5p throughout the year, representing a total return of 5.1% when coupled with dividends paid out in the year. This is an impressive jump from the stagnant 0% in the previous year. During 2025, the total return of Apollo stood at 5.1% with net assets touting a hefty £483 million at the end of the period. The total return over the last five years was a whopping 45.3%. The simultaneously calculated NAV per share plus cumulative dividends amounted to 140.5p as of January 31, 2025. Further demonstrating its financial acumen, Apollo utilised £86.1 million of cash reserves in productive avenues- new and follow-up investments, share buybacks and management fees - all while growing the overall size of the portfolio with invigorating new investments. As of 31 January 2025, Apollo’s cash and liquid assets stood at £95.7 million, up from £61.3 million the previous year-an increase of 19.8%. Capitalising on Apollo’s positive performance, investment manager Octopus bagged a performance fee to the tune of £6.1 million. Such results confirm Apollo’s resilience, its propensity for positive performance, and its ability to capitalize on tough macroeconomic climates.