Trading update for the 3 months ended 31 March 26
Summary by AI BETAClose X
29 April 2026
Oakley Capital Investments Limited
Trading update for the three months ended 31 March 2026
Oakley Capital Investments Limited1 ("OCI" or the "Company") today announces its quarterly trading update for the three months ended 31 March 2026. OCI is a listed investment company providing consistent, long-term returns in excess of the FTSE All-Share Index by investing in funds managed by Oakley Capital2 ("Oakley"). This objective has been demonstrated with a 10-year share price total return of +300%, outperforming the FTSE All-Share Index by +171% and the MSCI World Index by +67% over this period3.
The Oakley Funds4 invest primarily in unquoted, profitable, pan-European businesses with recurring revenues, and across four core sectors: Technology, Education, Consumer and Business Services. Oakley's origination capabilities and proven value creation drivers help founders and management teams accelerate growth and produce consistently superior returns for investors.
Highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2026
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Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share of 758 pence and NAV of £1,259 million |
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Total NAV return per share of 2.7% (+20 pence), or 2.4% (+17 pence) excluding the impact of foreign exchange |
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Total shareholder return of -18% amid wider market sell-off |
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Investments of £28 million and share of proceeds of £2 million |
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Period-end cash and undrawn credit facilities of £180 million |
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Outstanding commitments of c.£672 million expected to be called for investment over the next five years |
NAV growth
The Company's unaudited NAV, based on a revaluation of all portfolio companies as at 31 March 2026, was £1,259 million, which represents a NAV per share of 758 pence. The total NAV per share return was +7.5% (+53 pence) since 31 March 2025 and +2.7% (+20 pence) since 31 December 2025. The largest contributors to the Q1 total NAV return include North Sails (+7 pence), TechInsights (+6 pence), Exaforce (+5 pence) and Bright Stars (+4 pence).
Portfolio company performance
The underlying portfolio companies delivered strong trading results during the period. Earnings growth accounted for c.70% of the NAV return, while multiple accretion accounted for the remaining c.30%. Performance was primarily driven by more mature companies that have benefitted from a period of Oakley ownership and that hold strong positions in their respective markets.
The underlying businesses have held up well against a backdrop of significant uncertainty, including conflict in the Middle East. Preliminary analysis indicates exposure to the region is minimal and that the impact from higher fuel costs is unlikely to be material.
The Investment Adviser remains confident that OCI's diversified portfolio of 40+ dynamic companies, many of them benefitting from recurring revenues and asset-light business models, will continue to perform well and remain able to pass on any price increases, as demonstrated during prior periods of high inflation. Additionally, the growing ability of management teams to leverage AI is anticipated to enhance productivity and support further value creation. Meanwhile, the outlook for the exit pipeline remains promising.
Share price return
OCI's discount to NAV widened to 38% during the period as the share price declined 18%, amid a wider market response to geopolitical uncertainty, and a sell-off in the private credit and software sectors. OCI's decline was in common with other listed private equity companies and the wider investment trust sector. As at period end, the average discount for the listed private equity sector stood at 32%5. OCI's average three-month discount and 12-month discount were 29% and 28% respectively, compared to sector averages of 26% and 28% respectively.
Transactions
During the period, OCI made a total investment of £28 million, including an investment in Groupe Senef, a provider of cloud vertical software solutions in France, and an investment in Athena Racing, the British America's Cup team and world-class sailing franchise. OCI's look-through share of proceeds from exits and refinancings during the period totalled £2 million.
Capital allocation
Share buybacks: During the period, OCI commenced its £20 million minimum 2026 share buyback programme. £2.8 million of share buybacks were completed, enhancing NAV per share by 0.8 pence.
Commitments: Total outstanding commitments were £972 million as at 31 March, of which c.£300 million is not anticipated to be called. The balance is set to be invested over the next five years.
Cash and credit facilities: OCI's total liquidity as at 31 March was £180 million, comprising £108 million of cash and £72 million in undrawn credit facilities.
The Company expects to report its H1 2026 trading update on 30 July 2026.
OCI's latest quarterly factsheet can be accessed here.
- ends -
For further information please contact:
Oakley Capital Limited
+44 20 7766 6900
Steven Tredget
Greenbrook
+44 20 7952 2000
Rob White / Michael Russell / Theo Bryan
Deutsche Numis (Financial Adviser & Broker)
+44 20 7260 1000
Nathan Brown / Matt Goss
Notes:
LEI Number: 213800KW6MZUK12CQ815
1 About Oakley Capital Investments Limited ("OCI")
OCI is a closed-ended investment fund trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange as an Official List Company. OCI aims to provide shareholders with consistent long-term capital growth in excess of the FTSE All-Share Index by providing liquid access to private equity returns through investment in the Oakley Funds.
A video introduction to OCI is available at https://oakleycapitalinvestments.com/videos/
The contents of the OCI website are not incorporated into, and do not form part of, this announcement.
2 Oakley Capital, the Investment Adviser
Founded in 2002, Oakley Capital Limited has demonstrated the repeated ability to source attractive growth assets at attractive prices. To do this it relies on its sector and regional expertise, its ability to tackle transaction complexity and its deal generating entrepreneur network.
3 Index returns are provided in pound sterling
4 The Oakley Funds
Oakley Capital Private Equity II, Oakley Capital Private Equity III, Oakley Capital IV, Oakley Capital V, Oakley Capital VI, Oakley Capital Origin and Oakley Capital Origin II are unlisted lower-mid to mid-market private equity funds that aim to provide investors with significant long-term capital appreciation. The investment strategy of the Funds is to focus on buy-out opportunities in industries with the potential for growth, consolidation and performance improvement. The Oakley family of funds also includes Oakley PROfounders Fund III and Oakley Touring Venture Fund, which are venture capital funds focused on investments in entrepreneur-led, disruptive, technology led companies.
5 OCI, APX, HGT, PEY, CTPE, HVPE, ICGT, PIN, PPET
Important information
Oakley Capital Investments is admitted to the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority. Therefore, the Company is required to satisfy the eligibility criteria for admission to listing on the Official List and is required to comply with the Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules, including in relation to transactions with related parties, financial reporting, contents of shareholder circulars and other continuing obligations.
This announcement may include "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the Company's objectives, intentions, beliefs or current expectations with respect to, amongst other things, the Company's financial position, business strategy, results of operations, liquidity, prospects and growth. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Accordingly, the Company's actual future financial results, operational performance and achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as at the date of this announcement. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results or any change in the Company's expectations with regard to them or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based unless required to do so by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the Listing Rules or Prospectus Regulation Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority or other applicable laws, regulations or rules.
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