Company Announcement - eQ Plc appointed Pertti Vanhanen as the Director of International Business and a member of the Management Team effective from 2 March 2026 [1] - Vanhanen was granted options as part of the Option Program 2025 on 24 March 2026 [1] Transaction Details - Pertti Vanhanen accepted a stock option linked to the eQ Oyj Optio-oikeudet 2025 program, with a transaction date of 24 March 2026 [1] - The transaction involved a volume of 70,000 units at a unit price of 0 EUR, resulting in a volume-weighted average price of 0 EUR [1] Company Overview - eQ Plc is a Finnish group focused on asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets [1] - eQ Asset Management provides a variety of asset management services to both institutional and individual clients [1] - Advium Corporate Finance, part of eQ, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [1]

Group 1 - The outlook for the U.S. economy among corporate finance chiefs improved in early 2026, with expectations for increased employment and solid revenue growth, despite ongoing pressures to raise prices [1][5] - Tariffs and trade policy were identified as the top concern for 473 CFOs surveyed, although the percentage citing these concerns decreased to just over 20% from nearly 40% in mid-2025 [2][3] - Labor quality and availability were cited as concerns by 17% of respondents, while 15% were focused on the outlook for sales [3] Group 2 - The overall sentiment in the survey was positive, conducted before the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which subsequently pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel [4] - Business expectations for demand and hiring remained strong, with firms anticipating a 5% increase in revenue and a 1.6% boost in employment, alongside expected price and unit cost increases of 3% [5] - The survey was conducted from February 17 to March 5, with no significant differences in attitudes noted before or after the U.S. airstrikes on February 28 [6]

Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc has expanded its option program 2025 by 300,000 option rights, allowing for a total of 1,660,000 option rights, which can be converted into new shares, potentially increasing the company's share count by approximately 4% [1][2]. Group 1: Option Program Expansion - The Board of Directors has decided to expand the option program 2025, increasing the total number of option rights to 1,660,000 [1]. - The expansion allows holders to subscribe for up to 1,660,000 new shares, with a maximum dilutive effect of around 4% of the current shares [2]. Group 2: Employee Incentives - A total of 70,000 option rights will be granted to a key employee to encourage long-term shareholder value and align interests with the eQ Group [3]. - Approximately 25% of the eQ Group's personnel are participating in the option program 2025, indicating a significant employee engagement strategy [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - eQ is a Finnish group focused on asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets [4]. - The company offers a range of services including mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets through its subsidiary Advium Corporate Finance [4].

Core Insights - eQ Plc has published its Annual Financial Report, which includes the Report by the Board of Directors, Financial Statements, Corporate Governance Statement, Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies, and Sustainability Report [1] - The Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement are available as separate attachments, along with an updated Remuneration Policy for Governing Bodies to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting on 24 March 2026 [2] - The Financial Statements comply with European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) reporting requirements, with the consolidated financial statement labeled with XBRL tags, and audited by KPMG Oy Ab [3] Company Overview - eQ is a Finnish group specializing in asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets [4] - eQ Asset Management provides a variety of asset management services for both institutions and individuals, while Advium Corporate Finance offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [4] - The shares of eQ Plc are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, and further information can be found on the company's website [4]

Core Points - eQ Plc will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 March 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in Helsinki, Finland, with registration starting at 4:30 p.m. [1] - The AGM will be a hybrid meeting, allowing shareholders to participate either in person or via remote connection [2] - Shareholders can submit written questions prior to the meeting as per the Finnish Companies Act [3] Agenda of the AGM - The meeting will cover the opening, calling to order, election of scrutineers, and legality recording [4] - Presentation of the annual accounts, Board of Directors' report, and auditors' report for 2025 will occur, with documents available by 3 March 2026 [5] - Adoption of the annual accounts and resolution on profit distribution, with a proposed dividend of EUR 0.52 per share, totaling EUR 21,531,742.96 [6][7] - The dividend will be paid in two installments: the first on 2 April 2026 and the second in October 2026 [8][9] - The Board of Directors will propose the discharge of liability for the financial year 2025 and handle the Remuneration Report and Policy [11][12] - The Board proposes to maintain the current remuneration for Board members and the number of members [14][15] - Election of current Board members and auditor KPMG Oy Ab for a term ending at the AGM 2027 [16][20] Shareholder Participation - Shareholders must register by 17 March 2026 to participate, with options for online registration or via email/mail [29] - Nominee-registered shareholders must ensure temporary registration by 19 March 2026 to participate [32] - Proxy representatives can register and vote on behalf of shareholders, with specific identification requirements [35][36] Remote Participation and Voting - Remote participation is available, requiring registration and provision of contact details [39][44] - Advance voting is permitted from 24 February to 17 March 2026, with options for online or email/mail submission [46] - Votes cast in advance will be counted in the AGM decision-making process [47] Company Overview - eQ Plc specializes in asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets [53]

Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc is renewing its Management Team to enhance the implementation of its strategy and management of the Group, effective from 3 February 2026 under CEO Jouko Pölönen's leadership [1]. Group Structure - The eQ Group will operate with two main business segments: asset management and corporate finance [1]. - Asset Management will be further divided into three areas: Private Equity, Real Estate, and Equity and Fixed Income [1]. Management Team Composition - The new Management Team includes: - Jouko Pölönen, CEO of eQ Plc - Tero Estovirta, CEO of eQ Asset Management Ltd - Jacob af Forselles, CEO of Advium Corporate Finance Oy - Kirsi Hokka, Customer Relations - Taina Kyllönen, Human Resources and Communications - Arimo Leppä, Technology and Development - Antti Lyytikäinen, Finance - Juha Surve, Legal - Staffan Jåfs, Private Equity - Jennifer Eloheimo, Real Estate - Veli-Pekka Heikkinen, Equity and Fixed Income [3]. Asset Management Overview - eQ Asset Management manages approximately EUR 13.8 billion in assets, providing a wide range of services to both institutions and individuals [2]. - Advium Corporate Finance, part of the Group, specializes in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [2].

Core Insights - eQ Plc reported a decline in net revenue and operating profit for the year 2025, with net revenue at EUR 58.2 million, down 11% from EUR 65.6 million in 2024, and operating profit at EUR 27.4 million, down 21% from EUR 34.5 million [4][8] Financial Performance - The Group's net revenue for the Asset Management segment decreased by 3% to EUR 56.9 million, while operating profit fell by 5% to EUR 32.0 million [4][14] - The Corporate Finance segment's net revenue was EUR 1.7 million, a significant drop of 67% from EUR 5.3 million, with an operating profit of EUR -1.4 million compared to EUR 1.5 million in the previous year [4][16] - The Investments segment reported an operating profit of EUR -0.7 million, down from EUR 1.1 million, negatively impacted by changes in the value of residential funds and exchange rate fluctuations [4][17] Key Ratios - Earnings per share decreased by 21% to EUR 0.52 from EUR 0.66, with a proposed dividend also reduced by 21% to EUR 0.52 [5] - The cost/income ratio for the Group increased to 52.9% from 47.4%, indicating higher operational costs relative to income [5] - Return on equity (ROE) fell by 18% to 30.3% from 36.8% [5] Asset Management Insights - eQ Asset Management raised over EUR 230 million for Private Equity and Residential funds, with the eQ PE XVII US fund raising USD 190 million [9] - The management fees for the Asset Management segment fell by 5% to EUR 53.1 million, while performance fees increased by 24% to EUR 4.4 million [4][14] - Assets managed by eQ at the end of 2025 amounted to EUR 13.8 billion, up from EUR 13.4 billion in 2024 [5] Market Conditions - The year 2025 was characterized by geopolitical uncertainties, including the trade war and ongoing conflicts, which influenced market conditions [6][19] - Despite challenges, share prices rose in 2025, supported by strong corporate earnings and developments in artificial intelligence [7] - The Finnish real estate transaction market showed growth compared to the previous year, although overall market liquidity remained low [19][20] Strategic Outlook - eQ's updated strategy aims to return to strong growth by 2030, focusing on enhancing customer and employee experiences and expanding business internationally [18] - The company anticipates an increase in Private Equity allocations in investor portfolios, expecting Private Equity fees to rise in 2026 [22]

Core Viewpoint - The Shareholders' Nomination Committee of eQ Plc has proposed the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors for the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for 24 March 2026 [1]. Group 1: Board Composition - The Shareholders' Nomination Committee proposes that the number of members on the Board of Directors remains unchanged at six (6), or five (5) if a proposed member is unable to serve [2]. - The nominees for re-election to the Board of Directors include Päivi Arminen, Nicolas Berner, Caroline Bertlin, Georg Ehrnrooth, Janne Larma, and Tomas von Rettig [4]. - The term of office for the Board members will conclude at the close of the next Annual General Meeting [4]. Group 2: Board Compensation - The proposed compensation for the Chair of the Board is 5,000 euros per month, while the Vice Chair will receive 4,000 euros per month, and other Board members will receive 3,000 euros per month [3]. - Additionally, a compensation of 750 euros per attended Board meeting is proposed for all Board members, with travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed according to eQ Plc's guidelines [3]. Group 3: Nominee Consent and Leadership - All nominees have consented to the proposal and have indicated that Janne Larma will be selected as Chair of the Board of Directors upon election [5].

Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc will release its 2025 financial statements on February 3, 2026, along with an updated strategy and long-term targets [1][2] Group 1: Financial Statements and Strategy - The financial statements will be published at approximately 8:00 a.m. on February 3, 2026 [1] - An updated strategy and long-term targets will accompany the financial results [1] Group 2: Press Conference Details - A press conference will be held on February 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to present the 2025 results and updated strategy [1] - The press conference will take place at eQ's head office in Helsinki, with an option to participate via webcast [2] - Registration is required for webcast participation, and the conference will be conducted in Finnish [2] Group 3: Company Overview - eQ Plc specializes in asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets [2] - eQ Asset Management provides a variety of services, including private equity funds and real estate asset management [2] - Advium Corporate Finance, part of eQ, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [2]

Core Viewpoint - eQ Plc has appointed Taina Kyllönen as the Chief People and Communications Officer, effective from January 19, 2026, and she has received stock options as part of her compensation package [1] Company Information - eQ Plc is a Finnish group focused on asset management and corporate finance, managing approximately EUR 13.7 billion in assets [1] - eQ Asset Management provides a variety of services, including private equity funds and real estate asset management for both institutions and private individuals [1] - Advium Corporate Finance, a subsidiary of eQ, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and equity capital markets [1] - The parent company, eQ Plc, is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki [1]