Highlights

• WAM Leaders achieved a strong FY26 investment performance, with its portfolio value rising 14.0% and exceeding the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index performance by 7.9%.
• The company increased its fully franked annual dividend to 9.6 cents per share, reflecting improved investment outcomes and stronger earnings generation.
• Operating profit before tax climbed to AU$218.3 million, while capital raising initiatives enhanced the company’s ability to pursue new Australian large-cap investment opportunities.

WAM Leaders Reports Strong FY26 Investment Growth

WAM Leaders Limited (ASX: WLE) released its FY26 results on 18 August 2026, reporting a year of improved portfolio performance, higher shareholder returns and increased dividend distributions. WAM Leaders recorded a 14.0% gain in its investment portfolio for FY26, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index by 7.9 percentage points over the same period.

The result reflected WAM Leaders’ investment framework, which combines economic analysis, company research and market positioning to identify opportunities within Australian equities. The portfolio benefited from active management during a period influenced by changing monetary policy expectations, geopolitical developments and shifting investor sentiment.

Profit Growth Enables Higher Shareholder Returns

Strong portfolio performance contributed to a substantial increase in earnings. WAM Leaders recorded operating profit before tax of AU$218.3 million, representing growth of 176.5% compared with FY25. Operating profit after tax also improved significantly, reaching AU$161.8 million, an increase of 153.5% from the previous year.

WAM Leaders announced a fully franked full-year dividend of 9.6 cents per share, supported by a final dividend payment of 4.8 cents per share to eligible shareholders. The annual dividend reflected a fully franked yield of 7.2%, while the grossed-up yield, including franking credits, stood at 10.3%.

Strong Total Returns Support Long-Term Value Creation

WAM Leaders generated a 21.0% total shareholder return (TSR) during FY26, increasing to 24.7% when including the benefit of franking credits. The performance was supported by both investment portfolio growth and an improvement in the company’s share price relative to its net tangible asset value.

Since commencing trading on the ASX in May 2016, WAM Leaders has achieved a 12.0% average yearly return on its investment portfolio, delivering 2.9 percentage points of annual outperformance compared with the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index.

Additional Capital Boosts Investment Flexibility

During FY26, WAM Leaders strengthened its investment capacity through a Share Purchase Plan and placement. Strong demand resulted in the placement size increasing to AU$225 million, providing additional capital for the investment team to pursue opportunities across high-quality Australian companies.

The portfolio remains diversified across major market sectors, including materials, financials, real estate, consumer discretionary and energy, while maintaining a focus on companies offering attractive valuation opportunities.

With improved portfolio performance, enhanced dividend capacity and additional investment resources, WAM Leaders continues to focus on generating long-term value through active management and disciplined capital allocation.

Note- All data presented is based on information available at the time of writing.

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