WAM Leaders Limited has reported strong investment portfolio outperformance for the financial year to 30 June 2026, with the portfolio advancing 14.0% and outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index by 7.9 percentage points. The company’s Board responded to this performance by increasing the fully franked full year dividend to 9.6 cents per share, with the final dividend component set at 4.8 cents.
The total shareholder return for the 12 months reached 21.0%, or 24.7% when accounting for the value of franking credits. This result was underpinned by strong investment portfolio performance alongside a closing of the share price discount to net tangible assets, which moved from a 7.8% discount as at 30 June 2025 to a 0.2% premium as at 30 June 2026. Lead Portfolio Manager Matthew Haupt noted that the 2026 financial year was characterised by changing interest rate expectations, geopolitical tensions and global trade disruption, with the investment team adjusting portfolio positioning to maintain exposure to areas offering attractive risk-adjusted opportunities while remaining disciplined on valuation.
The dividend now offers a fully franked yield of 7.0%, or 10.0% on a grossed-up basis when including the value of franking credits. This represents an attractive income proposition for Australian investors, particularly those in higher tax brackets who benefit from franking credits. Since listing in May 2016, WAM Leaders has delivered annual total returns of 12.0%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index by 2.9% per annum. Over this period, the company has paid 67.55 cents per share in fully franked dividends, or 96.5 cents per share when including the value of franking credits, demonstrating a consistent capital return strategy to shareholders.
For investors, the combination of strong portfolio outperformance, valuation expansion and increased dividends represents a compelling outcome. The closing of the NTA discount to a premium suggests the market is recognising the underlying quality of the investment team’s stock selection and the value being delivered over the medium term. The consistency of dividend increases reflects the team’s confidence in the portfolio’s earnings generation capability.
The next catalyst for the investment community will be the Q&A webinar scheduled for 11 August 2026 at 11:00am Sydney time, where Lead Portfolio Manager Matthew Haupt and Portfolio Manager John Ayoub will discuss the full year results. Shareholders should note the ex-dividend date of 17 November 2026 and the dividend payment date of 30 November 2026. This announcement has been classified as price sensitive and flagged as material by the ASX.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About WAM Leaders Limited (ASX: WLE)
WAM Leaders Limited is an Australian investment company that provides investors with exposure to large-cap stocks listed on the S&P/ASX 200 Index. Launched and managed by Wilson Asset Management, it focuses on identifying large-cap companies with compelling fundamentals and macroeconomic catalysts. The company aims to deliver fully franked dividends, capital growth, and capital preservation for its investors.
If you would like to discuss this announcement or how it might affect your portfolio, request a callback or call us on 1300 889 603.
