WAM returns 9.5%, increases dividend

Wilson Asset Management (WAM) ASX-listed portfolio WAM Strategic Value returned 9.5% in the financial year, outperforming the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index by 3.8%.

The board declared an increased fully franked full year dividend of 6.5 cents per share, with the fully franked final dividend being 3.25 cents per share, an 8.3% increase from the previous year.

WAM chair and lead portfolio manager Geoff Wilson said: "We are pleased to deliver WAM Strategic Value shareholders another year of sound investment performance together with an increased fully franked dividend."

WAM said the investment portfolio performance for the 2026 financial year was driven by holdings in listed investment companies (LICs) and listed investment trusts (LITs) with exposure to global equities, with 52.4% of the portfolio allocated to the sector.

"During the year we realised value from a number of holdings as discounts narrowed, supported by increased demand, corporate activity and capital management initiatives across the LIC and LIT sector, alongside direct discounted asset plays," Wilson added.

The portfolio allocated 28.8% to cash in the financial year amid heightened market uncertainty.

"Together with proceeds from realised investments, this liquidity enables the investment team to deploy capital selectively into attractive discounted opportunities as they emerge," WAM said.

At the end of the financial year, WAM Strategic Value's pre-tax net tangible assets (NTA) was $1.25 per share.

"Our priority remains delivering strong risk-adjusted returns for shareholders and working to close the company's share price discount to net tangible assets (NTA) to reflect the value of its underlying assets over time," Wilson said.

"Periods of market uncertainty can create considerable investment opportunities, and with substantial liquidity, the company is well positioned to continue generating risk adjusted returns for shareholders."

Top holdings in the portfolio include Regal Partners Global Investments, Pengana International Equities and WAM Global.