The WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) share price is in focus after the company posted a 14.0% increase in its investment portfolio for FY2026, beating the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index (ASX: XJO) by 7.9%, and announced a higher fully franked full-year dividend of 9.6 cents per share.

What did WAM Leaders report?

• FY2026 investment portfolio return: up 14.0%, outperforming benchmark by 7.9%
• Total shareholder return: 21.0% (24.7% including franking credits)
• Operating profit after tax: up 153.5% to $161.8 million (FY2025: $63.8 million)
• Operating profit before tax: up 176.5% to $218.3 million
• Fully franked full year dividend: increased to 9.6 cents per share (final dividend: 4.8 cps)
• Fully franked dividend yield: 7.2% (grossed-up 10.3%)

What else do investors need to know?

WAM Leaders reduced its share price discount to net tangible assets (NTA) from 7.8% to a 0.2% premium over the year, supporting shareholder returns. Notably, the company has paid out a total of 96.5 cents per share in fully franked dividends since listing in 2016, including franking credits.

The board has launched a Share Purchase Plan (SPP), allowing eligible shareholders to buy up to $30,000 of shares without brokerage, at a discount. A recent placement for professional and sophisticated investors raised $225 million, aiming to capitalise on attractive market opportunities.

What did WAM Leaders management say?

Lead Portfolio Manager Matthew Haupt said:

The 2026 financial year was characterised by changing interest rate expectations, geopolitical tensions, global trade disruption and evolving views on the sustainability of artificial intelligence-led growth. These conditions created periods of volatility and meaningful shifts in market leadership, generating opportunities for active investors

The investment team and I adjusted portfolio positioning as conditions evolved, including maintaining exposure to areas of the market where we saw attractive risk-adjusted opportunities, while remaining disciplined on valuation. This approach enabled the investment portfolio to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index during the year.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on high-quality companies trading at attractive valuations. Periods of market volatility can create opportunities for active managers, and the investment portfolio is positioned to take advantage of these opportunities as they emerge.

What’s next for WAM Leaders?

Management says WAM Leaders is sticking with its strategy of targeting high-quality companies offering value, especially as volatility creates new opportunities. The $225 million capital raised through the SPP and placement increases flexibility for future investments with an active approach.

Shareholders can expect the board’s dividend-focused approach to remain, with the company aiming to deliver consistent income and capital growth through disciplined stock selection and sector positioning.

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The post WAM Leaders lifts dividend as portfolio outperforms in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in Wam Leaders. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Looking for a promising S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dividend to bring in some handy extra passive income and potential capital gains?

Then you may want to have a look into REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA).

That’s according to Lazarus Capital Partners’ Tom Fairchild, who recently issued a buy recommendation on the online property listings company (courtesy of The Bull).

Less than two months ago, on 23 June, REA shares ended the day at a one year closing low of $131.52. In morning trade today, shares in the ASX 200 dividend stock are changing hands for $176.87 apiece.

That sees the REA share price up 34.5% since those June lows. While the REA share price remains down 32.4% since this time last year, Fairchild believes the past two months’ rebound has further to run.

Here’s why.

Should I buy this ASX 200 dividend stock today?

“REA is a multi-national digital advertising group specialising in property,” Fairchild said.

Citing the first reason he’s bullish on the ASX 200 dividend stock here noted:

Revenue from core operations of $1.793 billion in full year 2026 was up 7% on the prior corresponding period. Net profit after tax from core operations of $650 million was up 15%. Earnings per share of $4.93 was up 15%

Then there’s the promising passive income trend.

“The final fully franked dividend of $1.73 was up 25%,” Fairchild said.

REA declared that final dividend on 6 August, following the release of its FY 2026 results.

If you want to score the passive income payout, you’ll need to own REA shares at market close on 26 August. REA trades ex-dividend on 27 August. You can then expect to see that dividend hit your bank account on 11 September.

If we add in the interim full franked REA dividend of $1.24 per share, paid on 18 March, the full year payout equates to $2.97 a share, up 20% from the FY 2025 dividend payments. At the current REA share price, that sees this ASX 200 dividend stock trading at a fully franked yield (partly trailing, party pending) of 1.7%. Taking those franking credits into account, that works out to a grossed-up yield of 2.4%.

Which bring us to the third reason Fairchild issued a buy recommendation on REA shares.

He concluded, “Investors responded positively after the full year result was released on August 6. But we believe the company still has ample room to improve its performance from here.”

The post 3 reasons to buy this rebounding ASX 200 dividend stock today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The SKS Technologies Group Ltd (ASX: SKS) share price is in focus today after the company reported a record-breaking FY26, with sales revenue jumping 33.0% to $347.93 million and after-tax profit almost doubling to $27.11 million.

What did SKS Technologies report?

• Sales revenue: up 33.0% to $347.93 million (FY25: $261.66 million)
• Profit before tax: up 89.3% to $39.35 million (FY25: $20.79 million)
• Net profit after tax: up 93.2% to $27.11 million
• EBITDA: up 80.8% to $42.43 million
• Earnings per share: up 91.2% to 23.45 cents
• Full year dividend: 10.0 cents per share (up 66.7%)

What else do investors need to know?

SKS made significant strategic moves over FY26, including the acquisition and integration of Delta Elcom, boosting its presence in New South Wales and accelerating its push into the data centre market. A highlight for the year was securing a $210 million contract for a hyperscale data centre in Melbourne, which set a record for the group and showcased its growing capacity.

The company’s work on hand surged to $312 million at 30 June 2026, up from $200 million a year prior, providing a strong platform for future revenue. Importantly, SKS maintained its excellent safety record with zero lost time injuries, even as its workforce and hours worked both climbed.

What did SKS Technologies management say?

Chief Executive Officer Matthew Jinks said:

For the last several years, we have achieved quantum leaps in our financial, operational and people metrics that defy the norm and despite the challenges of the effect of compounding, take the business to the next level year on year.

What’s next for SKS Technologies?

SKS Technologies is targeting further growth, with the board forecasting FY27 sales revenue in the vicinity of $500 million and profit before tax of $60 million. Its expanded bank facilities and cash position provide flexibility and backing for continued investment and expansion, particularly in data centre infrastructure.

Ongoing improvements in technology, operational systems, and training are in place to ensure sustained productivity and the ability to meet strong demand in targeted markets, including major government and private sector projects.

SKS Technologies Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, SKS Technologies shares have risen 260%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

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The post SKS Technologies reports record FY26 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sks Technologies Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.