Count Limited Posts 71% Profit Surge, Completes Oracle Acquisition, Raises Dividend

Profit Jumps as Oracle Acquisition Completes

Count Limited (ASX:CUP) delivered a standout FY2026 result, with net profit after tax attributable to shareholders soaring 71% to $15.2 million. This surge was underpinned by a 16% rise in revenue to $165.9 million and a 20% lift in underlying EBITA to $33.4 million, pushing margins above 20% for the first time. The company’s strategic acquisition of Oracle Group, finalised in July 2026, played a pivotal role, adding $740 million in Funds Under Management (FUM) and expanding Count’s footprint in financial advice and wealth management.

Record Funds Under Management and Advice Growth

Count’s Funds Under Advice (FUA) climbed 14% to $43.0 billion, reflecting strong client inflows and the insourcing of Count Portfolios. FUM surged 66% to a record $6.5 billion, boosted by organic growth and the Oracle acquisition. The Wealth segment, encompassing financial advice and investment services, grew revenue 8% to $45.8 million and EBITA 16% to $15.1 million, with margins improving to 33%. Financial planning revenue within Equity Partnerships rose 15%, supported by a growing employed adviser network now numbering 93.

Dividend Increase and Capital Position Strengthened

Reflecting the robust profit growth, Count declared a fully franked final dividend of 3.0 cents per share, up 9.1% on the prior year and the highest final payout in nine years. This brings total dividends for FY2026 to 5.0 cents per share, maintaining a payout ratio between 60% and 90% of maintainable profit. The company strengthened its balance sheet through an April 2026 equity raise and secured a $77 million acquisition facility with Commonwealth Bank, replacing prior Westpac debt arrangements and providing ample headroom for future growth.

Integration Progress and Strategic Outlook

Count has substantially completed the integration of Oracle Group, rebranding it as Count Wealth and aligning investment governance frameworks. The company expects to realise annualised cost synergies of $1.25 million within 24 months and is targeting revenue synergies through expanded service adoption. Count’s CEO Hugh Humphrey highlighted the accelerating demand for wealth advice driven by superannuation growth, regulatory changes, and increasing complexity, positioning the Group well to capitalise on industry consolidation and organic expansion.

Governance, Risk and Community Engagement

The Board maintained a strong focus on governance and risk management, enhancing controls in cyber security, AML/CTF compliance, and operational resilience. Count also continued its community commitment through the Count Charitable Foundation, donating over $1.2 million to vulnerable groups across Australia. The company’s remuneration framework aligns executive pay with performance, supporting long-term shareholder value creation amid ongoing growth.