Latest Perpetual (ASX:PPT) News

Takeover uncertainty, legal risks and fund closures drove the biggest share moves this week.
Dividend growth and stronger fund returns offered support, but several reports carried clear warnings about future results.

Perpetual returned to statutory profitability in FY26 and lifted underlying profit and dividends, helped by Corporate Trust and cost savings. But the annual report also exposes the pressure points behind the recovery: $25.1 billion in Asset Management outflows, a $63.5 million TSW impairment and an uncertain Wealth Management sale.

Results season delivered strong dividend news and several large capital raisings, but share prices often moved lower despite better operating figures.
Praemium led the falls after a sharp gap lower, while micro-cap losses, new share issues and portfolio write-downs kept investors cautious.

Perpetual Limited has updated its dividend announcement to confirm that the default payment method is cash rather than reinvestment, with a 63-cent unfranked dividend for the period ending June 2026.

Takeover bids sent EQT Holdings sharply higher, while Ovanti collapsed after leaving the buy now, pay later market. Strong results from lenders and fund managers were offset by steep falls in several stocks.

Investors also weighed dividends, buy-backs, cost cuts and regulatory risks across a busy week of company news.

Perpetual Limited will book a non-cash A$63.5 million impairment on goodwill tied to Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley’s International Equity strategy after a major client announced plans to redeem US$4.6 billion in Q2 FY27.

N1 Holdings, Wisr and Beforepay led the week’s share-price gains as lenders reported stronger profits and larger loan books. Takeovers, payment growth and a major HSBC loan sale also shaped the market.

Perpetual Limited recorded solid growth across its divisions in Q4 FY26, with Corporate Trust and Asset Management buoyed by market gains despite net outflows. The company is advancing the sale of its Wealth Management arm to Bain Capital, targeting completion in late 2026.

EQT AB’s controlled entity has raised its indicative offer for Perpetual to A$22.50 per share, a modest increase contingent on the sale of Perpetual’s Wealth Management business and other conditions. The Perpetual Board remains undecided and has not recommended shareholder action.

AMP led the week after lifting its profit outlook, while IAM jumped on record turnover and L1 Group slid despite strong funds growth. Across the sector, investors rewarded cash returns, deal progress and fresh guidance, but they were less forgiving where outflows or one-off costs stayed in view.

Perpetual Limited has formally dismissed EQT AB’s improved but conditional acquisition proposal, deeming the offer insufficient for shareholders amid ongoing strategic shifts.

EQT’s controlled entity has upped its non-binding offer for Perpetual to A$22.07 per share, a 2% premium on its initial bid. The proposal hinges on Perpetual’s Wealth Management sale and other conditions, with no certainty of a deal.