Overview
Wilson Asset Management is an independently owned boutique investment manager established in 1997 by Geoff Wilson. Wilson Asset Management is based in Sydney, Australia.
The Wilson Asset Management Group (WAM Group) employs five investment professionals who have a total investment experience of over 50 years.
The WAM Group is the manager of three listed investment companies and one unlisted fund, with funds under management of approximately $329 million.
In August 1999 the first of the three listed companies, WAM Capital Limited (WAM), was established and has grown from $22 million to approximately $177 million today. WAM predominantly invests in growth companies with a focus on small to medium sized companies listed on the ASX.
The second listed investment company, WAm Research Limited (WAX), was established in August 2003. Funds under management are currently $108 million. Previously known as Wilson Investment Fund, WAX predominantly invests in growth companies with a focus on small to medium sized industrial companies listed on the ASX.
WAM Active Limited (WAA) is the most recent addition to the Group which was listed in January 2008. Funds under management are currently $19 million. WAA as an opportunistic investor with high turnover and a focus on absolute returns.
Investment Process
"Market Driven"
We scour the market for trading opportunities. These could include participating in initial public offerings, placements, block trades, rights issues, corporate transactions (such as takeovers, mergers, schemes of arrangements, corporate spin-offs, restructurings), arbitrage opportunities, LIC discount arbtrages or relative value arbitrages and market themes and trends.
The portfolio is traded actively.
"Research Driven"
Where we undertake extensive research (over 750 company meetings each year), focusing on free cash flow, then rating the company with respect to management, earnings growth potential, valuation and industry position. We buy when we can identify a catalyst or an event that will change the valuation the market gives to the company. We sell once the company reaches our valuation.