Polar Capital reaches record £30.6bn in assets under management as technology funds drive growth (POLR)

Strong investment performance lifts assets to new high

Polar Capital (LSE:POLR) delivered a strong performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with assets under management (AuM) increasing 43% to a record £30.6 billion.

Average AuM rose 14% to £26.0 billion, supported by £8.8 billion of investment performance and market appreciation, alongside net inflows of £902 million. Technology and artificial intelligence strategies generated the strongest investor demand, helping technology-focused funds account for 55% of total assets. The group also continued to diversify its client base geographically, with a lower proportion of assets originating from the UK and increased contributions from Europe and Asia.

Higher profits support dividend and share buyback

Financial performance improved during the year, with core operating profit rising 11% to £62.8 million and statutory profit before tax increasing 49% to £76.9 million.

The company maintained its total dividend at 46.0p per share and announced a new £15 million share buyback programme. Management also introduced an updated corporate strategy focused on expanding through differentiated active investment strategies, increasing investment in data and artificial intelligence capabilities, and implementing a revised capital allocation policy that aims to return at least 50% of adjusted core profits to shareholders. The measures reflect confidence in the group’s long-term prospects despite continuing industry challenges facing active equity managers.

Strong fundamentals support investment outlook

Polar Capital’s investment outlook is underpinned by a strong balance sheet, low leverage, solid return on equity and an attractive valuation, supported by a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and a high dividend yield.

Technical indicators also remain favourable, with the shares trading above key moving averages and supported by a positive MACD signal. However, relatively high share price volatility and some pressure on profit margins temper the overall outlook.

More about Polar Capital Holdings

Polar Capital Holdings is a specialist active asset manager offering a range of investment strategies focused on sectors including technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare and smart energy. The company manages open-ended funds, investment trusts and segregated mandates for institutional and retail clients, with a growing international investor base spanning Europe, Asia and other global markets.