Liontrust Asset Management (LSE:LIO) reported lower profitability for the year ended 31 March 2026 as challenging market conditions continued to affect earnings, although the company maintained its commitment to shareholder returns with a full-year dividend of 19 pence per share.
Gross profit declined to £123 million, while adjusted profit before tax fell to £30.5 million. Despite the reduction in profitability, Liontrust highlighted improving business momentum, with fund flow trends strengthening over the past nine months. Assets under management and advice stood at £21.4 billion as of 19 June 2026, supported by robust institutional inflows, although overall net outflows remained a feature of the year.
A major strategic development was the receipt of regulatory approval from the Financial Conduct Authority for Liontrust’s acquisition of River Global Holdings. The transaction is expected to complete on 30 June 2026 and will add approximately £3 billion of assets under management to the group.
Management believes the acquisition will enhance Liontrust’s investment offering by introducing additional multi-style and recovery-focused strategies, while also strengthening the firm’s investment talent and broadening its distribution capabilities. The deal forms part of a wider strategy aimed at accelerating growth through selective acquisitions and expanding the company’s reach across domestic and international markets.
Alongside the acquisition, Liontrust continues to invest in operational improvements, including the increased use of artificial intelligence and technology to support efficiency, client engagement and business scalability. The company has also reinforced its capital allocation framework through ongoing share buybacks and plans to strengthen board expertise through targeted appointments.
Management sees the combination of an expanded product range, enhanced distribution capabilities and a more diversified investment platform as key drivers of future growth, while continuing to focus on improving fund flows and building long-term shareholder value.
More about Liontrust Asset Management
Liontrust Asset Management is an independent UK-based investment management group specialising in active fund management across a range of asset classes and investment styles. The company serves both retail and institutional clients and has been expanding its international distribution network while investing in technology and AI-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency and client service. Through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, Liontrust aims to broaden its investment capabilities and strengthen its position within the global asset management industry.
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