Rockwood Strategic plc
(“RKW” or the “Company”)
Full year results for the year ended 31 March 2026
Rockwood Strategic plc (AIM: RKW) is pleased to attach its audited results for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Highlights
- Significant new investor demand resulted in issuance of 17.3 million new shares, increasing share count by 44.5% and, alongside positive performance, growing NAV to £149.4m from £96.6m. NAV has grown 200% in the past three years.
- NAV Total Return performance in the twelve months to 31 March 2026 of 7.1% to 266.44p/share*, which compares to a rise in the FTSE Aim All-Share of 5.1% and a rise in the FTSE Small Cap (ex-ITs) of 8.9%. The Total Shareholder Return in this period was 2.4%*. In March the NAV was affected by the stock market reaction to the U.S. military action against Iran. Since period end to 12th June the fund has risen 17%.
- NAV Total Return performance in the three years to 31 March 2026 of 36.3%, which compares to the FTSE Small Cap (ex-ITs) of 20.7% and the FTSE Aim All-Share of -11.4%. The Total Shareholder Return in this period was 42.6%*.
- NAV Total Return performance in the five years to 31 March 2026 of 97.4%, which compares to the FTSE Small Cap (ex-ITs) of 5.0% and the FTSE Aim All-Share of -40.1%. The Total Shareholder Return in this period was 105%*. This is the best performance of all UK Equity Investment Trusts over this period per The Association of Investment Companies.
- External recognition of strategy performance and competitive differentiation via multiple Industry awards during the period.
Post Period End
- NAV Total Return performance since period end to 12th June of 17% to 311.64 p per share.
- Takeover offer for Treatt Plc at a 48% premium.
- Takeover offer for Van Elle Plc at a 58.5% premium.
- Significant further gains in Filtronic Plc of 69% since period end to 12th June.
- Further issuance of 1,630,000 new shares, increasing NAV to £180m as at 12th June.
- Fund is the No.1 Small Companies Investment Trust over the last 3 and 5 years per The Association of Investment Companies.
Noel Lamb, Chairman of Rockwood Strategic plc, commented:
“Further positive gains and growth in NAV during the year mark another year of progress for Rockwood Strategic, building on the impressive medium-term record. Whilst the conflict in Iran temporarily dampened our full year performance, post period end gains have been strong, supported by renewed corporate activity in the portfolio”.
Richard Staveley, Fund Manager, Rockwood Asset Management said:
“Confidence in the portfolio has rarely been higher as a significant number of our investments are delivering on our investment theses with improved profitability, returns and growth despite a soggy domestic economy. We anticipate a range of positive company specific catalysts to emerge in the year ahead, driving further NAV growth. We have an abundance of opportunities in our investment pipeline, in which to recycle significant realised gains from takeovers and the proceeds from Rockwood issuance, due to the exceptional value on offer in UK smaller companies. To paraphrase Buffett; we have a bucket, not a thimble and it is raining gold in UK small companies currently”.
The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026, including the Notice of Annual General Meeting, are attached to this announcement. Alternatively, copies are available on the Company’s website at: