Australian Ethical Investment (AEF) AGM 2026 summary

Opening remarks and agenda

• Hybrid AGM held in Sydney and online; quorum confirmed, with 114 valid proxies representing ~40% of ordinary shares.

• Meeting acknowledged Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and Traditional Custodians; 2026 marked 40 years since the founding vision for ethical investing.

• Agenda covered Chair and CEO addresses, FY26 financial statements, questions, director elections, CEO long-term incentives, the remuneration report and voting.

Financial performance review

• FY26 FUM reached a record $14.5bn at 30 June 2026, up 4% YoY; revenue was $129.5m, up 9%.

• Underlying profit attributable to shareholders rose 15% to $27.3m; NPAT attributable to shareholders increased 29% to $25.7m.

• Underlying operating expenses were $90.4m, up 7%; the cost-to-income ratio improved to 69.8% from 71.4%, including foundation expense.

• Fixed income, private markets and international shares returned above benchmark; Australian equities faced greater exposure to Middle East conflict-related market conditions.

• All asset classes were positive in the opening months of FY27, with early improvement in Australian equities; management cautioned that short-term trends do not guarantee returns.

Board and executive committee updates

• Steve Gibbs announced retirement from the Board by June 30, 2027, after 14 years as Chair; his re-election resolution covers less than one year.

• Karen Orvad, appointed March 11, 2026, stood for election as a Non-Executive Director; her experience spans audit, risk, governance and purpose-led organizations.