This week, Australian fund manager Wilson Asset Management profiled two ASX All Ords stocks on its radar.
In its publication The Weekly, the listed investment company (LIC) summarised recent developments of two companies within its funds.
Founded in 1997 by Geoff Wilson, Wilson Asset Management invests over $5.8 billion on behalf of more than 130,000 retail investors. It does this across nine listed investment companies and two unlisted funds.
WAM Capital Ltd (ASX: WAM) is its longest-standing fund. Meanwhile, WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE) is its largest fund, as measured by funds under management. Its newest fund, WAM Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: WMX), launched last month.
Without further ado, let's dive into the 2 ASX All Ords stocks that came under Wilson Asset Management's microscope this week.
Seek Ltd (ASX: SEK)
The first company profiled was Seek, which is held in the WAM Leaders and WAM Active Ltd (ASX: WAA) portfolios.
Along with Car Group (ASX: CAR) and REA Group (ASX: REA), the ASX All Ords stock is one of three online classifieds businesses listed on the ASX. It has a market capitalisation of $8.47 billion.
Last week, the Wilson Asset Management team attended Seek's investor day. At the event, the online employment marketplace upgraded its FY2025 guidance to the top end of its range, driven by strong yield growth in Australia and New Zealand.
According to Wilson Asset Management, the event also settled its concerns about Seek's Asia business, with the freemium rollout exceeding expectations. Wilson Asset Management also noted that Seek's strategy is "expected to enhance product depth and yield, with management expressing confidence in reaching revenue neutrality in Asia within six to 12 months".
Over the last 12 months, Seek has performed roughly in line with the ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO), rising 6.8% compared to 6.6% for the ASX All Ords. However, over the past five years, it has underperformed the index. Seek has risen 18.0%, compared to 46.3% for the ASX All Ords.
Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT)
The second ASX All Ords stock Wilson Asset Management profiled was the sports performance analytics company Catapult. It is held by WAM Capital, WAM Active, and the Wilson Asset Management Founders Fund.
With a market capitalisation of $1.4 billion, the company is significantly smaller than Seek.
Last week, Catapult reported its full-year earnings results. According to Wilson Asset Management, a key highlight was improved margins, supported by operating leverage and cost control.
Wilson Asset Management suggested:
This positive momentum will continue and that the company is well positioned for future expansion…in the medium term, there is further upside should Catapult choose to adjust pricing.
Over the past five years, Catapult shares have soared 257%. However, most of this surge has occurred in the past 12 months, with its share price up 225%. The ASX All Ords stock certainly has positive momentum on its side, and it's easy to see why Wilson Asset Management is closely following it.
