Over 57% of the shareholders opt for payment of dividend in new shares
Capital increase of around 116 million euros supporting the #BLEND&EXTEND2030 growth plan
The WDP shareholders chose for over 57% of their shares for a contribution of their dividend rights in consideration for new shares. This result leads to a capital increase of around 116 million euros for WDP by way of the creation of 5,404,235 new shares, as a result of which the total number of WDP shares will equal to 240,543,824. Today, together with the expected 2026 retained earnings (around 93 million euros, based on a low pay-out ratio), this capital increase leads to a total reinforcement of equity of around 209 million euros for 2026 and a decrease of the gearing ratio of ‑2.3%. This reinforcement of capital will be deployed for supporting the realisation of the investment pipeline in execution of the growth plan #BLEND&EXTEND2030.
Today, Wednesday 20 May 2026 – before market –, the actual settlement of the dividend will take place by which, depending on the shareholder’s choice, (1) new shares in consideration for the contribution of dividend rights will be delivered, (2) the dividend payment in cash will take place, or (3) a combination of the two foregoing payment modalities will take place. The newly created shares are listed immediately and are tradable as from that moment.
We are pleased that a broad base of shareholders once again opted for new shares, confirming their confidence in WDP, our long-term strategy and the ambitions of #BLEND&EXTEND2030. The success of the optional dividend, combined with retained earnings, reinforces our self-financing capacity and supports the further execution of our investment pipeline. Backed by disciplined capital allocation, we remain focused on delivering above-average earnings per share growth and return on equity, with a below-average risk profile.
Publication in accordance with article 15 of the law of 2 May 2007 (Transparency law)
Following the capital increase and the issue of 5,404,235 new shares at a total amount of 116,353,179.55 euros (i.e. 6,191,687.15 euros booked as capital and 110,161,492.40 euros booked as share premium), the total capital of WDP on 20 May 2026 amounts to 275,593,512.18 euros. As from this date, the capital is represented by 240,543,824 fully paid-up ordinary shares. There are no preferred shares. Each of these shares carries one voting right at the General Meeting of shareholders and these shares thus represent the denominator for the purposes of notifications under the transparency regulations (i.e. notifications in case of (a.o.) reaching, crossing or falling below the statutory or legal thresholds). In addition to the legal thresholds, the WDP Articles of Association specify an additional statutory threshold of 3% and 7.5% in accordance with article 18, §1 of the Transparency law. No outstanding options or subscription rights have been issued that entitle their holder to shares.