Cadence Opportunities Fund (ASX: CDO) Announces Fully Franked Special Dividend of AUD 0.02 Per Share Payable December 23, 2026

Cadence Opportunities Fund Declares AUD 0.02 Special Dividend for Ordinary Shareholders

On 15 July 2026, Cadence Opportunities Fund Limited formally notified the ASX of a special dividend payment of AUD $0.02 per ordinary fully paid security. This payment is classified as a special dividend, distinct from regular interim or final dividends, and is not tied to a specific financial year period. This classification is significant for investors tracking distribution timing relative to reporting periods.

The declared dividend amount per security is AUD $0.02000000, with no additional components such as conduit foreign income or unfranked amounts. The company provided no further explanatory notes in the filing, so distribution details are limited to the official figures. Shareholders and prospective investors should note the eligibility timetable outlined below.

Critical Ex-Dividend, Record, and Payment Dates for December 2026 Dividend

The dividend timetable includes three key dates: the ex-dividend date on 15 December 2026, meaning shares purchased on or after this date do not qualify for the dividend; the record date on 16 December 2026, when the shareholder register is reviewed to confirm entitlements; and the payment date on 23 December 2026, when the dividend will be paid, just before Christmas. Investors must hold shares before 15 December 2026 to receive the AUD $0.02 per share dividend.

Fully Franked Dividend at 30% Corporate Tax Rate Benefits Australian Shareholders

The special dividend is fully franked at the 30% corporate tax rate, with the entire AUD $0.02 per share amount franked and no unfranked portion. Eligible Australian resident shareholders may claim franking credits when lodging their tax returns, potentially reducing their tax liability. The dividend contains no foreign-sourced income component, as the conduit foreign income per security is zero. Investors with self-managed super funds or other tax structures should consult advisors to understand the impact of franking credits on their tax position.

No Dividend Reinvestment Plan Available for This Special Dividend

While Cadence Opportunities Fund Limited maintains a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) for its securities, this special dividend is excluded from the DRP. Shareholders will receive the AUD $0.02 per share payment in cash on 23 December 2026, with no option to reinvest in additional shares. Shareholders do not need to take any action regarding DRP preferences for this distribution, as payments will be automatically credited to bank accounts on record as of 16 December 2026.

No External Approvals Needed for Dividend Distribution Schedule

The company confirmed that no external approvals—such as shareholder, court, ASIC, ACCC, or FIRB approvals—are required before the dividend timetable commences. This ensures the ex-dividend date of 15 December 2026, record date of 16 December 2026, and payment date of 23 December 2026 will proceed as planned, barring unforeseen events.

About Cadence Opportunities Fund Limited and Its Security Structure

Cadence Opportunities Fund Limited (ASX:CDO), ABN 37 627 359 166, is an ASX-listed investment fund issuing ordinary fully paid shares. The announced special dividend applies to all holders of these securities. The company did not provide additional details on its investment portfolio, strategy, or financial metrics in this filing. Investors seeking comprehensive information should review Cadence’s latest annual and half-year reports and other ASX announcements.

Understanding the Special Dividend Classification Versus Regular Dividends

This payment is explicitly designated as a special dividend, not an interim or final dividend for the financial year, and is not linked to a particular accounting period. Special dividends are typically one-off distributions outside the regular dividend cycle, declared at the board’s discretion to return capital or profits. The company did not disclose whether this distribution results from asset realisation, surplus capital return, or other factors, nor did it specify the total capital pool or funding source.

Tax Component Disclosure Limited to Franking Credits

The company indicated no tax components beyond the franking credits apply to this dividend. Australian shareholders will generally report the grossed-up dividend (cash plus franking credits) as assessable income and claim the franking credit as a tax offset. The absence of other tax attributes simplifies tax treatment, though shareholders are advised to seek tailored tax advice, especially if holding shares via trusts, companies, or superannuation funds.

Potential Share Price Impact and Investor Considerations Ahead of December Dividend Dates

The immediate market reaction to the dividend announcement was not evident at the time of release. Fully franked special dividends often attract income-focused investors valuing tax efficiency. However, share price movements will depend on broader market conditions, valuation relative to dividend size, and sentiment toward the fund’s portfolio. Investors must hold shares before the ex-dividend date of 15 December 2026 to qualify for the dividend, with payments processed on 23 December 2026. No additional distribution guidance or forecasts were provided, so investors should monitor future company updates for further developments.