Update on trading, FY23 results & investigation

Braemar PLC

26 June 2023

 

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU NO. 596/2014) WHICH IS PART OF UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

26 June 2023

BRAEMAR PLC

("Braemar", the "Company" or the "Group")

Update on FY23 trading

Publication of FY23 results & investigation into a 2013 transaction

Braemar (LSE: BMS), a provider of expert investment, chartering, and risk management advice to the shipping and energy markets, provides an update on its annual results for the 12 months ended 28 February 2023 ("FY23") together with details of an on-going investigation into a historic transaction.

Trading Update

As announced on 22 March 2023, Braemar is pleased to reconfirm its expectation of reporting record revenue and record profitability for FY23, with revenue for the year of not less than £150m (2022: £101.3m), underlying operating profit of not less than £20m (2022: £10.1m) and net cash of £6.9m at the year end. It remains the board's intention to recommend a final dividend of 8 pence per share (2022: 7 pence) to shareholders for approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting, representing a dividend for the year of 12 pence per share, a 33% increase over the previous year (2022: 9 pence).

Publication of FY23 results & investigation into 2013 transaction

During the past two years, in addition to establishing and developing the Group's growth strategy, the board has focused on ensuring that proper procedures are in place to deliver good practice throughout the business as it scales. As part of this work, the board and the Group's auditors have been carrying out an investigation into a particular transaction of circa $3m, which originated in 2013, and involves payments being made through to 2017.

The board is not presently comfortable with the manner in which the transaction has been historically represented and the remaining liability recorded in the Company's balance sheet. Upon conclusion of the investigation, should this liability be released, it would not affect the underlying trading profit or cash position of the Company for FY23.   

The investigation into this transaction and any related matters which may arise, is still ongoing. The board has appointed FRP, an independent specialist firm to assist with the investigation and has established a specific investigation committee, chaired by the Group's non-executive Chairman, to oversee the matter. As a result, the Company's Final results for FY23 will be delayed until this work has completed and will not be published by 30 June 2023.

Under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Company is required to publish its audited FY23 results by 30 June 2023. As the Company does not expect to be able to comply with this requirement, the Group will request that trading in the Company's ordinary shares be suspended with effect from 7.30 a.m. on 3 July 2023.

The Company will provide further updates on expected timings for publication of its FY23 results in due course. The Company expects to request a restoration of the listing of its ordinary shares on publication of its FY23 results.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Braemar Plc
James Gundy, Group Chief Executive Officer		Tel [phone]
Nick Stone, Chief Financial Officer
Investec Bank plc
Gary Clarence / Harry Hargreaves / Alice King		Tel [phone]
Cenkos Securities plc Ben Jeynes / Max Gould (Corporate Finance) Alex Pollen / Leif Powis (Sales)		Tel [phone]
Buchanan
Charles Ryland / Jamie Hooper / Jack Devoy		Tel [phone]

Notes to Editors:

About Braemar Plc

Braemar provides expert investment, chartering, and risk management advice that enable its clients to secure sustainable returns and mitigate risk in the volatile world of shipping and energy. Our experienced brokers work in tandem with specialist professionals to form teams tailored to our customers' needs, and provide an integrated service supported by a collaborative culture.

Braemar joined the Official List of the London Stock Exchange in November 1997 and trades under the symbol BMS.

For more information, including our investor presentation, visit www.Braemar.com and follow Braemar on LinkedIn.

 

END