TIDMDUKE

RNS Number : 2030U

Duke Royalty Limited

22 November 2023

22 November 2023

Duke Royalty Limited

("Duke Royalty", "Duke" or the "Company")

Interim Results for the six months ended 30 September 2023

Duke Royalty Limited (AIM: DUKE), a provider of alternative capital solutions to a diversified range of profitable and long-established businesses in Europe and abroad, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six-months ended 30 September 2023 ("Interim 2024").

Financial Highlights

-- Total cash revenue up 35% from the prior period to GBP14.1 million (Interim 2023: GBP10.4 million)

-- Recurring cash revenue* totalled GBP12.2 million, up 17% from Interim 2023 (GBP10.4 million)

   --           Free cash flow** up 23% to GBP7.9 million (Interim 2023: GBP6.5 million) 
   --           Adjusted earnings up 23% to 1.95 pence per share (Interim 2023: 1.58 pence per share) 

-- Cash dividends of 1.40 pence per share paid to shareholders (Interim 2023: 1.40 pence per share)

Operational Highlights

   --           Deployed over GBP18 million of capital into new and existing Royalty Partners 
   --           One new royalty partner added to the portfolio, taking total to 15 
   --           One investment buyback with Instor delivering a triple digit IRR 
   --           Over GBP40 million of available liquidity for future deployments 

* Recurring cash revenue excludes buyback premiums, cash gains from the sale of equity investments and one-off fee income

** Free cashflow is defined as operating cashflow, plus cash gains from the sale of equity investments, less investment costs less interest payable of Duke's debt facility

Nigel Birrell, Chairman of Duke Royalty, said:

"During the interim period Duke was able to post its twelfth consecutive quarter of increasing recurring cash revenue which was a fantastic achievement for the Company. In line with this strong financial performance, the Company also maintained its quarterly dividend of 0.70p per share. Investors can be reassured that the dividend payout remains well covered by operating cashflow with the attractive yield representing a pillar of Duke's ongoing business model and its overall financial discipline.

"Looking forward, I am pleased to say that Duke remains well-positioned for growth. We believe that we have an attractive offering through our private credit and private equity hybrid product, as well as a philosophy that resonates with SME business owners due to our ability to offer a long-term, partnership-based solution which keeps owners in control of their company."

This announcement contains inside information.

For further information, please contact www.dukeroyalty.com, or contact:

 
                                  Neil Johnson / Charles 
                                   Cannon Brookes / Hugo 
  Duke Royalty Limited             Evans                                   +44 (0) 1481 231 816 
  Cavendish Securities 
   plc (Nominated Adviser         Stephen Keys / Callum 
   and Joint Broker)               Davidson / Michael Johnson              +44 (0) 207 397 8900 
  Canaccord Genuity 
   (Joint Broker)                 Adam James / Harry Rees                  +44 (0) 207 523 8000 
  SEC Newgate                     Elisabeth Cowell / Alice                 +44 (0) 20 3757 6880 
   (Financial Communications)      Cho / Matthew Elliott           dukeroyalty@secnewgate.co.uk 
 

About Duke Royalty

Duke Royalty Limited provides alternative capital solutions to a diversified range of profitable and long-established businesses in Europe and abroad. Duke Royalty's experienced team provide financing solutions to private companies that are in need of capital but whose owners wish to maintain equity control of their business. Duke Royalty's royalty investments are intended to provide robust, stable, long-term returns to its shareholders. Duke Royalty is listed on the AIM market under the ticker DUKE and is headquartered in Guernsey.

Chairman's Report

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to report that Duke Royalty's results for Interim 2024 have once again highlighted the robust nature of the Company's business model in the face of significant ongoing global economic and political challenges. In particular, I am delighted to say that Duke was able to post its twelfth consecutive quarter of increasing recurring cash revenue during the Interim period.

Duke's simple investment philosophy of providing long dated, senior secured debt capital into long established, profitable SME owner-operated businesses has largely protected the Company from the high levels of volatility that have been witnessed in the public equity markets during the period. The predictable nature of Duke's monthly cashflows alongside its own tight internal cost controls has allowed Duke to report a strong financial performance for Interim 2024. In line with this strong financial performance, the Company also maintained its quarterly dividend of 0.7p per share. Investors can be reassured that the dividend payout remains well covered by operating cashflow with the attractive yield representing a pillar of Duke's ongoing business model and its overall financial discipline.

This strong set of results has been achieved despite the challenging business environment we are operating in. In the last two years, the UK experienced a record-breaking 14 consecutive interest rate increases, a trend that has largely been mirrored in both the EU and North America. Central banks have taken a pause from additional near-term interest hikes with inflation rates now trending back towards their longer-term norms. However, we believe the current elevated level of interest rates are set to remain for some time and we are not expecting to see any cuts until well into the Company's FY25 period. For Duke, the higher cost of borrowing has had a few core effects.

First, it has increased Duke's own debt servicing costs which have put a squeeze on free cashflow margins and second, it has resulted in a general reduction in consumer discretionary spend. Furthermore, there is no question that businesses have become increasingly burdened by wage inflation and a period of stubbornly high power costs. This backdrop has had an inevitable effect on both revenue and profit expectations for some of Duke's partners but, as long term, supportive investors, our investment team is working diligently to ensure they are given whatever help is required.

However, overall I am pleased to be able to report that the Duke portfolio remains well insulated and in a healthy position, protected by its increasing level of diversification. A positive effect that has resulted from the elevated level of interest rates has been the material increase in the cost of all other competing forms of debt. As I have mentioned before, Duke's permanent equity capital base and its long-term lending approach throughout economic cycles have enabled it to refrain from significantly increasing the cost of its offering in the short-term. The deliberate decision to not significantly raise the initial cost allows Duke to evaluate more opportunities through the lens of that company's ability to weather continued economic headwinds.

Unsurprisingly, Duke was cautious on making new deployments in Interim 2024 given the high level of uncertainty in the markets as well as a general declining trend in valuations that we are seeing across the board. The Company did welcome Glasshouse Products LLC as a new partner by entering into an US$11.5 million financing agreement. Founded in 2002 in Texas, Glasshouse is a long-established provider of custom glass solutions including the design, fabrication, sale and installation of glass architectural products and I hope that Glasshouse will become a long-standing core holding in the Duke portfolio as it executes its buy and build strategy. During the period, Duke also announced the successful exit of its investment in Instor Solutions, Inc., a California-based product reseller and service provider for work related to the build-out and migration of data centres. The exit represented the sixth and most profitable exit for Duke to date, delivering a triple digit IRR.

Outlook

Duke remains well-positioned for growth, having created a large and diversified portfolio of royalty investments alongside an exciting pipeline of new deal opportunities. The Company's liquidity position remains robust and the current macroeconomic climate means that demand for Duke's low amortising, patient capital remains strong. Our approach to monitoring our existing investments is collaborative and thorough. We evaluate monthly management accounts and look for signs of stress and aim to be proactive in working with a partner to address any issues. Having good visibility into our portfolio allows us to be cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year.

Looking more broadly, we constantly review the trends in the financing industry and we are pleased to report that Duke's core product is unique in the market due to its long duration and low amortisation qualities. The Private Credit market is a large and growing segment of the financing sector, and part of its growth has been from Private Equity players expanding into credit. What used to be the domain of the high street banks is increasingly supplemented by alternative financing providers, of which Duke is one. Our growing pipeline underpins our belief that we have a philosophy that resonates with SME business owners due to our ability to offer a long-term, partnership-based solution which keeps owners in control of their company.

Our product is essentially a hybrid between Private Credit and Private Equity, and as the Private Credit explosion has become mainstream in SME lending, we aim to ensure our 'best of both worlds' approach is articulated to business owners in a way they can compare. Therefore, we have embarked on a review of how best to show business owners the advantages of Duke when they are looking for capital. This review is ongoing and we will share the exciting changes with our shareholders in the period to come when they have been finalised. Our product remains the same to new business owners, but how we will engage with them will open up more opportunities for Duke and the goal is to broaden our appeal. We believe we are at the forefront of a large opportunity as Private Credit solutions become more accepted in SME lending.

As always, I am appreciative of the ongoing support of our shareholders and, on the back of a period of continued resilience and growth, I look forward to reporting on the Group's ongoing progress and development in future periods.

Nigel Birrell

Chairman

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
                                         Note         Period      Year to         Period 
                                                          to                          to 
                                                   30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                                 (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                                      GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Cash flows from operating 
   activities 
  Receipts from royalty investments         6         13,720       21,364         10,234 
  Receipts of interest from 
   loan investments                         7            259          339            173 
  Other operating income                                  45          176             30 
  Operating expenses paid                            (2,383)      (3,306)        (1,061) 
  Payments for royalty participation 
   fees                                     9           (68)        (112)           (57) 
  Tax paid                                             (498)      (1,346)          (813) 
                                               -------------  -----------  ------------- 
  Net cash inflow from operating 
   activities                                         11,075       17,115          8,506 
 
  Cash flows from investing 
   activities 
  Royalty investments advanced              6       (17,102)     (23,809)        (6,550) 
  Royalty investments received              6          7,041            -              - 
  Loan investments advanced                 7              -      (2,500)          (700) 
  Loan investments received                 7              -        2,000              - 
  Equity investments advanced               8          (926)        (500)              - 
  Equity dividends received                 8             48            3              - 
  Receipt of deferred consideration        10            750            -              - 
  Investment costs paid                                (358)        (357)          (173) 
  Net cash outflow from investing 
   activities                                       (10,547)     (25,163)        (7,423) 
 
  Cash flows from financing 
   activities 
  Proceeds from share issue                14              -       20,000         20,000 
  Share issue costs                        14              -      (1,115)        (1,115) 
  Dividends paid                           17        (5,709)     (10,979)        (5,282) 
  Proceeds from loans                      12          5,000       71,250          5,050 
  Loans repaid                             12              -     (61,450)       (18,500) 
  Interest paid                            12        (2,819)      (3,976)        (1,872) 
  Other finance costs paid                                 -      (2,426)           (30) 
  Net cash (outflow) / inflow 
   financing activities                              (3,528)       11,304        (1,749) 
 
  Net change in cash and cash 
   equivalents                                       (3,000)        3,256          (666) 
                                               -------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
   at beginning of period/year                         8,939        5,707          5,707 
  Effect of foreign exchange 
   on cash                                                32         (24)             31 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
   at the end of period/year                           5,971        8,939          5,072 
                                               =============  ===========  ============= 
 

The notes form an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
                                                    Period      Year to         Period 
                                                        to                          to 
                                                 30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                       Note    (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                                    GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Income 
  Royalty investment net income           6         13,514       28,266         15,079 
  Loan investment net income              7            259          339            173 
  Equity investment net income            8        (3,442)        2,212            485 
  Other operating income                                45          176             30 
  Total income                                      10,376       30,993         15,767 
 
  Investment costs 
  Transaction costs                                   (21)         (66)           (28) 
  Due diligence costs                                (309)        (620)          (455) 
  Total investment costs                             (330)        (686)          (483) 
 
  Operating costs 
  Administration and personnel                     (2,033)      (2,627)        (1,811) 
  Legal and professional                             (274)        (456)          (232) 
  Other operating costs                              (131)        (223)          (100) 
  Expected credit losses                  7              -         (20)              - 
  Share-based payments                   15          (537)        (969)          (458) 
                                             -------------  -----------  ------------- 
  Total operating costs                            (2,975)      (4,295)        (2,601) 
 
  Operating profit                                   7,071       26,012         12,683 
                                             -------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
  Net foreign currency gains                            55           66            177 
  Finance costs                           3        (3,326)      (5,644)        (1,951) 
 
  Profit for the period before 
   tax                                               3,800       20,434         10,909 
                                             -------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
  Taxation expense                        4          (408)        (842)          (614) 
 
  Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                                    3,392       19,592         10,295 
                                             =============  ===========  ============= 
 
  Basic earnings per share (pence)        5           0.83         4.92           2.65 
                                             =============  ===========  ============= 
  Diluted earnings per share 
   (pence)                                5           0.83         4.92           2.65 
                                             =============  ===========  ============= 
 

All income is attributable to the holders of the Ordinary Shares of the Company.

The notes form an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 
                                            30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                  Note    (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                               GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Non-current assets 
  Goodwill                          13            203          203            203 
  Royalty finance investments        6        174,149      158,540        149,853 
  Loan investments                   7          4,652        4,652          3,872 
  Equity investments                 8         11,564       13,529         11,305 
  Deferred tax asset                18            200          200            155 
                                        -------------  -----------  ------------- 
                                              190,768      177,124        165,388 
  Current assets 
  Royalty finance investments        6         26,521       32,793         22,091 
  Loan investments                   7              -            -          1,000 
  Trade and other receivables       10          1,529        2,290          2,294 
  Cash and cash equivalents                     5,971        8,939          5,072 
  Current tax asset                               463          373            111 
                                        -------------  -----------  ------------- 
                                               34,484       44,395         30,568 
 
  Total Assets                                225,252      221,519        195,956 
                                        -------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
  Current liabilities 
  Royalty debt liabilities           9            167          154            165 
  Trade and other payables          11            454          433          1,423 
  Borrowings                        12            527          441            337 
                                                1,148        1,028          1,925 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Royalty debt liabilities           9            988          988            960 
  Trade and other payables          11          1,286        1,314          1,331 
  Borrowings                        12         59,351       53,930         34,363 
                                               61,625       56,232         36,654 
 
  Net Assets                                  162,479      164,259        157,377 
                                        =============  ===========  ============= 
 
  Equity 
  Shares issued                     14        172,939      172,939        172,939 
  Share based payment reserve       15          3,984        3,447          2,936 
  Warrant reserve                   15          3,036        3,036            265 
  Retained losses                   16       (17,480)     (15,163)       (18,763) 
 
  Total Equity                                162,479      164,259        157,377 
                                        =============  ===========  ============= 
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 
                                                         Share-based 
                                               Shares        payment    Warrant    Retained      Total 
                                     Note      issued        reserve    reserve      losses     equity 
                                               GBP000         GBP000     GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
 
  At 1 April 2022                             153,974          2,478        265    (23,776)    132,941 
                                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
  Total comprehensive income for 
   the period                                       -              -          -      10,295     10,295 
 
  Transactions with owners 
  Shares issued for cash               14      20,000              -          -           -     20,000 
  Share issuance costs                 14     (1,115)              -          -           -    (1,115) 
  Shares issued to key advisers 
   as remuneration                     14          80              -          -           -         80 
  Share based payments                 15                        458          -           -        458 
  Dividends                            17           -              -          -     (5,282)    (5,282) 
                                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Total transactions with owners               18,965            458          -     (5,282)     14,141 
 
  At 30 September 2022                        172,939          2,936        265    (18,763)    157,377 
                                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
  Total comprehensive income for 
   the period                                       -              -          -       9,297      9,297 
 
  Transactions with owners 
  Share based payments                 15           -            511          -           -        511 
  Warrants issued                      15           -              -      2,771           -      2,771 
  Dividends                            17           -              -          -     (5,697)    (5,697) 
                                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Total transactions with owners                    -            511      2,771     (5,697)    (2,415) 
 
  At 31 March 2023                            172,939          3,447      3,036    (15,163)    164,259 
                                           ----------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
 
                                                        Share-based 
                                              Shares        payment    Warrant    Retained      Total 
                                     Note     issued        reserve    reserve      losses     equity 
                                              GBP000         GBP000     GBP000      GBP000     GBP000 
 
  At 1 April 2023                            172,939          3,447      3,036    (15,163)    164,259 
                                           ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
 
  Total comprehensive income for 
   the period                                      -              -          -       3,392      3,392 
 
  Transactions with owners 
  Share based payments                 15          -            537          -           -        537 
  Dividends                            17          -              -          -     (5,709)    (5,709) 
                                           ---------  -------------  ---------  ----------  --------- 
  Total transactions with owners                   -            537          -     (5,709)    (5,172) 
 
  At 30 September 2023                       172,939          3,984      3,036    (17,480)    162,479 
                                           =========  =============  =========  ==========  ========= 
 

The notes form an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

   1.       General Information 

Duke Royalty Limited ("Duke Royalty" or the "Company") is a company limited by shares, incorporated in Guernsey under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. Its shares are traded on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

The "Group" comprised Duke Royalty Limited and its wholly owned subsidiaries; Duke Royalty UK Limited, Capital Step Holdings Limited, Capital Step Investments Limited, Capital Step Funding Limited, Capital Step Funding 2 Limited and Duke Royalty Employee Benefit Trust. During the period, Capital Step Holdings Limited, Capital Step Investments Limited, Capital Step Funding Limited, Capital Step Funding 2 Limited were dissolved via voluntarily strike offs. Also during the period, the Group incorporated Duke Royalty US Holdings, Inc., a company registered in Delaware, USA.

The Group's investing policy is to invest in a diversified portfolio of royalty finance and related opportunities.

   2.       Significant accounting policies 
   2.1     Basis of preparation 

The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards, and applicable Guernsey law, and reflect the following policies, which have been adopted and applied consistently.

On 31 December 2020, IFRS as adopted by the European Union at that date was brought into the UK law and became UK-adopted international accounting standards, with future changes being subject to endorsement by the UK Endorsement Board. The group transitioned to UK-adopted international accounting standards in its consolidated financial statements on 1 April 2021. There was no impact or changes in accounting from the transition.

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The Financial Statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following:

   --           Royalty investments - measured at fair value through profit or loss 
   --           Equity investments - measured at fair value through profit or loss 
   --           Royalty participation liabilities - measured at fair value through profit or loss 

The Directors consider that the Group has adequate financial resources to enable it to continue operations for a period of no less than 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. Accordingly, the Directors believe that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

   2.2     New and amended standards adopted by the Group 

There were no new standards adopted by the Group during the reporting period.

   2.3     New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 

At the date of authorisation of these interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, certain standards and interpretations were in issue but not yet effective and have not been applied in these interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Directors do not expect that the adoption of these standards and interpretations will have a material impact on the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group in future periods.

   2.4     Going concern 

In assessing the going concern basis of accounting the Directors have had regard to the guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council. After making enquiries and bearing in mind the nature of the Company's business and assets, the Directors consider that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The cash flow needs of the Group have been assessed taking account the need for further funding for any of the existing royalty partners and the ongoing working capital needs of the business against the current cash and liquidity of the Group.

Furthermore, there is adequate headroom in terms of the uncalled loan facility in place should it be required.

   3.       Finance Costs 
 
                                           Period      Year to         Period 
                                               to                          to 
                                        30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                      (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                           GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Interest payable on borrowings            2,905        3,861          1,750 
  Non-utilisation fees                          -          194            112 
  Deferred finance costs released 
   to P&L                                     421        1,558             89 
  Other finance costs                           -           31              - 
                                            3,326        5,644          1,951 
                                    =============  ===========  ============= 
 
   4.       Income tax 

The Company has been granted exemption from Guernsey taxation. The Company's subsidiary in the UK is subject to taxation in accordance with relevant tax legislation.

 
                                           Period      Year to         Period 
                                               to                          to 
                                        30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                      (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                           GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Current tax 
  Income tax expense                          408          886            613 
 
  Deferred tax 
  Decrease in deferred tax assets               -         (44)              1 
                                                -         (44)              1 
 
  Income tax expense                          408          842            614 
                                    =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Factors affecting income tax expense for the period

 
                                             Period      Year to         Period 
                                                 to                          to 
                                          30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                        (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                             GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Profit on ordinary activities 
   before tax                                 3,800       20,434         10,910 
 
  Tax using the Groups effective 
   tax rate of 10.73% (30 September 
   2022: 5.63%, 31 March 2023: 
   4.12%)                                       408          842            614 
  Income tax expense                            408          842            614 
                                      =============  ===========  ============= 
 
   5.       Earnings per share 
 
                                                Period      Year to         Period 
                                                    to                          to 
                                             30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                           (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                                GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Total comprehensive income 
   (GBP000)                                      3,392       19,592         10,295 
  Weighted average number of 
   Ordinary Shares in issue, excluding 
   treasury shares (000s)                      410,484      397,991        388,412 
  Basic earnings per share (pence)                0.83         4.92           2.65 
                                         =============  ===========  ============= 
 
 
                                             Period      Year to         Period 
                                                 to                          to 
                                          30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                        (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                             GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Total comprehensive income 
   (GBP000)                                   3,392       19,592         10,295 
  Diluted weighted average number 
   of Ordinary Shares in issue, 
   excluding treasury shares (000s)         410,484      397,991        388,412 
  Diluted earnings per share 
   (pence)                                     0.83         4.92           2.65 
                                      =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing total comprehensive income for the period by the weighted average number of shares in issue throughout the period, excluding treasury shares (see Note 14). Diluted earnings per share represents the basic earnings per share adjusted for the effect of dilutive potential shares issuable on exercise of share options under the Company's share-based payment schemes, weighted for the relevant period.

All share options, warrants and Long-Term Incentive Plan awards in issue are not dilutive at the year-end as the exercise prices were above the average share price for the period. However, these could become dilutive in future periods.

Adjusted earnings per share

Adjusted earnings represent the Group's underlying performance from core activities. Adjusted earnings is the total comprehensive income adjusted for unrealised and non-core fair value movements, non-cash items and transaction-related costs, including due diligence fees, together with the tax effects thereon. Given the sensitivity of the inputs used to determine the fair value of its investments, the Group believes that adjusted earnings is a better reflection of its ongoing financial performance.

Valuation and other non-cash movements such as those outlined are not considered by management in assessing the level of profit and cash generation of the Group. Additionally, IFRS 9 requires transaction-related costs to be expensed immediately whilst the income benefit is over the life of the asset. As such, an adjusted earnings measure is used which reflects the underlying contribution from the Group's core activities during the year.

 
                                           Period      Year to         Period 
                                               to                          to 
                                        30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                      (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                           GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Total comprehensive income 
   for the period                           3,392       19,592         10,295 
 
  Unrealised fair value movements           4,295      (9,111)        (5,330) 
  Expected credit losses                        -           20              - 
  Share-based payments                        537          969            458 
  Investment costs                            330          686            483 
  Tax effect of the adjustments 
   above at Group effective rate            (553)          306            247 
                                    ------------- 
  Adjusted earnings                         8,001       12,462          6,153 
                                    =============  ===========  ============= 
 
 
                                                Period      Year to         Period 
                                                    to                          to 
                                             30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                           (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                                GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Adjusted earnings for the year 
   (GBP000)                                      8,001       12,462          6,153 
  Weighted average number of 
   Ordinary Shares in issue, excluding 
   treasury shares (000s)                      410,484      397,991        388,412 
  Adjusted earnings per share 
   (pence)                                        1.95         3.13           1.58 
                                         =============  ===========  ============= 
 
 
                                             Period      Year to         Period 
                                                 to                          to 
                                          30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                        (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                             GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Diluted adjusted earnings for 
   the year (GBP000)                          8,001       12,462          6,153 
  Diluted weighted average number 
   of Ordinary Shares in issue, 
   excluding treasury shares (000s)         410,484      397,991        388,412 
  Diluted adjusted earnings per 
   share (pence)                               1.95         3.13           1.58 
                                      =============  ===========  ============= 
 
   6.       Royalty investments 

Royalty investments are financial assets held at FVTPL that relate to the provision of royalty capital to a diversified portfolio of companies.

 
                                     30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                   (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                        GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Brought forward                      191,333      160,479        160,479 
  Additions                             17,102       23,809          6,550 
  Buybacks                             (7,041)            -              - 
  (Loss) / profit on financial 
   assets at FVTPL                       (724)        7,045          4,915 
                                 ------------- 
                                       200,670      191,333        171,944 
                                 =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Royalty finance investments are comprised of:

 
                    30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                  (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                       GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Non-current         174,149      158,540        149,853 
  Current              26,521       32,793         22,091 
                      200,670      191,333        171,944 
                =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Royalty investment net income on the face of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income comprises:

 
                                           Period      Year to         Period 
                                               to                          to 
                                        30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                      (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                           GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Royalty interest                         12,559       21,364         10,234 
  Royalty premiums                          1,760            -              - 
  (Loss) / gain on royalty assets 
   at FVTPL                                 (724)        7,045          4,916 
  Loss on royalty liabilities 
   at FVTPL                                  (81)        (143)           (71) 
                                           13,514       28,266         15,079 
                                    =============  ===========  ============= 
 

All financial assets held at FVTPL are mandatorily measured as such.

The Group's royalty investment assets comprise royalty financing agreements with 15 (30 September 2022: 13, 31 March 2023: 15) investees. Under the terms of these agreements the Group advances funds in exchange for annualised royalty distributions. The distributions are adjusted based on the change in the investees' revenues, subject to a floor and a cap. The financing is secured by way of fixed and floating charges over certain of the investees' assets. The investees are provided with buyback options, exercisable at certain stages of the agreements.

   7.       Loan investments 

Loan investments are financial assets held at amortised cost which the exception of the GBP2.2 million loan issued at 0% interest. The impact of discounting is immaterial to the financial statements. The below table shows both the loans at amortised cost and fair value.

 
                               30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                             (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                  GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Brought forward                  4,652        4,172          4,172 
  Additions                            -        2,500            700 
  Buybacks                             -      (2,000)              - 
  Expected credit losses               -         (20)              - 
                                   4,652        4,652          4,872 
                           =============  ===========  ============= 
 

The Group's loan investments comprise secured loans advanced to two entities (30 September 2022: two, 31 March 2023: two) in connection with the Group's royalty investments.

The loans comprise fixed rate loans of GBP4,652,000 (30 September 2022: GBP4,872,000, 31 March 2023: GBP4,652,000) which bear interest at rates of between 0% and 15%.

The loans mature as follows:

 
                              30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                            (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                 GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  In less than one year               -            -          1,000 
  In one to two years                 -            -              - 
  In two to five years            4,652        4,652          3,872 
                                  4,652        4,652          4,872 
                          =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Loan investment net income on the face of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income comprises:

 
                         Period      Year to         Period 
                             to                          to 
                      30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                    (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                         GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Loan interest             259          339            173 
                  =============  ===========  ============= 
 

ECL Analysis

The measurement of ECLs is primarily based on the product of the instrument's probability of default ("PD"), loss given default ("LGD"), and exposure at default ("EAD"). The Group analyses a range of factors to determine the credit risk of each investment. These include, but are not limited to:

   --           liquidity and cash flows of the underlying businesses 
   --           security strength 
   --           covenant cover 
   --           balance sheet strength 

If there is a material change in these factors, the weighting of either the PD, LGD or EAD increases, thereby increasing the ECL impairment.

The disclosure below presents the gross and net carrying value of the Group' loan investments by stage:

 
                                  Gross                       Net 
                               carrying    Allowance     Carrying 
                                 amount     for ECLs       amount 
  As at 30 September 2023        GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
  Stage 1                         4,692         (40)        4,652 
  Stage 2                             -            -            - 
  Stage 3                             -            -            - 
                                  4,692         (40)        4,652 
                            ===========  ===========  =========== 
 
 
                                                               Net 
                          Gross carrying    Allowance     Carrying 
                                  amount     for ECLs       amount 
  As at 31 March 2023             GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
  Stage 1                          4,692         (40)        4,652 
  Stage 2                              -            -            - 
  Stage 3                              -            -            - 
                                   4,692         (40)        4,652 
                        ================  ===========  =========== 
 
 
                                                                   Net 
                              Gross carrying    Allowance     Carrying 
                                      amount     for ECLs       amount 
  As at 30 September 2022             GBP000       GBP000       GBP000 
 
  Stage 1                              4,892         (20)        4,872 
  Stage 2                                  -            -            - 
  Stage 3                                  -            -            - 
                                       4,892         (20)        4,872 
                            ================  ===========  =========== 
 

Under the ECL model introduced by IFRS 9, impairment provisions are driven by changes in credit risk of instruments, with a provision for lifetime expected credit losses recognised where the risk of default of an instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition.

The credit risk profile of the investments has not increased materially and they remain Stage 1 assets. No ECLs have been charged in the period on these assets as they are not deemed material.

The following table analyses Group's provision for ECL's by stage for the period ended 30 September 2023:

 
                                    Stage     Stage     Stage     Total 
                                        1         2         3 
                                   GBP000    GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 
  At 1 April 2022 and 30 
   September 2022                      72         -         -        72 
  Expected credit losses 
   on loan investments in 
   period                              22         -         -        22 
  Refinanced loans                    (2)                           (2) 
                                 --------                      -------- 
  Carrying value at 31 
   March 2023 and 30 September 
   2023                                92         -         -        92 
                                 ========  --------  --------  ======== 
 
   8.       Equity investments 

Equity investments are financial assets held at FVTPL.

 
                                       30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                     (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                          GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Brought forward                         13,529       10,820         10,820 
  Additions                                1,525          500              - 
  (Loss) / gain on equity assets 
   held at FVTPL                         (3,490)        2,209            485 
                                          11,564       13,529         11,305 
                                   =============  ===========  ============= 
 

The Group's equity investments comprise unlisted shares in 12 of its royalty investment companies (30 September 2022: 10, 31 March 2023: 11).

The Group also still holds two (30 September 2022: two, 31 March 2023: two) unlisted investments in mining entities from its previous investment objectives. The Board does not consider there to be any future cash flows from the remaining investments and they are fully written down to nil value.

Equity investment net income on the face of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income comprises:

 
                                               Period      Year to         Period 
                                                   to                          to 
                                            30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                          (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                               GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  (Loss) / gain on equity investments 
   at FVTPL                                   (3,490)        2,209            485 
  Dividend income                                  48            3              - 
                                              (3,442)        2,212            485 
                                        =============  ===========  ============= 
 
   9.       Royalty debt liabilities 

Royalty debt liabilities are financial liabilities held at FVTPL.

 
                                      30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                    (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                         GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Brought forward                         1,142        1,111          1,111 
  Payments made                            (68)        (112)           (57) 
  Loss on financial assets held 
   at FVTPL                                  81          143             71 
                                  ------------- 
                                          1,155        1,142          1,125 
                                  =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Royalty debt liabilities are comprised of:

 
                    30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                  (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                       GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Current                 167          154            165 
  Non-current             988          988            960 
                        1,155        1,142          1,125 
                =============  ===========  ============= 
 
   10.     Trade and other receivables 
 
                                       30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                     (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                          GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Current 
  Prepayments and accrued income              25           59              8 
  Other receivables                        1,504        2,231          2,286 
                                   -------------  -----------  ------------- 
                                           1,529        2,290          2,294 
                                   =============  ===========  ============= 
 

The other receivable balance consists of funds due on the sale of Duke Royalty Switzerland Gmbh, incorporated to hold the riverboat assets. On 31 March 2021, Duke sold its Swiss subsidiary to Starling Fleet AG for EUR11,600,000. The deal was structured so that EUR5,000,000 was payable on or before 30 September 2021 and EUR4,000,000 was due on or before 30 September 2022. Of the remaining EUR2,600,000, EUR867,000 was paid in September 2023, with the remainder due on or before 30 September 2024. The outstanding balance is accruing interest at 10% er annum.

Using the same methodology as laid out in note 7 for the loan investments, the deferred consideration has been subject to ECL impairment. The financial strength of the counterparty has been reviewed in conjunction with current and future outlook for river cruising, while also considering the charges that the Group owns over the riverboats. No impairment was recognised in the period to 30 September 2023.

   11.     Trade and other payables 
 
                                     30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                   (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                        GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Current 
  Trade payables                            20            6              8 
  Transaction costs                        316          315            279 
  Accruals and deferred income             118          112          1,136 
                                           454          433          1,423 
                                 -------------  -----------  ------------- 
  Non-current 
  Transaction costs                      1,286        1,314          1,331 
 
                                         1,740        1,747          2,754 
                                 -------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   12.     Borrowings 
 
                                   30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                 (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                      GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Secured loan 
  Current - accrued interest             527          441            337 
  Non-current                         59,351       53,930         34,363 
                                      59,878       54,371         34,700 
                               =============  ===========  ============= 
 

In January 2023, the Group entered into a new credit facility agreement with Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and certain of its subsidiaries ("Fairfax") and issued Fairfax 41,615,134 warrants. Refer to Note 15 for details. The facility term is up to GBP100m to replace Duke's existing GBP55m million term and revolving facilities. The credit facility has a five-year term, expiring in January 2028 with a bullet repayment on expiry and no amortisation payments during the five-year term. Furthermore, the interest rate is equal to SONIA plus 5.00% per annum.

The Group has adopted Interest Rate Benchmark Reform - IBOR 'phase 2' (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and 16). Applying the practical expedient introduced by the amendments, when the benchmarks affecting the Group's loans are replaced, the adjustments to the contractual cash flows will be reflected as an adjustment to the effective interest rate. Therefore, the replacement of the loans' benchmark interest rate will not result in an immediate gain or loss recorded in profit or loss, which may have been required if the practical expedient was not available or adopted.

At 30 September 202 3, GBP37,000,000 was undrawn on the facility ( 30 September 2022: GBP20,250,000, 31 March 2023: GBP42,000,000 ).

Costs and fees of GBP1,439,000 were capitalised against the new credit facility. At 30 September 2023, GBP1,247,000 of unamortised fees were outstanding (30 September 2022: GBP387,000, 31 March 2023: GBP1,391,000).

The table below sets out an analysis of net debt and the movements in net debt for the period ended 30 September 2023, the prior period and the year ended 31 March 2023.

 
                                             Interest 
                                              Payable    Borrowings 
                                               GBP000        GBP000 
 
  At 1 April 2022                                 362        47,740 
  Cash movements 
  Loan advanced                                     -         5,050 
  Loan repaid                                       -      (18,500) 
  Interest paid                               (1,872)             - 
  Other finance costs paid                       (30)             - 
  Non-cash movements 
  Deferred finance costs released to P&L            -            73 
  Interest charged                            1,862               - 
  Other finance costs charged                      15             - 
  As at 30 September 2022                         337        34,363 
                                           ==========  ============ 
 
 
 
  Cash movements 
  Loan advanced                                    -      66,200 
  Loan repaid                                      -    (42,950) 
  Deferred finance costs paid                      -     (2,347) 
  Interest paid                              (2,104)           - 
  Non-cash movements 
  Deferred finance costs released to P&L 
   - old facility                                          1,343 
  Deferred finance costs released to P&L 
   - new facility                                  -          92 
  Issue of warrants                                -     (2,771) 
  Interest charged                             2,193           - 
  Other finance costs charged                     15           - 
  As at 31 March 2023                            441      53,930 
                                           =========  ========== 
 
 
                                             Interest 
                                              Payable    Borrowings 
                                               GBP000        GBP000 
 
  At 1 April 2023                                 441        53,930 
 
  Cash movements 
  Loan advanced                                     -         5,000 
  Loan repaid                                       -             - 
  Interest paid                               (2,819)             - 
  Non-cash movements 
  Deferred finance costs released to P&L            -           421 
  Interest charged                              2,905             - 
  As at 30 September 2023                         527        59,351 
                                           ==========  ============ 
 
   13.     Goodwill 
 
                                     30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                   (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                        GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Goodwill arising on business 
   combination                             203          203            203 
                                 =============  ===========  ============= 
 
   14.     Share capital 
 
                                        External    Treasury      Total 
                                          Shares      Shares     shares 
                                             No.         No.        No.     GBP000 
  Allotted, called up 
   and fully paid 
  At 31 March 2022                       348,614      10,190    358,804    153,974 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Shares issued for cash 
   during the period                      57,143           -     57,143     20,000 
  Share issuance costs                         -           -          -    (1,115) 
  Shares issued to directors 
   and key advisers as remuneration          205           -        205         80 
  At 30 September 2022                   405,962      10,190    416,152    172,939 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
  Shares issued to Employee 
   Benefit Trust during 
   the period                                  -       1,382      1,382          - 
  PSA shares vested during 
   the year                                1,800     (1,800)          -          - 
  At 31 March 2023                      407,762        9,772    417,534    172,939 
                                      ----------  ----------  ---------  --------- 
 
  Shares issued to Employee 
   Benefit Trust during 
   the period                                  -       3,955      3,955          - 
  PSA shares vested during 
   the year                                7,665     (7,665)          -          - 
  At 31 September 2023                   415,427       6,062    421,489    172,939 
                                      ==========  ==========  =========  ========= 
 

There is a single class of shares. There are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends and the repayment of capital with respect to externally held shares. The shares held by the Duke Royalty Employee Benefit Trust are treated as treasury shares. The rights to dividends and voting rights have been waived in respect of these shares.

   15.     Equity-settled share-based payments 

Warrant reserve

There were no movements in the warrant reserve during the period:

 
                                            Warrants 
                                       No. (000)    GBP000 
 
  At 1 April and 30 September 2022         4,375       265 
  Issued during the period                41,615     2,771 
  Lapsed during the period               (2,000)         - 
                                     -----------  -------- 
  At 31 March 2023                        43,990     3,036 
                                     -----------  -------- 
 
  Lapsed during the period               (2,375)         - 
                                     -----------  -------- 
  At 30 September 2023                    41,615     3,036 
                                     ===========  ======== 
 

In January 2023, Duke issued 41,615,134 warrants to Fairfax. The warrants expire in January 2028 and have an exercise price of 45 pence. As per IFRS 2, the warrants have been valued using the Black Scholes model. A total expense of GBP2,771,000 has been capitalised and will be amortised over the life of the warrants. In the period to 30 September 2023, an expense of GBP277,000 (30 September 2022: GBPnil, 31 March 2023: GBP92,000) was recognised through finance costs in relation to the warrants.

At 30 September 2023, 41,615,000 (30 September 2022: 4,375,000, 31 March 2023 43,990,000) warrants were outstanding and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of 45 pence (30 September 2022: 46 pence, 31 March 2023: 45 pence). The weighted average remaining contractual life of the warrants outstanding was 4.26 years (30 September 2022: 0.50 years, 31 March 2023: 4.56 years).

Share-based payment reserve

The following table shows the movements in the share-based payment reserve during the period:

 
                           Share options      LTIP     Total 
                                  GBP000    GBP000    GBP000 
 
  At 1 April 2022                    136     2,342     2,478 
  LTIP awards                          -       458       458 
                         ---------------  --------  -------- 
  At 30 September 2022               136    2,800      2,936 
 
  LTIP awards                          -       511     511 
                         ---------------  --------  -------- 
  At 31 March 2023                   136     3,311     3,447 
 
  LTIP awards                          -       537       537 
                         ---------------  --------  -------- 
  At 30 September 2023               136     3,848     3,984 
                         ===============  ========  ======== 
 

Share option scheme

The Group operates a share option scheme ("the Scheme"). The Scheme was established to incentivise Directors, staff and key advisers and consultants to deliver long-term value creation for shareholders.

Under the Scheme, the Board of the Company will award, at its sole discretion, options to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of the Company on terms and at exercise prices and with vesting and exercise periods to be determined at the time. However, the Board of the Company has agreed not to grant options such that the total number of unexercised options represents more than four per cent of the Company's Ordinary Shares in issue from time to time. Options vest immediately and lapse five years from the date of grant.

No share options were granted during the period to 30 September 2023.

At 30 September 2023, 200,000 options (30 September 2022: 200,000, 31 March 2023: 200,000) were outstanding and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of 50 pence (30 September 2022: 50 pence, 31 March 2023: 50 pence). The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding at the period end was 0.10 year (30 September 2022: 1.00 year, 31 March 2023: 1.50 years).

Long Term Incentive Plan

Under the rules of the Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") the Remuneration Committee may grant Performance Share Awards ("PSAs") which vest after a period of three years and are subject to various performance conditions. The LTIP awards will be subject to a performance condition based 50 per cent on total shareholder return ("TSR") and 50 per cent on total cash available for distribution ("TCAD per share"). TSR can be defined as the returns generated by shareholders based on the combined value of the dividends paid out by the Company and the share price performance over the period in question. Upon vesting the awards are issued fully paid.

The fair value of the LTIP awards consists of (a) the fair value of the TSR portion; and (b) the fair value of the TCAD per share portion. Since no consideration is paid for the awards, the fair value of the awards is based on the share price at the date of grant, as adjusted for the probability of the vesting of the performance conditions. Since the performance condition in respect of the TSR portion is a market condition, the probability of vesting is not revisited following the date of grant. The probability of vesting of the TCAD per share portion, containing a non-market condition, is reassessed at each reporting date. The resulting fair values are recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the awards.

3,663,000 performance share awards (PSAs) were granted during the period to 30 September 2023 (30 September 2022: nil, 31 March 2023: 3,955,000).

At 30 September 2023, 9,726,000 (30 September 2022: 12,298,000, 31 March 2023: 13,727,000) PSAs were outstanding. The weighted average remaining vesting period of these awards outstanding was 1.49 years (30 September 2022: 1.44 years, 31 March 2023: 1.20 years).

   16.     Distributable reserves 

Under Guernsey law, the Company can pay dividends provided it satisfies the solvency test prescribed by the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The solvency test considers whether the Company is able to pay its debts when they fall due, and whether the value of the Company's assets is greater than its liabilities. The Company satisfied the solvency test in respect of the dividends declared in the period.

   17.     Dividends 

The following interim dividends have been recorded in the period to 30 September 2023, 31 March 2023 and 30 September 2022:

 
                                                   Dividend      Dividends 
                                                        per 
                                                      share        payable 
  Record date               Payment date        pence/share         GBP000 
 
  25-Mar-22            12-Apr-22                       0.70          2,440 
  01-Jul-22            12-Jul-22                       0.70          2,842 
  Dividends payable for the period ended 30 September 
   2022                                                              5,282 
                                                             ============= 
 
                                                   Dividend      Dividends 
                                                        per 
                                                      share        payable 
  Record date               Payment date        pence/share         GBP000 
 
  30-Sep-22            12-Oct-22                       0.70          2,842 
  23-Dec-22            12-Jan-23                       0.70          2,854 
  Dividends payable for the period ended 31 March 
   2023                                                              5,696 
                                                             ============= 
 
  31-Mar-23            12-Apr-23                       0.70          2,854 
  23-Jun-23            12-Jul-23                       0.70          2,855 
  Dividends payable for the period ended 30 September 
   2023                                                              5,709 
                                                             ============= 
 

On 29 September 2023 the Company approved a further quarterly cash dividend of 0.70 pence per share, totalling GBP2,908,000, which was paid on 12 October 2023.

   18.     Deferred tax 
 
                                              Total 
                                            GBP000s 
 
  1 April 2022                                  156 
  Credited / (charged) to profit & loss         (1) 
                                          --------- 
  At 30 September 2022                          155 
 
  Credited / (charged) to profit & loss          45 
                                          --------- 
  At 31 March 2023                              200 
 
  Charged to profit & loss                        - 
  At 30 September 2023                          200 
                                          ========= 
 

A deferred tax asset has been recognised as it is expected that future available taxable profits will be available against which the Group can use against the tax losses.

   19.     Related parties 

Directors' fees

The following fees were payable to the Directors during the period:

 
                                   Period      Year to         Period 
                                       to                          to 
                                30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                              (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                   GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Short term remuneration             831        1,012            734 
  Share-based payments                256          464            211 
                                    1,087        1,476            945 
                            =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Other related party transactions

The following amounts were paid to related parties during the period in respect of support services fees:

 
                                            Period      Year to         Period 
                                                to                          to 
                                         30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                       (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                            GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Abingdon Capital Corporation                 263          425            205 
  Arlington Group Asset Management 
   Limited                                      50           93             43 
                                               313          518            248 
                                     =============  ===========  ============= 
 

Support Service Agreements with Abingdon Capital Corporation ("Abingdon"), a company of which Neil Johnson is a director, and Arlington Group Asset Management Limited ("Arlington"), a company of which Charles Cannon Brookes is a director, were signed on 16 June 2015. Fees paid to these companies relate to the recharge of office rental costs. Abingdon fees also includes fees relating to remuneration of staff residing in North America.

Dividends

The following dividends were paid to related parties:

 
                                 Period      Year to         Period 
                                     to                          to 
                              30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                            (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                 GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
 
  Directors (1)                     196          354            186 
  Other related parties              50           92             27 
                                    246          446            213 
                          =============  ===========  ============= 
 

(1) Includes dividends paid to Abinvest Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Abingdon Capital Corporation, and to Arlington Group Asset Management

   20.     Fair value measurements 

Fair value hierarchy

IFRS 13 requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level of the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 : Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the entity can readily observe.

Level 2: Inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Inputs that are not based on observable market date (unobservable inputs).

The Group has classified its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed as follows:

 
                                       30-Sep-23    31-Mar-23      30-Sep-22 
                                     (unaudited)    (audited)    (unaudited) 
                                          GBP000       GBP000         GBP000 
  Financial assets 
  Financial assets at FVTPL 
  - Royalty finance investments          200,670      191,333        171,944 
  - Equity investments                    11,564       13,529         11,305 
                                         212,234      204,862        183,249 
                                   =============  ===========  ============= 
 
  Financial liabilities 
  Financial liabilities at FVTPL 
  - Royalty debt liabilities               1,155        1,142          1,125 
                                   =============  ===========  ============= 
 

The following table presents the changes in level 3 items for the periods ended 30 September 2023, 31 March 2023 and 30 September 2022:

 
                              Financial      Financial 
                                 Assets    Liabilities       Total 
                                 GBP000         GBP000      GBP000 
 
  At 31 March 2022              171,299        (1,111)     170,188 
  Additions                       6,550              -       6,550 
  Royalty income received      (15,079)              -    (15,079) 
  RP liability paid                   -             57          57 
  Net change in FV               20,479           (70)      20,409 
                            -----------  -------------  ---------- 
  At 30 September 2022          183,249        (1,124)     182,125 
  Additions                      17,759                     17,759 
  Royalty income received      (13,187)                   (13,187) 
  RP liability paid                   -             55          55 
  Net change in FV               17,041           (73)      16,968 
                            -----------  -------------  ---------- 
  At 31 March 2023              204,862        (1,142)     203,720 
  Additions                      18,628              -      18,628 
  Repayments                    (7,041)              -     (7,041) 
  Royalty income received        11,959              -      11,959 
  RP liability paid                   -             68          68 
  Net change in FV             (16,174)           (81)    (16,255) 
  At 30 September 2023          212,234        (1,155)     211,079 
                            ===========  =============  ========== 
 

Valuation techniques used to determine fair values

The fair value of the Group's financial instruments is determined using discounted cash flow analysis and all the resulting fair value estimates are included in level 3.

Valuation processes

The main level 3 inputs used by the Group are derived and evaluated as follows:

Annual adjustment factors for royalty investments and royalty participation liabilities

These factors are estimated based upon the underlying past and projected performance of the royalty investee companies together with general market conditions.

Discount rates for financial assets and liabilities

These are initially estimated based upon the projected internal rate of return of the royalty investment and subsequently adjusted to reflect changes in credit risk determined by the Group's Investment Committee.

Changes in level 3 fair values are analysed at the end of each reporting period and reasons for the fair value movements are documented.

Valuation inputs and relationships to fair value

The following summary outlines the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 fair value measurements:

Royalty investments

The unobservable inputs are the annual adjustment factor and the discount rate. The range of annual adjustment factors used is -6.0% to 6.0% and the range of risk-adjusted discount rates is 14.7% to 17.4%.

Equity investments

The unobservable inputs are the EBITDA multiples and forward-looking EBITDA. The range of EBITDA multiples used is 5.3x to 10.0x (5.0x to 7.8x).

Royalty participation instruments

The unobservable inputs are the annual adjustment factor and the discount rate. The range of annual adjustment factors used is -6.0% to 6.0% and the range of risk-adjusted discount rates is 16.3% to 17.4%.

   21.     Events after the financial reporting date 

Dividends

On 12 October 2023, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of 0.70 pence per share.

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IR KFLFLXFLFFBE

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 22, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

Duke Capital (AQSE:DUKE.GB)
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