Panther Securities Annual Report 2023

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FY2023 Annual Report · Panther Securities

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ANNUAL REPORT &
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2023

Company number 00293147

Andrew Perloff

(Chairman)

Joined: 1972

Simon Peters

(Chief Executive &
Finance Director)

Joined: 2004

John Perloff

(Executive
Director)

Joined: 1994

Peter Kellner

(Non-Executive
Director)

Joined: 1994

Bryan Galan

(Non-Executive
Director)

Joined: 1994

Jonathan Rhodes

(Non-Executive
Director)

Joined: 2023

Paul Saunders

(Non-Executive
Director)

Joined: 2023

Raphael Rotstein

Jack Bispham

(Associate
Finance Director)

Joined: 2017

(Joint Head of
Property)

Joined: 2011

Richard Swan

(Joint Head of
Property)

Joined: 2010

Anthony Kellner

(Solicitor)

Joined: 2006

Vandana Shah

(Finance
Controller)

Joined: 2017

Jessica Davies

(Junior Commercial
Surveyor)

Joined 2024

Ingrid Tack

(Architectural
Technician)

Joined: 2019

Lee-Anna Mayers

Tara Norrington

(Property
Manager)

Joined: 2014

(Property Administration
Manager)

Joined: 2018

Yvonne Headlam

Marsha Vaknine

Kerry Howard

(Reception)

(PA to Chairman)

Joined: 2005

Joined: 2017

Joined: 1988

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Contents

Review of the Year

Directors, Secretary and Advisors

The Year in Brief

Chairman’s Statement

Chairman’s Ramblings

Governance Report

Group Strategic Report

Directors’ Report

Corporate Governance

Financial Report

Independent Auditors’ Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position

Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements

Shareholder Information

Notice of Annual General Meeting

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Directors, Secretary and Advisors

Directors

Andrew Perloff (Chairman)
Simon Peters (Finance Director and Chief Executive)
John Perloff (Executive)
Bryan Galan (Non – executive)*
Peter Kellner (Non – executive)*
Jonathan Rhodes (Non – executive)*
Paul Saunders (Non – executive)*

Company Secretary

Simon Peters

Registered Office

Unicorn House, Station Close, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1TL

Company number

00293147

Website

www.pantherplc.com

Auditor

Crowe U.K. LLP
55 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7JW

Bankers

HSBC Bank PLC
31 Holborn, London, EC1N 4HR

Santander Corporate Banking
2 Triton Square, Regents Place, London, NW1 3AN

Nomad, Financial Advisors
and Joint Brokers

Allenby Capital Limited
5 St Helen’s Place, London, EC3A 6AB

Joint Brokers

Raymond James Investment Services Limited
Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker St, London, EC2Y 9LY

Registrars

Link Group
Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL

Solicitors

Howard Kennedy LLP
1 London Bridge, London, SE1 9BG

Fox Williams LLP
10 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1AF

DMH Stallard LLP
6 New Street Square, New Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 3BF

Brodies LLP
110 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3BX

* Member of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee
Note:
On 1 January 2022 Simon Peters became CEO, prior to this date it was Andrew Perloff.
On 1 November 2022 Jonathan Rhodes became a Non- Executive director.
On 31 January 2023 Paul Saunders became a Non- Executive director.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

The Year in Brief

Revenue – rents receivable

Profit before tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Net assets of the Group

Earnings per 25p ordinary share
Basic and diluted – continuing operations

Dividend per ordinary share
(based on those proposed in relation to the financial year)

Net assets attributable to ordinary shareholders per 25p ordinary share

2023
£’000

14,457

5,499

4,470

2022
£’000

13,411

22,902

17,173

111,872

111,227

25.3p

96.6p

22p*

640p

12p**

637p

* 10p special paid in February 2023, 6p interim paid in October 2023 and 6p final is due to be paid in July 2024, subject to shareholder approval.
** 6p interim paid in October 2022 and 6p final was paid in July 2023.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Statement

I am pleased to present the results for the year ended 31 December 2023 which show a profit before tax of £5,499,000
compared to a profit before tax of £22,902,000 for the previous year ended 31 December 2022.

Both of the above figures are substantially affected by the movement in our swap position amounting to a reduction of
£1,962,000 in the swap value of the balance sheet for 2023. Whilst the movement in our swap position affects our stated
profitability, it is important to note that this is a non-cash item. Even with this reduction during 2023, the swap liability we
have carried on our balance sheet since 2008 continues to be an asset for the second year running but reduced to
£2,505,000. The change is mainly due to the market expectation of lower interest rates, which are expected to be in
place over the life of the instruments, as at 31 December 2023 compared to the position anticipated by the market as
at 31 December 2022. Our swap arrangements (detailed in the notes to the accounts) are very beneficial to our Group.

Rents Receivable
It is pleasing to see the rents receivable growing to approaching £14,500,000, almost a £1,050,000 increase. This was due
in some part to the acquisition of the Chorley Industrial Estate and the large Trowbridge factory, both acquired in 2022
with 2023 benefitting from a full year’s income, but also benefitting from general growth in rentals.

Our profits were held back somewhat in 2023 by costs of repairs and both reconfigurations and conversions of some of
the larger properties which will have helped to achieve re-lettings which are now taking place. However, we also received
about £750,000 from a number of dilapidation and surrender settlements which go a long way to cover the costs of these
repairs and other works etc., which include monies being spent, and this is an ongoing programme, to comply with higher
standards of energy performance certificate (EPC) requirements.

Disposal

Woodland Close, Torquay

A tired factory on a desirable industrial estate on the outskirts of Torquay which had been owned since August 2007 but
vacant for some time, was sold to an adjoining owner at £950,000 which showed a good profit on its most recent
valuation. We retain the separate more modern factory almost adjoining this property which was purchased at the same
time as the previous property, and which now shows an excellent return following a recent settlement of the rent review.

Property Revaluation

The entire portfolio was revalued to a total of £185,000,000 as at 31 December 2023 compared to £177,000,000 as at
31 December 2022. The new figures include the purchase cost of a freehold vacant warehouse in Peterborough
purchased for circa £3,000,000 which was let soon after, and a freehold double shop in Cliftonville already let to Boots Plc.
This shows the pre-existing portfolio increasing in value by £5,500,000 after allowing for the sale of the Torquay freehold
for £950,000.

Acquisitions

Cliftonville

A freehold double shop with large residential upper parts at 192/194 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, mainly let to Boots Plc
at £25,000 pa, was purchased for £464,000 in March 2023. This property adjoins the property we have long owned in this
location, and both have large rear gardens which may provide some development potential in due course.

Peterborough

A 50,000 sq ft freehold single storey warehouse in Padholme Road East, Peterborough on a site of 3.84 acres was
acquired vacant in October 2023 for £2,800,000 (including purchase costs) and soon after let for £345,000 pa to AHF
trading as Fabb, a regional furniture retailer. The Lessee was granted a 5-month rent free period and also a £120,000
capital contribution to upgrade the unit to the standard they required. We understand the ingoing tenant spent circa
£400,000 on the property on top of our contribution. The letting was a related party transaction, as covered in note 32
to the accounts.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Statement continued

Developments

Peterborough

The former Beales store in Peterborough was vacated by New Start 2020 Limited, trading as Beales, in February 2023.
The store was uneconomical for them due to high business rates applied to the trading area. We had made a planning
application for a mixed-use development of shops/offices and 124 residential units. I am pleased to say full planning
permission was granted on 18 July 2023. The Section 106 has been agreed and signed. The opportunity is on the market
for sale.

Swindon

I have previously reported on our two planning permissions on this central Swindon site and the proposed new 250 year
lease. As a reminder, the first planning permission is for a leisure/restaurant two storey development and the second
planning permission is a ground floor leisure/restaurant only but with a tower block with eight floors above, which would
contain circa 68 residential units. I thought full permission and a lease extension agreement was practically a ‘fait accompli’.
It was, but the buffers appeared due to a new political council in control of the administration after council elections. We
awaited their proposals and due to their planning and legal departments’ enormously slow delays to all communications,
our lease extension was not completed and was delayed so long that the planning permission lapsed. A new planning
application, alongside other possibilities, is currently being considered.

Barry Parade, Peckham Rye

Our original attractive scheme for this site was eventually rejected at appeal. Whilst this application was made at appeal,
we also submitted a similar proposal with reduced residential units but higher commercial elements. This is still going
through planning and will be decided under delegated powers, hopefully ensuring a positive outcome in due course.
Currently, we are negotiating the S.106 agreement which will include an extortionate commuted sum in lieu of us providing
affordable units (four affordable units out of a nine unit scheme). Due to the number of units and the layout of the scheme,
we are already aware that no affordable housing providers would be interested, which is forcing us to pay the commuted
sum.

Directors
We have two relatively new independent non-executive directors, the details for whom have been previously mentioned
but some of our newer shareholders may have missed the earlier important announcements of their appointment.

Jonathan Rhodes – has over 35 years of experience in the property sector and is a RICS Registered Valuer. He is currently
the National Head of Valuation at Cluttons LLP, having previously held the same position at GL Hearn. Prior to these two
roles he has been a valuation partner since the year 2000 at DTZ and Donaldsons, having previously worked at Chesterton
and Colliers. He joined us in November 2022.

Paul Saunders – has over 40 years of experience at HSBC, predominately in investment and development within the real
estate sector. His most recent role within HSBC was as a Director within the Real Estate Corporate Capital Origination
team from 2014 until 2022. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) and joined us in January 2023.

Both Jonathan Rhodes and Paul Saunders have a wealth of experience added to our Board, which should prove invaluable
to our future growth, and their ideas and advice are already benefitting our Group.

Post Balance Sheet Events
Our new loan facility, for which negotiations commenced in March 2023 was completed as described below, of course,
being most welcome as it removed a small degree of uncertainty.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Statement continued

Loans
I am pleased to confirm that on 28 March 2024, the Group refinanced by completing a new facility of £68 million, split
between a £55 million term loan and a £13 million revolving facility. The new facility has a four-year term (with a further
one-year option to extend subject to credit approval). The interest rate payable is 2.3 per cent over three-month SONIA
with a ratchet that can take it to 2.5 per cent over three-month SONIA in certain circumstances (compared to the
previous facility which was 2.7 per cent over SONIA). HSBC and Santander remain as the joint providers of the new facility.
£64,125,000 of the available facility is currently being utilised.

We are very pleased to continue our mutually beneficial 41 years and 14 year relationships with HSBC and Santander
respectively which we hope will continue to grow.

The Group is in a fortunate position whereby it will continue to benefit from its existing interest rate swap arrangements,
which provide effective fixed interest rate protection that is significantly below the current SONIA rates, in relation to
£60 million of the £68 million new facility. The Group’s interest rate swaps provide a fixed interest rate of 3.40 per cent.
in relation to £35 million of the new facility and a fixed interest rate of 2.01 per cent. in relation to £25 million of the new
facility. The durations of the Group’s existing swaps are beyond the term of the new facility.

Future Progress
There is an election approaching which will probably bring change in a number of areas, but I foresee many exciting
opportunities because of the mayhem that is caused by any change of political direction and different extra impositions
on the property and investment sector.

Charitable Donations
We continue to support a number of charities, especially if they are in areas that we operate and have interests in.

Political Donations
At last year’s AGM I proposed a resolution to donate £20,000 to the Reform UK political party and this was successfully
passed with over two to one of those who voted, voting in favour. As previously, I will abstain voting my personal holding.
This year, being an election year, I am proposing the donation be increased to £25,000.

The present Conservative government to my mind has lost the plot, i.e., the values that many people hold about preferring
a massive reduction in immigration numbers. They also seem unable to provide low taxation or tax policies that encourage
employment and investment not realising that some taxes being lowered will produce a larger tax take.

They have disallowed VAT rebates on expensive purchases by overseas tourists, whereby many of these high spending
tourists go to other equally delightful major cities such as Paris, Milan or Barcelona for their shopping trips thus delivering
a bonus of extra tax receipts to these countries via loss of other tourism spending on hotels etc., which is non-refundable.

The ridiculous inadequacies of the business rates that are currently charged when the original rules worked well, before
the gerrymandering of subsequent governments. The increases in property taxation by way of constant changes in
stamp duty, thus creating complex advice needed for nearly every transaction, charging extra stamp duty on second
homes, then second homes being charged double Council Tax for less services. Also having to suffer higher Capital Gains
Tax compared to commercial Capital Gains Tax when profitably realised and yet they still have the cheek to call
themselves a Conservative government.

Despite the highest level of taxation since the last world war, we receive bad and slow service from practically every
bureaucratic department of government. I can’t stop my diatribe, so I have transferred some of my venom to my
Ramblings.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Statement continued

We have for some time paid a trade subscription of £7,500 to The Taxpayers Alliance who are an independent association
that watches over government expenditure looking for waste and self-aggrandisement amongst the myriad of council
executives who are forever claiming council poverty and putting up council tax charges but at the same time increasing
their senior employees’ pay by unreasonable amounts. This was recently exposed by most national newspapers via
information researched and supplied by The Taxpayers Alliance. Their website is taxpayersalliance.com. I recommend
shareholders who can, donate to this independent organisation who are looking out for the interests of all taxpayers by
helping to make wasteful expenditure and unreasonable costs to become publicly known.

Dividends
The Directors have recommended a payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 6p per share,
following the special dividend which was paid on 10 February 2023 of 10p per share, and an interim dividend which was paid
on 27 October 2023 of 6p per share. This year’s final dividend of 6p per share will be payable on 17 July 2024 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 28 June 2024 (ex-dividend on 27 June 2024).

The full dividends for the year ended 31 December 2023 are therefore anticipated to be 22p per share, subject to
shareholder approval, being the 6p interim per share paid, 10p special per share paid and the recommended final dividend
of 6p per share.

Finally, I repeat my thanks to our small but dedicated team of staff, growing team of financial advisers, legal advisers,
agents and accountants for all their hard work during the past year.

Special thanks and good wishes are in order for our tenants many of whom are comparatively small entrepreneurial
businesses and I hope they are able to continue to manage through the present troubled environment and make
profitable progress.

Andrew S Perloff
Chairman

16 May 2024

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Ramblings

Most people will have seen the TV production of Mr Bates vs The Post Office which explains in much detail how the Post
Office, led from the top, prosecuted about 700 Post Office business owners for allegedly falsifying their newly installed
computer’s records to defraud the Post Office and came to favourable settlements for the Post Office with others
by threats.

The initial owners sued said it was the computer making errors and changing the figures. The Post Office experts denied
this possibility and initially told the first few complainants that they were the only case. The programme implied that this
was not true, but those in the hierarchy insisted the PO franchisees were prosecuted with many going to prison.

One Post Office owner, Mr Bates, persisted in arguing that the computer system was not only working wrongly but was
capable of being interfered with by I.T. specialists in Head Office who could adjust individual calculations the
machine made.

Some years later a sharp TV producer saw the merit in the stories and made a TV series which collated the events in
such a way as to seem to make it obvious that there had been a massive cover up at the Post Office which managed to
send hundreds of Post Office owners to prison.

Besides showing our justice system’s failure in a bad light, it caused disastrous financial circumstances for hundreds of
Post Office owners and their families which has only just started to be remedied, if that is at all possible. This story of the
mendaciousness of some of our bureaucratic masters is not yet over and will run for some time.

Individual Post Office managers/owners are entrepreneurs which are so essential to any country. The United Kingdom
is particularly lucky to have so many working for themselves or in partnerships to make our country so full of thriving
businesses that are entrepreneurial organisations.

I was once asked to define an entrepreneur and, of course, I have a story to suit.

One morning, as I was midway in my early swimming exercises, when I approached the side of the pool, I saw a small spider
(I shall call Henry) struggling in the water. It was a type commonly called a ‘money spider’. Feeling sorry for Henry’s
predicament, I carefully cupped him in my hands and deposited him about one foot away from the side of the pool.

I left Henry to dry out and expected him to run away thankful for his narrow escape. I continued my swim and on my return
to that side of the pool I saw Henry struggling again in the pool. Obviously, he was still disorientated so once again I picked
him up and put him on the side.

When I returned from my next width to width, Henry was again struggling in the water. Wondering why he could be so
foolish I again put him on the side but decided to stay and watch what happened. After about 30 seconds Henry shook
himself, then wandered to the very edge of the pool, bent all eight of his tiny legs and to my surprise positively jumped into
the pool.

I then realised that Henry was a new type of money spider, an ‘entrepreneurial spider’. Henry had realised that other
insects will be caught in the water and as Henry being a swimmer, could catch extra meal tickets, floating in what to him
was a vast expanse of food opportunities caught in the water.

This spider was an entrepreneur as it will try and try and try again until he is successful in his aims to find food and is
obviously prepared to take risks to do so.

Food Banks

A month or so ago on the way to my office, whilst delayed at some traffic lights, I noticed a long queue of people outside
our local library. I was not close enough to see exactly what attraction was on offer, but I suspected it was a food bank.

My curiosity had been aroused so the next week whilst passing I noticed that although no queue was outside, there were
a few people inside. Being a naturally ‘nosey parker’ I stopped and went and found half of the former library is now a charity
shop and that for two days a week they provided a full, free food bank service, which was of course the cause of the huge
queue I had seen previously. I was informed that food was on offer free to all comers, no questions asked. The food was
provided by retail food companies from end of date ‘best before’ labelled goods.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Ramblings continued

At the time of my inspection, they only had a small selection of foods, but I noticed bags of attractive looking bread rolls
at the front and a small selection of various other food staples.

I certainly could not recall that the large queue of people I had previously seen outside the charity shop contained any
malnourished individuals, in fact, quite the reverse.

As it happens, on the opposite side of the road to the library is the local job centre. There was no queue for that building.
In fact, no one went in whilst I was in the area! A giant Tesco was about 300 yards away but I was popping into our large
local Morrissons about one mile away – not surprisingly it was not busy.

I wonder if these ‘food banks’ are having some adverse side effects not yet fully recognised.

Another story of our time.

For several years my private company used to own Beales Department Stores, having survived for over 120 years. It
failed eventually, almost entirely due to the £4,000,000 a year business rates payable. Its losses were about £2,000,000
a year. Before purchasing the group, we had calculated that the upcoming rating revaluation should reduce rates payable
by about £2,000,000 if the then current values were assessed for taxation. However, reductions were only allowed at 5%
per annum after new rules were brought in allowing inflation increases of 3% per annum, i.e. a negligible deduction of
about 2% in overall cost. The result was inevitable after a further year or two of subsidising the company we sold it to the
management backed by a company with deeper pockets and other potential benefits. Covid arrived soon after and even
they gave up.

This ramble is not the main reason for Beales stores inclusion, but it was a pleasure to own the company. Most of the
2,000 people who worked in the stores were happy, good workers and had made friends of their colleagues including
them in their social lives. It was mostly not strenuous work and many were not well paid but liked being part of what many
thought was a club atmosphere.

Obviously, with a store card the group had records of those who were their best customers and made sure they were
alerted to any special offers or new ‘sensations’ coming to the store. These bigger spenders were known to the managers
and would usually be given special treatment whenever they arrived at their local store.

For some years, one special treat was a well-presented fashion show which all the special customers were invited to.
This went down very well and was successful for the business.

Our governments have no idea about running any business and thus they do the exact opposite of cossetting their best
customers who are of course the top 10% of taxpayers who provide about 60% of income tax receipts. They frighten
them abroad by excessive levels of top rate tax to people and families who are easily mobile if they wish to move to
financially more inviting countries, thus our government receives less funds in total.

The tax office knows how much they are losing by their political gestures but I consider that they mislead the population
who only see the very selective information released. It is so much easier to say they are raising the rate of tax the rich
pay and fail to tell us how many rich and successful taxpayers leave the country and our country’s income loss, so many
people are misinformed.

In my year end 31 December 2018 Ramblings, I included a diatribe against excessive business rates and included a cartoon
showing Great Britain as a high street graveyard listing many companies that failed, mainly because of excessive tax on
retail property. It is now updated with the additional failures in red as after six years the problems have not been addressed
as they have no idea what to do. Out of 10 grim reapers shown, only one has been slightly amended (PAYE insurance
reductions) but insufficiently to make much difference.

Perhaps it is something to do with the 9.5 million people of working age who are not working, of whom a large part exist
on the beneficence of the state who are of course supported by people who are working and thus obligatory taxpayers
and, in particular, the higher earners funded by those working people who have not yet moved to a more favourable
tax climate.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Chairman’s Ramblings continued

I believe that a significant proportion of the economically inactive people are gaming the system. It is also regularly
reported that our defence abilities are sadly lacking in weapons and experienced soldiers. Perhaps young people between
20 & 30 years old who have not had a job and receiving state benefits for over one year should perform National service
as reservists in one of the Armed Forces and be trained for six months sufficient to be considered useful fighting reserves
and be called up if an emergency arises. A 200,000 person a year call up would have a double effect as many people would
suddenly decide to find fulfilling jobs in the private sector. All reservists would be paid, receive a good conduct medal and
certificate of qualifications, if deserved, and would then be welcomed into private sector employment knowing that the
reservists had been trained in punctuality, neatness, ingenuity and made mentally fitter and healthier by rigorous training.
This would also make many of them happier knowing they are useful, important and admired citizens of merit.

Yours

Andrew S Perloff
Chairman

16 May 2024

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report

About the Group
Panther Securities PLC (“the Company” or “the Group”) is a property investment company quoted on the AIM market
(AIM) since 2013. Prior to this the Company was fully listed and included in the FTSE fledgling index, first being fully
listed as a public company in 1934. The Group currently owns and manages over 900 individual property units within
over 120 separately designated buildings over the mainland United Kingdom. The Group specialises in mainly
commercial property investing in good secondary retail, industrial units and offices, and also owns and manages many
residential flats in several town centre locations. The Group is a generalist investor, not specialising in any sector or
location in the UK and does the majority of its own management and lettings in-house. The Group takes an
entrepreneurial approach to property investing assessing each opportunity on its merits as they arise.

Strategic objective
The primary objective of the Group is to maximise long-term returns for our shareholders by stable growth in net
asset value and dividend per share, mainly via a consistent and sustainable rental income stream. The Group also seeks
out exceptional returns within its property portfolio and through acquisitions looking for value adding opportunities.

Progress indicators
Progress will be measured mainly through financial results, and the Board considers the business successful if it can
increase shareholder return and asset value in the long-term, whilst keeping acceptable levels of risk by ensuring
gearing covenants are well maintained.

Key ratios and measures

Gross profit margin (gross profit/turnover)

Loan to value*

Interest cover (actual) *

Finance cost rate (finance costs excluding lease
portion/average borrowings for the year)

Yield (rents investment properties/average market
value investment properties)

Net assets value per share

Earnings per share – continuing

Dividend per share**

Investment property acquisitions

Investment property disposal proceeds

2023

54%

39%

2022

57%

39%

2021

65%

36%

2020

73%

38%

317%

297%

281%

259%

6.7%

7.0%

7.5%

7.0%

8.4%

640p

25.3p

22.0p

£3.4m

£1.0m

8.2%

637p

96.6p

12.0p

£8.9m

£1.2m

7.9%

553p

76.4p

12.0p

£0.8m

£15.8m

7.8%

488p

14.9p

12.0p

£5.5m

£0.7m

As reported to the Lenders – based on charged property rents, borrowed funds and bank valuations as appropriate.

Based on those declared for the year.

Business review
The overall year was a good year for the Group with earnings being just over 25p per share fully covering the exception
dividend paid in 2023. Growth was driven by increased property values, being a £5.5 million increase, as well as by rental
growth (£1 million increase in annual turnover) but we saw the valuations of the financial derivatives decrease by £2 million
which had substantially improved over the last two years (2022- £19.7 million and, 2021 – £16.8 million).

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

As mentioned above the Group’s turnover grew in 2023 by £1,046,000, the big increase here relates to Maldon, our
largest letting by annual income at £800,000 pa, it was only let for three quarters of 2022, so in 2023 we received an extra
£200,000. The increase also relates to the Chorley and Trowbridge investment properties bought in 2022, but we did
not benefit from a full year’s income, so in 2023 on these two properties we received an extra circa £445,000 of income.
The rest of the increase of circa £400,000 was driven through lettings of previous vacant space and rent reviews.

Disappointingly the overall gross profits were held back, as in 2022, by higher costs, we still believe many of these items
are non-recurring, which should not be repeated, and we anticipate 2024 will be a more profitable year due to lower costs.
The Group cannot avoid all the rising costs that have affected most organisations and individuals but at least the income
has been improved to compensate.

The finance costs even though consistent over the two comparison years, 2023 and 2022, it is worth noticing the split
on the income statement, between interest payable on the floating loan and the income back on our financial derivatives
(swaps). This financial income generated by our financial derivatives (swaps) is quite considerable and expected to
increase in 2024 and the ongoing benefit is shown as a £2.5 million asset on the balance sheet.

The consolidated statement of cash flows in 2023, shows that cash improved by £0.7 million in the year, pleasingly the
cash flow from operating activities (the trading) showed a £2.3 million cash contribution, after more normal changes in
working capital (than in 2022) – and this cash was generated with what we believe to be higher than normal costs (as
mentioned above).

In terms of the statement of financial position (balance sheet), the Group saw its asset value pretty much stay static with
the net asset value per share now being 640p per share (2022 – 637p per share). The reason the asset value did not
improve further was that most of the profits for the year were paid out as dividends due to the special dividend paid early
in 2023. The Group currently shows a very large discount when comparing its prevailing share price to its current net
asset value, and the board believes this is mainly due to a lack of transactions in its shares.

Through the many downward economic cycles, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the more recent
inflationary/interest rate hike cycle (as a result of the various things including the Ukraine war) being examples, the most
important plank within the Group’s business plan is the balance within the portfolio between different asset classes and
the resulting diverse, resilient, income streams these investments provide. Over the last five years industrial properties
and the secondary “local” retail investments have performed the best in terms of growth in values and have shown resilient
income collection. We also benefit from having properties with residential elements or planning potential – which provide
back up value. Certain post COVID-19 changes have stuck with many more people still working from home which has
benefited our secondary retail with additional local footfall.

It is still our view, that secondary retail properties (which is a large part of our portfolio – over half by value) will be less
affected by the seismic change in shoppers’ habits. The average secondary retail parade has a higher proportion of
businesses which are providing non-retail offerings, even though they are shops.

Our retail parades often include service providers, restaurants or take away use, or convenience offerings, which are by
their very nature less affected than pure destination retail, or by ever changing consumer habits. In many instances, the
Web even provides additional opportunities i.e. being able to offer take away services via Just Eat etc. Even our more
traditional high street or pure retail positions are mainly large blocks in the centre of towns – which we believe will benefit
from longer-term regeneration plans from the Government and local councils for town centres. As such, if and when
some retail locations become less viable, we believe we can create value from these sites with planning permission to
eventually give them other uses or purposes. In the meantime, they continue in the most part to be strong cash
contributors providing high returns on initial investment.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

Going forward
We are experiencing rental growth, some of this is from renting long-term vacant properties and the rest from improved
rental terms. Going forward over the next couple of years we still foresee the biggest issue being controlling the holding
and maintenance costs of our properties. In response to this, we have brought in further controls and look to phase our
works programmes. However if we can control and/or phase our costs more effectively we have the ability with long term
income rental streams and fixed interest rate costs to be very profitable.

We still anticipate some potential additional costs of improving the energy efficiency of our buildings to keep them in line,
or even ahead of the EPC (“energy performance certificate”) regime requirements which is constantly being updated.
However, we have negotiated no loan amortisation on our most recent loan (completed in March 2024), for the first two
years, which will help give us an extra £500,000 cash flow in each year, to fund any changes required.

We believe there are still further opportunities to unlock value within our portfolio, some of this achieved in 2023, both in
terms of letting more of the vacant properties, through repurposing and some from planning schemes to rebuild.

The economy is now in a higher interest rate environment but it looks like inflation is finally under control. The Group has
fixed its interest rate swaps which will protect us from interest rate increases for many years to come. The nature of
property companies, gives us a natural hedge over inflation, as property investments tend to increase in line with inflation,
whilst the real value of loans utilised effectively decreases.

There are always uncertainties which can affect property prices in the short term, however the Board continues to believe
we are protected by our portfolio’s diversity, experienced management team, ability to adapt and by having access to
funds. We have low gearing levels, supportive lenders and cash reserves.

The Board is confident about the business going forward.

Financing
At the year end the Group’s facilities were due to be repaid in July 2024 as can be seen on the Statement of Financial
Position.

After the year end in March 2024, the Group completed a new facility of £68 million, split between a £55 million term loan
and a £13 million revolving facility. The new facility has a four-year term (with a further one-year option to extend subject
to credit approval). The interest rate payable is 2.3 per cent. over three month SONIA with a ratchet that can take it to
2.5 per cent over three month SONIA in certain circumstances, although both rates within the agreement represent an
improvement compared to the previous facility. The Group is providing very similar covenants to the previous facility.
HSBC and Santander remain as the joint providers of the new facility.

The Group at the year end had £5.15 million of cash funds, and in April 2024 it had the ability to draw an additional £4.35
million available within the loan facility.

Financial derivative

The Group is in a fortunate position whereby it will continue to benefit from existing interest rate swap arrangements,
which provide effective fixed interest rate protection that is significantly below the current SONIA rates, in relation to
£60 million of the £68 million new facility. The Group’s interest rate swaps provide a fixed interest rate of 3.40 per cent.
in relation to £35 million of the new facility and a fixed interest rate of 2.01 per cent. in relation to £25 million of the new
facility. The durations of the Group’s existing swaps are beyond the term of the new facility.

We have seen a fair value loss (of a non-cash nature) in our long term liability on derivative financial instruments of £1.96
million (2022: a gain of £19.72 million). Following this loss the total financial derivative balance is still an asset on our
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of £2.5 million (2022: £4.5 million asset).

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

In February 2021 the Company paid £5,000,000 to vary a long-term swap agreement. The agreement varied was an
interest rate swap fixed at 5.06% until 31 August 2038 on a nominal value of £35 million and had circa 17.5 years remaining.
Following the variation, the Group’s fixed rate dropped on 1 September 2023 to 3.40% saving the Group £581,000 p.a.
in cash flow until the end point of the instrument. We will see the full benefit of this annual change in 2024.

These financial instruments (shown in note 27) are interest rate swaps that were entered into to remove the cash flow
risk of interest rates increasing by fixing our interest costs. We have seen that in uncertain economic times there can be
large swings in the accounting valuations.

Small movements in the expectation of future interest rates can have a significant impact on the fair value of these
interest rate swaps; this is partly due to their long dated nature.

Financial risk management

The Company and Group’s operations expose it to a variety of financial risks, the main two being the effects of changes
in the credit risk of tenants and interest rate movement exposure on borrowings. The Company and Group have in place
a risk management programme that seeks to limit the adverse effects on the financial performance of the Company and
Group by monitoring and managing levels of debt finance and the related finance costs. The Company and Group also
use interest rate swaps to protect against adverse interest rate movements with no hedge accounting applied. Mark-to-
market valuations on our financial instruments have been historically erratic due to current low market interest rates and
due to their long term nature. These large mark-to-market movements are shown within the Income Statement.

However, the actual cash outlay effect is nil when considered alongside the term loan, as the instruments have been
used to fix the risk of further cash outlays due to interest rate rises or can be considered as a method of locking in returns
(the difference between rent yield and interest paid at a fixed rate).

Given the size of the Company and Group, the Directors have not delegated the responsibility of monitoring financial
risk management to a sub-committee of the Board. The policies set by the Board of Directors are implemented by the
Company and Group’s finance department.

Credit risk

The Company and Group have implemented policies that require appropriate credit checks on potential tenants before
lettings are agreed. In many cases a deposit is requested unless the tenant can provide a strong personal or other guarantee.
The amount of exposure to any individual counterparty is subject to a limit, which is reassessed annually by the Board.
Exposure is reduced significantly due to the Group having a large spread of tenants who operate in different industries.

Price risk

The Company and Group are exposed to price risk due to normal inflationary increases in the purchase price of the goods
and services it purchases in the UK. The exposure of the Company and Group to inflation is considered low due to the low
cost base of the Group and natural hedge we have from owning “real” assets. Price risk on income is protected by the rent
review clauses contained within our tenancy agreements and often secured by medium or long-term leases.

Liquidity risk

The Company and Group actively manage liquidity by maintaining a long-term finance facility, strong relationships with
many banks and holding cash reserves. This ensures that the Company and Group have sufficient available funds for
operations and planned expansion or the ability to arrange such.

Interest rate risk

The Company and Group have both interest bearing assets and interest bearing liabilities. Interest bearing assets consist
of cash balances which earn interest at fixed rate when placed on deposit. The Company and Group have a policy of only
borrowing debt to finance the purchase of cash generating assets (or assets with the potential to generate cash). We also
use financial derivatives (swaps) where appropriate to manage interest rate risk. The Directors revisit the appropriateness
of this policy annually.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

Principal risks and uncertainties of the Group
The successful management of risk is something the Board takes very seriously as it is essential for the Group to achieve
long-term growth in rental income, profitability and value. The Group invests in long term assets and seeks a suitable
balance between minimising or avoiding risk and gaining from strategic opportunities. The Group’s principal risks and
uncertainties are all very much connected as market strength will affect property values, as well as rental terms and the
Group’s finance, or term loan, whose security is derived primarily from the property assets of the business. The financial
health of the Group is checked against covenants that measure the value of the property, as a proportion of the loan, as
well as income tests.

The two measures of the Group’s finances are to check if the Group can support the interest costs (income tests) and
also the ability to repay (valuation covenants).

The Group has a successful strategy to deal with these risks, primarily its long lasting business model and strong
management. This meant the Group has had little or no issues as it navigated the many economic shocks it has had to
deal with over the last two decades including the 2008 banking crisis, Brexit, the COVID-19 crisis, the high interest
rate/high inflationary effect post covid-19/Ukraine war consequences. The Group currently sits with low gearing
compared to historic levels.

Market risk

If we want to buy, sell or let properties there is a market that governs the prices or rents achieved. A property company
can get caught out if it borrows too heavily on property at the wrong time in the market, affecting its loan covenants. If
loan covenants are broken, the Company may have to sell properties at non-optimum times (or worse) which could
decrease shareholder value. Property markets are very cyclical and we in effect have three strategies to deal with or
mitigate the risk, but also take advantage of this opportunity:

(1) Strong, experienced management means when the market is strong we look to dispose of assets and when it is

weak we try and source bargains i.e. an emergent strategy also called an entrepreneurial approach.

(2) The Group has a diversified property portfolio and maintains a spread of sectors over retail, industrial, office and
residential. The other diversification is having a spread regionally, of the different classes of property over the UK.
Often in a cycle not all sectors or locations are affected evenly, meaning that one or more sectors could be
performing stronger, maybe even booming, whilst others are struggling. The stronger performing investment
sectors provide the Group with opportunities that can be used to support slower sectors through sales or income.

(3) We invest in good secondary property, which tends to be lower value/cost, meaning we can be better diversified
than is possible with the equivalent funds invested in prime property. There are not many property companies of
our size that have over 900 individual units and over 120 buildings/locations. Secondary property also, very
importantly, is much higher yielding which generally means the investment generates better interest cover and its
value is less sensitive to market changes in rent or loss of tenants.

Property risk

As mentioned above, we invest in most sectors in the market to assist with diversification. Many commentators consider
the retail sector to be in period of severe flux, considerably affected by changing consumer habits such as internet
shopping as well as a preference for experiences over products. Of the Group’s investment portfolio, retail makes up the
largest sector being circa 60 to 65% by income generation. However, the retail sector is affected to lesser degrees in
what we would describe as neighbourhood parades, as opposed to traditional shopping high streets. The large part of our
retail portfolio is in these neighbourhood parades, meaning we are less affected by consumer habits and even benefit
from some of the changes. Neighbourhood parades provide more leisure, services and convenience retail.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

For example we have undertaken a few lettings to local or smaller store formats, to big supermarket chains, which would
not have taken place many years ago. Block policy is another key mitigating force within our property risks. Block policy
means we tend to buy a block rather than one off properties, giving us more scope to change or get substantial planning
permission if our type of asset is no longer lettable. The obvious example is turning redundant regional offices into
residential. In addition by having a row of shops, we can increase or reduce the size of retail units to meet the current
requirements of retailers.

Finance risk

The final principal risk, which ties together the other principal risks and uncertainties, is that if there are adverse market or
property risks then these will ultimately affect our financing, making our lenders either force the Group to sell assets at non-
optimal times, or take possession of the Group’s assets. The management, business model and diversification factors
described above help mitigate against property and market risks, which as a consequence mitigate our finance risk.

The main mitigating factor is to maintain conservative levels of borrowing, or headroom to absorb downward movements
in either valuation or income cover. The other key mitigating factor is to maintain strong, honest and open relationships
with our lenders and good relationships with their key competitors. This means that if issues arise, there will be enough
goodwill for the Group to stay in control and for the issues to resolve themselves and hopefully remedy the situation. As
a Group we also hold uncharged properties and cash resources, which can be used to rectify any breaches of covenants.

Other non-financial risks
The Directors consider that the following are potentially material non-financial risks:

Risk

Reputation

Impact

Action taken to mitigate

Ability to raise capital/deal flow
reduced

Act honourably, invest well and be prudent.

Regulatory changes

Transactional and holding costs
increase

Seek high returns to cover additional costs.
Lobby Government – “Ramblings”. Use advisers when necessary.

People related issues

Loss of key employees/low
morale/inadequate skills

Computer failure

Loss of data, debtor history

Asset management

Wrong asset mix, asset
illiquidity, hold cash

Maintain market level remuneration packages, flexible working
and training. Strong succession planning and recruitment.
Suitable working environment.

External IT consultants, backups, offsite copies. Latest virus
and internet software.

Draw on wealth of experience to ensure balance between
income producing and development opportunities. Continued
spread of tenancies and geographical
location. Prepare
business for the economic cycles.

Acts of God
(e.g. COVID 19)

Weather incidents, fire,
terrorism, pandemics

Where possible cover with insurance. Ensure the Group carry
enough reserves and resources to cover any incidents.

Section 172(1) statement
This is a reporting requirement and relates to companies defined as large by the Companies Act 2006, this includes public
companies as otherwise the Group would not be considered large.

Each individual Director must act in the way he considers, in good faith, would be the most likely to promote the success
of the company for benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing so the Directors have had regard to the matters set
out in section 172(1) (a) to (f) when performing their duty under section 172.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

The matters set out are:

(a)

the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;

The longer term decisions are made at Board level ensuring a wealth of experience and a breadth of skills. The value
creation in the business is mainly generated by buying the investments at the right time in the financial cycles, whilst
reducing risk by choosing assets that have alternative or back up values to the current use, as well as initial values. It is also
key that long term decisions are made in respect of ensuring that property assets are maintained, where economically
viable. Other areas to ensure decisions are in tune with long term consideration are making sure the best possible
financing of the Group to match the requirements of the long-term nature of property ownership. The Board and
management makes long term decisions such as keeping a vigilant review of the changing nature of property usage and
tries where possible to diversify its income streams. Chorley and Trowbridge are more recent purchases which are good
examples of long-term decision making, i.e. both industrial property investments – giving protection against changing
consumer habits within retail (which is a larger component of the current portfolio) through diversification/rebalancing
the portfolio.

(b)

the interests of the company’s employees;

The Company makes investment in and the development of talent of its employees, including paying for professional
development, providing in house updates and encouraging knowledge sharing. The Group has a strong track record of
promoting from within the business and in 2020 two surveyors were promoted to Joint Head of Property both becoming
RICS qualified whilst employed at the firm with one of those getting qualified in May 2023, the Group fully supported all
of the training. In 2021 the Finance Director was promoted to Chief Executive. The Group undertakes team building
activities to encourage cohesion and working together.

(c)

the need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

Being in the property industry the business is used to dealing with many types of businesses as tenants from large multi-
national businesses to small sole traders – keeping good sound relationships with both is key. We also use many small
operators and suppliers and we ensure prompt payment, paying within 30 days in most instances to again foster good
working relations. We maintain weekly payment runs to support small suppliers.

(d)

the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment;

The Group’s investments by their very nature often have a significant impact on local communities, providing services and
convenience businesses, or places for local enterprise or employment. By owning a parade of shops, we can ensure
where possible that these are viable locations by encouraging a variety of offerings. The Group maintains and upkeeps
its investment properties to a viable level which benefits the local communities they provide accommodation for, or
seeks improvements in planning permission which can enhance local areas. In 2023 a historic listed building in Liverpool
was brought back into use after many years of not being utilised, now being used by a leisure operator. In 2024 we have
brought in DocuSign for leases and other agreements dealt with inhouse which will have a beneficial environmental impact
with less paper and carbon being produced on the delivery of the documents. We also ensure we upgrade our units to the
required EPC levels which by its very nature reduces the longer term environmental impact of the use of these units.

(e)

the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct;

The Group maintains an appropriate level of Corporate Governance that is documented within its own section within
these Financial Statements and on the Company’s website. With a relatively small management team it is easier to
monitor and assess the culture and encourage the appropriate standards. The Board strives to delegate and empower
its management teams to ensure the high standards are maintained at all levels within the business. In 2022 and 2023 we
strengthened the Board with the appointments of two non-executive directors with current relevant external knowledge
of banking and surveying/valuation.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Group Strategic Report continued

(f)

the need to act fairly as between members of the company.

The Group has excellent communication with its members, actively encouraging participation and discussion at its AGMs
and also circulating letters of our announcements to ensure older members or those not accessing the financial news can
keep up to date with relevant information. Our Chairman is unpaid, his benefit or income from the Company is received
via dividends pro-rata the same as all members including minority shareholders.

The Group Strategic Report set out on the above pages, also includes the Chairman’s Statement shown earlier in these
accounts and was approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

S. J. Peters
Company Secretary

Unicorn House
Station Close
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire EN6 1TL

16 May 2024

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Directors’ Report
Company number: 00293147

The Directors submit their report together with the audited financial statements of the Company and of the Group for
the year ended 31 December 2023.

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors
have elected to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK-adopted international
accounting standards and the Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) including FRS101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”. Under company law the Directors
must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Company and of the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•

state whether applicable UK-adopted international accounting standards have been followed subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the Group financial statements; and

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on
the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial
statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and
position are set out in the Chairman’s Statement and Group Strategic Report. The financial position of the Group,
including key financial ratios, is set out in the Group Strategic Report. In addition, the Directors’ Report includes the
Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; the Group Strategic Report includes details of its
financial risk management objectives; and the notes to the accounts provide details of its financial instruments and
hedging activities, and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Directors have prepared three detailed financial forecasts to December 2027 assuming a significant downward trend
in its income base, inflation leading to increasing costs, higher interest rates, worsening bad debts and no major disposals.
The forecasted worst-case scenario demonstrated the Group is a going concern even if the business was subjected to
a long downward spiral in its business activities. In summary, the Group’s forecasts show that it has enough financial
resources to survive to beyond December 2027.

The Group is strongly capitalised, has high liquidity together with a number of long-term contracts with its customers
many of which are household names. The Group has a diverse spread of tenants across most industries and owns
investment properties based in many locations across the country.

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Directors’ Report continued

The Group’s main loans were renewed again in March 2024 for a new four year term with the ability to extend for an
additional year (subject to bank approval). The Group always maintains excellent relations with its lenders. The loan is
made jointly by two lenders and has a low level of gearing which both give the Group’s finance situation more resilience.
The lenders’ covenants (on the previous facility but which are similar to the new facility) as at 31 December 2023 have
been reviewed and significant movements would be required before a covenant was breached such as a 29% decrease
in the secured portfolio valuation (a circa £46 million reduction) or 53% decrease in its actual income cover being circa £6.4
million reduction in income. The Group also currently has cash reserves (and available facility) and other uncharged assets
(including circa £12 million of investment property).

The Directors believe the Group is very well placed to manage its business risks successfully and have a good expectation
that both the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue their operations for the foreseeable future.
For these reasons, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Principal activities, review of business and future developments
The principal activity of the Group consists of investment and dealing in property and securities.

The review of activities during the year and future developments is contained in the Chairman’s Statement and Group
Strategic Report.

Company’s objectives and management of capital
Our primary objective is to maximise long-term return for our shareholders by stable growth in net asset value and
dividend per share, from a consistent and sustainable rental income stream.

The Company’s principal capital base includes share capital and retained reserves, which is prudently invested to achieve
the above objective and is supplemented with medium to long-term bank finance.

Results and dividends
The profit for the year after taxation, amounted to £4,423,000 (2022: £16,985,000).

A special dividend of £1,775,000 (10.0p per share) on ordinary shares was paid on 10 February 2023. An interim dividend
of £1,061,000 (6.0p per share) on ordinary shares was paid on 27 October 2023. The Directors recommend a final
dividend of £1,061,000 (6.0p per share), subject to shareholder approval, payable on 17 July 2024 to shareholders on the
register at the close of business 28 June 2024 (Ex dividend on 27 June 2024). The total proposed dividend for the year
ended 31 December 2023 is anticipated at 22p per share.

There was no option of a scrip dividend offered on the dividends paid in 2023 or proposed in 2024.

Directors and their beneficial interests in shares of the Company
The Directors who served during the year and their beneficial interests in the Company’s issued share capital were:

Andrew Perloff (Chairman)
Bryan Galan (Non-executive)
Peter Kellner (Non-executive)
Paul Saunders
John Perloff
Simon Peters

Ordinary shares
of £0.25 each

2023

2022

4,015,860
338,669
26,000
3,500
137,500
227,929

4,015,860
338,669
26,000
–
137,500
227,929

A. S. Perloff and his family trusts have beneficial interests in shares owned by Portnard Limited, a Company under their
control, amounting to 8,405,175 (2022 – 8,405,175).

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Directors’ Report continued

There have been no changes in Directors’ shareholdings since 31 December 2023.

No beneficial interest is attached to any shares registered in the names of Directors in the Company’s subsidiaries. No
right has been granted by the Company to subscribe for shares in or debentures of the Company.

Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ emoluments of £300,000 (2022 – £279,000) are made up as follows:

Director

Executive
Andrew Perloff
John Perloff
Simon Peters

Non-executive
Bryan Galan
Peter Kellner
Jonathan Rhodes
Paul Saunders

Salary/
Fees
£’000

Bonus
£’000

Taxable
Pension
Benefit Contribution
£’000

£’000

–
72
132

12
12
15
11

254

–
4
16

1
1
–
–

5
4
2

–
–
–
–

–
2
11

–
–
–
–

Total
2023
£’000

5
82
161

13
13
15
11

300

Total
2022
£’000

5
80
165

13
13
3
–

279

Pension and other benefits
A. S. Perloff is the sole member and beneficiary of a non-contributory Director’s pension scheme. The Group ceased
contributions in 1997, has not contributed since, and does not anticipate making further contributions.

S. J. Peters had pension contributions paid in the year by the Company of £11,000 (2022 – £4,000) (some by salary
sacrifice). J.H. Perloff had pension contributions paid in the year by the Company of £4,000 (2022 – £2,000).

During the year, the directors did not receive any other payments, emoluments, compensation or cash or non-cash
benefits other than that disclosed above (2022 – £nil).

Third party indemnity provision for Directors
Qualifying third party indemnity provision for the benefit of five directors was in force during the financial year and as at
the date this report was approved.

Capital structure
Details of the issued share capital of the Company are shown in note 23. The Company has one class of ordinary shares
which carries no right to fixed income. Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company. The
details of the Group’s treasury policy are shown in note 27.

Financial risk management
Information regarding the use of financial instruments and the approach to financial risk management is detailed in the
Group Strategic Report.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Directors’ Report continued

Donations
During the year the Group made a £20,000 political donation to the Reform Party (2022 – £nil). The Group makes
donations to charities through advertisements at charity events and in the diaries of charities, the total of which in 2023
was £5,600 (2022 – £3,400). The Group is a Foundation Partner of the preferred charity of the property industry, Land Aid,
donating £10,000 (2022 – £10,000). The Group also contributed £20,000 to the Daily Mail Ukraine Appeal in March 2022.

Status
Panther Securities P.L.C. is a Company quoted on AIM and is incorporated in England and Wales.

Events after the reporting date
Details of events after the report date are given in the Chairman’s Statement and note 31 to the consolidated accounts.

Auditors
In the case of each person who was a Director at the time this report was approved:

–

so far as that Director was aware there was no relevant available information of which the Company’s auditors is
unaware; and

that Director had taken all steps that the Director ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors is aware of that information.

This information is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the Companies Act 2006.

Crowe U.K. LLP will be proposed for reappointment at the Annual General Meeting in 2024.

This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

S. J. Peters
Company Secretary

Unicorn House
Station Close
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire EN6 1TL

16 May 2024

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance

The Board
The Board currently consists of seven (2022 – five) directors, of whom four are non-executives. The new non-executives
joined the board in February 2023 and November 2022. It meets regularly during each year to review appropriate strategic,
operational and financial matters and otherwise as required. In the year the Board met four times with all members
present. It supervises the executive management and a schedule of items reserved for the full Board’s approval is in
place. The Board has a Chairman and a separate Chief Executive.

The Board considers the four non-executive Directors to be independent and to represent the interests of shareholders.
All the non-executive Directors are of the highest calibre. Each is independently minded with a breadth of successful
business and relevant experience. They are entitled to the same information as the Executive Directors and are an integral
part of the team, making a most valuable contribution. The non-executive Directors have a sufficient level of expertise
to challenge and hold the executive Directors to account.

Each Board member has responsibility to ensure that the Group’s strategies lead to increased shareholder value.

Biographical details of Executive Directors:-

Andrew Perloff (Chairman)

He has over 55 years’ experience in the property sector, including over 45 years’ experience of being a director of a Public
Listed Company mainly as Panther’s Chairman and was the CEO up to 31 December 2021. He has significant experience
of corporate activity including ten contested take-over bids and has also served on the Board of Directors of six other
public listed companies. He is currently a non-executive director of Airsprung Group PLC, New Start 2020 Ltd, Anglia
Home Furnishings Ltd and was previously a director of Beale Ltd.

Simon Peters (Finance Director and CEO)

He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, a Fellow of the Chartered Certified Accountants and was formerly
with KPMG LLP and the Lombard Bank Finance Department. He is currently a non-executive director of Airsprung Group
PLC, New Start 2020 Ltd, Anglia Home Furnishings Ltd and was previously a director of Beale Ltd (including when it was
fully listed on the LSE). He joined Panther in 2004, was appointed Finance Director in 2005 and was appointed as CEO from
1 January 2022.

John Perloff (Executive)

Previously with a commercial West End agent specialising in retail acquisitions and disposals, he joined Panther in 1994.
His areas of responsibility include property lettings and acquisitions. He was appointed Executive Director in 2005.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance continued

Biographical details of Non-executive Directors:-

Bryan Galan (Non-executive)

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He was
formerly joint Managing Director of Amalgamated Investment and Property Co. Limited and was previously a Non-
executive Director of Rugby Estates Investment Trust Plc.

Peter Kellner (Non-executive)

Chairman of the Audit and Nomination Committees. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and of the
Institute of Taxation. He was formerly joint General Manager of the U.K. banking operations of Credit Lyonnais Bank
Nederland NV.

Jonathan Rhodes (Non-executive)

He has over 35 years of experience in the property sector and is a RICS Registered Valuer. He is currently the National
Head of Valuation at Cluttons LLP, having previously held the same position at GL Hearn. Prior to these two roles he has
been a valuation partner since the year 2000 at DTZ and Donaldsons, having previously worked at Chesterton and Colliers.
Joined in November 2022.

Paul Saunders (Non-executive)

He has over 40 years of experience at HSBC, predominately in investment and development within the Real Estate sector.
His most recent role within HSBC was as a Director within the Real Estate Corporate Capital Origination team at HSBC
from 2014 until 2022. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB). Joined February 2023.

QCA Corporate Governance Code
The Directors recognise the importance of good corporate governance and have chosen to adopt and apply the Quoted
Companies Alliance’s 2018 Corporate Governance Code (the ‘QCA Code’). The QCA Code was developed by the Quoted
Companies Alliance in consultation with a number of significant institutional small company investors, as an alternative
corporate governance code applicable to AIM companies. The underlying principle of the QCA Code is that “the purpose
of good corporate governance is to ensure that the company is managed in an efficient, effective and entrepreneurial
manner for the benefit of all shareholders over the longer term”. Details of how the Company addresses the key
governance principles defined in the QCA Code can be found below.

Establish a strategy and business model which promote long-term value for shareholders

Panther’s strategy and business model are set out in the Group Strategic Report. The strategic objective section of the
Group Strategic Report states that the primary objective of the Group is to maximise long-term returns for our
shareholders by stable growth in net asset value and dividend per share, from a consistent and sustainable rental income
stream. The key challenges to the business and how these are mitigated are also detailed in the Group Strategic Report.

2. Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations

The Board strongly encourages good communication with investors. The Company sends out announcements via post
to shareholders who have requested this and all shareholders can join our mailing list, even if they hold shares in CREST.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance continued

The person at the Company with principal responsibility for liaising with shareholders is: Andrew Perloff, Chairman.
Shareholders may also contact the Company in writing via the following email address: info@pantherplc.com. Inquiries
that are received will be directed to the Chairman if appropriate, who will consider a response. The Company may exercise
discretion as to which shareholder questions shall be responded to, and the information used to answer questions will be
information that is freely available in the public domain. If deemed necessary, the inquiries will be brought to the Board’s
attention. All shareholders are ordinarily invited to our Annual General Meeting. Board members are available by phone
to discuss the company and there is also shareholders access, before, during and after Annual General Meetings for
discussions, therefore providing lots of opportunities for shareholders to understand and address any issues.

The Board has historically approved a regular dividend for many years, which has to date not decreased. The Board aims
to maintain a sustainable and appropriate level of dividend cover. Where exceptional years arise, the Board anticipates this
will normally be reflected with special dividends where practicable.

The Board believes the Company’s mode of engaging with shareholders is adequate and effective.

3. Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and their implications for long-term success

The Group is aware of its corporate social responsibilities and recognises the importance of maintaining effective working
relationships across a range of stakeholder groups.

On the basis of the Directors’ knowledge and long experience of the operation of the Group, the Board recognises that
the long-term success of the Group is reliant upon the efforts of the following key resources and relationships: the
Group’s employees, tenants, lenders, regulatory authorities, local residents and the general public affected by our
activities. The Company actively seeks employees’ feedback on their employment with the Company. The Company
does this on an ongoing basis, but also holds bi-weekly all party staff meetings where employees are able to provide
feedback. The property and finance departments frequently liaise with tenants, which can include receiving tenant
feedback. The Company’s lenders have teams of account and relationship managers, which the Company communicates
with on a regular basis and provides regular management updates and is able to receive any feedback from lenders. The
Company is open to feedback from local residents and the general public that may be affected by our activities and, in
particular, this is often part of the planning process.

The Group understands the necessity of balancing the needs of all our stakeholder groups while maintaining focus on the
Board’s primary responsibility to promote the success of the Group for the benefit of its members as a whole.

The Group ensures compliance with regulatory bodies and legislation through various procedures and protocols and
receives feedback on matters such as planning on a regular basis. The Group undertakes to resolve any feedback received
from stakeholders where appropriate and where such amendments are consistent with the Group’s longer term strategy.
However, no material changes to the Company’s working processes have been required over the year to 31 December
2023, or more recently, as a result of stakeholder feedback received by the Company.

Embed effective risk management, considering both opportunities and threats, throughout the organization

The Board’s discussion on risk management as described in the disclosure above in respect of Principle One and in the
Group Strategic Report, which detail risks to the business and how these are mitigated. The Groups internal controls are
designed to manage rather than eliminate risk and provide reasonable assurance against fraud, material misstatement
or loss.

The Board seeks to ensure that the correct and necessary level of insurance is in place to cover certain aspects of risks
including actions taken against the Directors, as well as all the properties we own. The insured values and types of cover
are carefully reviewed periodically and this is a requirement of our main loan agreement.

A commentary on how the Company reviews its internal controls can be found in the disclosure regarding Principle
Nine below.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance continued

5. Maintain the Board as a well-functioning, balanced team led by the Chair

The Board consist of three Executive Directors and four Non-Executive Directors. Biographies of the directors can be
found above, the Board considers its four non-executive Directors to be independent. Bryan Galan and Peter Kellner
have been directors of the Company since 1994. Despite the length of service of the independent non-executive
directors, the rest of the Board consider them to continue to be independent as they are sufficiently removed from the
day to day operations of the Company to retain a critical and independent view. Further commentary in respect of the
Company’s Non-Executive Directors can be found above.

As detailed above, over 2023 the Board met four times, three of those times with all members present, the Audit
Committee met three times with all members present and the Remuneration Committee met two times with all
members present. Andrew Perloff, Simon Peters and John Perloff work full time. Bryan Galan, Peter Kellner, Jonathan
Rhodes and Paul Saunders currently work on average six days per year.

All Directors are kept apprised of financial and operational information in a timely fashion and in advance of any meetings.
The Executive Directors regularly attend meetings to ensure decisions are made and inter-departmental communication
is strong and transparent.

Ensure that between them, the directors have the necessary up-to-date experience, skills and capabilities

The Company has an Executive Chairman being Andrew Perloff, a separate CEO who is also the Finance Director
Executive being Simon Peters. John Perloff is an Executive Director. Bryan Galan, Peter Kellner, Jonathan Rhodes and
Peter Kellner are Non-Executive Directors. Biographies of the directors are above.

The Board has a wide and well-rounded level of expertise and experience with a clear and proven track record.
Professionally qualified members of the Board keep up to date with their Continuing Professional Development, which
ensures they are familiar with changes and current developments in their fields and some members are on other boards
which helps them see best practice elsewhere. The Board Members take particular interests in keeping appraised on key
issues and developments pertaining to the Group.

During the year ended 31 December 2023, neither the Board nor any committee has sought external advice on a
significant matter and no external advisers to the Board or any of its committees have been engaged. Aside from the
directors’ stated roles and the role of Simon Peters as Company Secretary, the Board members do not have any particular
internal advisory responsibilities.

Evaluate Board performance based on clear and relevant objectives, seeking continuous improvement

The individual Board members are appraised by the Chairman and/or Non-Executives as appropriate on their
performance. This process is informal in nature and is performed on an ongoing basis, rather than at pre-determined
annual junctures. The main criteria against which individual director effectiveness is considered are: ensuring that the
right actions in the business are being taken and ensuring that directors continue to be effective. The Company’s director
evaluation process has not changed materially relative to previous years, on the basis that the Board are of the view that
the above processes are appropriate for the Company’s requirements, given the nature of the Company’s business and
levels of experience on the Board. There were no material findings from the Company’s Board appraisals over the year
ended 31 December 2023, which was the same in the previous year.

All of the Directors are periodically subject to re-election on a rotation basis at the Annual General Meeting.

The Company does not currently have a periodic appraisal process for the effectiveness of the Board as a whole nor for
the effectiveness of the committees (and this has not changed over previous years).

The Board considers succession planning and the need for further board or senior management appointments. The
Board believes that there is no need for changes to the current board, management and committee structures and
membership in order to meet the needs of the Company’s current and medium-term requirements. Regarding longer
term succession planning, the Board currently comprises a good spread of ages which provides a natural succession
buffer. This includes the recent appointments of Jonathan Rhodes and Paul Saunders.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance continued

Promote a corporate culture that is based on ethical values and behaviors

The Board promotes a corporate culture of professional behaviour, integrity, professional competence and due care,
objectivity and confidentiality. These values are promoted from the top down and embedded in our working practices and
company policies. As noted in the disclosure above in respect of Principle Three, the Company holds bi-weekly all party
staff meetings where employees are able provide feedback, which allows the Board and management to have insights into
the Company’s culture.

When new employees join the Company, they are provided a staff handbook and are required to become familiarised
with the Company’s working practices and company policies. The Board and management are prepared to take
appropriate action against unethical behaviour, violation of company policies or misconduct.

9. Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for purpose and support good decision-making by

the Board

The Board is satisfied with the Company’s corporate governance, given the Company’s size and the nature of its
operations, and as such there are no specific plans for any material changes to the Company’s corporate governance
arrangements in the shorter term.

Andrew Perloff is Executive Chairman of the Company. In his role as Chairman, he has overall responsibility for corporate
governance matters in the Company, leadership of the board and ensuring its effectiveness on all aspects of its role. Mr
Perloff is one of the original co-founders of the Panther Securities property investment business and has been a
significant driving force underlying the Group’s development. On this basis, the Board considers that it remains in the
best interests of the Group to maintain Mr Perloff’s position as an Executive Chairman, notwithstanding that this is
contrary to recommended best practice in the QCA Code that a Chairman should have adequate separation from the
day-to-day business. Simon Peters is Chief Executive Office, in this role he leads the Company’s staff and is responsible
for implementing those actions required to deliver on the agreed strategy. Andrew Perloff and his family trusts are the
beneficiaries of the majority of the Company’s ordinary shares. Andrew Perloff is one of the original co-founders of the
Panther Securities property investment business and has been a significant driving force underlying the Group’s
development. For many years, the Board did consider that it was in the best interest of the Group to maintain Andrew
Perloff’s positions as both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, notwithstanding that this is contrary to recommended
best practice in the QCA Code. However since 1 January 2022 these roles are now split with Simon Peters being the
Chief Executive officer.

The Executive Directors have a responsibility for the operational management of the Group’s activities. The Non-
executive Directors provide independent and objective insight and judgement to Board decisions. The Board has overall
responsibility for promoting the success of the Group.

The Board has established an Audit Committee and a Remuneration Committee comprised only of our Non-Executive
Directors to provide a level of independence and objectivity.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists solely of the four non-executive Directors and it is chaired by Peter Kellner. Its terms of
reference are that it meets at least twice a year to review the Group’s accounting policies, financial and other reporting
procedures, with the external auditors in attendance when appropriate. Over the year to 31 December 2023 the
committee met three times with all members present. The internal controls are reviewed annually ensuring their
effectiveness and any specific issues are dealt with if and when they arise. When the Board reviews internal controls they
consider the effectiveness of controls, concentrating on all material controls, including operational and compliance
controls, and risk management systems.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance continued

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee consists solely of the four non-executive Directors, with Bryan Galan as the Chairman. Its
terms of reference are that it reviews the terms and conditions of service of the Chairman and Executive Directors,
ensuring that salaries and benefits satisfy performance and other criteria. When setting remuneration the Committee
consults with the Chairman of the Board and no external third parties are consulted. In the year to 31 December 2023 the
Committee met one time with all members present.

Remuneration policy

Company policy is to reward fairly the Executive Directors sufficiently to retain and motivate these key individuals. In
determining remuneration, consideration is given to their role, their performance, reward levels throughout the
organisation, as well as the external employment market. The Remuneration Committee considers that currently the
Executive Directors’ remuneration is below market comparables, however some directors are incentivised by their
personal holdings in the Company. The only element of remuneration that reflects specific performance is the bonuses,
however this is adjusted to reflect market conditions and company results.

The Company does not have a Nomination Committee, as the need for appointments and decisions regarding
appointments are considered by the Board as a whole.

The key matters reserved for the Board are the following:

•

Strategy

Structure and capital

Financial reporting and controls

Internal controls

Significant investments

Board membership and other appointments

Delegation of authority

Corporate governance

Approval of company policies

Other matters, such key adviser appointments and insurance

10. Communicate how the Group is governed and is performing by maintaining a dialogue with shareholders and

other relevant stakeholders

The Company provides extensive information about the Group’s activities in the Annual Report and Financial Statements
and the Interim Report, copies of which are sent to shareholders. Additional copies are available by application. The Group
is active in communicating with both its institutional and private shareholders and welcomes queries on matters relating
to shareholdings and the business of the Group. All shareholders are ordinarily encouraged to attend the Annual General
Meeting, at which Directors and senior management are introduced and are available for questions. The Company
provides a website with up to date information, including announcements and company accounts.

The Board recognises the importance of communication with the Group’s shareholders and various stakeholders. The
Group updates its website regularly with any announcements and always welcomes shareholders’ queries which are
welcomed by all members of the Board whenever they arise.

The Annual General Meeting also provides an important opportunity to meet shareholders. The Board has hot drinks
before and after the Annual General Meeting where dialogue is encouraged.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Corporate Governance continued

The detailed results of voting on all resolutions in future general meetings will not be posted to the Group’s website or
announced, as the Board feels that these results have in recent years been unambiguous and generally unanimous.

Where a significant proportion of votes (e.g. 20% of independent votes) have been cast against a resolution at any general
meeting, the Board will post this on the Group’s website and will include, on a timely basis, an explanation of what actions
it intends to take to understand the reasons behind that vote result, and, where appropriate, any different action it has
taken, or will take, as a result of the vote.

The Group’s financial reports for the last five years can be found online: http://www.pantherplc.com/financial/reports-
and-accounts/

Notices of Annual General Meetings of the Company for the last five years are included at the end of each of the annual
report and financial statements. Within the last five years, other than its Annual General Meetings, the Company has not
held any other General Meetings of Shareholders.

Certain details regarding the Company’s Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee and their work over the year
to 31 December 2023 can be found in the disclosure above in respect of Principle Nine. The Company’s Audit Committee
and Remuneration Committee do not produce public reports on their work over the year, although their work and key
findings are communicated to the Board. Details of the Company’s remuneration policy can be found in the disclosure
above in respect of Principle Nine and details of the Directors’ remuneration can be found above in the Directors’ Report.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report
To the Members of Panther Securities PLC

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Panther Securities Plc (the “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the
“Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise:

•

the Group income statement for the year ended 31 December 2023;

the Group statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2023;

the Group and Parent Company statements of financial position as at 31 December 2023;

the Group and Parent Company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended;

The Group statement of cash flows for the year then ended; and

the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law
and UK-adopted international accounting standards. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the
preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards,
including FRS101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion:

•

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as
at 31 December 2023 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international
accounting standards;

the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

the financial statements been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial
statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the
ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical
Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting
in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the Group’s
and Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included the following:

•

Obtained management’s going concern assessment challenging, where appropriate, the assumptions used;

Tested mathematical accuracy of the models used by management in their assessment. Considered the
reasonableness of those models, including comparison to actual results achieved in the year and the evaluation of
downside sensitivities; and

Discussed with management and evaluated their assessment of the group and the company’s liquidity requirement.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report continued

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions
that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant
sections of this report.

Overview of our audit approach
We audit the parent company and its subsidiary companies. Our audit approach was developed by obtaining an
understanding of the group’s activities, the key functions undertaken on behalf of the Board by management and the
overall control environment. Based on this understanding we assessed those aspects of the group and subsidiary
companies transactions and balances which were most likely to give rise to a material misstatement and were most
susceptible to irregularities including fraud or error. Specifically, we identified what we considered to be key audit matters
and planned our audit approach accordingly.

Materiality
In planning and performing our audit we applied the concept of materiality. An item is considered material if it could
reasonably be expected to change the economic decisions of a user of the financial statements. We used the concept
of materiality to both focus our testing and to evaluate the impact of misstatements identified.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined overall materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole
to be £2,000,000 (2022: £2,000,000), based on 1.0% of the group’s total assets. Materiality for the Parent Company
financial statements as a whole was set at £450,000 (2022: £500,000) based on 1.8% of the parent company’s total
assets excluding amounts owed by Group undertakings.

We use a different level of materiality (‘performance materiality’) to determine the extent of our testing for the audit of
the financial statements. Performance materiality is set based on the audit materiality as adjusted for the judgements
made as to the entity risk and our evaluation of the specific risk of each audit area having regard to the internal control
environment. This is set at £1,400,000 (2022: £1,400,000) for the group and £315,000 (2022: £350,000) for the parent.

Where considered appropriate performance materiality may be reduced to a lower level, such as, for related party
transactions and directors’ remuneration.

We agreed with the Audit Committee to report to it all identified errors in excess of £60,000 (2022: £60,000). Errors below
that threshold would also be reported to it if, in our opinion as auditor, disclosure was required on qualitative grounds.

Overview of the scope of our audit
We audit the parent company and its subsidiary companies. Our audit approach was developed by obtaining an
understanding of the group’s activities, the key functions undertaken on behalf of the Board by management and the
overall control environment. Based on this understanding we assessed those aspects of the group and subsidiary
companies transactions and balances which were most likely to give rise to a material misstatement and were most
susceptible to irregularities including fraud or error. Specifically, we identified what we considered to be key audit matters
and planned our audit approach accordingly.

Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the
financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement
(whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the
overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These
matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report continued

This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

Key audit matter

How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter

Carrying value of investment properties (group)
The valuation of
significant
management.

investment property requires
by

judgement

estimates

and

The valuation of the group’s property portfolio is
inherently subjective to, among other factors, the
individual nature of each property, its location and the
expected future rentals, yield data and comparable
market transactions.

We gained an understanding of the nature of the assets in the
portfolio and ensured classification and designation are
appropriate and in line with our expectations.

We reviewed the stated accounting policy ensuring it is
appropriate to the designation and has been applied
consistently.

We evaluated the capability, suitability and competence of the
group’s internal and external valuers, giving specific focus to
their qualification and experience.

As a consequence, there is an inherent risk that the
carrying value could be subject to material estimation
bias.

We reviewed management’s assessment of the carrying value
of the investment properties which was derived from valuation
reports prepared by internal and external surveyors.

We carried out procedures, on a sample basis, to satisfy
ourselves of the accuracy of the property information supplied
by management as these form the basis of the valuation
reports.

We compared the output from directors to the levels of rents
actually achieved and where possible, publicly available
benchmark data such as yields.

We engaged our own independent property valuation expert to
assist with the assessment of key assumptions included in the
valuation reports in accordance with ISA (UK) 620 to challenge
assessment of the carrying value of investment properties.

We spoke directly with the management to confirm the basis
on which they had prepared the valuation and how they had
arrived at their key inputs, and specifically the property specific
yields.

We considered the adequacy of disclosures around the
sensitivity of the carrying value to changes in reasonable
alternative assumptions.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report continued

Key audit matter

How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter

Carrying value of derivatives financial instruments
(group and parent company)
From the accounting policies, the fair value is
estimated using the year end yield curve to extract
the markets estimate of future pricing for interest
rates. An in-house valuation is considered alongside
valuations obtained from HSBC and Santander (both
counterparties to one agreement) but also providing
a value for the agreement they are not party too. An
average of the three values (in-house and both banks)
for each instrument is taken as the most appropriate
value by management.

instruments are complex and
Derivative financial
require specific knowledge and skills to carry out a
valuation resulting in an increase in inherent risk.

Revenue recognition (group)
Revenue for the group consists primarily of rental
income. Rental
income is based on tenancy
agreements where there is a standard process in
place for recording revenue. Due to the number of
tenancies on different terms, coupled with the
practice occasionally offering tenant incentives on
the grant of a new lease there an increased inherent
risk of error.

Carrying value of investment in subsidiaries
and amounts owed by group undertakings
(parent company)
The parent company has equity investments in the
subsidiaries and accounts for these investments at
costs less impairment.

The determination of the recoverable value for
impairment assessment is underpinned by the
valuation of investment properties held in each
subsidiary. As mention in the section above on
carrying value of investment properties, there is an
inherent risk that the carrying value could be subject
to material estimation bias.

We gained an understanding of the group’s valuation
methodology in determining the fair value of the derivative
financial
instruments and its compliance with the relevant
accounting standards.

We also assessed management approach on the credit risk on
the derivative financial instruments and the appropriateness of
the discounts applied.

We computed an independent estimate of the fair value of the
to
instruments
derivative
management’s valuation as well as the two bank valuations.

compared

financial

and

We considered the adequacy of disclosures around the
derivative financial instruments including the disclosure of the
range of the possible fair values, as well as the disclosures
around financial risk management.

We re-performed the rental reconciliations and selected a
sample of tenancy agreements per property to validate the
inputs into that reconciliation.

We also performed comparative analytical procedures based
on our knowledge of the tenancy and forming an expectation of
rental income for each property and investigated any large or
unusual variances.

Where tenancy incentives were given on the granting of a new
lease we reviewed the rent-free period to agree it is accounted
for in accordance with accounting standards.

We reviewed the accounting treatment and journals posted in
regards to deferred rental income recorded on the group’s
statement of financial position by agreeing to supporting
documentation.

We obtained an understanding of management’s impairment
process and critically appraised the assumptions used by
management.

We compared the carrying value of investment in subsidiaries
and amounts owed by group undertakings to the net assets of
each subsidiary which is underpinned by valuation of the
investment properties held as well as profitability of the
corresponding entity.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report continued

Our audit procedures in relation to these matters were designed in the context of our audit opinion as a whole. They
were not designed to enable us to express an opinion on these matters individually and we express no such opinion.

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information
comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report
thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent
otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially
inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine
whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit

•

the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the directors’ report and strategic report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and their environment obtained in the
course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,
in our opinion:

•

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not
been received from branches not visited by us; or

the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 19, the directors are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control
as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no
realistic alternative but to do so.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Independent Auditors’ Report continued

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with
ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with
our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The
extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the company operates, focusing on
those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006 and taxation legislation.

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be the
override of controls by management, inappropriate revenue recognition, judgement surrounding the investment property
valuations and trade receivable recoverability. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of
management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of
journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases corroborating balances recognised to supporting documentation on a
sample basis and ensuring accounting policies are appropriate under the relevant accounting standards and applicable law.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material
misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance
with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-
compliance with all laws and regulations.

These inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud as this may involve
sophisticated schemes designed to avoid detection, including deliberate failure to record transactions, collusion or the
provision of intentional misrepresentations.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the
Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

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Matthew Stallabrass
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
Crowe U.K. LLP
Statutory Auditor

55 Ludgate Hill
London
EC4M 7JW

16 May 2024

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2023

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income
Administrative expenses
Bad debt expense

Operating profit

Profit on disposal of investment properties
Movement in fair value of investment properties

Finance costs – interest
Finance income/(costs) – swap interest
Investment income
Loss on the disposal of investments
Fair value (loss)/gain on derivative financial liabilities

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Continuing operations attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

Profit for the year

Earnings per share
Basic and diluted – continuing operations

31 December
2023
£’000

31 December
2022
£’000

Notes

5
5

10
10
9

14,457
(6,630)

7,827

1,043
(1,843)
(680)

6,347

305
5,534

12,186

(5,586)
757
108
(4)
(1,962)

5,499

(1,076)

4,423

13,411
(5,749)

7,662

1,009
(1,638)
(702)

6,331

461
1,384

8,176

(3,265)
(1,481)
28
(278)
19,722

22,902

(5,917)

16,985

25.3p

96.6p

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2023

Profit for the year

31 December
2023
£’000

31 December
2022
£’000

Notes

4,423

16,985

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Movement in fair value of investments taken to equity
Deferred tax relating to movement in fair value of
investments taken to equity
Realised fair value on disposal of investments previously taken to equity
Realised deferred tax relating to disposal of investments previously
taken to equity

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

25
18

(5)
43

(10)

(59)

15
309

(77)

188

Total comprehensive income for the year

4,470

17,173

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent

4,470

13,663

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Company number 00293147
As at 31 December 2023

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Plant and equipment
Investment properties
Derivative financial asset
Right of use asset
Investments

Current assets
Asset held for sale
Stock properties
Investments
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents (restricted)
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium account
Treasury shares
Capital redemption reserve
Retained earnings

Total equity

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Leases

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Current tax payable

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

31 December
2023
£’000

31 December
2022
£’000

Notes

15
16
27

21
22
22

24
25
29

26
24

42
185,169
2,505
221
165

188,102

–
350
26
3,250
954
4,198

8,778

64
176,937
4,467
258
256

181,982

191
350
29
3,178
4
4,454

8,206

196,880

190,188

4,437
5,491
(772)
572
102,144

111,872

–
4,225
8,113

12,338

8,528
64,101
41

72,670

85,008

196,880

4,437
5,491
(772)
604
101,467

111,227

58,807
3,371
8,249

70,427

7,869
500
165

8,534

78,961

190,188

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 16 May 2024. They were signed on
its behalf by:

A.S. Perloff
Chairman

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023

Balance at 1 January 2022
Total comprehensive income
Dividends
Treasury share purchase

Balance at 1 January 2023
Total comprehensive income
Dividends
Consolidation adjustment

Balance at 31 December 2023

Share
capital
£’000

4,437
–
–
–

4,437

Share
premium
£’000

Treasury
shares
£’000

Capital
redemption
£’000

5,491
–
–
–

5,491

(213)
–
–
(559)

(772)
–
–
–

(772)

604
–
–
–

604
–
–
(32)

572

Retained
earnings
£’000

87,464
17,173
(3,170)
–

101,467
4,470
(3,844)
51

Total

£’000

97,783
17,173
(3,170)
(559)

111,227
4,470
(3,844)
19

102,144

111,872

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit
Add: Depreciation
Rent paid treated as interest

Profit before working capital change
Decrease in assets held for resale
Increase in receivables
Increase/(decrease) in payables

Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Income tax paid

Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of investment properties
Purchase of investments**
Purchase of plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investment property
Proceeds from sale of investments**
Dividend income received
Interest income received

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Draw down of loan
Repayments of loans
Loan amortisation repayments
Purchase of own shares
Dividends paid

Net cash generated/(used) from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year*

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year*

31 December
2023
£’000

31 December
2022
£’000

6,347
22
(680)

5,689
191
(72)
690

6,498
(3,856)
(361)

2,281

(3,449)
(256)
–
950
404
14
94

(2,243)

5,000
–
(500)
–
(3,844)

656

694
4,458

5,152

6,331
45
(687)

5,689
–
(182)
(1,149)

4,358
(3,766)
(662)

(70)

(8,947)
(66)
(300)
1,176
74
21
7

(8,035)

8,500
(5,060)
(500)
(559)
(3,170)

(789)

(8,894)
13,352

4,458

* Of this balance £954,000 (2022: £4,000) is restricted by the Group’s lenders i.e. it can only be used for purchase of investment property.
** Shares in listed and/or unlisted companies.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2023

1. General information
Panther Securities P.L.C. (the “Company”) is a Public Limited Company limited by shares and incorporated in England
and Wales. The addresses of its Registered Office and principal place of business are disclosed in the introduction to the
Annual Report and Financial Statements. The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group) are
described in the Director’s Report.

2. New and revised International Financial Reporting Standards

New and amended Standards which became effective in the year

No new standards or amendments to standards that are mandatory for the first time for the financial year commencing
1 January 2023 affected any of the amounts recognised in the current year or any prior year and is not likely to affect
future periods.

Standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards that are not yet effective

Amendments to IFRS which will apply in future periods

There are no standards that are not yet effective and that would be expected to have a material impact on the entity in
the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

The Parent Company and subsidiaries have not adopted IFRS in their individual accounts.

3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Sources of judgement and estimation uncertainty in respect of the valuation of derivative financial instruments (see note
27) and investment properties (see note 16) are noted in their accounting policies and respective notes. In preparing the
financial statements the directors have made a key judgement of whether or not to disclose a material uncertainty in
respect of going concern and have concluded that no such uncertainty exists. Full details on this judgement are included
in note 4.

4. Significant accounting policies
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of
investment properties, derivative financial instruments and investments which are carried at fair value.

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of
the financial statements. If in the future such estimates and assumptions which are based on management’s best
judgement at the date of the financial statements, deviate from the actual circumstances, the original estimates and
assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the year in which the circumstances change. The principal accounting
policies are set out below.

Going Concern

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

4. Significant accounting policies continued
The Group is strongly capitalised, has high liquidity together with a number of long-term contracts with its customers
many of which are household names. The Group has a diverse spread of tenants across most industries and owns
investment properties based in many locations across the country.

The lenders’ covenants (on the previous facility but which are similar to the new facility) as at 31 December 2023 have
been reviewed and significant movements would be required before a covenant was breached such as a 29% decrease
in the secured portfolio valuation (a circa £46 million reduction) or 53% decrease in its actual income cover being circa
£6.4 million reduction in income. The Group also currently has cash reserves (and available facility) and other uncharged
assets (including circa £12 million of investment property).

The Directors believe the Group is very well placed to manage its business risks successfully and have a good expectation
that both the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue their operations for the foreseeable future.
For these reasons they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

More details are provided in the Directors Report within the Going Concern titled section.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by
the Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and
operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Business combinations

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the purchase method. The cost of the acquisition is measured at
the aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, consideration
payable including equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree, plus any costs directly
attributable to the business combination. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet
the conditions for recognition are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date.

Investment properties

Investment properties, which are properties held to earn rentals and/or capital appreciation, are revalued annually using
the fair value model of accounting for investment property at the Statement of Financial Position date. When revaluing
properties judgements are made based on the covenant strength of tenants, remainder of lease term of tenancy, location
and other developments which have taken place in the form of open market lettings, rent reviews, lease renewals and
planning consents. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment property are included in the Income
Statement in the period in which they arise.

The purchase of investment property is recognised on the date that exchange of contract become unconditional.
Investment property disposals are recognised on the date that exchange of contracts become unconditional and there
is a reasonable expectation that completion will occur. At this point the investment property is derecognised and any
difference between consideration received and carrying value is recognised in the Income Statement.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

4. Significant accounting policies continued

Transfers between investment property and stock properties

Transfers from stock properties to investment property are made at fair value; any difference between the fair value of
the property at the date of transfer and its carrying amount is recognised in the Income Statement. For a transfer from
investment property carried at fair value to inventories, the property’s deemed cost for subsequent accounting in
accordance with IAS 2 (‘Inventories’) is its fair value at the date of change in use.

Taxation

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. The tax currently payable is based
on taxable profit or loss for the period. Taxable profit or loss differs from profit or loss as reported in the Income
Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further
excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Statement of Financial Position date.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the
Statement of Financial Position liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary
differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available
against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the
temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other
assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and
associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary
difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each Statement of Financial Position date and reduced to the
extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be
recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that have been substantively enacted on or before the Statement
of Financial Position date. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the Income Statement, except when it relates to items
charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt within equity.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets
against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group
intends to settle its current assets and liabilities on a net basis. Corporation tax for the period is charged at 23.50%
(2022 – 19.00%).

Retirement benefit costs

The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and any pension charge represents the amounts payable
by the Company to the fund in respect of the year.

Revenue recognition

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts is applicable to management fees and other income but excludes rent receivable. The
majority of the Group’s income is from tenant leases and is outside the scope of the standard.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

4. Significant accounting policies continued
Revenue comprises:

•

Rental income from tenancy occupied properties net of Value Added Tax where appropriate: Rental income is
recognised in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the total lease period. The total expected rent
payable over a lease, which takes account of lease incentives, is amortised on a straight-line basis over the term of
the lease. Lease incentives are recognised as an integral part of the net consideration for the use of the property.

•

Sale of stock properties: This is recognised on completion.

Other income comprises:

•

Property management fees on service charge managed properties net of Value Added Tax where appropriate.
Income is recognised on an accruals basis when the performance obligations have been met.

Surrender premiums received on the early termination of tenant leases. Income is recognised on the date of
surrender of the lease.

Option premium and extension fees are recognised when the performance obligations are met and their signed
contracts.

Dilapidation fees received but not expensed against repair costs. Income is recognised when the dilapidation fee
has been contractually agreed with the tenant.

Insurance fees not utilised are recognised when we are sure they are not going to be utilised.

Government grants (furlough) are recognised when they are received.

The fair value of consideration received or receivable on the above services is recognised when the above revenue can
be reliably measured. Revenue from services is recognised evenly over the period in which the services are provided.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group’s Statement of Financial Position when the Group
becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables are initially recognised at the transaction price in accordance with IFRS 15. IFRS 9 requires the Group
to make an assessment of Expected Credit Losses (‘ECLs’) on its debtors based on tenant payment history and the
Directors’ assessment of the future credit risk relating to its trade receivables at reporting dates.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits.

Financial liabilities and equity

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified according to the substance of the contractual
arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any
contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. The accounting
policies adopted for specific financial liabilities and equity instruments are set out below.

Trade payables

Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective
interest rate method.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

4. Significant accounting policies continued

Bank borrowings

Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially measured at fair value less any transaction fees such as loan
arrangement fees, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Any
difference between the proceeds and the settlement or redemption of borrowings is recognised over the term of the
borrowings. Where new bank financing is obtained on substantially different terms to the existing financing the original
financial liability is derecognised and a new financial liability recognised.

Derivative financial instruments

Certain financial instruments are entered into by the Group to hedge against interest rate fluctuations. These include
interest rate swaps, options, collar and caps. Gains and losses on revaluation exclude interest expense on derivatives. The
Group does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised
at fair value on the date at which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at each
reporting date.

The Directors estimate the fair value annually for these financial instruments using the year end yield curve to extract the
markets estimate of future pricing for interest rates. An in-house valuation is considered alongside valuations obtained
from HSBC and Santander (both counterparties to one agreement) but also providing a value for the agreement they are
not party too. An average of the three values (in-house and both banks) for each instrument is taken as the most
appropriate value. This is an estimation and as such there is uncertainty to the fair value shown within the accounts – as
demonstrated as the three values range from £2.4 million to £2.7 million.

For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are taken
directly to the Income Statement for the year. None of the Group’s derivative financial instruments qualify for hedge
accounting.

Swap variation costs to alter a swap instruments are recognised as finance expense in the year.

Investments

Under IFRS 9, the Group has made an irrevocable election at initial recognition for particular investments in equity
instruments that would otherwise be measured at fair value through profit or loss to present subsequent changes
through other comprehensive income, and classified in the Statement of Financial Position as investments. Fair values
of these investments are based on quoted market prices where available. Investments in unquoted equity securities is
considered and also measured at fair value. Movements in fair value are taken directly to equity. When these investments
are considered impaired in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 9, the impairment losses are recognised in the
Income Statement. The investments represent investments in listed and unquoted equity securities that offer the Group
the opportunity for return through dividend income and fair value gains. They have no fixed maturity or coupon rate.
Those shares that are expected to be held for the long term are shown as non-current assets and those that are held for
short term are shown as current assets.

Current asset investments are held for short term trading and are carried at fair value with movements in fair value
recognised in the Income Statement.

Impairment of investments (non-current assets)

At each Statement of Financial Position date a provision for impairment is established based on expected credit losses.
If the asset is judged to be impaired the loss is recognised in the Income Statement.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

4. Significant accounting policies continued

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the
Group will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors’ best estimate of the expenditure
required to settle the obligation at the Statement of Financial Position date, and are discounted to present value where
the effect is material.

Stock properties

Properties that are purchased for future sale are classified as stock properties. Stock properties are valued at the lower
of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises the cost of the property and those overheads that have been incurred
in bringing the stock properties to their present condition. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less
all estimated costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

Share capital

Share capital represents the nominal value of shares issued by the Company.

Share premium

Share premium represents amounts received in excess of nominal value on the issue of share capital.

Treasury shares

Treasury shares represents the cumulative amounts paid to re-purchase shares in the company.

Capital redemption reserve

The capital redemption reserve arises on the purchase of the Company’s own shares for cancellation.

Retained earnings

Retained earnings represent the accumulated comprehensive income and losses of the Group less dividends paid.

Dividends

Dividends are recognised based on the value per share declared. Where scrip dividends are issued, the value of such
shares, measured as the amount of the cash dividend alternative, is credited to share capital and share premium. The net
movement in equity represents the cash paid on the dividend.

Leases

Under IFRS 16 a right of use asset and a lease liability has been recognised for all leases except leases of low value assets,
which are considered to be those with a fair value below £10,000, and those with a duration of 12 months or less. The
right-of-use asset has been measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial
direct costs incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset at the end of the lease,
and any lease payments made in advance of the lease commencement date.

The Group depreciates the right-of-use assets on a straight-line basis from the lease commencement date to the earlier
of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. Where impairment indicators exist,
the right of use asset will be assessed for impairment.

The lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the lease payments due to the lessor over the lease term,
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the Group’s incremental borrowing
rate.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

4. Significant accounting policies continued
After initial measurement, any payments made will reduce the liability and the interest accrued will increase it. Any
reassessment or modification will lead to a remeasurement of the liability. In such case, the corresponding adjustment
will be reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero.

On the Statement of Financial Position, right-of-use assets have been capitalised and included as a separate item.

The Group as lessor

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct
costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and
recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term. The sub-lease for the office premises has not been recognised
on the grounds of materiality.

5. Revenue, cost of sales and other income
The Group’s only operating segment is investment and dealing in property and securities. All revenue, cost of sales and
profit or loss before taxation is generated in the United Kingdom. The Group is not reliant on any key customers.

Other income

Surrender premiums
Service charge management fees
Dilapidations and other

6. Operating profit

The operating profit for the year is stated after charging:

Fees payable to the Group’s auditor for the audit of both the parent company and
the Group’s annual report and accounts (and its subsidiaries):
Fees paid to the Group’s auditor for other services:
Other services provided

7. Staff costs

Staff costs, including Directors’ remuneration, were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions

2023
£’000

480
106
457

1,043

2023
£’000

853
91
24

968

2022
£’000

65
100
844

1,009

2022
£’000

816
92
23

931

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

7. Staff costs continued
The average monthly number of employees, including Directors, during the year was as follows:

The average monthly number of employees, including Directors,
during the year was as follows:
Directors
Other employees

8. Directors’ remuneration

Emoluments for services as Directors

2023
Number

2022
Number

7
13

2023
£’000

300

5
13

2022
£’000

279

There are no Directors with retirement benefits accruing under money purchase pension schemes in respect of qualifying
services. Please refer to the Directors’ Report for information on the highest paid Director and in respect of individual
Directors’ emoluments. Key management are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and
controlling the activities of the Group. In the opinion of the Board, the Group’s key management comprises the Executive
and Non-Executive Directors of Panther Securities PLC. Information regarding their emoluments is set out above.

The following disclosures are in respect of employee benefits payable to the Directors of Panther Securities PLC across
the Group and are thus stated in accordance with IFRS:

Emoluments for services as directors
Employers’ NIC

Short term employee benefits (salaries and benefits)

Investment income

Interest on bank deposits
Dividends from equity investments

10. Finance costs

Interest payable on bank overdrafts and loans
Interest payable on lease liabilities
Finance costs – interest
Finance (income)/costs – swap interest (on financial derivatives)

2023
£’000

300
40

340

2023
£’000

94
14

108

2023
£’000

4,906
680
5,586
(757)

4,829

2022
£’000

279
40

319

2022
£’000

7
21

2022
£’000

2,578
687
3,265
1,481

4,746

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

11. Income tax charge
The charge for taxation comprises the following:

Current year UK corporation tax
Prior year UK corporation tax

Current year deferred tax debit – note 25

Income tax expense for the year

2023
£’000

41
196

237
839

1,076

2022
£’000

436
(80)

356
5,561

5,917

Domestic income tax is calculated at 23.5% (2022 – 19.00%) of the estimated assessable profit or loss for the year. The
provision for deferred tax has been calculated on the basis of 25.00% (2022 – 25.00%).

The total charge for the year can be reconciled to the accounting profit or loss as follows;

Profit before taxation
Profit before tax multiplied by the average
of the standard rate of UK corporation tax
of 23.5% (2022 – 19.0%)
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in
determining taxable profit
Dividend income not taxable for tax purposes
Tax on chargeable gains difference to profits
Movement in deferred tax on revalued assets
Difference in current and deferred tax rates
Prior year corporation tax over provision

Tax charge

2023
£’000

5,499

2023
%

1,292

23.5

37
(3)
(70)
(376)
–
196

1,076

0.7
(0.1)
(1.3)
(6.8)
–
3.6

12. Profit attributable to members of the parent undertaking

Dealt with in the accounts of:
– the parent undertaking
– subsidiary undertakings

Reconciliation of parent company profit and loss

Profit of parent company before intercompany adjustments
Bad debt provision – intercompany loan/investments*
Intercompany dividends*

Profit attributable to members of the Parent undertaking

* removed on consolidation

2022
£’000

22,902

4,351

32
(4)
84
1,166
368
(80)

5,917

2023
£’000

(7,247)
11,670

4,423

2023
£’000

(7,184)
–
(63)

(7,247)

2022
%

19.0

0.1
(0.0)
0.4
5.1
1.6
(0.3)

2022
£’000

9,008
7,977

16,985

2022
£’000

11,847
1,300
(4,139)

9,008

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

13. Dividends
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period:

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 6p per share (2022: 6p per share) 1,048
1,048
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 of 6p per share (2021: 6p per share)
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2021 of 6p per share
–
1,748
Special dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 10p per share

3,844

2023
£’000

2022
£’000

1,054
1,054
1,062
–

3,170

The Directors recommend a payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 of 6p per share, following
the special dividend of 10p per share which was paid on 10 February 2023, and an interim dividend of 6p per share which
was paid on 27 October 2023. The final dividend of 6p per share will be payable on 17 July 2024 to shareholders on the
register at the close of business on 28 June 2024 (Ex dividend on 27 June 2024).

The full ordinary dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 is anticipated to be 22p per share, subject to shareholder
approval, being the 6p interim per share paid, 10p special per share paid and the recommended final dividend of 6p
per share.

14. Earnings per ordinary share (basic and diluted)
The calculation of profit per ordinary share is based on the profit, being a profit of £4,293,000 (2022 – £16,985,000) and
on 17,471,929 ordinary shares being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year excluding
treasury shares (2022 – 17,577,699). There are no potential ordinary shares in existence. The Company holds 275,000
(2022 – 275,000) ordinary shares in treasury.

15. Plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2022
Additions
Transfer to assets held for resale

At 1 January 2023
Additions

At 31 December 2023

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Disposals

At 1 January 2023
Depreciation charge for the year

At 31 December 2023

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023

At 31 December 2022

Fixtures and
equipment
£’000

Motor
vehicles
£’000

73
300
(191)

182
–

182

73
45

118
22

140

8
–
–

8
–

–

Total
£’000

81
300
(191)

190
–

190

81
45

126
22

148

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

16. Investment properties

Fair value
At 1 January 2022
Additions
Disposals
Fair value adjustment on investment properties held on leases
Revaluation increase

At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Fair value adjustment on investment properties held on leases
Revaluation increase

At 31 December 2023

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023

At 31 December 2022

Investment
properties
£’000

167,384
8,947
(715)
(63)
1,384

176,937
3,449
(645)
(106)
5,534

185,169

176,937

At 31 December 2023, £150,057,000 (2022 – £141,979,000) and £35,112,000 (2022 – £34,958,000) included within
investment properties relates to freehold and leasehold properties respectively.

On the historical cost basis, investment properties would have been included as follows:

Cost of investment properties

2023
£’000

2022
£’000

145,836

143,616

The Group has pledged £163,745,000 (ignoring lease obligations) of investment property (2022 – £158,688,000) as
security for the main loan facilities with HSBC and Santander granted to the Group at the Statement of Financial
Position date.

Costs relating to ongoing and potential developments are included in additions to investment properties and in the year
ended 31 December 2023 amounted to £41,000 (2022 – £40,000).

The property rental income earned by the Group from its investment property, all of which is leased out under operating
leases, amounted to £14,408,000 (2022 – £13,362,000).

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

16. Investment properties continued
Property valuations are complex, require a degree of judgement and are based on data some of which is publicly available
and some that is not. Consistent with EPRA guidance, we have classified the valuations of our property portfolio as level
3 as defined by IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. Level 3 means that the valuation model cannot rely on inputs that are
directly available from an active market; however there are related inputs from auction results that can be used as a basis.
These inputs are analysed by segment in relation to the property portfolio. All other factors remaining constant, an
increase in rental income would increase valuation, whilst an increase in equivalent nominal yield would result in a fall in
value and vice versa.

In establishing fair value the most significant unobservable input is considered to be the appropriate yield to apply to the
rental income. This is based on a number of factors including financial covenant strength of the tenant, location,
marketability of the unit if it were to become vacant, quality of property and potential alternative uses.

Yields applied across the majority of the portfolio are in the range of 6% – 14% with the average yield being circa 8.4%.
Assuming all else stayed the same; a decrease of 1% in the average yield would result in an increase in fair value of
£23,179,000. An increase of 1% in the average yield would result in a decrease in fair value of £18,247,000.

Carter Jonas did an updated valuation for the lenders at July 2023 (which equated to 92.4% of the investment properties
valuation at the year end – being only those properties proposed to be charged to the lenders) and there has not been
an external valuation since then but the Directors adopted this within their year end valuation, as they judged there to be
no material differences since the valuation date. Cluttons were asked for their view on some of the higher value uncharged
properties which equated to a further 3.7% of the portfolio. Finally for the low value uncharged properties the directors
valued these properties equating to 3.9% of the portfolio (half this value related to one property bought in November
2023 which the purchase price was deemed to be market value). The valuation methodology applied by the Directors
and the external valuers is in accordance with The RICS Valuation Global Standards (effective from July 2017), which is
consistent with the required IFRS 13 methodology. IFRS 13 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

For some properties, valuation was based on an end development rather than investment income in order to achieve
highest and best use value. To get the valuation in this instance the end development is discounted by profit for a
developer and cost to build to get to the base estimated market value of investment. The amount of unrealised gains or
losses on investment properties is charged to the Income Statement as the movement in fair value of investment
properties, for 2023 this was a fair value gain of £5,534,000 (2022 – £1,384,000). The amount of realised gains or losses
is shown as the profit on disposal of investment properties within the income statement, for 2023 there was a realised
gain of £305,000 (2022 – £461,000).

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

17. Subsidiaries
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2023 are as follows;

Name of subsidiary

Panther (Dover) Limited
Panther Gateshead (VAT) Limited
Panther Maldon Industrial Limited
Panther Shop Investments (Midlands) Limited
Panther Investment Properties Limited
Panther (Bromley) Limited (*)
Snowbest Limited
Surrey Motors Limited
Etonbrook Properties PLC
Northstar Property Investment Limited
Panther (VAT) Properties Limited
Northstar Land Limited
London Property Company PLC
Eurocity Properties PLC
Eurocity Properties (Central) Limited (**)
CJV Properties Limited (**)
Panther AL Limited
Panther AL (VAT) Limited
Melodybright Limited
Panther Hinckley (VAT) Limited
Lord Street Properties (Southport) Limited

* – 100% subsidiary of Surrey Motors Limited
** – 100% subsidiaries of Eurocity Properties PLC

Country of
incorporation
and operation

Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain

Activity

Property
Property
Property
Property
Property
Property
Property
Non-trading
Non-trading
Property
Property
Dormant
Dormant
Non-trading
Property
Property
Property
Property
Property
Property
Property

Proportion
of ownership
interest
%

Proportion
of voting
power held
%

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
99.99

All companies have a 31 December year end and have been included in the consolidated financial statements.

The registered office of all the above companies is Unicorn House, Station Close, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1TL.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

18. Investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2022
Additions
Movement in fair value taken to equity
Disposals

At 1 January 2023

Additions
Movement in fair value taken to equity
Disposals

At 31 December 2023

Comprising at 31 December 2023:
At cost
At valuation/net realisable value

Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023

At 31 December 2022

Non-current
assets
£’000

292
66
250
(352)

256

256
62
(409)

165

17
148

165

256

The investments represent investments in listed and unquoted equity securities that offer the Group the opportunity for
return through dividend income and fair value gains. They have no fixed maturity or coupon rate. The fair values of the
listed securities are based on quoted market prices. The securities carried at fair value are classified as Level 1 in the fair
value hierarchy specified in IFRS 13. The fair value of investments in unquoted equity securities, which are not publically
traded, is measured at fair value or cost when this cannot easily be determined. The valuation of the investments is
sensitive to stock exchange conditions.

Price risk

For the year ended 31 December 2022 if the average share price of the portfolio was 10% lower, then the loss recognised
in Other Comprehensive Income would have been £12,000 lower (2022: £20,000 lower). Corresponding gains would be
seen for a 10% uplift.

19. Stock properties

Stock properties

2023
£’000

350

2022
£’000

350

The market value of stock properties is £465,000 (2022 – £685,000).

£365,000 (2022: £585,000) of stock properties at market value have been provided as security for the bank loan from
HSBC and Santander referred to in note 24.

The market value shown as at 31 December 2023, one stock property was valued by the Carter Jonas at July 23 and
both valued by the Directors for the year end. The stock properties are held at the lower of cost and market value and as
such any uplift is not recognised in the financial statements.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

20. Capital commitments

Capital expenditure that has been contracted for but has not been
provided for in the accounts

21. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Bad debt provision

Other debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income

2023
£’000

200

2023
£’000

2,870
(1,060)

1,810

16
375
1,049

3,250

2022
£’000

3,370
(1,660)

1,710

160
331
977

3,178

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value. Net trade
receivables are financial assets. The total of financial assets included within the financial statements at amortised cost
is £8,027,000 (2022 – £7,305,000) (which relates to £2,875,000 (2022 – £2,847,000) included in the above (less
prepayments) and the Group’s cash or cash equivalents).

Debts are specifically provided for on an expected credit loss model. The bad debt provision includes all material doubtful
debts that the directors are aware of. Other receivables and accrued income are shown net of provisions.

Aged Trade receivables are shown below:

Up to 30 days
Up to 60 days
Up to 90 days
Up to 120 days
Over 120 days

Total

2023
£’000

1,661
98
–
423
688

2,870

2023
%

58%
3%
0%
15%
24%

2022
£’000

1,321
229
131
414
1,275

3,370

2022
%

39%
7%
4%
12%
38%

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

21. Trade and other receivables continued
Movement in allowance for doubtful debts on trade receivables:

Balance at 1 January 2022
Amount written off as uncollectable
Charge/(credit) to income statement

Balance at 1 January 2023
Amounts written off as uncollectable
Charge to income statement

Balances at 31 December 2023

22. Other financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade
receivables
£’000

1,242
(284)
702

1,660
(1,280)
680

1,060

Cash and cash equivalents comprise of cash held by the Group and short-term bank deposits. The carrying amount of
these assets approximates their fair value. Within Cash and Cash equivalents but separately identified on the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is cash described as restricted, this is a separate bank account set up as part
of the loan agreement were property disposal proceeds, not used to decease the loan, can be held to reinvest in other
investment properties but other uses are restricted to agreement with the lenders.

Credit risk

The Group’s financial assets are cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables.

The credit risk on liquid funds is mitigated by the use of bank counterparties with high credit-ratings assigned by
international credit-rating agencies. Further information on the Group’s credit risk is detailed within the Group Strategic
Report.

23. Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid
17,746,929 (2021 – 17,746,929) ordinary shares of £0.25 each

The Company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no fixed right to income.

2023
£’000

2022
£’000

4,437

During 2023 no ordinary shares were issued in the period (2022 – no ordinary shares were issued). 275,000 (2022 –
275,000) ordinary shares are held in treasury.

After the year end on 3 January 2024 the Company purchased 30,000 of its own shares to held as treasury shares being
a total of 305,000.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

24. Bank loans

Bank loans due within one year
(within current liabilities)
Bank loans due after more than one year
(within non-current liabilities)

Total bank loans

Analysis of debt maturity

Bank loans repayable
On demand or within one year
In the second year
In the third year to the fifth year

2023
£’000

64,101

2022
£’000

500

–

58,807

64,101

59,307

2023
£’000
Interest*

1,802
–
–

1,802

2023
£’000
Capital

64,101
–
–

64,101

2023
£’000
Total

65,903
–
–

65,903

2022
£’000
Total

4,126
60,904
–

65,030

* based on the 3 month SONIA floating rate charged in March 24 – 5.19%. Interest is only due to 16 July 2024 when the loan is due for repayment.

After the year end, on 28 March 2024, the Group refinanced by completing a new facility of £68 million, split between a
£55 million term loan and a £13 million revolving facility. The new facility has a four-year term (with a further one-year
option to extend subject to credit approval). The interest rate payable is 2.3 per cent. over three month SONIA with a
ratchet that can take it to 2.5 per cent over three month SONIA in certain circumstances.

HSBC and Santander remain as the joint providers of the new facility.

The bank loans are secured by first fixed charges on the properties held within the Group and floating asset over all the
assets of the Company. The lenders have also taken fixed security over the shares held in the Group undertakings.

The estimate of interest payable is based on current interest rates and as such, is subject to change.

The Directors estimate the fair value of the Group’s borrowings, by discounting their future cash flows at the market rate
(in relation to the prevailing market rate for a debt instrument with similar terms). The fair value of bank loans is not
considered to be materially different to the book value. Bank loans are financial liabilities.

25. Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group, and the movements thereon,
during the current and prior reporting periods.

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Asset at 1 January 2022
Debit to equity for the year
Debit to Income Statement for the year

Liability at 1 January 2023
Debit to equity for the year
Debit to Income Statement for the year

Liability at 31 December 2023

Total
£’000

2,252
(62)
(5,561)

(3,371)
(15)
(839)

(4,225)

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

25. Deferred taxation continued
Deferred taxation arises in relation to:

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment properties
Derivative financial liability

Deferred tax assets:
Tax allowances in excess of book value
Fair value of investments

Net deferred tax (liabilities)/asset

2023
£’000

(4,028)
(626)

376
53

2022
£’000

(2,722)
(1,117)

398
70

(4,225)

(3,371)

As at 31 December 2023 the substantively enacted rate was 25% (2022: 25%) and this has been used for the deferred
tax calculation.

26. Trade and other payables

Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Leases (see note 29)
Accruals
Deferred income

2023
£’000

2,068
352
1,598
680
1,331
2,499

8,528

2022
£’000

2,013
434
1,494
687
840
2,401

7,869

Trade creditors and accruals comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases.

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade payables approximates their fair value.

All trade and other payables are due within one year. Trade creditors and accruals are financial liabilities.

Liabilities included within the financial statements at amortised cost total £78,243,000 (2022 – £73,024,000) (includes
payables above and the long term and short term borrowings, excluding deferred income plus lease liabilities).

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

27. Derivative financial instruments
The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are those related to interest rate movements. Whilst there
are no formal procedures for managing exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Board continually reviews the situation
and makes decisions accordingly. Hence, the Company will, as far as possible, enter into fixed interest rate swap
arrangements. The purpose of such transactions is to manage the cash flow risks associated with a rise in interest rates
but does expose it to fair value risk.

Bank loans
Interest is charged as to:

Fixed/Hedged
HSBC Bank plc*
HSBC Bank plc**
Unamortised loan arrangement fees
Floating element
HSBC Bank plc
Shawbrook Bank Ltd

Rate

6.10%
4.71%

2023
£’000

35,000
25,000
(149)

4,250
–

64,101

2022
£’000

35,000
25,000
(443)

(250)
–

59,307

Rate

7.76%
4.71%

Bank loans totalling £60,000,000 (2022 – £60,000,000) are fixed using interest rate swaps removing the Group’s exposure
to fair value interest rate risk. Other borrowings are arranged at floating rates, thus exposing the Group to cash flow
interest rate risk.

Financial instruments for Group and Company

The derivative financial assets and liabilities are designated as held for trading.

Derivative Financial Asset/(Liability)
Interest rate swap*
Interest rate swap**

Hedged
amount
£’000

35,000
25,000

Duration of
contract
remaining
‘years’

14.69
7.92

Average
rate

3.40%
2.01%

2023
Fair
value
£’000

347
2,158

2,505

2022
Fair
value
£’000

1,236
3,231

4,467

Net fair value (loss)/gain on derivative financial assets

(1,962)

19,722

Fixed rate came into effect in September 2008, following a variation made in 2021, in September 2023 the rate drops to 3.4% (previously 5.06%)
for the remaining term.

** This arrangement commenced in December 2021 but was entered into as a future fixing in April 2018.
The rates shown includes a 2.7% margin (2022 – 2.7%).
Neither contracts include break options in the term but are repayable on a cessation of lending.

Interest rate derivatives are shown at fair value in the Income Statement, and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value
hierarchy specified in IFRS 13.

The vast majority of the derivative financial liabilities are due in over one year and therefore they have been disclosed as
all due in over one year.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

27. Derivative financial instruments continued
As mentioned elsewhere within these accounts the valuation of these derivative instruments is problematic as a singular
number cannot fully make clear the high sensitivity effecting the calculated valuation to the various inputs and market
conditions. In order to demonstrate the variations the combined value of these instruments since 2008 and 2023 have
been at the best a £4m asset and at worst shown was £31m liability. Since the variation in 2021 (giving a rate of 3.4%
from Sept 23) and due to the instrument entered into in April 2018 (rate of 2.01%), the board believes the outlook for
these instruments will be more favourable than they or previous ones have been, and should be less volatile, when
considering the projected market interest rates.

Taking the existing estimate of our financial derivative fair value at the year end, very approximately if the market expected
interest rates to be on average a 100 basis points higher over the life of our financial derivatives (this rate change also
factors into the group’s expected cost of capital or discount factor) this would increase the current asset by £6m being
a £8m to £9m asset (further a 100 basis points reduction on average – would lead to an estimated £6m reduction in value
or being a £3m to £4m liability).

The above fair values are based on quotations from the Group’s banks and Directors’ valuation.

Analysis of debt maturity

Annual cash flows in respect of derivative financial instruments are approximately an income of £757,000 (2022: cost of
£1,481,000) per annum based on current SONIA rates.

Interest rate risk

For the year ended 31 December 2023, if on average the 3 month SONIA over the year had been 100 basis points (1%)
higher with all other variables held constant, under the financing structure in place at the year end, profit before tax for
the year would have been approximately £40,000 lower (2022: £2,500 lower). This analysis excludes any effect this rate
adjustment might have on expectations of future interest rates movements which is likely to affect the estimation of
the fair value of the derivative financial liabilities (as this movement would also be shown within the Income Statement
affecting post-tax profit or loss), but indicates the likely cash saving/(cost) a 100 basis points (1%) movement would have
had for the Group.

Treasury management

The long-term funding of the Group is maintained by three main sources, all with their own benefits. The Group has equity
finance, has surplus profits and cash flow which can be utilised, and also has loan facilities with financial institutions. The
various available sources provide the Group with more flexibility in matching the suitable type of financing to the business
activity and ensure long-term capital requirements are satisfied. Please also see the Financial Risk management:
Objectives, policies and processes for managing risk, of the Group Strategic Report.

28. Contingent liabilities
There were no contingent liabilities at the year-end (2022: nil).

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

29. Lease arrangements and obligations under leases
IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as operating leases or finance leases and treats all in a similar way to finance
leases for lessees only.

The Group as lessee

The Group paid rent under non-cancellable leases in the year of £822,000 (2022 – £919,000).

The majority of these non-cancellable lease obligations are long leasehold investments in which the Group receives a
profit rent. These investments often have rents payable, often with a contingent element (for example paying a
proportion of collected rents), and a minimum rent obligation that is due to the superior landlord.

The average lease length is 147 years. The minimum rental payment obligations due under these operating leases and
anticipated rental income derived from these investments are shown below. The rate used to determine the present
value of the minimum rental payment obligations, is the cost of capital relevant to the time they were first entered into
(majority of these are at 7.13% relating to when standard first introduced). The difference between the rents payable in
the year of £822,000 (2022: £919,000) and the minimum for the year of £680,000 (2022: £687,000) is related to the
contingent element only payable out of rents receivable.

Minimum future payments under non-cancellable leases

(Lessee)

Payable within one year
Payable between one year and five years
Payable in more than five years

Anticipated rental income derived under non-cancellable sub leases

(Lessor)

Payable within one year
Payable between one year and five years
Payable in more than five years

Leases due within one year
(included within current liabilities)

Leases due within one to five years
Leases due in more than five years

(included within non-current liabilities)

Total lease obligations

2023
£’000

680
2,720
42,939

46,339

2023
£’000

3,358
9,226
4,584

17,168

2023
£’000

680

2,720
5,393

8,113

8,793

2022
£’000

687
2,748
43,907

47,342

2022
£’000

3,326
10,090
5,297

18,713

2022
£’000

687

2,748
5,501

8,249

8,936

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

29. Lease arrangements and obligations under leases continued

The Group as a lessor

The Group rents out its investment properties under leases. Revenue represents the Group’s rental income for the year.

Contracted rental income derived under non-cancellable leases on investment properties

Payable within one year
Payable between one year and five years
Payable in more than five years

30. Reconciliation of liabilities from financing activities

2023
£’000

11,927
33,734
26,737

72,398

2022
£’000

11,826
34,778
25,677

72,281

Derivative financial instruments
Leases (current)
Leases (non-current)
Borrowings (current)
Borrowings (non-current)

1 January
2022
£’000

(15,255)
(687)
(8,353)
(560)
(55,513)

(80,368)

1 January
2023
£’000

4,467
(687)
(8,249)
(500)
(58,807)

(63,776)

Cash
flow
£’000

–
687
–
560
(3,500)

(2,253)

Cash
flow
£’000

–
687
–
500
(5,000)

(3,813)

Non-cash
movements
New Leases
£’000

Other
non-cash
movements
£’000

31 December
2022
£’000

–
–
(583)
–
–

(583)

19,722
(687)
687
(500)
206

(19,428)

4,467
(687)
(8,249)
(500)
(58,807)

(63,776)

Non-cash
movements
New leases
£’000

Other
non-cash
movements
£’000

31 December
2023
£’000

–
–
(544)

(544)

(1,962)
(680)
680
(64,101)
63,807

(2,256)

2,505
(680)
(8,113)
(64,101)
–

(70,389)

31. Events after the reporting date
In January 2024 the Group paid back £900,000 of the loan facility (using disposal proceeds).

On 28 March 2024, the Group refinanced by completing a new facility of £68 million, split between a £55 million term loan
and a £13 million revolving facility. The new facility has a four-year term (with a further one-year option to extend subject
to credit approval). The interest rate payable is 2.3 per cent. over three month SONIA with a ratchet that can take it to 2.5
per cent over three month SONIA in certain circumstances. HSBC and Santander remain as the joint providers of the
new facility. The £64,125,000 of the available facility is currently being utilised.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued

32. Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated
on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. The compensation of the Group’s key management personnel is
shown in note 8 to the financial statements and Directors’ emoluments are shown in note 8 and the Directors’ Report.

At 31 December 2023 included within creditors was, £7,000 (2022: 7,000) payable to the beneficiaries of the estate of
late F Perloff, £6,000 was due to H Perloff (2022: £12,000 due from H Perloff), all close family members of a director.
Movement in the year related to property management services. Also A Perloff was owed £3,000 by the Group (2022:
owed the group £37,000) at the year end. The balances owed by A Perloff and H Perloff at 31 December 2022 were both
cleared in early 2023.

At 31 December 2023 included within creditors was, £21,000 (2022: £23,000) owed to Maland Pension Fund a company
sponsored pension scheme (for a director). This is a trading relationship as the balance owed was in relation to a jointly
owned property where the interests were split and have been for many years. The company has not contributed for over
a decade and there are no plans to make any further contributions.

Anglia Home Furnishings Ltd (“AHF”) t/a Fabb, a company owned wholly by Portnard Ltd (48% shareholder in Panther
and has common directors) pays rent to the group of £125,000 pa in Canterbury. During 2022 Panther paid circa £40,000
of roof costs on this unit, whose roof Panther was only partly responsible for, but in return got an increased rental of
£136,000 pa from December 2022 which it will benefit from until the existing next rent review date of December 2024
(which will now not be able to go lower than the new rate). The agreement in relation to the contribution also allowed for
the lease to be amended so that going forward AHF are solely responsible for the roof. The full arrangement due to any
potential conflict of interest was reviewed by the boards non-executive directors. In December 2023 the Group entered
an additional lease with AHF t/a Fabb on a warehouse in Peterborough. The lease rental is £345,000 pa on a 15 year lease
term, the incentive package included 5 months rent free and £120,000 capital contribution. AHF was sold on 23 April
2024 and is no longer a connected party.

New Start 2020 Ltd, a company owned wholly by Portnard Ltd rents a property in Southport (5 years from June 2021),
paying a percentage of their turnover. In 2023 they only paid £10,000 (£54,000 – 2022) as a rent free period concession
was provided to stop the tenant vacating.

Machines were bought for £224,000 (but before disposal in 2023 had a book value of £191,000) with the intention to
lease these to Airsprung Group PLC (also owned wholly by Portnard Ltd). The arrangement was reviewed and approved
by the non-executives on the board. However in March 2023 the machines were sold to Airsprung Group PLC for
£245,000 and the leasing arrangement was ended.

Jonathan Rhodes is a non-executive director of Panther Securities PLC but also a partner in Cluttons, the Company
obtain guidance on valuations from Cluttons in 2023 and paid a valuation fee totalling £11,000 in 2024.

During the year dividends of £1,045,000 (2022: £854,000) were paid to directors of the Group.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2023

Fixed assets
Investments
Derivative financial asset

Current assets
Asset held for sale
Debtors
Current asset investments
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors: amounts falling due after
more than one year
Derivative financial liability

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Treasury shares
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds

Notes

£’000

35
27

–
86,053
26
4,376

90,455

2023
£’000

18,297
2,505

£’000

191
90,720
29
3,431

94,371

(78,585)

(14,782)

38
27

11,870

32,672

–
–

32,672

4,437
5,491
(772)
604
22,912

32,672

2022
£’000

18,404
4,467

79,589

102,460

(58,807)
–

43,653

4,437
5,491
(772)
604
33,893

43,653

As permitted under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no Income Statement or Statement of Comprehensive
Income is presented for the parent company.

The Parent Company made a loss of £7,184,000 (2022: profit of £11,847,000).

The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 16 May 2024. They were signed on
its behalf by:

A.S. Perloff
Chairman

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2023

Balance at 1 January 2022
Profit for the year
Movement in fair value of investments
taken to equity
Deferred tax relating to movement in
fair value of investments taken to equity
Realised fair value on disposal of investments
previously taken to equity
Realised deferred tax relating to disposal of
investments previously taken to equity
Treasury share purchase
Dividends

Balance at 1 January 2023
Profit for the year
Movement in fair value of investments
taken to equity
Deferred tax relating to movement in
fair value of investments taken to equity
Realised fair value on disposal of
investments previously taken to equity
Realised deferred tax relating to disposal
of investments previously taken to equity
Dividends

Share
capital
£’000

4,437
–

Share
premium
£’000

5,491
–

Capital
Treasury redemption
reserves
£’000

shares
£’000

(213)
–

604
–

Retained
earnings
£’000

25,028
11,847

Total
£’000

35,347
11,847

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

4,437
–

5,491
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
(559)
–

(772)
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–

604
–

–

–
–

(59)

310

(78)
–
(3,170)

33,893
(7,184)

(5)

310

(78)
(559)
(3,170)

43,653
(7,184)

(5)

(10)
(3,844)

Balance at 31 December 2023

4,437

5,491

(772)

604

22,912

32,672

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2023

33. Accounting policies for the Parent Company
The Parent Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101
Reduced Disclosure Framework.

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:

•

the exemption from providing certain comparative information;

the exemption from preparing a statement of cash flows;

the exemption from declaring compliance with IFRS;

the exemption from disclosing aspects of capital risk management;

the exemption from providing a reconciliation on the number of shares outstanding;

the exemption from disclosing information about IFRS in issue but not yet adopted;

the exemption from disclosing key management personnel compensation; and

the exemption from disclosing transactions between wholly owned group members.

In relation to the following exemptions equivalent disclosures have been given in the consolidated financial statements:

•

the exemption from certain financial instrument disclosures; and

the exemption from certain fair value disclosures.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as at the Statement of Financial Position date and the amounts
reported for revenues and expenses during the year. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes
could differ from those estimates.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty of the Group, applicable to the consolidated financial statements
have been disclosed in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. The only additional judgement relates to the
recoverability of intercompany balances. Apart from that there are no additional judgements and key sources of
estimation uncertainty that are applicable to the Parent Company only.

Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies of the Parent Company are identical to those adopted in the Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Group, where applicable, with the exception of revenue recognition and investments in subsidiaries and the
assessment of balances such as intercompany receivables which are cancelled out on consolidation.

Revenue recognition

Turnover comprises dividend income from investments recognised when the Company’s rights to receive payment have
been established.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued

33. Accounting policies for the Parent Company continued

Investments

Under IFRS 9, the Company has made an irrevocable election at initial recognition for particular investments in equity
instruments that would otherwise be measured at fair value through profit or less to present subsequent changes through
other comprehensive income. Fair values of these investments are based on quoted market prices where available.
Investments in unquoted equity securities is also considered and measured at fair value. Movements in fair value are
taken directly to equity. When these investments are considered impaired in accordance with the requirements of IFRS
9, under the expected credit loss model, the impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement. The
investments represent investments in listed and unquoted equity securities that offer the Group the opportunity for
return through dividend income and fair value gains. They have no fixed maturity or coupon rate. Those shares that are
expected to be held for the long term are shown as non-current assets and those that are held for short term are shown
as current assets.

Investments in subsidiaries is recorded at cost less impairment.

Current asset investments are held for short term trading and are carried at fair value with movements in fair value
recognised in the Income Statement.

Intercompany debtors

These are held at cost unless considered impaired. Impairment provisions for receivables from related parties are
determined using the simplified approach to determine the expected credit loss.

34. Staff costs

Staff costs, including Directors’ remuneration, were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions

2023
£’000

853
91
24

968

2022
£’000

816
92
23

931

The average monthly number of employees, including Directors, during the year was as follows:

Directors
Other employees

2023
Number

2022
Number

7
13

5
13

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued

35. Fixed asset investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Movement in fair value taken to equity
Disposals
Write offs
Provisions utilised

At 31 December 2023

Investments:
Listed
Unlisted

Shares in
Group
undertakings
£’000

Other
investments
£’000

18,148
–
–
–
(2,716)
2,700

18,132

–
18,132

256
256
62
(409)

–

165

148
17

Total
£’000

18,404
256
62
(409)

(1,200)

18,297

148
18,149

The above investments are shown at market value where there is an active market for these shares. The historic cost of
listed investments is £360,000 (2022: £513,000).

For details of the Company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2023, see note 17.

36. Debtors

Due less than one year:
Other debtors
Corporation tax
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Prepayments and accrued income
Due more than one year:
Deferred tax (note 39)

37. Creditors

Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Bank loans
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Due more than one year:
Deferred tax (note 39)

2023
£’000

71
–
85,833
149

2022
£’000

160
272
90,247
41

–

86,053

90,720

2023
£’000

38
64,101
13,205
59
75
534

573

78,585

2022
£’000

43
500
12,657
74
71
397

1,040

14,782

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued

38. Creditors

Amounts falling due after more than one year

Bank loans

2023
£’000

–

2022
£’000

58,807

The bank loan is secured by first fixed charges on the properties held within the Group and floating charge over all the
assets of the Company. The lenders have also taken fixed security over the shares held in the Group undertakings.

39. Deferred taxation
The following potential deferred taxation (liability)/asset is recognised:

Timing differences on plant and equipment
Fair value of investments
Fair value of financial instruments

40. Called up share capital

Authorised
30,000,000 ordinary shares of £0.25 each

Allotted, called up and fully paid
17,746,929 (2021: 17,746,929) ordinary shares of £0.25 each

2023
£’000

–
53
(626)

(573)

2022
£’000

8
69
(1,117)

(1,040)

2023
£’000

2022
£’000

7,500

4,437

The Company is limited by shares and has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income.

During 2023, no ordinary shares were issued in the period (2022: nil). 275,000 (2022: 275,000) ordinary shares of £0.25
each are held in treasury representing 1.5% (2022 – 1.5%) of the Company’s issued share capital.

41. Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated
on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

The compensation of the Group’s key management personnel is shown in note 8 to the financial statements and
Directors’ emoluments are shown in note 8 and the Directors’ Report.

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued

41. Related party transactions continued
At 31 December 2023 included within creditors was, £21,000 (2022: £23,000) owed to Maland Pension Fund a company
sponsored pension scheme (for a director). This is a trading relationship as the balance owed was in relation to a jointly
owned property where the interests were split and have been for many years. The company has not contributed for over
a decade and there are no plans to make any further contributions.

During the year dividends of £1,045,000 (2022: £854,000) were paid to directors of the Group.

42. Risk management
For information on the Company’s risk management please refer to note 27 of the Group accounts. As well as the risks
mentioned in the Group accounts, the company is also exposed to credit risk on intercompany receivables. The risk will
be low because the counterparties, the subsidiaries, have the adequate resources to settle the debt.

43. Events after the reporting period date
In January 2024 the Company paid back £900,000 of the loan facility (using disposal proceeds).

On 28 March 2024, the Company refinanced by completing a new facility of £68 million, split between a £55 million term
loan and a £13 million revolving facility. The new facility has a four-year term (with a further one-year option to extend
subject to credit approval). The interest rate payable is 2.3 per cent. over three month SONIA with a ratchet that can take
it to 2.5 per cent over three month SONIA in certain circumstances. HSBC and Santander remain as the joint providers
of the new facility. The £64,125,000 of the available facility is currently being utilised.

44. Authorisation of financial statements and statement of compliance with FRS101
The financial statements of Panther Securities PLC (the “Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2023 were
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 16 May 2024 and the Statement of Financial Position was signed on the
board’s behalf by A S Perloff. Panther Securities PLC is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. These financial
statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS
101) and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

The Company’s financial statements are presented in Sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest (£000’s) except
when otherwise indicated.

The results of Panther Securities PLC are included within the consolidated financial statements of Panther Securities
PLC. The principal accounting policies adopted by the Company are set out in note 33.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Arrangements for the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The 90th Annual General Meeting of Panther Securities P.L.C. is planned to be held on 20 June 2024 in the Trueman Suite
at Danubius Hotel Regents Park, 18 Lodge Road, NW8 7JT at 11.30 am.

As Ordinary Business
1. To receive and adopt the Group Strategic Report, Directors’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31

December 2023 contained in the document entitled “Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023”.

2. To ratify the payment of a final dividend of 6.0p per ordinary share as the final dividend.

3. To:

3.1 Re-elect Andrew Perloff who is retiring by rotation, as a Director.

3.2 Re- elect John Perloff who is retiring by rotation, as a Director.

4. To reappoint auditors Crowe U.K. LLP and to authorise the Directors to determine their remuneration.

As Special Business
To consider, and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions of which resolutions 5, 7 and 8 will be proposed as ordinary
resolutions and resolution 6 as a special resolution.

5. That for the purposes of section 551 Companies Act 2006 (and so that expressions used in this resolution shall bear

the same meaning as in the said section 551):

5.1 the Directors be and are generally and unconditionally authorised to allot equity securities (as defined in section
560 of the Companies Act 2006) up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £2,400,000 to such persons
and at such times and on such terms as they think proper during the period expiring at the earlier of 15 months
from the date of passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company
to be held in 2024 (unless previously revoked or varied by the Company in general meeting) except that the
Company may before such expiry make any offer or agreement which could or might require relevant securities
to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot relevant securities pursuant to any such offer or
agreement as if such authority had not expired; and

5.2 this resolution revokes and replaces all unexercised authorities previously granted to the directors pursuant to
section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 but without prejudice to any allotment of shares or grant of rights
already made, offered or agreed to made pursuant to such authorities.

6. That, subject to the passing of resolution 5, set out in the Notice convening this Meeting, the Directors are
empowered in accordance with section 571 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (as defined in
section 560 of the Companies Act 2006) for cash, pursuant to the authority conferred on them to allot equity
securities (as defined in section 560 of the Act) by that resolution and/or to sell equity securities held as treasury
shares for cash pursuant to section 727 of the Companies Act 2006, in each case as if section 561 (1) of the
Companies Act 2006 did not apply to any such allotment or sale, provided that the power conferred by this resolution
shall be limited to:

6.1 the allotment of equity securities in connection with an issue or offering in favour of or sale to holders of equity
securities and any other persons entitled to participate in such issue or offering where the equity securities
respectively attributable to the interests of such holders and persons are proportionate (as nearly as may be)
to the respective number of equity securities held by or deemed to be held by them on the record date of such
allotment, subject only to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider necessary or
expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under the laws or requirements of
any recognised regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory;

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Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

6.2 the allotment or sale (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph 6.1 above) of equity securities up to an aggregate

nominal value not exceeding £221,000; and

6.3 the power granted by this resolution, unless renewed, shall expire at the earlier of 15 months from the date of
passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2024
but shall extend to the making, before such expiry, of an offer or agreement which would or might require equity
securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such
offer or agreement as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.

7. That the Company is generally and unconditionally authorised for the purpose of section 701 Companies Act 2006
to make market purchases (as defined in section 693 (4) of the said Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital
of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that the Company be and is hereby authorised to purchase its own
shares by way of market purchase upon and subject to the following conditions:-

7.1 The maximum number of shares which may be purchased is 2,500,000 ordinary shares;

7.2 The maximum price (exclusive of expense) at which any share may be purchased is the price equal to 5 per cent,
above the average of the middle market quotations of an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock
Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days preceding the date of such purchase, and the minimum
price at which any share may be purchased shall be the par value of such share; and

7.3 The authority to purchase conferred by this Resolution shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General
Meeting of the Company provided that any contract for the purchase of any shares as aforesaid which was
concluded before the expiry of the said authority may be executed wholly or partly after the said authority
expires.

8. That the directors be authorised to make a payment of up to £25,000 by a way of donation to the Reform Party.

The directors believe that the proposals in resolutions 1-7 are in the best interests of shareholders as a whole and
they unanimously recommend that you vote in favour of the resolutions. The directors understand that everyone
has their own personal political views so no recommendation one way or another has been made by the directors
regarding resolution 8.

By order of the Board

S. J. Peters
Company Secretary

Registered Office
Unicorn House
Station Close, Potters Bar
Hertfordshire EN6 1TL

16 May 2024

See over for notes.

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

Notes

1. Any member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at this meeting is also entitled to appoint a proxy to attend

and vote in his stead. Such a proxy need not also be a member of the Company.

2. A shareholder may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the Annual General Meeting provided that each proxy

is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares held by that shareholder.

3. A proxy form is enclosed. To appoint a proxy, shareholders must complete:

•

a form of proxy and return it together with the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is
signed or a notarially certified copy of such authority, to Link Group, PXS 1, Central Square, 29 Wellington Street,
Leeds, LS1 4DL; or

a CREST Proxy Instruction (as set out in paragraph 5 below);

in each case so that it is received not later than 48 hours before the meeting. To appoint more than one proxy, you
will need to complete a separate proxy form in relation to each appointment.

Please read the notes on the proxy form. The return of a completed proxy form, will not prevent a shareholder
attending the Annual General Meeting and voting in person if he/she wishes to do so.

4. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service
may do so for the Annual General Meeting and any adjournment(s) of the meeting by using the procedures described
in the CREST Manual (available via www.euroclear.com). CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored
members, and those CREST members who have appointed a service provider(s), should refer to their CREST
sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST
message (a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK &
International Limited’s specifications, and must contain the information required for such instruction, as described
in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or is an
amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as
to be received by the Company’s agent RA10, by the latest time for receipt of proxy appointments set out in
paragraph 2 above. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp
applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the Company’s agent is able to retrieve the
message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time, any change of instructions to
proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means.

6. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers, should note that
Euroclear UK & International Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular
messages. Normal system timings and limitations will, therefore, apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy
Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST
personal member, or sponsored member, or has appointed any voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST
sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is
transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where
applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the
CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.

Unless otherwise indicated on the Form of Proxy or CREST, the Proxy will vote as they think fit or, at their discretion,
withhold from voting.

In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the
appointment submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which
the names of the joint holders appear in the Company’s register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first-
named being the most senior).

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

8. Any person to whom this Notice is sent who is a person nominated under section 146 of the Companies Act 2006
to enjoy information rights (a “Nominated Person”) may, under an agreement between him/her and the shareholder
by whom he/she was nominated, have a right to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for
the Annual General Meeting. If a Nominated Person has no such proxy appointment right or does not wish to exercise
it, he/she may, under any such agreement, have a right to give instructions to the shareholder as to the exercise of
voting rights. The statement of the rights of shareholders in relation to the appointment of proxies in paragraphs 1,
2 and 3 above does not apply to Nominated Persons. The rights described in these paragraphs can only be exercised
by shareholders of the Company

9. A statement of all transactions of each Director and his family interests in the share capital of the Company will be
available for inspection at the Company’s registered office during normal business hours from the date of this notice
up to the close of the Annual General Meeting and will be available for inspection at the place of the Annual General
Meeting for at least 15 minutes prior to and during the meeting.

10. Pursuant to regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, the Company gives notice that only
those shareholders included in the register of members of the Company at the close of business on 18 June 2024
or, if the meeting is adjourned, in the register of members at close of business. on the day which is two days before
the day of any adjourned meeting, will be entitled to attend and to vote at the Annual General Meeting in respect of
the number of shares registered in their names at that time. Changes to entries on the share register at close of
business on 18 June 2024, or, if the meeting is adjourned, in the register of members at close of business. on the day
which is two days before the day of any adjourned meeting, will be disregarded in determining the rights of any person
to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting.

11. As at 9.00 a.m. on 16 May 2024, the Company’s issued share capital comprised 17,441,929 ordinary shares of 25
pence each. Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at a general meeting of the Company and, therefore,
the total number of voting rights in the Company as at 9.00 a.m. on 16 May 2024 is 17,441,929.

12. Under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, members meeting the threshold requirements set out in that section
have the right to require the Company to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to: (i) the
audit of the Company’s accounts (including the auditor’s report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be laid
before the Annual General Meeting; or (ii) any circumstance connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to
hold office since the previous meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid in accordance with section 437
of the Companies Act 2006. The Company may not require the shareholders requesting any such website
publication to pay its expenses in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the Companies Act 2006. Where the
Company is required to place a statement on a website under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, it must
forward the statement to the Company’s auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement available on
the website. The business which may be dealt with at the Annual General Meeting includes any statement that the
Company has been required under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006 to publish on a website.

13. Any member attending the meeting has the right to ask questions. The Company must answer any such question
relating to the business being dealt with at the meeting but no such answer need be given if: (a) to do so would
interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential information; (b) the
answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question; or (c) it is undesirable in the
interests of the Company or the good order of the meeting that the question be answered.

14.

If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your ordinary shares in the Company, please forward this annual report
and accounts to the purchaser or transferee or to the stockbroker, bank or other person through whom the sale or
transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.

15. No Director is employed under a contract of service.

16. You may not use any electronic address provided in this Notice, or any related documents including the proxy form,

to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated.

17. A copy of this Notice, and other information required by section 311A of the Companies Act 2006, can be found at

www.pantherplc.com

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

Explanatory Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting
The following notes provide an explanation as to why certain resolutions set out in the notice of the Annual General
Meeting of the Company are to be put to shareholders.

All resolutions save for Resolution 8 are ordinary resolutions and will be passed if more than 50% of the votes cast for or
against are in favour. Resolution 8 is a special resolution and requires 75% of the votes cast.

Resolution 1 – Laying of accounts and adoption of reports

The directors are required by the Companies Act 2006 to present to the shareholders of the Company at a general
meeting the reports of the directors and auditors, and the audited accounts of the Company, for the year ended
31 December 2023. The report of the directors and the audited accounts have been approved by the directors, and the
report of the auditors has been approved by the auditors. A copy of each of these documents may be found in the
document entitled “Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023”.

Resolutions 3 – Re-election of directors

In accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company Andrew Perloff and John Perloff will both stand for
re-election as a directors of the Company. Biographical information for the directors and details of why the Board believes
that they should be re-elected is shown in the Corporate Governance Report.

Resolution 4 – Auditors’ appointment and remuneration

The Companies Act 2006 requires that auditors be appointed at each general meeting at which accounts are laid, to hold
office until the next such meeting. The resolution seeks shareholder approval for the appointment of Crowe LLP and the
giving to the Directors the authority to determine the remuneration of the auditors for the audit work to be carried out
by them in the next financial year. The amount of the remuneration paid to the auditors for the next financial year will be
disclosed in the next audited accounts of the Company.

Resolution 5 – Authority to the directors to allot shares

The Companies Act 2006 provides that the directors may only allot shares if authorised by shareholders to do so.
Resolution 5 will, if passed, authorise the directors to allot shares and to grant rights to subscribe for, or convert securities
into, shares up to a maximum nominal amount of £2,400,000, which represents an amount which is approximately equal
to 55% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 16 May 2024 the latest practicable date prior to the
publication of the notice.

Resolution 6 – Dis-application of statutory pre-emption rights

The Companies Act 2006 requires that, if the Company issues new shares for cash or sells any treasury shares, it must
first offer them to existing shareholders in proportion to their current holdings. It is proposed that the directors be
authorised to issue shares for cash and/or sell shares from treasury up to an aggregate nominal amount of £222,000
(representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital as at 16 May 2024, the latest practicable
date prior to the publication of the notice) without offering them to shareholders first in order to raise a limited amount
of capital easily and quickly if needed. The resolution also modifies statutory pre-emption rights to deal with legal,
regulatory or practical problems that may arise on a rights or other pre-emptive offer or issue. If resolution 7 is passed,
this authority will expire at the same time as the authority to allot shares given pursuant to resolution 6.

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Notice of Annual General Meeting continued

Resolution 7 – Purchase of own shares by the Company

If passed, this resolution will grant the Company authority for a period of up to the end of the next annual general meeting
to buy its own shares in the market. The resolution limits the number of shares that may be purchased to 5% of the
Company’s issued share capital as at 16 May 2024, the latest practicable date prior to the publication of the notice. The
price per ordinary share that the Company may pay is set at a minimum amount (excluding expenses) of 25 pence per
ordinary share and a maximum amount (excluding expenses) of 5% over the average of the previous five business days’
middle market prices. The directors will only make purchases under this authority if they believe that to do so would result
in increased earnings per share and would be in the interests of the shareholders generally.

Resolution 8 – Payment of up to £25,000 by a way of donation to the Reform Party

This resolution is most likely to be decided by a Poll. Andrew Perloff has confirmed that he will not vote his personal or
Portnard Ltd’s holding on this resolution.

HENRY, THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIDER

Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

Fifty Year+ Review

Profit/
Rental
(loss)
Income before tax
£’000s
£’000s

Net

assets Dividend
£’000s per share

Year

Net
assets
per

share Major events

2
1971
2
1972
2
1973
3
1974
4
1975
6
1976
11
1977
31
1978
75
1979
159
1980
251
1981
309
1982
354
1983
502
1984
559
1985
641
1986
786
1987
1,292
1988
1,329
1989
1,263
1990
1,714
1991
2,722
1992
2,942
1993
3,229
1994
3,637
1995
4,025
1996
4,647
1997
4,735
1998
4,961
1999
5,518
2000
6,020
2001
7,951
2002
9,125
2003
9,194
2004
8,099
2005
7,510
2006
7,526
2007
7,064
2008
7,380
2009
7,717
2010
2011
8,961
2012 10,781
2013 12,502
2014 12,512
2015 12,840
2016 12,965
2017 12,946
2018 13,607
2019 14,226
2020 13,051
2021 13,172
2022 13,411
2023 14,457

189
9
525
21
532
29
533
30
470
(19)
306
(151)
234
(63)
281
(29)
229
21
328
52
909
91
1,423
99
1,753
137
2,832
49
3,135
107
4,090
164
6,750
240
905 11,725
580 12,211
2,261 10,601
556 14,277
(114) 11,942
707 13,877
1,729 18,569
1,114 18,836
2,146 21,746
2,173 24,010
3,236 28,500
2,056 32,875
2,396 32,285
3,531 37,186
2,956 38,240
3,413 50,104
7,632 49,871
26,549 67,632
9,269 73,269
9,089 78,608
(14,331) 65,846
2,953 68,010
6,401 71,222
(2,312) 66,955
(4,633) 61,992
8,155 67,876
4,377 71,472
8,470 76,017
(2,015) 72,279
24,791 91,212
8,700 94,029
(4,963) 84,946
2,573 86,242
15,922 97,783
22,902 111,227
5,449 111,872

0.04p
0.04p
0.04p
0.04p
0.04p
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.19p
0.22p
0.22p
0.22p
0.33p
1.1p
2.2p
2.2p
3.3p
2.5p
1.1p
2.8p
2.7p
3.0p
5.25p
4.0p
6.0p
6.0p
6.5p
9.0p
7.0p
12.5p
8.0p
20.0p
12.0p
12.0p
12.0p
12.0p
15.0p
12.0p
12.0p
12.0p
12.0p
22.0p
12.0p
22.0p
27.0p
12.0p
12.0p
12.0p
12.0p
22.0p

Note: bold dividend indicates includes a special dividend

2p
5p Perloffs’ and M Block took control
5p
5p
4p
3p Acquired Willsesden Optical Works Ltd
2p 1st business centre Mount Pleasant
3p
2p
3p Sold all optical interests
8p
13p
16p
26p
29p
38p
63p Acquired Surrey Motors ltd

109p
113p

98p Bid for Multitrust PLC
99p Acquired Saxonbest Ltd
83p Acquried Etonbrook Properties PLC
96p
99p Re-obtained full listing and acquired Multitrust Property Investments Ltd

101p
121p Bid for Elys PLC
133p
157p
182p Acquired Northstar Group
190p Malcolm Block retired
219p
226p Acquired Eurocity Properties PLC
295p
293p S Peters joins. Sold Panther House.
398p P Rowson retires/J Perloff and S Peters join board
431p
465p
390p Global financial banking crisis
403p
422p
397p
367p
395p
409p
428p Sold MRG Systems Ltd
407p BREXIT fears
516p
532p Record disposals – £41m for £11m profit.
480p
488p COVID-19 pandemic
553p COVID-19 pandemic
637p
640p

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Panther Securities P.L.C.

Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023

CARTOON FIRST USED IN OUR ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2018

ALL NAMES IN RED ARE RETAILERS THAT HAVE FAILED SINCE THAT DATE

RIP
Wilko

Toys
R
Us

RIP
Vodafone

Ted
Baker

Paperchase

Ted
Baker

RIP
Mothercare

Swoon

Studio
Retail

Monsoon

RIP
Jessops

RIP
Made
.com

L K
Bennett

RIP
M&Co

Links
of
London

Gieves
&
Hawkes

Elite
Sports
Group

Planet
Organic

The
Body
Shop

RIP
Shuropody

Bonmarche

Matches
Fashion

RIP
Karen
Millen

RIP
Joules

RIP
Harveys

Jaeger

RIP
INTU

Joy

RIP
Cath
Kidston

RIP
Clintons

RIP
Aldo

Panther Securities P.L.C.
Unicorn House
Station Close
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire EN6 1TL
www.pantherplc.com