25 May 2012

Interim advance at Private & Commercial Finance

14/12/2010 Robert Tyerman

Private & Commercial Finance Group (PCFG) is talking to potential funders after lifting first-half pre-tax profits 24 per cent to £150,302. Turnover at the AIM-quoted company, which finances equipment, plant and vehicles for small and medium-sized companies, slipped by £420,000 to £29.4 million in the six months to September and operating profit fell 12 per cent to to £2.9 million after an 8 per cent cut in administrative expenses to £5.8 million, but a 13 per cent drop in interest payable to £2.7 million helped boost the bottom line.

Chief executive Scott Maybury comments margins on new lending increased during the first half and the company's portfolio performed 'strongly', with a steady reduction in impairments. He points out PCFG's second half is typically stronger than the first.

Chairman Michael Cumming, who will be replaced in March by his present deputy Tony Nelson, says London-based PCFG is 'constantly' being presented with 'ample opportunities for new business', despite signs of returning competition. He argues the company is 'frustrated' that in today's tight conditions new funding has not so far been forthcoming to enable it to take advantage of these opportunities and also of potential takeovers. PCFG stresses it is having 'preliminary and tentative discussions' with potential lenders, 'whose doors would have been closed six months ago'.

Shares in PCFG have had a dismal AIM history, Floated at 65p 12 years ago, they have traded between 8.63p and 5.63p over the past year and now change hands at 6.25p, valuing the company at £3.3 million. Hold.                           

Tags: Acquisitions, AIM market, Lending

Sector: General Financial

Companies: Private & Commercial Finance

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