29th Jan 2026 17:30

Ace Liberty and Stone plc
(''Ace'' or "the Company'')
INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS TO 31 OCTOBER 2025
Ace Liberty and Stone Plc (AQSE: ALSP), the active property investment company capitalising on commercial property investment opportunities across the UK, is pleased to announce Interim Results for the period from 1 May 2025 to 31 October 2025.
Highlights*:
· Profit before tax £289,897 (October 2024: Loss £243,144)
· Rental income down 2.8% to £2,667,929 (October 2024: £2,745,088) due to disposals
· Administration costs down 12.2% to £590,147 (October 2024: £672,251)
· Negotiations progressing with CLN holder regarding the potential acquisition of a combination of certain subsidiaries and properties
· Short term extension agreed on Coutts facility to March 2026
*Note: Full details can be found in the Chairman's statement
Ismail Ghandour, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Over the past six months the Ace team has continued to focus on the key pillars of the business with lease regears and cost management as a priority. As expected, the reduction in interest rates has improved profitability and throughout 2026 we would expect to see a tightening of yields as sentiment improves. There are a number of key transactions to complete over the coming months but our focus remains on generating long-term value for our shareholders."
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to present the Company's interim results for the half year ended 31 October 2025. Turnover at £2,667,929 for the half year is down 2.8% on the comparable value for the previous year of £2,745,088 primarily due to disposals. Pre-tax profit of £289,897 compares to a loss of £243,144 at October 2024 largely as a result of decreased finance costs together with a reduction in overhead expenses for the business. No adjustments have been considered necessary to the values of investment property assets at the half year.
During the period, the Company completed the disposal of the freehold of Loders service station, Dorchester for a consideration of £2,210,000. Several other transactions are under consideration and acquisitions and disposals will be made when advantageous to the Company.
A debt facility, totalling £20,025,000 at 31 October 2025, which is secured against properties owned by Ace (Gateshead) Limited, Ace (Hanley) Limited, Ace (Keighley) Limited, Ace (Management) Limited, Ace (Manchester) Limited and Ace (Sunderland) Limited has been further extended to March 2026. This short extension was agreed on existing terms with the current lender whilst bank valuations are finalised. Negotiations to renew or replace this loan are well-advanced.
As announced previously, non-binding Heads of Terms have been signed with the holder of the £10 million unsecured convertible loan note regarding the potential acquisition of a combination of certain subsidiaries and properties. The proposed purchase price represents a premium to the aggregate investment property valuation as at 30 April 2025 and the outstanding loan note is intended to be used as part payment. This transaction continues to progress and a short extension to 31 March 2026 has been signed to facilitate legal due diligence. The Board expects to update shareholders on this matter imminently.
The Ace portfolio remains robust with a strong occupancy rate of 94% at 31 October 2025. Of that vacant space, one unit at Margate which was void for a brief period in the autumn has now been relet and a letting has been agreed for part of the vacant space at our property in Sunderland. These lettings will reduce void costs and measures have been put in place to mitigate any remaining costs where possible. Furthermore, discussions have continued with Sunderland City Council regarding a dilapidations settlement which will then enable negotiations to progress regarding the future re-development of the upper floors of the building.
The Company currently has cash resources of approximately £1.7 million to invest in UK freehold and long leasehold commercial properties according to its existing policies. Surplus funds will be invested short term with UK deposit takers regulated by the Bank of England.
There has been no change in the status of the cash contribution to capital investment in Lebanon at the half year. However, the Board continues to recognise the risk associated with remitting funds to the UK and the investment value will be reviewed at year end, in line with our usual policy.
The following statistics are key to the Company's activities at 31 October 2025:
a) Portfolio Bank Loan to Value is 49% (October 2024: 51%)[1]
b) Weighted Average Unexpired Lease to Break is 4.74 years[2] (October 2024: 5.94 years)
c) 47% of tenants are government bodies (October 2024: 46%); 51% are major industrial & commercial (October 2024: 52%)
Whilst there remain some short-term hurdles to overcome, namely the ongoing refinancing and the impact of yields on valuation, the Directors of Ace remain confident in the long-term prospects for the company. The executive team are progressing on a number of transactions which will be positive for the business in terms of valuation and income generation. I am pleased to see a return to profitability at the half year and the Board remains committed to establishing regular distributions to shareholders once adequate reserves are available.
Dr Tony Ghorayeb Chairman 29 January 2026
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[1] Total bank debt to portfolio valuation at 31 October 2025
[2] Several new leases and renewals are in progress which will improve the WAULB
Unaudited group statement of comprehensive income
for the six months ended 31 October 2025
Year to date 31 October 2025 (Unaudited) | Six months ended 31 October 2024 (Unaudited) | Year ended 30 April 2025 (Audited) | |
| GBP | GBP | GBP |
Turnover | 2,667,929 | 2,745,088 | 5,505,203 |
Loss on disposal of investment property | (47,420) | (37,515) | (37,515) |
Administrative expenses | (590,147) | (672,251) | (1,282,247) |
Fair value loss on investment property | - | - | (396,255) |
Fair value loss on investments | - | - | (1,207,033) |
Finance cost | (1,751,295) | (2,309,838) | (4,398,293) |
Finance income | 10,830 | 31,372 | 43,468 |
Profit /(Loss) for the period | 289,897 | (243,144) | (1,772,672) |
Taxation | (71,538) | (40,777) | 58,287 |
Profit / (Loss) after taxation | 218,359 | (283,921) | (1,714,385) |
Other comprehensive income | 477,640 | - | - |
Total comprehensive income/(deficit) for the period | 695,999 | (283,921) | (1,714,385) |
Earnings per share - profit after tax | |||
Pence* | Pence* | Pence* | |
Basic | 0.30 | (0.40) | (2.39) |
Diluted | 0.25 | (0.40) | (2.39) |
Earnings per share - total comprehensive income on redemption and rollover of CLNs | Pence* | Pence* | Pence |
Basic | 0.97 | (0.40) | (2.39) |
Diluted | 0.81 | (0.40) | (2.39) |
*Unaudited
Unaudited group statement of changes in equity for the six months ended 31 October 2025 | Share capital | Share premium | Other reserve | Treasury shares | Retained earnings | Total equity |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
Balance at 30 April 2024 | 17,918,185 | 17,220,480 | 477,640 | (880,620) | (3,004,231) | 31,731,454 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | ||||||
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | (283,921) | (283,921) |
Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | (283,921) | (283,921) | ||
Transactions with owners |
| |||||
Shares issued during the year | - | - | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - | - | - | |
Balance at 31 October 2024 | 17,918,185 | 17,220,480 | 477,640 | (880,620) | (3,288,152) | 31,477,534 |
Total comprehensive income for the period | ||||||
Loss for the period | - | - | - | - | (1,430,464) | (1,430,464) |
- | - | - | - | (1,430,464) | (1,430,464) | |
Transactions with owners |
| |||||
Shares issued during the year | - | - | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - | - | - | |
Balance at 30 April 2025 | 17,918,185 | 17,220,480 | 477,640 | (880,620) | (4,718,616) | 30,017,069 |
Total comprehensive income for the year | ||||||
Profit for the period | - | - | - | - | 218,359 | 218,359 |
Other comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | 477,640 | 477,640 |
- | - | - | - | 695,999 | 695,999 | |
Transactions with owners | ||||||
Shares issued during the year | 92,593 | 107,407 | - | - | - | 200,000 |
Value of conversion rights on CLN | - | - | (477,640) | - | - | (477,640) |
Equity element of new issue on CLN | - | - | 26,004 | - | - | 26,004 |
92,593 | 107,407 | (451,636) | - | - | (251,636) | |
Balance at 31 October 2025 | 18,010,777 | 17,327,887 | 26,004 | (880,620) | (4,022,617) | 30,461,431 |
Unaudited group statement of financial position |
| ||
at 31 October 2025 |
| ||
At 31 October 2025 (Unaudited) | At 31 October 2024 (Unaudited) | At 30 April 2025 (Audited) | |
| GBP | GBP | GBP |
ASSETS | |||
Non-current assets | |||
Investment properties | 72,733,522 | 75,339,777 | 72,733,522 |
Investments | 1,312,079 | 2,519,154 | 1,312,079 |
Deferred tax | 1,089,942 | 989,942 | 1,089,942 |
75,135,543 | 78,848,873 | 75,135,543 | |
Current assets | |||
Assets held for sale | - | - | 2,210,000 |
Deferred tax | - | - | - |
Trade and other receivables | 542,632 | 470,470 | 523,575 |
Taxation | - | - | - |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,722,628 | 1,706,532 | 1,505,384 |
2,265,260 | 2,177,002 | 4,238,959 | |
TOTAL ASSETS | 77,400,803 | 81,025,875 | 79,374,502 |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
Current liabilities | |||
Liabilities relating to assets held for sale | - | - | 1,556,100 |
Trade and other payables | 1,418,436 | 1,533,824 | 1,586,630 |
Taxation | 72,474 | - | - |
Borrowings | 30,605,574 | 31,143,459 | 31,144,326 |
Deferred Tax | - | - | 936 |
32,096,484 | 32,677,283 | 34,287,992 | |
Non-current liabilities | |||
Borrowings | 14,842,888 | 16,901,059 | 15,069,441 |
14,842,888 | 16,901,059 | 15,069,441 | |
EQUITY | |||
Issued capital and reserves | |||
Share capital | 18,010,777 | 17,918,185 | 17,918,185 |
Share premium reserve | 17,327,887 | 17,220,480 | 17,220,480 |
Other reserve | 26,004 | 477,640 | 477,640 |
Treasury shares | (880,620) | (880,620) | (880,620) |
Retained earnings | (4,022,617) | (3,288,152) | (4,718,616) |
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent | 30,461,431 | 31,447,533 | 30,017,069 |
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 77,400,803 | 81,025,875 | 79,374,502 |
Unaudited Group cash flow statement
for the six months ended 31 October 2025
Year to date 31 October 2025 (Unaudited) | Six months ended 31 October 2024 (Unaudited) | Year ended 30 April 2025 (Audited) | |
| GBP | GBP | GBP |
Profit / (Loss) before tax | 289,897 | (243,144) | (1,772,672) |
Cash flow from operating activities | |||
Adjustments for: |
| ||
Finance income | (10,830) | (31,372) | (43,468) |
Finance costs | 1,751,295 | 2,309,838 | 4,398,293 |
Loss on disposal of investment property | 47,420 | 37,515 | 37,515 |
Fair value adjustments | - | - | 1,603,288 |
Decrease / (increase) in receivables | (19,773) | 107,822 | 54,615 |
Decrease in payables | (40,336) | (222,224) | (142,167) |
Tax (paid) / received | - | 29,421 | 29,421 |
Interest paid | (1,743,905) | (2,080,223) | (3,836,829) |
Other financial costs paid | (40,800) | (195,622) | (195,622) |
Net cash used by operating activities | 232,968 | (287,989) | 132,374 |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||
Interest received | 11,546 | 35,408 | 47,605 |
Purchase of investment properties | - | - | - |
Sale of assets held for sale | 2,162,580 | 2,712,485 | 2,712,485 |
Investment into LiBank | - | - | 42 |
Net cash (used) / generated by investing activities | 2,174,126 | 2,747,893 | 2,760,132 |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||
Liabilities relating to Assets held for sale repaid | (1,556,100) | (1,608,750) | (1,608,750) |
Long term loans advanced | - | 17,741,800 | 17,741,800 |
Long term loan repaid | - | (2,335,900) | (2,335,900) |
Short term loans repaid | (633,750) | (17,758,200) | (18,391,950) |
Equity dividend paid | - | - | - |
Net cash (used) / generated by financing activities | (2,189,850) | (3,961,050) | (4,594,800) |
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents | 217,244 | (1,501,146) | (1,702,294) |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 1,505,384 | 3,207,678 | 3,207,678 |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 1,722,628 | 1,706,532 | 1,505,384 |
The interim financial information set out herein does not constitute full financial statements within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 2006. The interim results have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors. The unaudited interim results have been prepared under the historical cost convention, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom.
The interim report has been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those set out in the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the period to 30 April 2025. Those financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis.
The interim report for the six months to 31 October 2025 was approved by the Board on 29 January 2026.
The Directors of Ace Liberty & Stone Plc accept responsibility for this announcement.
Notes to Editors
Ace Liberty & Stone Plc is a property investment company with a diverse portfolio of properties located across the UK, predominantly in the midlands and north of England. The Company locates commercial properties which have creditworthy tenants, several years' rental income and the potential for an increase in value through creative asset management activity, such as change of tenancy, change of use or new lease negotiation. Ace has maintained a track record of generating strong profits at disposal of properties and achieving better-than average returns on capital.
Ace is run by a board with extensive property experience, an excellent network of contacts and relevant professional qualifications. This sector expertise has allowed the Board to identify opportunities and act promptly to secure investments.
For more information on the Company please visit www.acelibertyandstone.com
For further information, please contact:
Ace Liberty & Stone Plc | ||
Laura Yates, Finance Director | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7201 8340 | |
http://acelibertyandstone.com | ||
Alfred Henry Corporate Finance Ltd, AQSE Growth Market Corporate Adviser | ||
Nick Michaels/Maya Klein Wassink | Tel: +44 (0) 20 8064 4056 | |
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