ARGO Group Limited Annual Report and Accounts, Year ended 31 Dec 2023

RNS Number : 6911M

ARGO Group Limited

30 April 2024

 

 

 

Argo Group Limited

("Argo" or the "Company")

 

Annual Report and Accounts for the Year ended 31 December 2023

 

 

Argo today announces its final results for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

The Company will today make available its report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 on the Company's website www.argogrouplimited.com. These will be sent by post to shareholders no later than 31 May 2024.

 

Key highlights for the twelve months ended 31 December 2023

 

-     Revenues US$3.1 million (2022: US$2.5 million)

-     Operating loss US$1.4 million (2022: operating loss US$2.3 million)

-     Loss before tax US$14.4 million (2022: loss before tax of US$3.4 million)

-     Net assets US$5.1 million (2022: US$19.6 million)

 

Commenting on the results and outlook, Kyriakos Rialas, Chief Executive of Argo said:

 

"Argo Group Limited is pleased to present its results for 2023 with much improved operating revenue and reduced operating loss compared to 2023. In 2023 the directors decided to fully provide for the loan advanced to Ukraine to finance the Odessa Riveria shopping mall considering that the war is unlikely to end soon.  The year has also been volatile for The Argo Fund Limited, which was trending lower in the first part of the year as inflation and interest rates were rising but recovered strongly towards the end of the year following Powell's interest rate pivot that pushed 10-year yields to below 4%. The year-end rally, with Emerging market sovereign bonds outperforming on likely interest rate cuts and positive contribution from restructured and stressed sovereign bonds especially Argentina and Ecuador saw the Argo Fund rising by 7.8% in 2023. During the year the group added a third managed account to invest in Emerging market equities. The macro rates and FX strategies in the other two managed accounts performed reasonably well during 2023. The Group added two experienced personnel during the year, an economist and a trader and managed to control overheads and operating expenses at a similar level to 2022.

2024 continues in positive territory with The Argo Fund Limited marginally topping its previous high watermark which if maintained until year end will deliver some performance fees too."

 

 

 

 

 

Enquiries

 

Argo Group Limited

Andreas Rialas

020 7016 7660

 

Panmure Gordon(UK) Limited

Dominic Morley

020 7886 2500

 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

 

 

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

 

Key highlights for the twelve months ended 31 December 2023

 

-     Revenues US$3.1 million (2022: US$2.5 million)

-     Operating loss US$1.4 million (2022: operating loss US$2.3 million)

-     Loss before tax US$14.4 million (2022: loss before tax of US$3.4 million)

-     Net assets US$5.1 million (2022: US$19.6 million)

 

The Group and its objective

 

Argo's investment objective is to provide investors with absolute returns in the funds that it manages by investing in multi strategy investments in emerging markets.

 

Argo was quoted on the AIM market in November 2008 and has a performance track record dating back to 2000.

 

Business and operational review

 

This report sets out the results of Argo Group Limited for the year ended 31 December 2023.

 

For the year ended 31 December 2023 the Group generated revenues of US$3.1 million (2022: US$2.5 million) with management fees accounting for US$2.1 million (2022: US$2.2 million). The Group also generated incentive fees of US$0.1 million (2022: US$ nil) during the year.

 

Total operating costs, ignoring bad debt provisions, are US$3.8 million (2022: US$4.2million). The Group has provided against management fees of US$0.7 million (2022: US$0.6 million) from the Designated Investment share class in TAF.  In the Directors' view these amounts are fully recoverable however they have concluded that it would be appropriate to carry a provision against these receivables as the timing of the receipts should match the exit from the investments in this share class.

 

Overall, the financial statements show an operating loss for the year of US$1.4 million (2022: operating loss US$2.3 million) and a loss before tax of US$14.4 million (2022: loss before tax of US$3.4 million) reflecting the realised and unrealised profit on current asset investments of US$0.3 million (2022: unrealised loss of US$1.6 million), an expected credit loss on loan receivable of US$13.3 million (2022: US$0.5 million) and interest income of $0.0 million (2022: $1.0 million). As the loan receivable is exposed to the performance of an investment property in Ukraine, further to an independent valuation of the property and taking into consideration the seniority of the loan, an expected credit loss allowance to the full loan balance was recognised at the reporting date (note 12).

 

At the year end, the Group had net assets of US$5.1 million (2022: US$19.6 million) and net current assets of US$4.8 million (2022: US$6.0million) including cash reserves of US$1.3 million (2022: US$1.6 million). The Directors are not declaring a final dividend.

 

Net assets include investment in TAF at fair value of US$3.7 million (2023: US$4.4 million).

 

At the year end, The Argo Fund owed the Group total management and performance fees of US$2.8 million (31 December 2022: US$2.1 million). The Group received $0.2 million of these fees in January 2023. The remaining fees of $2.6 million relate to the Designated Investment share class which will be paid when the investments are sold and against which a full provision has been made in these financial statements.

 

The Argo Funds ended the year with Assets under Management ("AUM") at US$102.0 million (2022: US$109.8 million). The current level of AUM remains below that required to ensure sustainable profits on a recurring management fee basis in the absence of performance fees. This has necessitated an ongoing review of the Group's cost basis. Nevertheless, the Group has ensured that the operational framework remains intact and that it retains the capacity to manage additional fund inflows as and when they arise.

 

The number of permanent employees of the Group at 31 December 2023 was 22 (2022: 18).

 

Fund performance

Fund	Launch              Date	2023   Year   Total	2022   Year   Total	Since inception	Annualised performance	Sharpe     Ratio	Down     months
		%	%	%	CAGR %
The Argo Fund:
A class	Oct-00	7.83	-12.54	240.87	6.19	0.39	95 of 279
X2 class	Feb-21	30.34	-16.83	21.26	9.66	0.29	18 of 35
Designated Investment class	Jan-20	-35.84	-2.82	21.37	NA	NA	NA

 

 

In the aftermath of broad market declines in 2022, last year started with low expectations for global growth and heightened fears of the onset of a recession. However, China's reopening after the pandemic, large fiscal stimulus packages in the US and Europe, and the resilience of US consumers stabilized global growth. For much of 2023, nearly all of the S&P 500's gains came from the small number of companies that capitalized on technology growth trends including artificial intelligence and cloud computing, as the rest of the stock market was largely in a "holding pattern". 

 

However, there were considerable headwinds, namely the largest increase of interest rates in decades; a continuing war in Ukraine, renewed conflict in the Middle East and elevated tension elsewhere; high energy prices; a US regional banking crisis, and a recession in parts of the euro zone. While the second half of the year began with a "higher-for-longer" mentality, the focus in the fourth quarter began to shift to the timing of rate cuts, as many central banks approached the end of their tightening cycles, seemingly reassured by the downward trajectory of inflation in developed markets. In emerging markets, some central banks began their easing cycles, including Hungary in May and Brazil in August. 

 

In the fourth quarter, falling inflation and declining rates expectations supported the view of a relatively soft landing, generating a significant rally in global equities. The fall in the US 10-year Treasury yield from 5% - a fifteen year high- to around 4% was a key catalyst for significant gains. Global equities (MSCI All Country World Index) were up 11% in the fourth quarter and nearly 23% in 2023, while developed market equities (MSCI World Index) posted comparable returns, 11% and 24%, respectively. This meant that by the end of 2023, for developed market equities, many regional indices had recovered most of the ground lost in 2022. However, in emerging markets (MSCI EM Index) the story was different despite ending up nearly 8% in the fourth quarter and 10% in 2023, much of 2022's losses were unrecovered. Asia and EMEA remained subdued, while Latin America performed better. 

 

2024 is shaping up to be one of the busiest electoral calendars in recent years, not just within emerging markets but also developed markets, with votes taking place in countries accounting for over a third of EM GDP. The upcoming votes will have important implications for geopolitics and potentially global supply chains as well as long-term economic reform prospects and fiscal trajectories in certain markets. 

 

While global economic fracturing between US-led and China-led blocs appears to be the new normal, recent elections in Taiwan at the start of the year and in the United States toward the end of 2024 could potentially contribute to widening this rift. A different US president may also lead to a more isolationist approach that strains relations with allies.  

 

For Indonesia and India, upcoming elections may influence the direction of long-term structural reforms. In Indonesia, outgoing President Joko Widodo has sought to make his country, home to the world's fourth-largest population and a key supplier of metals such as nickel, copper, and bauxite for batteries and electric vehicle production, a more integral part of the international supply chain. This year's election points to policy continuity as both candidates have pledged to continue pursuing business-friendly reforms. 

 

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third term in office and over the past decade has overseen the roll-out of infrastructure upgrades, a national digital identity system, and digital payments. If successful, his Bharatiya Janata Party could become the first party since 1971 to win a third-consecutive majority. This would likely set the stage for continued gradual reforms to sustain the country's strong economic growth trajectory.  

 

In a handful of countries, elections may mean a shift away from fiscal responsibility, which would raise public debt risks. The most high-profile of these is South Africa. While President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be re-elected, there is a risk that the African National Congress party will fail to clinch a majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994 and be forced to enter a coalition. 

 

Argentina, under new President Javier Milei, is actively taking steps to contain its economic crisis and control inflation, by devaluing the peso by about half, cutting public spending, and reducing subsidies for energy and transport.  

 

Emerging market debt ended the year on a high note. The JP Morgan EMBI Global Index recorded a gain of 10.45 per cent in 2023 whilst the performance of local currency debt was even stronger. Lower global inflation eased concerns around the policy trajectory of major global central banks during the fourth quarter, contributing to a sharp decline in global yields. Emerging markets local debt yields also fell, benefiting from the decline in core rates, while emerging markets currencies appreciated in aggregate against the dollar. 

 

Entering 2024, we maintain a constructive outlook on emerging markets amid a backdrop of ongoing monetary cycle easing. Fixed income markets have historically tended to generate equity-like returns during the period between the end of central bank rate hikes and the completion of rate cuts. We expect this trend to continue as major global central banks have concluded their rate hike cycles, though renewed inflation remains a risk to watch out for. 

 

The Argo Fund ("TAF") had a better year in 2023. The Net Asset Value of the Class A shares rose by 7.83 per cent, compared with a loss of 12.54 per cent in the previous year. There were positive contributions to this performance from Argentine and other sovereign bonds, particularly in the fourth quarter. Corporate exposure was more mixed with losses on Chinese property bonds outweighing gains elsewhere. The NAV of the X2 Class, which was launched in February 2021 and is a carve-out of the TAF distressed debt strategy experienced a sharp turnaround from the loss in 2022, increasing by 30.34 per cent in the period up to December due in part to an East European corporate opportunity. It is currently funded internally but efforts continue to be made to market this share class to external investors. Units in the Designated Investment Class - holding a position in distressed sovereign debt - fell by 35.84 per cent during 2023 due to an ongoing conflict and economic fallout in the debtor state. 

 

Dividends

 

The Directors are not declaring a final dividend but intend to restart dividend payments as soon as the Group's performance provides a consistent track record of profitability.

 

Outlook

 

As previously stated, a significant increase in AUM is still required to ensure sustainable profits on a recurring management fee basis. The Group is well placed with capacity to absorb such an increase in AUM with negligible impact on operational costs.

 

Raising AUM remains Argo's top priority over the coming year. The Group's marketing efforts continues to focus on TAF which has 23 years of track record. However, the Group continues to seek opportunities to increase AUM either through existing fund structures or by identifying external partners with whom to cooperate.

 

Over the longer term, the Board believes there is significant opportunity for growth in assets and profits and remains committed to ensuring the Group's investment management capabilities and resources are appropriate to meet its key objective of achieving a consistent positive investment performance in the emerging markets sector.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

			Year ended		Year ended
			31 December		31 December
			2023		2022
		Note	US$'000		US$'000
Management fees			2,137		2,193
Performance fees			99		2
Other income			812		351
Revenue		2(e), 3	3,048		2,546
Legal and professional expenses			(236)		(272)
Management and incentive fees payable			(287)		(312)
Operational expenses			(753)		(728)
Employee costs		4	(2,383)		(2,782)
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain			(4)		20
Expected credit loss on trade receivables		11	(686)		(636)
Depreciation		9	(98)		(125)
Operating loss		6	(1,399)		(2,289)
Interest income			6		971
Realised and unrealized losses on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss		10	283		(1,541)
Expected credit loss on loan receivable		12	(13,320)		(538)
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation		3	(14,430)		(3,397)
Taxation		7	-		-
Loss for the year after taxation attributable to members of the Company		8	(14,430)		(3,397)
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations			(9)		(123)
Total comprehensive income for the year			(14,439)		(3,520)

 

		Year ended		Year ended
		31 December		31 December
		2023		2022
		US$		US$
Earnings per share (basic)	8	(0.37)		(0.09)
Earnings per share (diluted)	8	(0.34)		(0.08)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

		At 31 December 2023			At 31 December 2022
	Note	US$'000			US$'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Land, fixtures, fittings and equipment	9	526			607
Loans and advances receivable	12	98			13,416
Total non-current assets		624			14,023
Current assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	10	3,711			4,387
Trade and other receivables	11	400			413
Cash and cash equivalents		1,333			1,642
Total current assets		5,444			6,442
Total assets	3	6,068			20,465
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Issued share capital	13	390			390
Share premium		25,353			25,353
Revenue reserve		(17,407)			(2,977)
Foreign currency translation reserve	2(d)	(3,218)			(3,209)
Total equity		5,118			19,557
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	14	618			497
Taxation payable	7	-			-
Total current liabilities	3	618			497
Non-current Liabilities
Trade and other payables	14	332			411
Total non-current liabilities		332			411
Total equity and liabilities		6,068			20,465

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 

	Issued share capital	Share premium	Revenue reserve	Foreign currency translation reserve	Total
	2022	2022	2022	2022	2022
	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000
At 1 January 2022	390	25,353	420	(3,086)	23,077
Total comprehensive income
Loss for the year after taxation	-	-	(3,397)	-	(3,397)
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-	(123)	(123)
At 31 December 2022	390	25,353	(2,977)	(3,209)	19,557

 

 

	Issued share capital	Share premium	Revenue reserve	Foreign currency translation reserve	Total
	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023
	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000
At 1 January 2023	390	25,353	(2,977)	(3,209)	19,557
Total comprehensive income
Loss for the year after taxation	-	-	(14,430)	-	(14,430)
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-	(9)	(9)
As at 31 December 2023	390	25,353	(17,407)	(3,218)	5,118

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 

		Year ended		Year ended
		31 December		31 December
		2023		2022
	Note	US$'000		US$'000
Net cash outflow from operating activities	15	(1,220)		(800)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received on cash and cash equivalents		6		1
Disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	10	959		924
Loan repayment received	12	-		26
Purchase of fixtures, fittings and equipment	9	(4)		(7)
Net cash (used)/generated from investing activities		961		944
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of lease liabilities	2(n)	(24)		(124)
Net cash used in financing activities		(24)		(124)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents		(283)		20
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2023 and     1 January 2022		1,642		1,709
Foreign exchange loss on cash and cash        Equivalents		(26)		(87)
Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022		1,333		1,642

 

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2023

 

1.       CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

         The Company is domiciled in the Isle of Man under the Companies Act 2006. Its registered office is at 33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1LB and the principal place of business is at 24-25 New Bond Street, London, W1S 2RR. The principal activity of the Company is that of a holding company and the principal activity of the wider Group is that of an investment management business. The functional currencies of the Group undertakings are US dollars, Sterling, Euros and Romanian Lei. The presentational currency is US dollars. The Group has 22 (2022: 18) employees.

 

         Wholly owned subsidiaries                                                   Country of incorporation

Argo Capital Management Limited	United Kingdom
Argo Property Management Srl	Romania

2.       MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION

 

The material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented in these consolidated financial statements unless otherwise stated.

 

Management seeks not to reduce the understandability of these consolidated financial statements by obscuring material information with immaterial information. Hence, only material accounting policy information is disclosed, where relevant, in the related disclosure notes.

 

(a)     Accounting convention

         These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments, and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by IASB. 

         

          Going concern   

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Group will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future.

 

The Directors have carried out a rigorous assessment of all the factors affecting the business in deciding to adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the accounts. They have reviewed and examined the Group's financial and other processes including the annual budgeting process and expect the Group to have sufficient cash resources available in the foreseeable future. This has included the preparation of forecast financial information focussed on cash flow requirements through to at least March 2025. These forecasts reflect current cost patterns of the Group and take into consideration current liquidity constraints of funds under management and therefore their ability to settle management fees and other receivables (refer to notes 11 and 12).

 

On the basis of review of this forecast financial information, the liquid assets currently held and forecast inflows during the period, the Directors are confident that the Group has adequate financial resources available to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis for preparing the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Directors have therefore concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis.

 

(b)     Basis of consolidation

         The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date upon which control is transferred to the Company and cease to be consolidated from the date upon which control is transferred from the Company.

         

         Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Company. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

 

(c)     Business combinations

         The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition 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 and 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 under IFRS 3 are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date.

 

         Goodwill             

         Goodwill arising on the consolidation represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the Company's interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the Company's interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities over the cost of the acquisition (negative goodwill) is immediately recognised in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill which is recognised as an asset is reviewed at least annually for impairment. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss.

        

         Impairment of intangible assets  

                  At each reporting date the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any.

 

         Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have been adjusted.

 

                  If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

        

(d)     Foreign currency translation

The consolidated financial statements are expressed in US dollars. Transactions denominated in currencies other than US dollars have been translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction.  Assets and liabilities in other currencies are translated to US dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the reporting date. The resulting profits or losses are reflected in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss.

 

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the reporting date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Exchange differences arising, if any, are classified as equity and transferred to the Group's foreign currency translation reserve. 

 

(e)     Revenue

         Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that economic benefit will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured.

 

         Management and incentive fees receivable

         The Group recognises revenue for providing management services to funds. Revenue is accrued on a monthly basis on completion of management services. In the Argo funds revenue is based on the assets under management of each mutual fund.

        

         Incentive fees arise monthly, quarterly or on realisation of an investment. Incentive fees are recognised in the month they arise.

 

(f)      Depreciation

Plant and equipment is initially recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of the assets, after taking into account the assets' residual values, as follows:

 

Leasehold                                                                         20% per annum

Fixtures and fittings                                                            33 1/3% per annum

Office equipment                                                               33 1/3% per annum

Computer equipment and software                                       33 1/3% per annum

 

(g)     IFRS 9 ''Financial instruments''

 

                  The standard requires debt financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or through profit or loss (either FVTPL or FVPL) and those to be measured at amortized cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. For debt financial assets the classification depends on the entity's business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flows characteristics of the instruments. For equity financial assets it depends on the entity's intentions and designation.

                 

                  In particular, assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost. Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where the assets' cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Lastly, assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

 

         For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, the classification depends on whether the entity has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. If no such election has been made or the investments in equity instruments are held for trading they are required to be classified at fair value through profit or loss.

        

         IFRS 9 also introduces a single impairment model applicable for debt instruments at amortised cost and fair value through other comprehensive income and removes the need for a triggering event to be necessary for recognition of impairment losses. The new impairment model under IFRS 9 requires the recognition of allowances for doubtful debts based on expected credit losses (ECL), rather than incurred credit losses as under IAS 39. The standard further introduces a simplified approach for calculating impairment on trade receivables as well as for calculating impairment on contract assets and lease receivables; which also fall within the scope of the impairment requirements of IFRS 9.

        

         Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost, except for (i) financial liabilities at FVTPL: this classification is applied to derivatives, financial liabilities held for trading (e.g. short positions in securities), contingent consideration recognised by an acquirer in a business combination and other financial liabilities designated as such at initial recognition and (ii) financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.

        

(h)     Trade date accounting

 

                  All 'regular way' purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the 'trade date', i.e. the date that the entity commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way purchases or sales are purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of the asset within the time frame generally established by regulation or convention in the market place.

 

(i)      Financial instruments

 

Financial assets - Classification

 

                  The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

 

·     those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through OCI or through profit or loss), and

·     those to be measured at amortised cost

 

                  The classification and subsequent measurement of debt financial assets depends on: (i) the Group's business model for managing the related assets portfolio and (ii) the cash flow characteristics of the asset. On initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a debt financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortized cost or at FVOCI at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

 

                  All other financial assets are classified as measured at FVTPL.

                  For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be recorded in profit or loss or OCI. For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Group has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).

 

Currently the Group holds only investments which have been classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Investments held at fair value in managed mutual funds are valued at fair value of the net assets as provided by the administrators of those funds. Where funds contain level 3 assets the Directors will consider the carrying value based on information regarding future expected cash flows using appropriate valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis. Investment in the management shares of The Argo Fund Limited is stated at fair value, being the recoverable amount.

 

          Financial assets - Measurement

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVTPL are expensed in profit or loss. Fair value at initial recognition is best evidenced by the transaction price. A gain or loss on initial recognition is only recorded if there is a difference between fair value and transaction price which can be evidenced by other observable current market transactions in the same instrument or by a valuation technique whose inputs include only data from observable markets.

Financial assets - impairment - credit loss allowance for ECL

The Group assesses on a forward‑looking basis the ECL for debt instruments (including loans) measured at Amortized Cost and FVOCI and with the exposure arising from loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. The Group measures ECL and recognises credit loss allowance at each reporting date. The measurement of ECL reflects: (i) an unbiased and probability weighted amount that is determined by evaluating a range of possible outcomes, (ii) time value of money and (iii) all reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost and effort at the end of each reporting period about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future conditions.

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at Amortized Cost because: (i) they are held for collection of contractual cash flows and those cash flows represent SPPI, and (ii) they are not designated at FVTPL.

Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost, except for (i) financial liabilities at FVTPL: this classification is applied to derivatives, financial liabilities held for trading (e.g. short positions in securities), contingent consideration recognised by an acquirer in a business combination and other financial liabilities designated as such at initial recognition and (ii) financial guarantee contracts and loan commitments.

 

(j)      Loans and borrowings

  Loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Loans and borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest method, unless they are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, in which case they are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset. Loans and borrowings are classified as current liabilities, unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the statement of financial position date.

 

(k)     Current taxation

  Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amounts are those enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the Consolidated statement of profit or loss because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other periods or because it excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. 

 

(l)      Deferred taxation

                  Deferred income tax is provided for using the liability method on temporary timing differences at the reporting date between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised in full for all temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carried forward unused tax credits and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused losses can be utilised.

 

         The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is revalued at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that is probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

 

 (m)   Accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements necessitates the use of estimates, assumptions and judgements. These estimates, assumptions and judgements affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at the reporting date as well as affecting the reported income and expenses for the year.  Although the estimates are based on management's knowledge and best judgment of information and financial data, the actual outcome may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that and prior periods, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, which are described above, management has made best judgements of information and financial data that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements:

-     Investments fair value

-     Management fees

-     Trade receivables

-     Going concern

-     Loans and advances

It has been assumed that, when available, the audited financial statements of the funds under the Group's management will confirm the net asset values used in the calculation of management and performance fees receivable.

(n)     Leases

At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether:
-   has a the contract involves the use of an identified asset this may be specified explicitly or implicitly and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified;
	-   the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period of use; and
	-   the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Group has this right when it has the decision‑making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. In rare cases where the decision about how and for what purpose the asset is used is predetermined, the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset if either:
-   the Group has the right to operate the asset; or
-   the Group designed the asset in a way that predetermines how and for what purpose it will be used.
At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand‑alone prices. However, for the leases of land and buildings in which it is a lessee, the Group has elected not to separate non‑lease components and account for the lease and non‑lease components as a single lease component. The Group as lessee The Group recognises a right‑of‑use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right‑of‑use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received. The right‑of‑use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight‑line method from the 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. The estimated useful lives of right‑of‑use assets are determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right‑of‑use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group's incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following: -        fixed payments, including in‑substance fixed payments; -        variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date; -        amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and -        the exercise price under a purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early. The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group 's estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option.

(o)     Financial instruments and fair value hierarchy

The following represents the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments measured at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position. The hierarchy groups financial assets and liabilities into three levels based on the significance of inputs used in measuring the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

The level within which the financial asset or liability is classified is determined based on the lowest level of significant input to the fair value measurement.

 (p)    Future changes in accounting policies

 

IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) and IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee) have issued the following standards and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial statements:

 

Below are the standards that have been endorsed and not endorsed, effective after 31 December 2023:

 

Standards and Interpretations	Effective for annual period beginning on or after
IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information	1 January 2024
IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures	1 January 2024
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current (Amendments to IAS 1)	1 January 2024
Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1)	1 January 2024
Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16)	1 January 2024
Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7)	1 January 2024
Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21)	1 January 2025

 

 

The Directors do not expect the adoption of these standards and interpretations to have a material impact on the Group's financial statements in the period of initial application.

(q)     Dividends payable

Interim and final dividends are recognised when declared.

2.         SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

 

The Group operates as a single asset management business. The operating results of the companies set out in note 1 above are regularly reviewed by the Directors for the purposes of making decisions about resources to be allocated to each company and to assess performance. The following summary analyses revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities:

	Argo Group Ltd	Argo Capital Management Limited	Argo  Property Management Srl	Year ended 31 December
	2023	2023	2023	2023
	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000
Total revenues for reportable segments	-	2,236	812	3,048
Intersegment revenues	-	-	-	-
Total loss for reportable segments	(12,956)	(1,237)	69	(14,430)
Intersegment profit/(loss)	-	-	-	-
Total assets for reportable segments	4,454	1,324	290	6,068
Total liabilities for reportable segments	28	542	380	950

 

 

Revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities may be reconciled as follows:	Year ended
	31 December
	2023
	US$'000
Revenues
Total revenues for reportable segments	3,048
Elimination of intersegment revenues	-
Group revenues	3,048
Profit or loss
Total loss for reportable segments	(14,430)
Other unallocated amounts	-
Loss on ordinary activities	(14,430)
Assets
Total assets for reportable segments	6,071
Elimination of intersegment receivables	(3)
Group assets	6,068
Liabilities
Total liabilities for reportable segments	953
Elimination of intersegment payables	(3)
Group liabilities	950

 

	Argo Group Ltd	Argo Capital Management Limited	Argo  Property Management Srl	Year ended 31 December
	2022	2022	2022	2022
	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000
Total revenues for reportable segments	-	2,201	345	2,546
Intersegment revenues	-	-	-	-
Total loss for reportable segments	(1,357)	(1,717)	(323)	(3.397)
Intersegment profit/(loss)	-	-	-	-
Total assets for reportable segments	18,390	1,553	522	20,465
Total liabilities for reportable segments	24	528	356	908

 

Revenues, profit or loss, assets and liabilities may be reconciled as follows:	Year ended
	31 December
	2022
	US$'000
Revenues
Total revenues for reportable segments	2,546
Elimination of intersegment revenues	-
Group revenues	2,546
Profit or loss
Total loss for reportable segments	(3,397)
Other unallocated amounts	(-)
Loss on ordinary activities	(3,397)
Assets
Total assets for reportable segments	24,008
Elimination of intersegment receivables	(3,543)
Group assets	20,465
Liabilities
Total liabilities for reportable segments	4,448
Elimination of intersegment payables	(3,543)
Group liabilities	908

 

 

 

4.      EMPLOYEE COSTS

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Wages and salaries - under employment contract	1,914		1,682
Wages and salaries - under service contract	155		250
Social security costs	198		187
Other	116		101
	2,383		2,220

 

5.      KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION

 

   Included in employee costs are payments to the following:

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Directors and key management personnel	883		1,326

 

          The remuneration of the Directors of the Company for the year was as follows:

 

					Year ended	Year ended
	Salaries	Fees	Benefits	Cash bonus	31 December 2023	31 December 2022
	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000
Executive Directors
Kyriakos Rialas	206	-	-	-	206	241
Andreas Rialas	197	-	15	-	212	559
Non-Executive Directors
Michael Kloter	-	56	-	-	56	53
David Fisher	-	31	-	-	31	31
Ken Watterson	-	31	-	-	31	31

 

6.      OPERATING LOSS

        

Operating profit is stated after charging:

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Auditors' remuneration	61		51
Depreciation - owned assets	4		5
Depreciation - right of use assets	93		119
Directors' fees and key management personnel	883		1,326
Rent expense	48		58

 

7.      TAXATION

 

         Taxation rates applicable to the parent company, and to the UK and Romanian subsidiaries, range from 0% to 19% (2022: 0% to 19%).

 

         Consolidated statement of profit or loss

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Taxation charge for the year on Group companies	-		-
Tax on profit on ordinary activities	-		-

 

The tax charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit on ordinary activities before taxation shown in the consolidated statement of profit or loss as follows:

 

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Loss before tax	(14,430)		(3,397)
Applicable Isle of Man tax rate for Argo Group Limited of 0%	-		-
Timing differences	2		(2)
Non-deductible expenses	(4)		2
Other adjustments	(238)		(79)
Tax effect of different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions	240		79
Tax charge	-		-

 

         Consolidated statement of financial position

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Corporation tax payable/receivable	-		-

 

 

 

8.      EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares (see note 20).

 

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Loss for the year after taxation attributable to members	(14,430)		(3,397)
	No. of Shares		No. of Shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic earnings     per share	38.959,986		38,959,986
Effect of dilution (note 20)	3,895,998		3,895,998
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share	42,855,984		42,855,984

 

 

 

 

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$		US$
Earnings per share (basic)	(0.37)		(0.09)
Earnings per share (diluted)	(0.34)		(0.08)

 

 

 

9.      LAND, FIXTURES, FITTINGS AND EQUIPMENT

 

	Right of use asset	Fixtures, fittings &  equipment	Land	Total Total
	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000	US$'000
Cost
At 1 January 2022	732	201	182	1,115
Additions	455	7	-	462
Disposals	(732)	(3)	-	(735)
Foreign exchange movement	-	(17)	(10)	(27)
At 31 December 2022	455	188	172	815
Additions	-	6	-	6
Disposals	-	(20)	-	(20)
Foreign exchange movement	24	(5)	(6)	13
At 31 December 2023	479	169	166	14
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 January 2022	634	191	-	825
Depreciation charge for period	120	5	-	125
Disposals	(732)	(3)	-	(735)
Foreign exchange movement	8	(16)	-	(8)
At 31 December 2022	30	177	-	207
Depreciation charge for period	93	4	-	97
Disposals	-	(20)	-	(20)
Foreign exchange movement	5	(1)	-	4
At 31 December 2023	128	160	-	2887
Net book value
At 31 December 2023	351	9	166	526
At 31 December 2022	425	11	172	608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.     FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

 

		31 December		31 December
		2023		2023
Holding	Investment in management shares	Total cost		Fair value
		US$'000		US$'000
10	The Argo Fund Ltd	-		-
		-		-

 

Holding	Investment in ordinary shares	Total cost		Fair value
		US$'000		US$'000
10,920	The Argo Fund Ltd*	3,000		3,711
		3,000		3,711

 

		31 December		31 December
		2022		2022
Holding	Investment in management shares	Total cost		Fair value
		US$'000		US$'000
10	The Argo Fund Ltd	-		-
		-		-

 

Holding	Investment in ordinary shares	Total cost		Fair value
		US$'000		US$'000
13,920	The Argo Fund Ltd*	3,824		4,387
		3,824		4,387

 

*Classified as current in the consolidated statement of financial position

 

 

11.     TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES                                               

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$ '000		US$ '000
Trade receivables - Gross	2,947		2,255
Less: expected credit loss on trade receivables	(2,676)		(1,980)
Trade receivables - Net	271		275
Other receivables	44		41
Prepayments and accrued income	84		97
	399		413

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value. All trade receivable balances are either recoverable within one year from the reporting date or are fully provided for. Since the year end the Group received US$0.3 million in full settlement of these trade receivables.

 

The movement in the Group's expected credit loss on trade receivables is as follows:

 

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$ '000		US$ '000
As at 1 January	1,980		1,499
Bad debt written off	-		(125)
Expected credit loss recognized during the year	686		636
Foreign exchange movement	10		(30)
As at 31 December	2,676		1,980

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.       LOANS AND ADVANCES RECEIVABLE

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$'000		US$'000
Deposits on leased premises - current	-			-
Deposits on leased premises - non-current	98			96 9
AOther loans and advances receivable - current	-		-
Other loans and advances receivable - non-current	-		13,320
	98		13,416

 

The deposits on leased premises relate to the Group's offices in London and Romania.

 

Other loans and advances receivable:

 

Loan 1: the Group in February 2020 granted a loan to Argo Real Estate Limited Partnership "ARE LP", an entity that is 100% owned by Andreas Rialas of US$11 million (€10.2 million). At 31 December 2022, further to accumulation of interest and an expected credit loss adjustment of US$0.5 million, the balance of the loan was US$13.3 million. In March 2023, ARE LP assigned its loan receivable from Novi Biznes Poglyady LLC to Argo Group Limited in exchange for the cancellation of its loan payable to Argo Group Limited. As this loan is exposed to the performance of an investment property in Ukraine, further to an independent valuation of the property and taking into consideration the seniority of the loan, an expected credit loss allowance to the full loan balance was recognised at the reporting date.

 

Loan 2: The Group also has a balance receivable for US$12,4million (€11.2 million) from ARE LP that was assigned from Argo Real Estate Opportunities Fund Limited during 2021. The carrying value of this balance is $nil.

 

The movement in the Group's expected credit loss on loan receivables is as follows:

 

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$ '000		US$ '000
As at 1 January	12,570		12,753
Expected credit loss recognized during the year	13,320		539
Foreign exchange movement	334		(722)
As at 31 December	26,224		12,570

 

 

13.     SHARE CAPITAL

 

      The Company's authorised share capital is unlimited ordinary shares with a nominal value of US$0.01.

 

	31 December	31 December	31 December	31 December
	2023	2023	2022	2022
	No.	US$'000	No.	US$'000
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of US$0.01 each	38,959,986	390	38,959,986	390
	38,959,986	390	38,959,986	390

 

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: US$nil).

 

14.     TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$ '000		US$ '000
Trade creditors	16		26
Other creditors and accruals	602		471
Total current trade and other payables	618		497

 

      Trade creditors are normally settled on 30-day terms.

	At 31 December		At 31 December
	2023		2022
	US$ '000		US$ '000
Other creditors and accruals	332		411
Total non-current trade and other payables	332		411
Total trade and other payables	950		908

 

 

15.     RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH OUTLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION

 

	Year ended		Year ended
	31 December		31 December
	2023		2022
	US$ '000		US$ '000
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation	(14,430)		(3,397)
Interest income	(6)		(971)
Depreciation	98		125
Expected credit loss on trade receivables	686		636
Increase in payables	64		343
(Increase)/decrease in receivables	(673)		405
Realized and unrealized losses on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	(283)		1,541
Expected credit loss on loan receivable	13,320		538
Net foreign exchange loss/(loss)	4		(20)
Income taxes paid	-		-
Net cash outflow from operating activities	(1,220)		(800)

 

16.       RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

All Group revenues derive from funds or entities in which two of the Company's directors, Andreas Rialas and Kyriakos Rialas, have an influence through directorships and the provision of investment services.

 

At the reporting date the Company holds an investment in The Argo Fund Limited. This investment is reflected in the consolidated financial statements at a fair value of US$3.7 million (31 December 2022: US$4.4 million).

 

          On 21 March 2023, ARE LP, an entity that is 100% owned by Andreas Rialas, assigned its loan receivable from Novi Biznes Poglyady LLC to Argo Group Limited in exchange for the cancellation of its loan payable to Argo Group Limited. The loan carries an interest rate of 9.25%. As this loan is exposed to the performance of an investment property in Ukraine, it was provided for in full at the reporting date and an unrealised loss on investment of US$13.3 million was reported in the current year. 

 

The Group also has a balance receivable for $12.4 million (€11.2 million) from ARE LP (note 11) that was assigned from Argo Real Estate Opportunities Fund Limited during 2021. The carrying value of this balance is $nil.

 

17.     FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS RISK MANAGEMENT

 

(a)  Use of financial instruments

                The wider Group has maintained sufficient cash reserves not to use alternative financial instruments to finance the Group's operations. The Group has various financial assets and liabilities such as trade and other receivables, loans and advances, cash, short-term deposits, and trade and other payables which arise directly from its operations.

 

                The Group's non-subsidiary investments in funds were entered into with the purpose of providing seed capital, supporting liquidity and demonstrating the commitment of the Group towards its fund investors.

 

(b)  Market risk

                Market risk is the risk that a decline in the value of assets adversely impacts on the profitability of the Group, either as a result of an asset not meeting its expected value or through the decline of assets under management generating lower fees. The principal exposures of the Group are in respect of its seed investments in its own funds (refer to note 10). Lower management fee and incentive fee revenues could result from a reduction in asset values.

 

(c)  Capital risk management

         The primary objective of the Group's capital management is to ensure that the Company has sufficient cash and cash equivalents on hand to finance its ongoing operations. This is achieved by ensuring that trade receivables are collected on a timely basis and that excess liquidity is invested in an optimum manner by placing fixed short-term deposits or using interest bearing bank accounts.

 

                   At the year-end cash balances were held at Royal Bank of Scotland and Banca Transilvana.

                                     

(d)  Credit/counterparty risk

         The Group will be exposed to counterparty risk on parties with whom it trades and will bear the risk of settlement default. Credit risk is concentrated in the funds under management and in which the Group holds significant investments as detailed in notes 10, 11 and 12. As explained within these notes the Group is experiencing collection delays with regard to management fees receivable and monies advanced. Some of the investments in funds under management (note 10) are illiquid and may be subject to events materially impacting recoverable value.

 

         The Group's principal financial assets are bank and cash balances, trade and other receivables and investments held at fair value through profit or loss. These represent the Company's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets and are represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in the statement of financial position. At the reporting date, the financial net assets past due but not impaired amounted to US$nil (2021: US$nil).

 

e)   Liquidity risk

      Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group may be unable to meet its payment obligations. This would be the risk of insufficient cash resources and liquid assets, including bank facilities, being available to meet liabilities as they fall due.

 

      The main liquidity risks of the Group are associated with the need to satisfy payments to creditors. Trade payables are normally on 30-day terms (note 14).

 

      As disclosed in note 2(a), Accounting Convention: Going Concern, the Group has performed an assessment of available liquidity to meet liabilities as they fall due during the forecast period. The Group has concluded that it has sufficient resources available to manage its liquidity risk during the forecast period.

 

(f)   Foreign exchange risk

      Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the Group will sustain losses through adverse movements in currency exchange rates.

 

      The Group is subject to short-term foreign exchange movements between the calculation date of fees in currencies other than US dollars and the date of settlement.  The Group holds cash balances in US Dollars, Sterling, Romanian Lei and Euros with carrying amounts as follows: US dollar - US$1.12 million, Sterling - US$0.05 million, Romanian Lei - US$0.05 million and Euros - US$0.11 million.                    

 

                   If there was a 5% increase or decrease in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the other operating currencies used by the Group at 31 December 2023 the exposure would be a profit or loss to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income of approximately US$0.011 million (2022: US$0.025 million).

 

(g)  Interest rate risk

The interest rate profile of the Group at 31 December 2023 is as follows:

  

	Total as per balance sheet	Variable interest rate instruments*	Fixed  interest rate instruments	Instruments on which no interest is receivable
	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000
Financial Assets
Financial assets at fair value    through profit or loss	3,711	-	-	3,711
Loans and receivables	498	98	-	400
Cash and cash equivalents	1,333	737	-	596
	5,542	835	-	4,707
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables	950	-	493	457

* Changes in the interest rate may cause movements.

 

Any movement in interest rates would have an immaterial effect on the profit/(loss) for the year.

 

 

 

The interest rate profile of the Group at 31 December 2022 is as follows:

  

	Total as per balance sheet	Variable interest rate instruments*	Fixed  interest rate instruments	Instruments on which no interest is receivable
	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000
Financial Assets
Financial assets at fair value    through profit or loss	4,387	-	-	4,387
Loans and receivables	13,829	96	13,320	413
Cash and cash equivalents	1,642	-		1,642
	19,858	96	13,320	6,442
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables	908	-	470	438

 

* Changes in the interest rate may cause movements.

 

Any movement in interest rates would have an immaterial effect on the profit/(loss) for the year.

 

 (h) Fair value  

      The carrying values of the financial assets and liabilities approximate the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities and can be summarised as follows:

		At 31 December		At 31 December
		2023		2022
		US$ '000		US$ '000
Financial Assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss		3,711		4,387
Loans and receivables		498		13,829
Cash and cash equivalents		1,333		1,642
		5,542		19,858
Financial Liabilities
Trade and other payables		950		908

 

Financial assets and liabilities, other than investments, are either repayable on demand or have short repayment dates. The fair value of investments is stated at the redemption prices quoted by fund administrators and are based on the fair value of the underlying net assets of the funds because, although the funds are quoted, there is no active market for any of the investments held.

 

Fair value hierarchy

The table below analyses financial instruments measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period by the level of the fair value hierarchy (note 20).

                                                               At 31 December 2023

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	-	3,711	-	3,711

 

                                                               At 31 December 2022

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000	US$ '000
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	-	4,387	-	4,387

      

20.  SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS

           

To incentivise personnel and to align their interests with those of the shareholders of Argo Group Limited, Argo Group Limited has granted share options to directors and employees under The Argo Group Limited Employee Stock Option Plan. The options are exercisable within 10 years of the grant date.

 

The fair value of the options granted during the period was measured at the grant date using a Black-Scholes model that takes into account the effect of certain financial assumptions, including the option exercise price, current share price and volatility, dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate. The fair value of the options granted is spread over the vesting period of the scheme and the value is adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares that are expected to vest.

 

The principal assumptions for valuing the options are:

Exercise price (pence)	21.0/24.0
Weighted average share price at grant date (pence)	19.0
Average option life at date of grant (years)	10.0
Expected volatility (% p.a.)	15.0
Dividend yield (% p.a.)	10.0
Risk-free interest rate (% p.a.)	2

 

The fair value of options granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total charge to employee costs in respect of this incentive plan is £nil (2022: £nil).

 

The number and weighted average exercise price of the share options during the period is as follows:

	Weighted average exercise price	No. of share options
Outstanding at beginning of period	21.2p	3,895,998
Granted during the period	-	-
Forfeited during the period	-	-
Outstanding at end of period	21.2p	3,895,998
Exercisable at end of period	21.2p	3,895,998

 

Outstanding share options are contingent upon the option holder remaining an employee of the Group.

The weighted average fair value of the options issued during the period was £nil (2022: £nil).

 

21.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There were no material events after the reporting period, which have a bearing on the understanding of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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