Peel Hunt (LSE:PEEL) delivered a strong recovery in the year ended 31 March 2026, reporting a significant increase in revenue and a return to profitability as activity strengthened across its core business lines.
Group revenue rose 57.1% to £143.5 million, supported by robust performances in investment banking, execution services, and research and distribution. Investment banking revenue more than doubled to £67.1 million, driven by a strong contribution from merger and acquisition activity, while execution services benefited from heightened market volatility and the firm’s proprietary trading technology. Research and distribution also recorded a second consecutive year of growth.
Profitability Rebounds on Revenue Growth and Cost Discipline
The investment bank reported a pre-tax profit of £21.1 million, compared with a pre-tax loss of £3.5 million in the previous year. Adjusted pre-tax profit increased to £32.0 million as management maintained a disciplined approach to costs and reduced the compensation ratio, enhancing operational efficiency.
Peel Hunt finished the year with net assets of £108.5 million and cash balances of £36.9 million. The firm retained its portfolio of 147 corporate clients, while the average market capitalisation of those clients increased by 30% during the period.
Reflecting the improved performance, the board proposed a final dividend of 4.9 pence per share as the company continues to focus on diversification, technology investment and expanding its advisory capabilities.
International Expansion Strengthens Client Reach
During the year, Peel Hunt broadened its international presence with the opening of an office in Abu Dhabi. The firm now operates one of the largest global sales teams dedicated to UK-listed companies, helping clients access a wider pool of international investors and capital sources.
Alongside its geographic expansion, the company continues to invest in specialist research products and works closely with industry organisations to support the development of UK equity capital markets.
While management acknowledged that economic uncertainty and political risks continue to weigh on capital markets activity, the group remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, long-term growth and delivering sustainable shareholder returns.
Outlook Supported by Strategic Progress
Peel Hunt’s outlook reflects the benefits of a stronger operating performance and continued strategic development. Recent expansion initiatives and investments in technology and distribution have strengthened the firm’s competitive position, while technical indicators point to a relatively stable backdrop.
Although leverage and broader market conditions remain factors to monitor, management believes the business is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities across UK and international capital markets.
More About Peel Hunt Limited
Peel Hunt Limited is a UK-focused international investment bank specialising in advising mid-cap and growth companies. The firm provides services across equity and private capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, debt advisory, corporate broking and investor relations, supported by research, distribution and execution capabilities for institutional investors.
Listed on AIM in London, Peel Hunt operates from offices in London, New York, Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi, enabling it to connect UK-listed businesses with global sources of capital and investment expertise.
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