Skip to main content

Burford Capital Ltd

For the period ended Sep 30, 2025. Filed Nov 5, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Sep 30, 2025 · Filed Nov 5, 2025

BUR$3.65-1.6%Stored close · as of Nov 10, 2026

Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.

See the whole filing, with its images and exhibits

Critical accounting estimates and Reconciliations

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires our management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of capital provision assets. Our management bases these estimates and judgments on available information, historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. However, these estimates, judgments and assumptions are often subjective and may be impacted negatively based on changing circumstances or changes in our analyses. We believe that our critical accounting policies could potentially produce materially different results if we were to change underlying estimates, judgments and/or assumptions.

Set forth below are certain aspects of our critical accounting policy. For a full discussion of this critical accounting policy and other significant accounting policies, see note 2 (Summary of significant accounting policies) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q.

The determination of fair value for capital provision assets and financial liabilities relating to third-party interests in capital provision assets involves significant estimates and judgments. While the potential range of outcomes for the assets is wide, our fair value estimation is our best assessment of the current fair value of each asset or liability. Such an estimate is inherently subjective, being based largely on management’s estimate of forecasted cash flows, an assigned discount rate and an assessment of how individual events have changed the possible outcomes of the asset and their relative probabilities and hence the extent to which the fair value has altered. The aggregate of the fair values selected falls within a wide range of reasonably possible estimates. In management’s opinion, there is no useful alternative valuation that would better quantify the market risk inherent in the portfolio and there are no inputs or variables to which the values of the assets are correlated other than interest rates that impact the discount rates applied. See note 11 (Fair value of assets and liabilities) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q and “—Fair value of capital provision assets” for additional information with respect to fair value.

As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, should management’s estimate of the value of those instruments have been 10% higher or lower, as applicable, than provided for in our fair value estimates, while all other variables remained constant, our consolidated income and net assets would have increased and decreased, respectively, by $486.0 million and $466.3 million, respectively.

Furthermore, as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, should interest rates have been 50 or 100 basis points lower or higher, as applicable, than the actual interest rates used in the fair value estimates, while all other variables remained constant, the Group’s consolidated income and net assets and the

Principal Finance segment’s income and net assets would have increased or decreased, respectively, by the amounts set forth below.

Consolidated (GAAP)
($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
+100 bps interest rates$(170,358)$(153,241)
+50 bps interest rates(85,602)(77,644)
-50 bps interest rates89,62378,514
-100 bps interest rates180,206159,169
Principal Finance segment
($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
+100 bps interest rates$(125,621)$(109,132)
+50 bps interest rates(63,245)(55,276)
-50 bps interest rates65,90556,046
-100 bps interest rates132,770113,583

As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, should duration have been six or 12 months lower or higher, as applicable, than the actual duration used in the fair value estimates, while all other variables remained constant, the Group’s consolidated income and net assets and the Principal Finance segment’s income and net assets would have increased or decreased, respectively, by the amounts set forth below.

Consolidated (GAAP)
($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
+12 months duration(1)$(393,265)$(396,845)
+6 months duration(1)(199,727)(200,908)
-6 months duration(1)226,484196,721
-12 months duration(1)404,822405,926
1. Duration refers to the expected timing of a favorable outcome. See note 2 (Summary of significant accounting policies—Fair value of financial instruments) to the Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q for additional information with respect to the valuation methodology for Level 3 assets.
Principal Finance segment
($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
+12 months duration(1)$(279,861)$(268,484)
+6 months duration(1)(141,325)(135,827)
-6 months duration(1)160,621133,446
-12 months duration(1)285,910280,636
1. Duration refers to the expected timing of a favorable outcome. See note 2 (Summary of significant accounting policies—Fair value of financial instruments) to the Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q for additional information with respect to the valuation methodology for Level 3 assets.

The sensitivity impact has been provided on a pre-tax basis for both our consolidated income and net assets because the fluctuation in our effective tax rate from period to period could indicate changes in sensitivity not driven by the valuation that we consider difficult to follow and detract from the comparability of this information.

Reconciliations

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial condition to total segments (Burford-only) unaudited condensed statements of financial condition as of the dates indicated. See“—Basis of presentation of financial information—Non-GAAP financial measures relating to our business structure” for additional information.

The first column in the tables below sets forth our results of operations on a consolidated basis as reported in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP. These results of operations include investments in a number of entities that are not wholly owned subsidiaries of Burford Capital Limited and, therefore, contain third-party capital, including BOF-C, the Advantage Fund, Colorado, the EP Funds and other entities. The presentation of our results of operations on a consolidated basis requires a line-by-line consolidation of 100% of each non-wholly owned entity’s assets and liabilities. The portion of the net assets that is attributable to the third-party interests are then presented separately as single line items within the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. We believe it is helpful to exclude the interests of investors other than Burford in our discussion of our results of operations, and we have therefore, as an alternative presentation, excluded from our presentation of our results of operations the non-Burford portion of the individual assets and liabilities relating to such third-party capital. The reconciliations eliminate the line-by-line consolidation of all the applicable entities’ individual assets and liabilities required by US GAAP to present Burford’s investment in the non-wholly owned entities and Burford’s share of the gain or loss earned on such investment.

Reconciliations of unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial condition to total segments (Burford-only) unaudited condensed statements of financial condition

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial condition to total segments (Burford-only) unaudited condensed statements of financial condition as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$677,653$(16,682)$660,971
Marketable securities79,082—79,082
Other assets78,895116,849195,744
Due from settlement of capital provision assets96,760—96,760
Capital provision assets5,615,305(1,712,638)3,902,667
Goodwill134,016—134,016
Deferred tax asset3,726—3,726
Total assets6,685,437(1,612,471)5,072,966
Liabilities
Debt interest payable50,468—50,468
Other liabilities193,709(78,296)115,413
Long-term incentive compensation payable214,883—214,883
Debt payable2,143,450—2,143,450
Financial liabilities relating to third-party interests in capital provision assets842,936(842,936)—
Deferred tax liability51,801—51,801
Total liabilities3,497,247(921,232)2,576,015
Total shareholders' equity3,188,190(691,239)2,496,951
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$469,930$(28,269)$441,661
Marketable securities79,020—79,020
Other assets61,006114,475175,481
Due from settlement of capital provision assets183,858(207)183,651
Capital provision assets5,243,917(1,672,693)3,571,224
Goodwill133,948—133,948
Deferred tax asset3,346—3,346
Total assets6,175,025(1,586,694)4,588,331
Liabilities
Debt interest payable12,097—12,097
Other liabilities141,973(2,238)139,735
Long-term incentive compensation payable217,552—217,552
Debt payable1,763,612—1,763,612
Financial liabilities relating to third-party interests in capital provision assets747,053(747,053)—
Deferred tax liability35,903—35,903
Total liabilities2,918,190(749,291)2,168,899
Total shareholders' equity3,256,835(837,403)2,419,432

Reconciliations of capital provision assets

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of components of the consolidated capital provision assets as of the beginning and end of period and unrealized fair value as of the end of period to total segments (Burford-only) capital provision assets as of the beginning and end of period and unrealized fair value as of the end of period, in each case, for the periods indicated.

Three months ended September 30, 2025Nine months ended September 30, 2025
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Beginning of period$5,544,683$(1,733,413)$3,811,270$5,243,917$(1,672,693)$3,571,224
Deployments136,745(18,121)118,624453,525(129,804)323,721
Realizations(139,361)56,905(82,456)(518,286)217,312(300,974)
Income for the period73,716(17,834)55,882410,470(126,008)284,462
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)(478)(175)(653)25,679(1,445)24,234
End of period5,615,305(1,712,638)3,902,6675,615,305(1,712,638)3,902,667
Deployed cost, end of period2,467,503(656,487)1,811,0162,467,503(656,487)1,811,016
Unrealized fair value, end of period3,147,802(1,056,151)2,091,6513,147,802(1,056,151)2,091,651
Capital provision assets5,615,305(1,712,638)3,902,6675,615,305(1,712,638)3,902,667
Three months ended September 30, 2024Nine months ended September 30, 2024
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Beginning of period$5,238,633$(1,703,768)$3,534,865$5,045,388$(1,613,276)$3,432,112
Deployments98,150(24,447)73,703400,894(130,400)270,494
Realizations(254,165)91,185(162,980)(559,019)167,789(391,230)
Income for the period266,759(65,550)201,209467,461(127,430)340,031
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)6,923(493)6,4301,5762441,820
End of period5,356,300(1,703,073)3,653,2275,356,300(1,703,073)3,653,227
Deployed cost, end of period2,377,874(701,294)1,676,5802,377,874(701,294)1,676,580
Unrealized fair value, end of period2,978,426(1,001,779)1,976,6472,978,426(1,001,779)1,976,647
Capital provision assets5,356,300(1,703,073)3,653,2275,356,300(1,703,073)3,653,227

Reconciliations of capital provision income

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of components of the consolidated capital provision income to total segments (Burford-only) capital provision income for the periods indicated.

Three months ended September 30, 2025Nine months ended September 30, 2025
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Net realized gains/(losses)$70,787$(38,848)$31,939$178,702$(85,587)$93,115
Fair value adjustment during the period, net of previously recognized unrealized gains/(losses) transferred to realized gains/(losses)2,92921,01423,943231,768(40,421)191,347
Income/(loss) on capital provision assets73,716(17,834)55,882410,470(126,008)284,462
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)2,164(174)1,99018,540(1,320)17,220
Net income/(loss) from due from settlement of capital provision assets2,957—2,9575,912—5,912
Other income/(loss)1,231—1,231826—826
Total capital provision income80,068(18,008)62,060435,748(127,328)308,420
Three months ended September 30, 2024Nine months ended September 30, 2024
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Net realized gains/(losses)$86,940$(30,450)$56,490$262,273$(76,736)$185,537
Fair value adjustment during the period, net of previously recognized unrealized gains/(losses) transferred to realized gains/(losses)179,819(35,100)144,719205,188(50,694)154,494
Income/(loss) on capital provision assets266,759(65,550)201,209467,461(127,430)340,031
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)568(477)91(4,199)160(4,039)
Net income/(loss) on due from settlement of capital provision assets6,244—6,2448,815—8,815
Net gains/(losses) from financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss(2,583)—(2,583)(2,583)—(2,583)
Total capital provision income270,988(66,027)204,961469,494(127,270)342,224

Reconciliations of due from settlement of capital provision assets

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of components of the consolidated due from settlement of capital provision assets as of the beginning and end of period to total segments (Burford-only) due from settlement of capital provision assets as of the beginning and end of period for the periods indicated.

Three months ended September 30, 2025Nine months ended September 30, 2025
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Beginning of period$118,451$—$118,451$183,858$(207)$183,651
Transfer of realizations from capital provision assets139,361(56,905)82,456518,286(217,312)300,974
Net income/(loss)2,957—2,9575,912—5,912
Proceeds from capital provision assets(159,138)56,905(102,233)(606,950)217,519(389,431)
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)(4,871)—(4,871)(4,346)—(4,346)
End of period96,760—96,76096,760—96,760
Three months ended September 30, 2024Nine months ended September 30, 2024
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Beginning of period$199,997$—$199,997$265,540$(80,273)$185,267
Transfer of realizations from capital provision assets254,165(91,185)162,980559,019(167,789)391,230
Net income/(loss)6,244—6,2448,815—8,815
Proceeds from capital provision assets(395,943)91,185(304,758)(768,848)248,062(520,786)
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)26—26(37)—(37)
End of period64,489—64,48964,489—64,489

Reconciliations of capital provision undrawn commitments

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of the consolidated capital provision undrawn commitments to total segments (Burford-only) capital provision undrawn commitments as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Definitive$1,202,332$(172,854)$1,029,478
Discretionary795,839(170,766)625,073
Legal risk (definitive)47,008—47,008
Total capital provision undrawn commitments2,045,179(343,620)1,701,559
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Definitive$962,808$(189,135)$773,673
Discretionary1,032,433(214,568)817,865
Legal risk (definitive)41,318—41,318
Total capital provision undrawn commitments2,036,559(403,703)1,632,856

Reconciliations of asset management income

The tables below set forth the reconciliations of components of the consolidated asset management income to total segments (Burford-only) asset management income for the periods indicated.

Three months ended September 30, 2025Nine months ended September 30, 2025
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Management fee income$1,347$—$1,347$4,234$—$4,234
Performance fee income1,200—1,2001,2004,4005,600
Profit sharing income from funds—(2,715)(2,715)—10,94710,947
Total asset management income2,547(2,715)(168)5,43415,34720,781
Three months ended September 30, 2024Nine months ended September 30, 2024
($ in thousands)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)ConsolidatedThird-party interestsTotal segments (Burford-only)
Management fee income$1,647$—$1,647$5,154$—$5,154
Performance fee income1,500—1,5001,500—1,500
Profit sharing income from funds—7,9637,963—22,61622,616
Total asset management income3,1477,96311,1106,65422,61629,270

Deployments reconciliations

The table below sets forth the reconciliations of the components of consolidated deployments to Burford-only deployments for the periods indicated.

Three months ended September 30,Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)2025202420252024
Consolidated deployments$136,745$98,150$453,525$400,894
Plus/(Less): Third-party interests(18,121)(24,447)(129,804)(130,400)
Total segments (Burford-only) total deployments118,62473,703323,721270,494
Plus/(Less): Capital deployed to fund level but not yet invested(10)55549372
Plus/(Less): Capital deployed in prior years and invested in the current year(249)(1,915)1,6011,598
Plus/(Less): Case-related expenditures ineligible for inclusion in asset cost3671,4884,0481,488
Plus/(Less): Deployments on behalf of subparticipations—9—502
Adjusted Burford-only total deployments118,73273,840329,419274,454

See “—Basis of presentation of financial information—KPIs and non-GAAP financial measures relating to our operating and financial performance—KPIs” and “Certain terms used in this Form 10-Q” for additional information with respect to certain terms useful for the understanding of our deployments information and “—Segments—Principal Finance segment—Portfolio value – Principal Finance segment” for additional information with respect to our deployments.

Realizations reconciliations

The table below sets forth the reconciliations of the components of consolidated realizations to Burford-only realizations for the periods indicated.

Three months ended September 30,Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)2025202420252024
Consolidated realizations$139,361$254,165$518,286$559,019
Plus/(Less): Third-party interests(56,905)(91,185)(217,312)(167,789)
Total segments (Burford-only) total realizations82,456162,980300,974391,230
Plus/(Less): Realizations from other income on due from settlement of capital provision assets2,9576,2445,9128,815
Plus/(Less): Loss from financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss—(2,583)—(2,583)
Plus/(Less): Reported realizations held at joint venture and not yet distributed1911,4763,9453,171
Plus/(Less): Reported realizations held at fund level and not yet distributed(316)29912,724299
Plus/(Less): Prior period realizations held at fund level and distributed in the current period——(13,233)(13,233)
Adjusted Burford-only total realizations85,288168,416310,322387,699

See “—Basis of presentation of financial information—KPIs and non-GAAP financial measures relating to our operating and financial performance—KPIs” and “Certain terms used in this Form 10-Q” for additional information with respect to certain terms useful for the understanding of our realizations information and “—Segments—Principal Finance segment—Portfolio value – Principal Finance segment” for additional information with respect to our realizations.

Cash receipts reconciliations

The table below sets forth the reconciliations of Burford-only cash receipts to consolidated cash receipts, the most comparable measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP, for the periods indicated.

Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)20252024
Consolidated proceeds from capital provision assets$606,950$768,848
Less: Third-party interests(217,519)(248,062)
Total segments (Burford-only) proceeds from capital provision assets389,431520,786
Plus: Loss from financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss—(2,583)
Burford-only proceeds from capital provision assets389,431518,203
Consolidated asset management income5,4346,654
Plus: Eliminated income from funds15,34722,616
Total segments (Burford-only) asset management income20,78129,270
Less: Non-cash adjustments(1)(4,038)(12,081)
Burford-only proceeds from asset management income16,74317,189
Burford-only proceeds from marketable securities interest and dividends15,30215,136
Burford-only proceeds from other income2,0125,020
Burford-only proceeds from other items17,31420,156
Cash receipts423,488555,548
1. Adjustments for the change in asset management receivables accrued during the applicable period but not yet received as of the end of such period.

See “—Basis of presentation of financial information—KPIs and non-GAAP financial measures relating to our operating and financial performance—Non-GAAP financial measures” and “—Liquidity and capital resources—Cash receipts” for additional information with respect to cash receipts.

Tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited and tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited per ordinary share reconciliations

The table below sets forth the reconciliations of tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited and tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited per ordinary share to total Burford Capital Limited equity, the most comparable measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP, as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands, except share data)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
Total Burford Capital Limited equity$2,496,951$2,419,432
Less: Goodwill(134,016)(133,948)
Tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited2,362,9352,285,484
Basic ordinary shares outstanding218,811,591219,421,904
Tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited per ordinary share10.8010.42

See “—Basis of presentation of financial information—KPIs and non-GAAP financial measures relating to our operating and financial performance—Non-GAAP financial measures” for additional information with respect to tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited and tangible book value attributable to Burford Capital Limited per ordinary share.

Debt leverage ratio calculations

Consolidated net debt to consolidated tangible assets ratio calculation

The table below sets forth the calculations of consolidated net debt to consolidated tangible assets ratio as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
Total principal amount of debt outstanding(1)$2,170,064$1,783,690
Plus: Derivative liabilities——
Less: Cash and cash equivalents(677,653)(469,930)
Less: Marketable securities(79,082)(79,020)
Consolidated net debt1,413,3291,234,740
Total assets6,685,4376,175,025
Less: Goodwill(134,016)(133,948)
Consolidated tangible assets6,551,4216,041,077
Consolidated net debt to consolidated tangible assets ratio22%20%
1. Represents the total principal amount of debt outstanding as set forth in note 10 (Debt) to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Debt securities denominated in pound sterling have been converted to US dollar using GBP/USD exchange rates of $1.3432 and $1.2529 as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Consolidated Indebtedness to Net Tangible Equity Ratio calculation

The table below sets forth the calculations of consolidated Indebtedness to Net Tangible Equity Ratio (as defined in the indentures governing the 2028 Notes and the 2030 Notes, as applicable) as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
Debt payable$2,143,450$1,763,612
Plus: Derivative liabilities——
Less: Debt attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries——
Consolidated Indebtedness2,143,4501,763,612
Total equity3,188,1903,256,835
Less: Equity attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries(680,825)(822,492)
Less: Goodwill(134,016)(133,948)
Net Tangible Equity2,373,3492,300,395
Consolidated Indebtedness to Net Tangible Equity Ratio0.90x0.77x

Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Equity Ratio calculation

The table below sets forth the calculations of consolidated Indebtedness to consolidated Equity Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the 2031 Notes) as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
Debt payable$2,143,450$1,763,612
Plus: Derivative liabilities——
Less: Debt attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries——
Less: The lesser of specified cash and cash equivalent or $100 million(100,000)(100,000)
Consolidated Indebtedness2,043,4501,663,612
Total equity3,188,1903,256,835
Less: Equity attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries(680,825)(822,492)
Consolidated Equity2,507,3652,434,343
Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Equity Ratio0.81x0.68x

The table below sets forth the calculations of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Equity Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the 2033 Notes) as of the dates indicated.

($ in thousands)September 30, 2025December 31, 2024
Debt payable$2,143,450$—
Plus: Derivative liabilities——
Less: Debt attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries——
Less: The lesser of specified cash and cash equivalent or $135 million(135,000)—
Consolidated Indebtedness2,008,450—
Total equity3,188,190—
Less: Equity attributable to Unrestricted Subsidiaries(680,825)—
Consolidated Equity2,507,365—
Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated Equity Ratio0.80x—
ContentsView on SEC.gov

The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.