Company Registration No. SC303729 (Scotland)
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
J A Roberts
D W Young
C S Sharp
P Wood
(Appointed 1 May 2025)
R Henderson
(Appointed 1 May 2025)
D Brown
(Appointed 1 May 2025)
Company number
SC303729
Registered office
Stirling Agricultural Centre
Stirling
FK9 4RN
Auditors
Johnston Carmichael LLP
7-11 Melville Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7PE
Solicitors
Burness Paull LLP
50 Lothian Road
Festival Square
Edinburgh
EH3 9WJ
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1
Directors' report
2
Directors' responsibilities statement
3
Independent auditor's report
4 - 7
Statement of comprehensive income
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of changes in equity
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 24
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 1 -
The Directors present the strategic report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Fair review of the business
The Company has again recorded a positive trading period, underpinning its position as Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneer.
Organic growth and sustainable values, have allowed the Company to continue to increase its market share.
On the 2nd April 2025 United Auctions transitioned to an Employee-Ownership Trust (EOT) structure, which allowed the Company to create long-term stability and a strong financial footing for the years ahead
The EOT continues to reinforce the connections between staff and customers and our position in the agricultural community,
The Company acknowledges the changes and uncertainties within the political environment and will continue to monitor the effect on Scottish agriculture and the farming industry.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Bad debt and disease outbreak are the principal risks affecting the business. A strict credit policy, credit insurance and improved traceability and bio-security measures help mitigate these risks.
Future outlook
The Board remains positive about the period ahead and will continue to explore new opportunities. Development of staff and a continued approach of delivering added value for our customers will enable the Company to strengthen market position.
Key performance indicators
The Company considers the key performance indicators of the business to be profit before tax and EBITDA. Profit before tax was £5.9m (2024: £5.1m) and EBITDA for the year was £7.5m (2024: £5.4m).
C S Sharp
Director
24 September 2026
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 2 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company during the year was livestock auctioning.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 8.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £15,629,930 (2024: £654,412). The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
J A Roberts
D W Young
C S Sharp
G W Purves
(Resigned 1 May 2025)
P Wood
(Appointed 1 May 2025)
R Henderson
(Appointed 1 May 2025)
D Brown
(Appointed 1 May 2025)
Auditor
The auditor, Johnston Carmichael LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Strategic report
The company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of future developments.
Statement of disclosure to auditor
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.
On behalf of the board
C S Sharp
Director
24 September 2026
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 3 -
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
- 4 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of UA Livestock Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of its profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and financial statements other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report and financial statements. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
- 5 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 3, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations by considering their experience, past performance and support available.
All engagement team members were briefed on relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks at the planning stage of the audit. Engagement team members were reminded to remain alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
- 6 -
Extent to which an audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud (continued)
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the company and the sector in which it operates, focusing on those provisions that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The most relevant frameworks we identified include:
UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice
Companies Act 2006
UK Corporation Tax legislation
VAT legislation; and
General Data Protection Regulation
We gained an understanding of how the company is complying with these laws and regulations by making enquiries of management and those charged with governance. We corroborated these enquiries through our review of submitted returns and board meeting minutes.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur, by meeting with management and those charged with governance to understand where it was considered there was susceptibility to fraud. This evaluation also considered how management and those charged with governance were remunerated and whether this provided an incentive for fraudulent activity. We considered the overall control environment and how management and those charged with governance oversee the implementation and operation of controls. In areas of the financial statements where the risks were considered to be higher, we performed procedures to address each identified risk. We identified a heightened fraud risk in relation to:
Management Override.
Revenue Recognition
In addition to the above, the following procedures were performed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free of material fraud or error:
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance for reference to: breaches of laws and regulation or for any indication of any potential litigation and claims; and events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud;
Reviewing the level of and reasoning behind the company’s procurement of legal and professional services;
Performing audit procedures over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing judgements made by management in their calculation of accounting estimates for potential management bias;
Agreed a sample of sales reports to commission recorded within revenue;
Recalculated cattle finance scheme income based on the underlying financing agreements;
Completion of appropriate checklists and use of our experience to assess the company’s compliance with the Companies Act 2006; and
Agreement of the financial statement disclosures to supporting documentation.
Our audit procedures were designed to respond to the risk of material misstatements in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
- 7 -
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
William King (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Johnston Carmichael LLP
24 September 2026
Statutory Auditor
7-11 Melville Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7PE
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 8 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
32,896,824
27,474,617
Cost of sales
(25,579,424)
(22,044,830)
Gross profit
7,317,400
5,429,787
Administrative expenses
(390,676)
(311,195)
Other operating income
3
2,637
2,637
Operating profit
4
6,929,361
5,121,229
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(1,005,218)
(368,188)
Changes in fair value of investment property
9
-
308,057
Profit before taxation
5,924,143
5,061,098
Taxation
10
(992,548)
(1,186,964)
Profit for the financial year
4,931,595
3,874,134
Other comprehensive income
-
-
Total comprehensive income for the year
4,931,595
3,874,134
The statement of total comprehensive income has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2025
31 December 2025
- 9 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
4,252,106
4,638,868
Investment properties
13
3,086,640
3,100,000
7,338,746
7,738,868
Current assets
Debtors
14
38,642,759
32,269,080
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(16,487,641)
(12,146,536)
Net current assets
22,155,118
20,122,544
Total assets less current liabilities
29,493,864
27,861,412
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(12,422,563)
(27,682)
Provisions for liabilities
18
(576,990)
(641,084)
Net assets
16,494,311
27,192,646
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
20
3,967,639
3,967,639
Profit and loss reserves
12,526,672
23,225,007
Total equity
16,494,311
27,192,646
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 24 September 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
C S Sharp
Director
Company Registration No. SC303729
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 10 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2024
3,967,639
20,005,285
23,972,924
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
3,874,134
3,874,134
Dividends
11
-
(654,412)
(654,412)
Balance at 31 December 2024
3,967,639
23,225,007
27,192,646
Year ended 31 December 2025:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
4,931,595
4,931,595
Dividends
11
-
(15,629,930)
(15,629,930)
Balance at 31 December 2025
3,967,639
12,526,672
16,494,311
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
UA Livestock Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling, FK9 4RN.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:
Section 4 'Statement of Financial Position' - Reconciliation of the opening and closing number of shares;
Section 7 'Statement of Cash Flows' - Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues' - Carrying amounts, interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 33 'Related Party Disclosures' - Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of United Auctions Group Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling, FK9 4RN.
1.2
Going concern
Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3
Turnover
Turnover represents invoiced sales commissions, invoiced sales, interest receivable on financing facilities, and interest received on overdue customer balances and other income net of VAT. Sales commission is recognised at point of auction.
Revenue from the sale of livestock is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the livestock have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the livestock), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Interest on financing facilities is accrued over the term of the financing arrangement with the customer.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
1.4
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Land and buildings freehold
0% and 4% straight line
Plant and machinery
4% and 15% straight line
Computer equipment
33% straight line
Motor vehicles
25% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.
1.5
Investment properties
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Property rented to a group entity is accounted for as a tangible fixed asset.
1.6
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
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 not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
1.7
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities, and include invoice financing facilities held.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.8
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Other financial assets
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans and loans from fellow group companies are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Other financial liabilities
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.9
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
1.10
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
1.11
Employee benefits
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
1.12
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.13
Share-based payments
The company participates in a group share-based payment arrangement granted to its employees from the ultimate parent company, United Auctions Group Limited. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed at the date of the grant, based on the estimate of shares that will eventually vest. A corresponding adjustment is made to other reserves as a capital contribution. No adjustment has been made on the grounds of materiality.
1.14
Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed.
1.15
Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
Government grants are recognised in accordance with the performance model. A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 16 -
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Critical judgements
The following significant judgments/estimates have an impact on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Provision for bad debt
Outstanding debtor balances are provided against where a loss is probable. The directors have based their judgement of the level of impairments based on the ageing and individual assessment of each debtor.
Valuation of investment properties
The fair value of investment properties is derived from third party valuation reports provided by external independent valuers as at 4 December 2024 and adjusted for market movements in the period to 31 December 2025, as assessed by the directors. The independent valuations were based upon assumptions including future rental income and the appropriate discount rate or yield. The directors and independent valuers also take into consideration market evidence for comparable properties in respect of both transaction prices and rental agreements.
3
Turnover and other revenue
An analysis of the company's turnover is as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Income from commissions, sale of livestock, interest on financing facilities and other income
32,896,824
27,474,617
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
32,896,824
27,474,617
2025
2024
£
£
Other significant revenue
Grants received
2,637
2,637
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 17 -
4
Operating profit
2025
2024
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Government grants
(2,637)
(2,637)
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
536,502
349,165
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(10,000)
(15,500)
Cost of stocks recognised as an expense
19,382,415
16,312,960
Operating lease charges
8,714
8,808
5
Auditor's remuneration
2025
2024
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
18,500
17,650
For other services
Taxation compliance services
5,250
4,850
6
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2025
2024
Number
Number
Management and Administration
21
20
Sales
16
17
Other
54
69
Total
91
106
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
3,178,336
2,920,756
Social security costs
331,626
286,328
Pension costs
194,348
174,466
3,704,310
3,381,550
Included within the above employee numbers are 36 (2024: 46) staff employed on a part-time or casual basis.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 18 -
7
Directors' remuneration
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
652,180
673,616
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts received by the highest paid director:
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
114,977
171,095
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 0 (2024 - 0).
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2025
2024
£
£
Interest on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
638,631
-
Interest on invoice finance arrangements
366,587
368,188
1,005,218
368,188
9
Gain on revaluation of Investment Property
2025
2024
£
£
Changes in the fair value of investment properties
-
308,057
10
Taxation
2025
2024
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
1,056,642
1,104,982
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(64,094)
81,982
Total tax charge
992,548
1,186,964
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10
Taxation
(Continued)
- 19 -
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Profit before taxation
5,924,143
5,061,098
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
1,481,036
1,265,275
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
10,358
4,979
Gains not taxable
(77,014)
Adjustments in respect of prior years
2,531
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
35,338
28,743
Other permanent differences
(489,815)
Group relief surrendered/(claimed)
(41,035)
(89,830)
Chargeable gains/(losses)
(3,334)
52,280
Taxation charge for the year
992,548
1,186,964
11
Dividends
2025
2024
£
£
Interim dividend
15,629,930
654,412
12
Tangible fixed assets
Land and buildings freehold
Plant and machinery
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2025
7,521,535
1,510,158
286,553
65,410
9,383,656
Additions
46,398
73,918
29,424
149,740
At 31 December 2025
7,567,933
1,584,076
315,977
65,410
9,533,396
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
3,408,564
1,022,275
272,414
41,535
4,744,788
Depreciation charged in the year
408,521
89,352
26,296
12,333
536,502
At 31 December 2025
3,817,085
1,111,627
298,710
53,868
5,281,290
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
3,750,848
472,449
17,267
11,542
4,252,106
At 31 December 2024
4,112,971
487,883
14,139
23,875
4,638,868
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 20 -
13
Investment property
2025
£
Fair value
At 1 January 2025
3,100,000
Other changes
(13,360)
At 31 December 2025
3,086,640
Investment property comprises the Paddock Developments within the Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling. The fair value of the investment property has been arrived at on the basis of a valuation carried out on 4 December 2024 by CKD Galbraith, who are not connected with the company. The valuation was made on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties. The directors consider this valuation to be relevant for the year ended 31 December 2025.
14
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
24,642,527
18,430,713
Other debtors
379,244
547,278
25,021,771
18,977,991
Trade debtors are shown net of bad debt provisions of £371,664 (2024: £329,965).
2025
2024
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
£
£
Amounts owed by group undertakings
13,620,988
13,291,089
Total debtors
38,642,759
32,269,080
Amounts due from group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand, and has been disclosed as due after 1 year as there is no expectation of recovery within the next 12 months.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 21 -
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
17
13,546,178
9,657,660
Trade creditors
768,278
308,224
Corporation tax
531,642
641,160
Other taxation and social security
732,638
525,270
Other creditors
446,733
540,975
Accruals and deferred income
462,172
473,247
16,487,641
12,146,536
There is a fixed and floating charge over the whole assets of the company. The invoice finance facility is secured by a floating charge over the assets of UA Livestock Limited.
16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2025
2024
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
17
12,397,517
Government grants
25,046
27,682
12,422,563
27,682
17
Loans and overdrafts
2025
2024
£
£
Bank loans
14,119,204
Bank overdrafts
11,824,491
9,657,660
25,943,695
9,657,660
Payable within one year
13,546,178
9,657,660
Payable after one year
12,397,517
There is a fixed and floating charge over the whole assets of the company. The invoice finance facility is secured by a floating charge over the assets of UA Livestock Limited. The bank loan bears on interest rate of the Bank of England Base rate plus 2.25%.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 22 -
18
Deferred taxation
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2025
2024
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
576,990
641,084
2025
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2025
641,084
Credit to profit or loss
(64,094)
Liability at 31 December 2025
576,990
The deferred tax liability set out above is not expected to reverse within the next 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature in greater than 1 year.
19
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
194,348
174,466
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
20
Share capital
2025
2024
2025
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
3,967,639 Ordinary Shares of £1 each
3,967,639
3,967,639
3,967,639
3,967,639
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 23 -
21
Operating lease commitments
Lessee
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Within one year
8,192
8,192
Between two and five years
21,001
26,001
In over five years
2,895
6,087
32,088
40,280
Lessor
The operating leases represent leases to third parties. The leases are negotiated over terms of 1-25 years and rentals are fixed for 1-25 years.
At the reporting end date the company had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments:
2025
2024
£
£
Within one year
531,233
533,781
Between two and five years
1,823,727
1,632,039
In over five years
2,602,441
2,376,042
4,957,401
4,541,862
22
Events after the reporting date
There were no subsequent events.
23
Related party transactions
As a subsidiary of United Auctions Group Limited, the company has taken advantage of the exemption available under FRS 102 section 33.1A from the requirement to disclose related party transactions with entities that are wholly owned by a common parent undertaking.
Amounts totalling £12,698 (2024: £380,000) were outstanding at the 31 December 2025 from the directors' of the company.
Amounts totalling £232,030 (2024: Nil) were outstanding at 31 December 2025 from the United Auction Employee Ownership Trust. The amounts are repayable on demand and have no interest charge.
UA LIVESTOCK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
- 24 -
24
Controlling Party
The immediate parent company is United Auctions Limited, a company registered at Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling, FK9 4RN.
The ultimate controlling party is the United Auctions Employee Ownership Trust.
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