Bentley Capital Limited swung back to profitability in FY2026, posting a $255,000 net profit driven mainly by legal settlements and modest investment gains, reversing a prior loss of $878,000.
- Net profit of $0.255 million after prior year loss
- Revenue surged over 11,000% to $349,000
- Legal settlements contributed $300,000
- Net tangible asset backing per share rose 52% to 0.98 cents
- Major holdings in Strike Resources and LE Minerals
Profit Reversal Fueled by Legal Settlements
Bentley Capital Limited (ASX:BEL) has reported a net profit of $255,000 for the financial year ended 30 June 2026, a notable turnaround from a $878,000 loss in the prior year. This swing was largely attributable to $250,000 received from a legal costs settlement with Keybridge Capital Limited and $50,000 from a deposit recovery claim. These one-off inflows overshadowed the company’s core investment income, which remained modest.
Revenue Skyrockets Amid Investment Gains and Settlements
Total revenue skyrocketed to $349,000 from a mere $3,000 the previous year, an increase of over 11,000%. Aside from the legal settlements, Bentley recorded a net gain of $14,000 on financial assets held at fair value, a reversal from a $572,000 loss in FY2025. Interest income also doubled to $6,000. Meanwhile, operating expenses were slashed by 89% to $94,000, reflecting lower salaries, legal fees, and administration costs.
Net Tangible Assets Strengthen on Back of Key Investments
Bentley’s net tangible asset (NTA) backing per share rose 52% to 0.98 cents, up from 0.65 cents a year earlier. The company’s investment portfolio is dominated by a substantial 18.9% stake in Strike Resources Limited (ASX:SRK), valued at $1.61 million, and a smaller holding in LE Minerals Limited (ASX:LEL). Strike’s share price traded between 2.2 and 5.2 cents over the year, closing at 3 cents on 30 June 2026. LE Minerals, which was reinstated to ASX quotation in March 2026 following a suspension, traded between $0.295 and $0.455, closing at $0.31 at year-end.
Governance and Management Updates
Key management personnel voluntarily suspended their salaries from November 2024, contributing to the significant reduction in personnel expenses. Executive Chairman Farooq Khan, Executive Director William Johnson, and Executive Director and Company Secretary Victor Ho hold leadership roles across Bentley and its major investees, Strike and LE Minerals. The company maintains a robust governance framework with active audit and remuneration committees overseeing risk and remuneration policies.
Outlook and Operational Focus
Bentley continues to focus on its investment activities, with no dividends declared for FY2026. The company’s financial health is underpinned by its cash position, liquid investments, and anticipated further settlement receipts related to legal cost recoveries. The directors caution that future performance depends heavily on the underlying market conditions affecting Strike and LE Minerals. Bentley’s ability to manage costs and capitalise on investment opportunities will be critical in sustaining its recent positive momentum.
Bottom Line?
Bentley’s return to profit hinges on legal settlements and steady investment holdings, but future gains remain tied to market swings in key resources stocks.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Bentley sustain profitability without further legal settlements?
- How will Strike Resources’ project developments impact Bentley’s investment value?
- What are the implications of the ongoing management salary suspensions on company operations?