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Burford Capital – back from the dead?
Undervalued Shares· 2026-02-27 09:24
Core Insights - Burford Capital is the world's largest provider of litigation finance, with a portfolio growth from USD 130 million in 2009 to over USD 7 billion today, capturing a 30-40% market share globally [3][4] - The company's share price has experienced significant volatility, primarily driven by the YPF case, which is considered a key asset in its portfolio [6][10] - Burford Capital is repositioning itself to be recognized not only as a litigation financier but also as a provider of corporate finance solutions within the legal ecosystem [12] Company Overview - Burford Capital was listed on AIM in 2009 and dual-listed on the NYSE in 2020, but has faced challenges since a short-seller attack in 2019, leading to stagnant share performance [4] - The company has monetized USD 236 million through a partial sale of its claim in the YPF case, currently holding approximately 44% of a claim valued at USD 16 billion, equating to USD 7 billion on a pro-rata basis [9] Recent Developments - In 2024, a US court granted Burford Capital a "complete win" in the YPF case, but collection remains uncertain and legal proceedings are ongoing [8][10] - The company reported new definitive commitments of USD 872 million, a 39% year-on-year increase, and a 20% growth in its portfolio base, indicating a strong start towards its goal of doubling in size by 2030 [14] Strategic Positioning - Burford Capital is financing a USD 11.5 billion claim against Greenland and Argentina, which may become strategically significant in the current geopolitical climate [11] - The firm is increasingly focusing on advanced technology within the legal sector, which is expected to enhance its valuation metrics over time [14]