# MATTHEWS SOUTH, LLC X-17A-5 (2025-12-29) — Broker-dealer annual report

- Company: MATTHEWS SOUTH, LLC
- Form: X-17A-5
- Filed: 2025-12-29
- Period: 2025-09-30
- Accession: 0001670160-25-000002
- CIK: 1670160
- File #: 8-69751
- Type: Broker-dealer
- Material weakness: No
- Auditor: Baker Tilly US LLP
- Auditor location: Dallas, TX
- Contact: Susan Hayes
- Phone: 201-401-0975
- Email: shayes@matthewssouth.com
- Website: matthewssouth.com
- Signed by: Kevin Castellano (Chief Financial Officer)

Original filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1670160/000167016025000002/matthewssouthaudit093025.pdf

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**UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549** 

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# **ANNUAL REPORTS FORM X-17A-5 PART Ill**

SEC FILE NUM BER

8-69751

10/01/24 09/30/25 Matthews South, LLC ■ 1700 South El Camino Real, Suite 345 San Mateo CA 94402 Susan Hayes 609-642-6593 shayes@matthewssouth.com Baker Tilly US, LLP 14555 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300 Dallas TX 75254 10/22/03 23 **FACING PAGE Information Required Pursuant to Rules 17a-5, 17a-12, and 18a-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**  FILING FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING AND ENDING ---------- ----------- MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY **A. REGISTRANT IDENTIFICATION**  NAME OF FIRM: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_ TYPE OF REGISTRANT (check all applicable boxes): □ Broker-dealer □ Security-based sw ap dealer □ Check here if respondent is also an OTC derivatives dealer □ Major security-based sw ap participant ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: (Do not use a P.O. box no.) (No. and Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) PERSON TO CONTACT WITH REGARD TO THIS FILING (Name) (Area Code - Telephone Number) (Email Address) **B. ACCOUNTANT IDENTIFICATION**  INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT whose reports are contained in this filing\* (Name - if individual, state last, first, and middle name) (Address) (City) (State) (Zip Code) **T te of Reg;,;,ca,;oa w•h PCAOB)[;f appl;cableJ FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (PCAOB RegfatraHoa Numbe,, ;f appbcable)I** 

\* Claims for exemption from the requirement that the annual reports be covered by the reports of an independent public accountant must be supported by a statement of facts and circumstances relied on as the basis of the exemption. See 17 CFR 240.17a-S(e)(l )(ii), if applicable.

**Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid 0MB control number.** 

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#### OATH OR AFFIRMATION

| I, Kvin Castellano                                                                                                                  | swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the                      |       |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------|
| financial report pertaining to the firm of Matthews South LLC                                                                       |                                                                                          | as of |
| September 30                                                                                                                        | 2025 , is true and correct. I further swear (or affirm) that neither the company nor any |       |
| partner, officer1 director, or equivalent person, as the case may be, has any proprietary interest in any account classified solely |                                                                                          |       |
| as that of a customer.                                                                                                              |                                                                                          |       |

Title: ' Chief Financial Officer

#### This filing\*\* contains (check all applicable boxes):

- [i] {a) St,1ternent of financial condition.
- D (b} Notes to consolidated statement of financial condition.
- [i] (c) Statement of income (loss) or, if there is other comprehensive income in the period(s) presented, a statement of cornprf'he11•:;iw· inconw (as dPfined in 9 210.1-02 of Regulation S-X).
- 00 (d) Statement of ca,h flows.
- [i] (e) Statement of changes in stockholders' or partners' or sole proprietor's equity.
- D (f) Statement of changes in liabilities subordinated to claims of creditors.
- lil (g) Note'> to consoliddled fin,:rndal statements.
- 00 (h) Compuldtion of net capital under 17 CFR 240.1Sc3-1 or 17 CFR 240.18a-1, as applicable.
- □ (i) Computation of tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.18a-2.
- [ml (j) Computdtion for determincltion of customer reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.1Sc3-3.
- □ {k) Computation for determination of security-based swap rese,ve requirements pursuant to Exhibit B to 17 CFR 240.1Sc3-3 or Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable.
- □ (I) Computation for Determination of PAB Requirements under Exhibit A to§ 240.15c3-3.
- [i] {111) Information relating to possession or control requirements for customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3.
- □ {n) Information ,elating to possession or control requirements for security-based swap customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3(p)(2) or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable.
- ili!l (o) Reconciliations, including appropriate explanations, of the FOCUS Report with computation of net capital or tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1, 17 CFR 240.18a-1, or 17 CFR 240.18a-2, as applicable, and the reserve requirements unde, 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable, if material differences exist, or a statement that no materi.:il differences exist.
- □ {p) Summary of financial data for subsidiaries. not consolidated in the stateirient of financial condition.
- ili!l (q) Oath or attinnation in acrnrdance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.l7a-12, or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- D (r) Compliance repmi in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- [i] (s} Exemption 1eport in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- □ {t) lndept>mlenl public. accountant's report based on an examination of the statement of financial condition.
- [il {u) Independent public accountant's repo1t based on an examination of the financial report or financial statements under 17 CFR 240.l 7a-5, 17 CFR 240.18a-7, or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable.
- □ {v) Independent public Jccmmtant's report based on an examination of ce,tain statements in the compliance report umler 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- [Ml (w) Independent publil accountant's report ba!led on a review of the exemption report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable.
- □ (x) Supplemental reports on applying agreed-upon procedures, in actordance with 17 CFR 240.15c3-1e or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable.
- □ (y) Report describing any material inadequacies found to exist or found to have existed since the date of the previous audit, <sup>01</sup> a statement that no rnaterial inadequacies exist, under 17 CFR 240.17a-12(k). 0 (1) other: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_
- 
- \*'To request ronf)dentia/ treatment of certain po1tions of this filing, see 17 CFR 240.17a-5/e/(3} or 17 CFR 240.18a-7/d}{l/, as opplicable.

# See **Attached Certificate**

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# **CALIFORNIA ALL- PURPOSE CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT**

A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

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State of California

County of \_\_ 5\_·~--f'/'\_m\_-\_c\_·<MA\_-\_· \_\_\_ \_

On \_\_ 1>,;"'· 1 c,ec\_::.:·\_?.ec½-'-'- 1 *\_·w=-:2=-;"'"-=----* before me, \_ \_,\_fu:"'YW""""'"Nl!=·""----,,lf~· ,c,..-:u.::.=::.· "-cc:~· ,~ivo~"-At=Y\_f!\_· Vv\_'\_"\_"-\_ {Here Insert name and uUe of the officer)

personally appeared ¼t::V\ 0 CA,n:: lJ.NvO

who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies ), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.

I certify under PENAL TY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. - - - - - - -

WITNES <sup>~</sup>.-;: ,7" FERNANDO F. CROCE **<sup>1</sup>**•ij• .... ;; *:t.* 1.. Notart Pub1\c • Ca1\fornla z j <sup>f</sup>~ ; f Santa Cara Cot..nty ~ ~ •. • ., Commission *!I* <sup>2384698</sup> ~ ~ My Comm. Expires Dec 24, 2025 ' Notary Public Signare (Notary Public Seal) \ '-SC:: - INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM ADD IT) **0 NAL O PTJO NAL INFO R MA TIO N** *This form complies with* wm111 *Ca/ifomia statutes regardiug uofa,y wo1·ding and,*  DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT *if needed, should be completed and al/ached to the document. Acknowle\_dgme11ts* 

|  | (Title or description of attached document)           |     |
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|  | (Title or description of attached document continued) |     |
|  | Number of Pages_(_ Document Dale.                     | ___ |
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|   | CA~CITY CLAIMED BY THE SIGNER |
|---|-------------------------------|
|   | EJ Individual (s)             |
|   | □ Corporate Officer           |
|   | (Title)                       |
|   | □ Partner(s)                  |
|   | □ Attorney-in-Fact            |
|   | □ Trustee(s)                  |
| 0 | __________<br>other·<br>_     |
|   |                               |

*from other .states may be cof/1pletedfor documents being sent to that state so long as t!te wording does not require the California* 11ota1J1 *to violate California nota,y law.* 

- State and County infomrntion must be the State and County where the document signer(s) personally appeared before the notary public for acknowledgment.
- Date of notarization must be the date that the signer(s) personally appeared which must also be the same date the acknowledgment is completed.
- The notary public must print his or her name as it appears within his or her commission followed by a comma and then your title (notaty public).
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- Indicate the co1rect singular or plural fom1s by crossing off incorrect forms (i.e. he/she/they, is /are ) or circling t\_he correct fonns. Failure to correctly indicate this information may lead to rejection of document recording.
- The notary seal impression must be clear and photographically reproducible. Impression must not cover lext or lines. If seal impression smudges, re-seal if a sufficient area pennits, otherwise complete a different acknowledgment fonn,
- Signah1re of the notary public must match the signatme on file with the office of the county clerk.
	- ❖ Additional infonuation is not required but could help to ensure this acknowledgment is not misused or attached to a different documCnt.
	- ❖ Indicate title or type of attached document, number of pages and date.
	- ❖ Indicate the capacity claimed by the signer. If the claimed capacity is a corporate officer, indicate the title (i.e. CEO, CFO, Secretary).
- Securely attach this document to the signed document with a staple.

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# **MATTHEWS SOUTH, LLC**

Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Pursuant to Rule 17a-5(d)

Year Ended September 30, 2025

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# **Matthews South, LLC**

Table of Contents September 30, 2025

|                                                                                                                                           | Page(s) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm                                                                                   | 1 - 2   |
| Financial Statements                                                                                                                      |         |
| Statement of Financial Condition                                                                                                          | 3       |
| Statement of Operations                                                                                                                   | 4       |
| Statement of Changes in Member's Equity                                                                                                   | 5       |
| Statement of Cash Flows                                                                                                                   | 6       |
| Notes to Financial Statements                                                                                                             | 7 - 10  |
| Supplementary Information                                                                                                                 | 11      |
| Schedule I - Computation of Net Capital Under Rule 15c3-1 of the<br>Securities and Exchange Commission                                    | 12      |
| Schedule II - Computation for Determination of Reserve Requirements<br>Under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission        | 13      |
| Schedule III - Information Relating to Possession and Control Requirements<br>Under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission | 14      |
| Exemption Certification                                                                                                                   | 15      |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on<br>Management's Exemption Report                                               | 16      |
| Management's Exemption Report                                                                                                             | 17      |

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![](_page_5_Picture_0.jpeg)

# **Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

To the Member and the Board of Directors of Matthews South, LLC

#### *Opinion on the Financial Statements*

We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of Matthews South, LLC (the "Company") as of September 30, 2025, the related statements of operations, changes in member's equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2025, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

#### *Basis for Opinion*

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, **LLP,** trading as Baker Tilly, are members of the global network of Baker Tilly International Ltd ., the members of which are separate and independent legal entities. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides as.surance services to its clients .. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and consulting s.ervices to their clients and are not licensed CPA firms.

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#### *Opinion on the Supplemental Information*

The supplemental information in Schedules I, II, and III has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Company's financial statements. The information in Schedules I, II, and III is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our audit procedures include determining whether the information in Schedules I, II, and III reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in Schedules I, II, and III. In forming our opinion on the information in Schedules I, II, and III, we evaluated whether the information in Schedules I, II, and III, including its form and content is presented in conformity with 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5. In our opinion, the information in Schedules I, II, and III is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.

Dallas, Texas December 19, 2025

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.

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# **Matthews South, LLC**

Statement of Financial Condition September 30, 2025

| ASSETS<br>Cash and cash equivalents<br>Accounts receivable<br>Prepaid expenses | \$<br>9,806,105<br>367,515<br>26,931 |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Total Assets                                                                   | \$<br>10,200,551                     |
| LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY                                                |                                      |
| LIABILITIES                                                                    |                                      |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                       | \$<br>103,113                        |
| Payable to parent                                                              | 1,097,740                            |
| Total Liabilities                                                              | 1,200,853                            |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)                                         |                                      |
|                                                                                |                                      |
| MEMBER'S EQUITY                                                                | 8,999,698                            |
| Total Liabilities and Member's Equity                                          | \$<br>10,200,551                     |

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| Revenues                                    |                  |
|---------------------------------------------|------------------|
| M & A advisory fees                         | \$<br>41,190,540 |
| Interest                                    | 183,247          |
| Total revenues                              | 41,373,787       |
| Expenses                                    |                  |
| Transaction based expenses                  | 5,294,250        |
| Incremental allocation services fee         | 130,125          |
| Legal and professional fees                 | 103,505          |
| Regulatory fees                             | 122,096          |
| Technology, data and communication expenses | 19,711           |
| State and local income taxes                | 12,590           |
| Other operating expenses                    | 9,574            |
| Total expenses                              | 5,691,851        |
| Net income                                  | \$<br>35,681,936 |

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# **Matthews South, LLC**

Statement of Changes in Member's Equity For the Year Ended September 30, 2025

| Beginning Balance, October 1, 2024 | \$<br>4,653,762 |
|------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Capital distributions              | (31,336,000)    |
| Net income                         | 35,681,936      |
| Ending Balance, September 30, 2025 | \$<br>8,999,698 |

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| Cash Flows from Operating Activities                                                  |                     |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Net income                                                                            | \$<br>35,681,936    |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net<br>cash used in operating activities:      |                     |
| Increase in accounts receivable                                                       | (367,515)           |
| Increase in prepaid expenses                                                          | (15,438)            |
| Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities<br>Increase in payable to parent | 65,055<br>1,063,996 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities                                             | 36,428,034          |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities<br>Distributions to member                       | (31,336,000)        |
| Net cash used in financing activities                                                 | (31,336,000)        |
| Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                             | 5,092,034           |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year                                          | 4,714,071           |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year                                                | \$<br>9,806,105     |

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# **NOTE 1. BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY**

Matthews South, LLC (the Company) is registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Matthews South, Inc. (the Parent). The Company was formed in the state of Delaware on February 18, 2016 and became a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA on March 16, 2017.

The Company engages in private placements of securities and advises U.S. public reporting companies on capital markets transactions including registered debt and equity offerings and Rule 144A debt offerings.

The Company periodically distributes the majority of its earnings to the Parent.

# **NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES**

### **Basis of Presentation**

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP).

# **Cash and Cash Equivalents**

The Company considers all liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its deposits in two commercial checking accounts and a mutual fund money market account in high credit quality financial institutions. Balances at year end and at various times during the year have exceeded federally insured limits of \$250,000.

### **Use of Estimates**

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

### **Segment Reporting**

As a securities broker-dealer, the Company is engaged in a single line of business which is comprised of several classes of services including merger and acquisition advisory services, capital sourcing and other general corporate financial advisory services. The Company has identified its President as the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") who uses net income to evaluate the results of the business, predominantly in the forecasting process, to manage the Company. Additionally, the CODM uses excess net capital (see Note 6), which is not a measure 

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of profit and loss, to make operational decisions while maintaining capital adequacy, such as whether to reinvest profits or pay dividends. The Company's operations constitute a single operating segment and, therefore, a single reportable segment, because the CODM manages the business activities using information about the Company as a whole. The accounting policies used to measure the profit and loss of the segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The measure of segment assets is reported on the Statement of Financial Condition as total assets, and segment revenues and expenses are reported on the Statement of Operations as total revenues and expenses.

# **Receivables**

The Company follows the guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 326, *Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,* which requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets, including receivables related to revenue from contracts with customers, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The standard requires an entity to estimate its lifetime credit loss and record an allowance that, when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset.

The Company takes into consideration the composition of the receivables, current economic conditions, the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral, historical loss experience, delinquency, and bankrupt accounts when determining management's estimate of probable credit losses and the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Any receivables deemed uncollectible are written off against the allowance. The Company did not have receivables related to contracts with customers or financial assets for which an allowance for credit losses was necessary at September 30, 2025.

# **Revenue Recognition**

The Company follows the guidance in FASB ASC 606, *Revenue from Contracts with Customers*, which requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance requires an entity to follow a five-step model to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.

The Company earns revenue from financial advisory services including fees generated in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring transactions. Such revenue and fees

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are primarily recorded at a point in time when services for the transactions are completed and income is reasonably determinable, generally as set forth under the terms of the engagement. Payment for advisory services is generally due upon completion of the transaction. Retainer fees and fees earned from certain advisory services are recognized ratably over the service period as the customer receives the benefit of the services throughout the term of each contract, and such fees are collected based on the terms of each contract. All revenues for the year ended September 30, 2025 were fully earned upon completion of each related transaction. The Company had receivables of \$300,000 for M & A advisory fees (collected in October 2025), \$51,802 in reimbursable legal fees and \$15,713 in interest income (collected in October 2025) as of September 30, 2025.

The economic factors that affect the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are primarily general demand for debt and equity offerings in the United States.

# **Operating Expenses**

Transaction expenses are borne by the Parent and are billed to the Company by the Parent when transactions close. The Company has no liability for payment until the date that cash from related transactions is received. Direct expenses such as software licensing fees, professional service fees and broker-dealer fidelity bond insurance premiums are related to operating activities of the Company and are expensed in the period to which they relate.

# **Income Taxes**

The Company is considered a "pass-through" entity under the Internal Revenue Code and therefore is not liable for federal income taxes on its taxable income. Liability for federal income tax expense is the responsibility of the Company's Member. The Company is subject to an annual LLC tax and a revenue-based LLC fee from the state of California and franchise tax from the state of Delaware. The Company had no tax liability as of September 30, 2025.

### **NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY MATTERS**

The Company has an Expense Sharing Agreement (ESA) in place with its Parent. Under the terms of the ESA, the Parent charges the Company a monthly Incremental Allocation Services Fee for incremental overhead expenses incurred by the Parent on behalf of the Company. Fees paid to the Parent for the reporting period total \$130,125 and include allocated salaries and benefits (\$59,189), rent (\$7,389), information and technology support (\$41,284), legal and consulting fees (\$20,628) and various other office support services (\$1,635). The allocation methodology is based on estimated expense allocations between the Company and the Parent. This schedule is subject to annual review and revision and was amended as of July 1, 2025. The Incremental Allocation Services Fee appears as an expense on the Statement of Operations. In addition, under the terms of the ESA, the Parent charges the Company for expenses related to the Company's revenue-generating engagements. These expenses may include, but are not limited to, personnel time, travel, entertainment, legal and professional fees. Generally, the

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invoice from the Parent is rendered to the Company at the conclusion of an engagement and becomes payable upon receipt of corresponding fee income. Transaction-Based Expenses appear as a line item on the Statement of Operations and are made up of \$5,294,250 in invoiced personnel time and travel, meal and entertainment expenses.

# **NOTE 4. CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK**

For the year ended September 30, 2025, one client accounted for 41.8% of the Company's advisory fee revenue.

# **NOTE 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES**

The Company had no significant commitments or contingencies at September 30, 2025.

### **NOTE 6. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS**

The Company, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. At September 30, 2025 the Company had net capital of \$8,419,136 which was \$8,339,079 in excess of its required net capital of \$80,057, and its ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was .1426 to 1.

### **NOTE 7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS**

The Company has performed an evaluation of events that have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2025, and through December 19, 2025, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The Company made a distribution of \$8,120,000 to the Parent on November 20, 2025. I

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**Supplementary Information**

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# **Matthews South, LLC**

**Supplementary Schedule I**

### Computation of Net Capital Under Rule 15c3-1 of the

Securities and Exchange Commission

As of September 30, 2025

| Net Capital                                                                  |                 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Total member's equity                                                        | \$<br>8,999,698 |
| Less non-allowable assets:                                                   |                 |
| Accounts receivable                                                          | 367,515         |
| Prepaid expenses                                                             | 26,931          |
| Net capital before haircuts on securities positions                          | 8,605,252       |
| Haircuts on securities positions                                             | 186,116         |
| Net capital                                                                  | \$<br>8,419,136 |
| Aggregate Indebtedness                                                       | \$<br>1,200,853 |
|                                                                              |                 |
| Computation of Basic Net Capital Requirement<br>Minimum net capital required | \$<br>80,057    |
|                                                                              |                 |
| Excess net capital                                                           | \$<br>8,339,079 |
| Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital                               | .1426 to 1      |

There are no material differences between the computation above and the computation included in the Company's corresponding unaudited FOCUS Report, Part IIA, Form X-17a-5 as of September 30, 2025 as amended.

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# **Matthews South, LLC Supplementary Schedule II**

Computation for Determination of Reserve Requirements Under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission As of September 30, 2025

The Company does not claim exemption under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c3- 3 and relies on Footnote 74 of SEC Release 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R.§240.17a-5. The Company carries no accounts, does not hold funds or securities for, or owe money or securities to, customers. Accordingly, the Computation for Determination of Reserve Requirements is not required.

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# **Matthews South, LLC Supplementary Schedule III**

Information Relating to Possession and Control Requirements Under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission As of September 30, 2025

The Company does not claim exemption under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c3- 3 and relies on Footnote 74 of SEC Release 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R.§240.17a-5. The Company carries no accounts, does not hold funds or securities for, or owe money or securities to, customers. Accordingly, Information Relating to Possession and Control Requirements is not required.

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**Exemption Certification**

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# **Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

The Member and Board of Directors of Matthews South, LLC

We have reviewed management's statements, included in the accompanying Matthews South, LLC's Exemption Report (the exemption report), in which:

- 1) Matthews South, LLC does not claim an exemption under paragraph (k) of 17 C.F.R. §240.15c3-3; and
- 2) Matthews South, LLC states Matthews South, LLC is filing the exemption report relying on Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5 (Footnote 74) because, throughout the most recent fiscal year, without exception:
	- Matthews South, LLC limits its business activities exclusively to receiving transaction-based compensation on investment advisory services and referring securities transactions to other broker-dealers, and
	- Matthews South, LLC (1) did not directly or indirectly receive, hold, or otherwise owe funds or securities for or to customers, (2) did not carry accounts of or for customers; and (3) did not carry PAB accounts (as defined in Rule 15c3-3).

Matthews South, LLC's management is responsible for compliance with the provisions of Footnote 74 and its statements.

Our review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, included inquiries and other required procedures to obtain evidence about Matthews South, LLC's compliance with the provisions of Footnote 74. A review is substantially less in scope than an examination, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion on management's statements. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to management's statements referred to above for them to be fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the provisions of Footnote 74 of SEC Release No. 34-70073.

Dallas, Texas December 19, 2025

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, **LLP,** trading as Baker Tilly, are members of the global network of Baker Tilly International Ltd ., the members of which are separate and independent legal entities. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides as.surance services to its clients .. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and consulting s.ervices to their clients and are not licensed CPA firms.

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### **MATTHEWS SOUTH, LLC EXEMPTION REPORT**

Matthews South, LLC (the "Company") (the "Company") is a registered broker-dealer subject to Rule 17a-5 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5, "Reports to be made by certain brokers and dealers"). This Exemption Report was prepared as required by 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5(d)(l) and (4). To the best of its knowledge and belief, the Company states the following:

- 1. The Company does not claim an exemption under paragraph (k) of 17 C.F.R. § 240.15c3-3, and
- 2. The Company is filing this Exemption Report relying on Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5 because the Company limits its business activities exclusively to receiving transaction-based compensation on investment advisory services and referring securities transactions to other broker-dealers, and the Company (1) did not directly or indirectly receive, hold, or otherwise owe funds or securities for or to customers, (2) did not carry accounts of or for customers; and did not carry PAB accounts (as defined in Rule 15c3-3) throughout the most recent fiscal year without exception.

I, Kevin Castellano, swear ( or affirm) that, to my best knowledge and belief, this Exemption Report is true and correct.

Kevin Castellano Date Chief Financial Officer

Kevi11 Cq,rtetw.110 KevinCastellano(Decll,202507:00:06PST) 12/10/25


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