TIDMSCHO
RNS Number : 3695K
Scholium Group PLC
07 July 2017
Scholium Group plc
Preliminary Results
7 July 2017
Scholium is engaged in the business of rare books and art. Its
primary operating subsidiary is Shapero Rare Books which is one of
the leading UK dealers trading internationally in rare and
antiquarian books and works on paper.
The group also trades alongside other third party dealers in the
broader arts and collectibles business via its subsidiary, Scholium
Trading.
Operational Highlights
-- Stabilisation of core markets after Brexit
-- Group turnaround to profitability in the second half of the financial year
-- Significant cost cuts implemented to reduce the fixed cost
base of the Group by the targeted GBP320,000 in the new financial
year
-- Improved trading in the first quarter of the new financial year
Financial Highlights
Years Ended 31 March (all figures '000) 2017 2016
Revenue 6,120 6,742
Gross Profit 2,250 2,376
Gross Margin 37% 35%
Adjusted Operating Profit (224) 24
Cash 970 1,309
NAV/Share 73.0p 74.6p
-
Jasper Allen, Chairman of Scholium, noted "We are delighted to
have finished the year on a positive note after the uncertainty in
our markets around the UK Referendum. The momentum from the
profitable second half has continued into the new financial year.
Furthermore, the group has a strong balance sheet and, following
implementation of the programme of cost savings, is now well-placed
to deliver a positive outcome."
For further information, please contact
Scholium Group plc
Jasper Allen, Chairman +44 (0)20 7493 0876
WH Ireland Ltd - Nominated Adviser
Chris Fielding +44 (0)20 7220 1666
Chairman's Statement
I am pleased to report that the business returned to
profitability in the second half of the financial year, despite the
setback caused by customers' hesitancy (experienced by all traders
in this market) following the UK vote on EU membership in the first
half of the year. The market in our core areas has stabilised, and
the upward momentum seen in the second half of the financial year
to 31 March 2017 has, I am delighted to report, continued into the
beginning of the current financial year.
The Group remains well capitalised with strong stock,
approximately GBP0.97 million in cash and no debt. Furthermore, the
business is now well placed in the current financial year to
benefit from the cost savings we outlined in the interim report, as
well as from the recent admission to the Antiquarian Booksellers'
Association ("ABA") and the various international fairs that can
now be accessed by the Group.
Business Review
At the end of the 2015/16 financial year, the Group's ambition
was to build on the profitability of the prior year. The second
half of the 2016/17 financial year showed continued progress, but
the loss in the first half of the year, caused by the effect of
customer indecision following the UK referendum on EU Membership,
marred the year as a whole.
We have continued to attend major trade fairs as in previous
years. Whilst many of these have been profitable, and are
particularly important for customer acquisition, in the coming year
we have taken the decision to reduce the cost of certain major art
fairs and reallocate this expenditure to fairs that are now
available to the group by virtue of the new membership of the ABA.
We are also pleased with the results achieved generally through the
circulation to customers of high quality catalogues.
Scholium Trading performed strongly in the year - it delivered a
healthy contribution to the 2016/17 financial year, and we continue
to see opportunities from dealers we have worked with in the
past.
Revenue for the year of GBP6.1 million (2016: GBP6.7 million)
generated an adjusted operating loss of GBP0.2 million (2016:
profit of GBP0.02 million). Of particular note is the 88% increase
in revenue in the second half of the financial year as compared to
the first half.
Staff
As ever, our dedicated employees have contributed significantly
to the restoration of operating profitability of the Group in the
year and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them
again for their hard work and effort in what has been a challenging
year.
Board Changes
As announced on 5 April 2017, Simon Southwood is stepping down
from the board of the Company in August 2017 and his roles and
responsibilities as Finance Director will be taken on by Peter
Floyd in a part time capacity. We are grateful for Simon's
considerable assistance in recent years and wish him well in his
new ventures; and we look forward to welcoming Peter to the
board.
Current Trading and Prospects
The start to the new financial year has been strong - the trend
in trading from the second half has continued. Furthermore, the
business remains well capitalised with high quality stock and, at
the year end, had net assets of GBP9.9 million including GBP0.97
million of cash as at 31 March 2017, equivalent to 73.0p and 7.1p
per ordinary share respectively.
The upward momentum seen in the second half of 2016/17, combined
with the effect of the cost savings now fully implemented, mean
that the Group is materially ahead of the equivalent position at
the end of June 2016.
Whilst we have reduced the operating costs in the Modern &
Contemporary division, we continue to maintain a presence in that
market and continue to seek viable trading opportunities in
Scholium Trading.
Strategic Report
This report provides an overview of our strategy and of our
business model; gives a review of the performance of the business
and of our financial position at the year-end; and sets out the
principal risks to which the Group is exposed. In addition, it
comments on the future prospects of the business.
Principal Activities & Review of the Business
The Group is engaged in the business of fine art and
collectibles. It is typically engaged as a dealer - buying, owning
and selling rare & collectible items objects for a profit. It
does this on its own or alongside third party dealers in rare and
collectible goods.
Shapero Rare Books is the core business of the Group. It is a
leading international dealer in rare and collectible antiquarian
books and works on paper with special expertise in Natural History,
Russian and Travel books. It is also developing its Shapero Modern
brand which deals in modern and contemporary prints and editions by
better-known artists who already have commercial success.
Scholium Trading is the trading arm of the Group. Based upon
recognition that art dealers are often undercapitalised, it works
alongside these dealers in the broader rare and collectibles market
where they have the expertise and the clients, but not the capital,
to trade in their markets.
The Group maintains value from ownership of its stock and
generates value through its expertise, astute buying and the
profitable sale of stock.
Strategy & Key Objectives
The Company is seeking to grow its businesses organically
through reinvestment of profits in high quality stock. Our key
objectives are to:
-- Increase the profitable trade of Shapero Rare Books and
Shapero Modern through increased sales, selective purchasing and
management of the cost base;
-- Develop Scholium Trading to be the 'first call' for dealers
in high value rare and collectible items seeking support in their
trading items which exceed their immediate financial capacity;
and
-- Seek to expand the group by encouraging new teams - that have
specialist expertise in their markets and are seeking a
well-capitalised company from which to trade - to join
Scholium.
Review of the year from continuing operations
In keeping with the experience in the broader UK business
environment, the business showed a marked upturn in its fortunes in
the second half of 2016/17: revenue increased by 88% and gross
profit increased by 49%, compared with the first half of the year;
and the Group returned to profitability in that period.
The loss for the year is attributable to the weak first half,
associated with uncertainty around the UK referendum on EU
membership.
Notwithstanding the stronger second half of the year, we took
the view that the fixed cost base of the business was too high and
we have taken significant steps to bring the cost base in line with
the overall performance of the Company. We have realigned employee
incentives and sought to reduce costs not associated with revenue
or necessary for governance and reporting requirements.
We have reduced the group's fixed cost base by approximately
GBP320,000 on an annualized basis. This is after accounting for new
fairs that the business will attend that are operated by or in
association with the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association, which
Shapero Rare Books has joined. We are also delighted to be
exhibiting at Frieze Masters in 2017 which is the premier London
art fair for livres d'artistes (artists' books) in which the Group
deals.
Group Performance for the 12 months ending 31 March 2017 analysed by Half Year
6 months ended (all figures GBP'000) H1 (unaudited) H2 Variance
--------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------- ----------
Revenue 2,127 3,993 88%
Gross Profit 903 1,347 49%
(Loss)/Profit Before Tax -239 15 n/a
Key Performance Indicators
The Group is managed and reports on a number of Key Performance
Indicators.
Our current principal KPIs are:
-- Gross margin, EBITDA, earnings per share;
-- The breadth and distribution of the stock of assets held by
the Group (analysed by type, department, category, area of
expertise and age);
-- Stock turnover of assets and gross yield (again, analysed by type, etc.); and
-- Various key risk indicators including capital resources, portfolio allocation and cash.
We do not report on all of these KPIs as they would create an
overly long and complex document.
Where the performance of any book category does not meet
expected returns, the business actively seeks to re-allocate
capital to categories and/or interests that are more fashionable
and saleable.
Key Performance Indicators
Years Ended 31 March (all figures GBP'000) 2017 2016 Variance
Revenue 6,120 6,742 -9.2%
Gross Profit 2,250 2,376 -5.3%
Gross Margin 37% 35% +1.5%
Stock Turnover (months) 23.91 20.64 -15.8%
Gross Profit on stock 29% 32% -3%
Group Performance
Shapero Rare Books
The books department had a difficult first half of 2016/17 due
to the uncertainty immediately following the referendum. It was
clear that customers, in particular international customers, were
not prepared to commit to material purchases whilst the Referendum
created uncertainty in UK markets. Fortunately, the consequent
weakness in Sterling created significant opportunities for
international buyers and the second half of the financial year saw
a material strengthening in the book department's core markets. To
put this in context, revenue for the book department increased from
GBP1.9 million in the first half of the year to GBP3.3 million in
the second half of the year and gross profit increased from GBP0.8
million to GBP1.2 million. The gross margin in the second half of
the year reflects the normal operation of the business.
Notwithstanding the improvement in performance in the second
half of the year, the management of the department volunteered to
reduce materially the fixed cost base of the Group. This has
entailed reductions in the salaries of the senior management (and
the introduction of appropriate incentive arrangements), withdrawal
from non-performing art/collectibles fairs and reorganisation of
the group's sales, marketing and PR strategy.
We are grateful to management for the consensual way this has
been agreed and implemented. The cost savings were implemented as
of 1 April 2017, and will be evident in the performance of the rare
book department in the Group's next interim report.
Scholium Trading
Scholium Trading performed strongly in the year - it continues
to provide a very valuable contribution to Group performance. We
find that partners are supportive of the offering - we are a
sophisticated, discrete and relatively well capitalised dealer to
trade alongside. The yield on average capital commitment through
the year is approximately 42%; gross margin is volatile as the
structure of transactions changes from trade to trade. Gross profit
for the year of GBP269K (2016: GBP204k) represents growth of 32% as
compared to the prior year.
Group costs are not allocated to the trading division and, as
such, this has not had any associated cost reductions.
Central Costs
Central costs include the cost of all board members as well as
the those associated with an AIM listing. These costs are normally
fixed but may include discretionary costs associated with
governance. The variance in central costs as compared to the prior
year is the consequence of an independent review of the business
commissioned by the non-executive directors in the context of first
half performance.
Consistent with the rest of the Group, central costs in the
coming year will be reduced due to voluntary salary reductions by
all the directors.
Year ending March 2017 (all figures GBP'000)
Shapero Rare Books Scholium Trading Central Consolidated
--------------------------- ------------------- ----------------- -------- -------------
Revenue 5,197 923 - 6,120
Gross Profit 1,981 269 - 2,250
Gross Margin 38% 29% 0% 37%
Adjusted Operating Profit (69) 241 (397) (225)
Year ending March 2016 (all figures GBP'000)
Shapero Rare Books Scholium Trading Central Consolidated
--------------------------- ------------------- ----------------- -------- -------------
Revenue 5,609 1,133 0 6,742
Gross Profit 2,172 204 0 2,376
Gross Margin 39% 18% n/a 35%
Adjusted Operating Profit 192 188 (356) 24
Dividend
The Board does not propose to declare a final dividend for the
2016/17 financial year.
Simon Southwood
Chief Financial Officer
Principal Risks & Uncertainties
Supply of antiquarian books and other items
By definition, rare and antiquarian books and other works on
paper are rare. The availability of fresh stock of such items is
often driven by major life events, such as inheritance, unrecovered
debt, divorce or downsizing due to economic malaise. The business
of Shapero Rare Books is reliant upon individual works and
collections of works coming onto the market and upon the Group
being able to access those business opportunities. There is no
guarantee that fresh stock will come onto the market in sufficient
quantities to meet the Group's plans for continued growth.
When works become available for sale or purchase, such sales are
often dealt with privately and discretely and, accordingly, there
is no guarantee that the Group's employees will be able to access
such business opportunities or to negotiate successfully the
purchase of fresh stock coming onto the market.
Reliance on key international trade fairs
A significant proportion of the Group's sales are made at
international trade fairs, and in particular The European Fine Art
Fair. If this fair were to be discontinued it would have a material
effect on the ability of the Group to sell goods. There are a
limited number of stands at international trade fairs and as a
result places are highly sought after. Whilst members of the Group
have been exhibiting at these fairs for many years, there can be no
certainty that it will continue to secure a place in the
future.
Competition
The market in the books and other items in which the Group
trades is competitive. In the market for antiquarian books and
other items in which Shapero Rare Books trades, the Group faces
various competitive pressures including from the major auctioneers,
Sotheby's, Christie's and Bonhams, as well as smaller auctioneers
and a large number of dealers and smaller operators.
The Group is likely to face continued and/or increased
competition in the future both from established competitors and/or
from new entrants to the market. The Group's competitors include
businesses with greater financial and other resources than the
Group. Such competitors may be in a better position than the Group
to compete for future business opportunities. If the Group is
unable to compete effectively in any of the markets in which it
operates, it could lead to material adverse effect on the Group's
business, financial condition, and operations.
Co-owned rare and collectible goods
In the case of high value items or collections, the Group will
often acquire the items jointly with another bookseller and if not
expressly provided for there is a risk that the Group will not be
able to sell the entire asset without the agreement of all
joint-owners. In this and other respects the Group relies on the
honesty and integrity of other dealers. Whilst the Group takes care
to deal only with established counterparties and experienced
dealers who are well known to senior management and/or the
Directors, there can be no guarantee that co-owners will comply
with the agreed terms (including, for example not charging the
items) or that such co-owners will not enter into administration or
other insolvency procedure, and in the event there is a loss of the
co-owned goods it is not certain that the Group could claim under
its insurance policy in relation thereto.
Stock valuation and liquidity
The Group will trade in rare and collectible items, which may be
highly illiquid. The value of goods acquired is difficult to assess
and it may not be possible for management to sell the assets at or
above the price for which they were acquired. The value of assets
in the balance sheet may not represent the actual resale value
achievable.
Theft, loss or damage
Rare and collectible items are highly mobile goods. Furthermore
such goods are frequently transported internationally for trade
shows or other marketing opportunities. Whilst precautions are
taken to ensure safe passage, the Group's assets may be lost,
damaged or stolen. While the Group carries specialist insurance,
there is no guarantee that the Group's insurance cover will be
adequate in all circumstances. Assets of the Group will be placed
with third parties for sale on commission. While the Group intends
to take appropriate precautions when placing assets with third
parties, there is a risk that these assets outside of the Group's
direct control may be stolen or replaced by unscrupulous third
parties with fakes or forgeries.
Authenticity and export authority
The Directors of the Company will ensure that due diligence is
undertaken on the authenticity of the assets acquired for sale.
Nonetheless fakes and forgeries do exist in the market and despite
due diligence the Group may acquire these believing them to be
authentic. Further, the attribution of works to a writer or artist
is not always exact science, and there can be no guarantee that
assets of the Group will not have been mistakenly attributed in
this way. Lack of authenticity is not covered by the Group's
insurance. Whilst the Group takes appropriate care when acquiring
works which may be of material importance in the state of origin,
there can be no guarantee that works acquired by the Group are not
subject to restrictions on export or sale.
Insurance
The Group carries a specialist insurance policy under the
Antiquarian Booksellers Association Insurance Scheme which covers
each of the businesses. The Directors believe that the Group
carries appropriate insurance for a business of its size and nature
but there can be no guarantee that the extent or value of the cover
will be sufficient, in relation to stock in transit or on
consignment. The Directors review the Group's insurance
arrangements on an annual basis and endeavour to insure its stock
adequately, but there is no certainty that future claims will not
fall within the exclusions under the policy or that the insurer
will pay out any claim if made. Further, there can be no guarantee
that the necessary insurance will be available to the Group in the
future at an acceptable cost or at all.
Premises
Like many of the established dealers in the market, the Group
has a publicly accessible gallery in Mayfair, London from where
Shapero Rare Books operates. The Directors believe that the
location is highly desirable and an important factor in the success
of the business as a whole.
Terms of sale
To date, the contractual arrangements which the Group has
entered into with clients, customers and other dealers have not
always included (amongst other things) terms dealing specifically
with
1. transfer of ownership and risk,
2. contract formation,
3. price and payment,
4. limitations and exclusions of liability, and
5. governing law and jurisdiction.
In light of the foregoing, there can be no guarantee that the
Group's arrangements with its customers will not be terminated on
short notice or that the Group will not at some future time face
challenges or disputes in relation to the contractual or other
arrangements with its clients.
If the Group became involved in a contractual dispute and/or a
third party was successful in any contractual dispute with the
Group, any resultant loss of revenues or exposure to litigation
costs or other claims could have a material adverse effect on the
Group's reputation, business, financial condition and/or operations
or financial results. The Group has revised its standard terms of
sale to seek to ensure that, going forward, the arrangements with
clients, customers, dealers and others will include terms dealing
with each of the aforementioned areas.
Employees
The Group is reliant on a small group of key employees for their
knowledge and the reliance customers place on their integrity and
service. In the event that a key employee were to leave the
business may suffer a short term decrease in performance whilst it
adjusts.
Currency risk
The Directors anticipate that the Group will conduct certain of
its transactions other than in Pounds Sterling, the Company's
functional currency. As a result, movements in foreign exchange
rates may impact the Group's performance. The Group does not
contract any hedging arrangements in respect of currency
positions.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended Year ended
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Note GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 3 6,120 6,742
Cost of Sales (3,870) (4,366)
Gross profit 2,250 2,376
----------- -----------
Distribution expenses (427) (345)
----------- -----------
Administrative expenses (2,048) (2,007)
Exceptional items:
Loss of office 7 - (24)
Total administrative expenses (2,048) (2,031)
----------- -----------
Profit/(Loss) from operations (225) (0)
Exceptional Items - 24
Adjusted Operating Profit (225) 24
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Profit/(Loss) from operations (225) (0)
Financial income 1 2
Financial expenses - (5)
Profit/(loss) before taxation (224) (3)
Income tax credit/(expense) 8 - (3)
Profit/(Loss) for the year from continuing operations (224) (6)
Discontinued operations
Profit/(loss) on sale of discontinued operations - (10)
Profit/(Loss) for the year and total comprehensive income attributable to
equity holders of
the parent company (224) (16)
----------- -----------
Basic and diluted loss per share:
From continued operations - pence 9 (1.66) (0.05)
From discontinued operations - pence - (0.07)
Total Diluted (loss)/profit per share - pence (1.66) (0.12)
----------- -----------
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Note GBP000 GBP000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 55 92
Deferred corporation tax asset 11 277 277
332 369
------- -------
Current assets
Inventories 12 7,873 7,550
Trade and other receivables 13 2,050 2,034
Cash and cash equivalents 970 1,309
10,893 10,893
------- -------
Total assets 11,225 11,262
------- -------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 1,302 1,115
Total current liabilities 1,302 1,115
------- -------
Total liabilities 1,302 1,115
------- -------
Net assets/liabilities 9,923 10,147
------- -------
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Ordinary shares 14 136 136
Share Premium 9,516 9,516
Merger reserve 82 82
Retained earnings/(deficit) 189 413
Total equity 9,923 10,147
------- -------
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Share Share Merger Retained Total
Capital Premium reserve deficit equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 1 Apr 2014 132 9,458 82 1,109 10,781
Loss for the year from continued and discontinued
operations - - - (476) (476)
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (476) (476)
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Shares issued in the period 4 58 - - 62
Dividends paid - - - (204) (204)
Balance at 31 Mar 2015 136 9,516 82 429 10,163
Loss for the year from continued and discontinued
operations - - - (16) (16)
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (16) (16)
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 31 March 2016 136 9,516 82 413 10,147
Loss for the year from continued and discontinued
operations - - - (224) (224)
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (224) (224)
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 31 March 2017 136 9,516 82 189 9,923
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
There were no transactions with owners in the year.
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners' equity:
Share capital Amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.
Share premium Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value less attributable
share-issue
expenses.
Merger reserve Amounts attributable to equity in respect of merged subsidiary undertakings.
Retained earnings/(deficit) Cumulative profit/( loss) of the Group attributable to equity shareholders.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit before tax (224) (16)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 27 31
Reclassification of fixed assets 19 -
Profit/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operation - (8)
(178) 7
Decrease/(increase) in inventories (323) (79)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (16) (337)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 186 (514)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables from discontinued operations - -
Net cash generated from operating activities (331) (923)
------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (8) (31)
Interest received - -
Disposal of discontinued operation - 146
Net cash used in investing activities (8) 115
------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the issuance of ordinary shares - -
Share issue expenses - -
(Repayment)/receipt of shareholder loans - -
Dividends paid - -
Interest paid - (5)
Net cash (used)/generated from financing activities - (5)
------- -------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (339) (812)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 1,309 2,122
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 970 1,309
------- -------
Company Statement of Financial Position
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Note GBP000 GBP000
------- -------
Assets
Non-current assets
Group Investments 10 5,200 5,200
Deferred Tax Asset 62 -
5,262 5,200
------- -------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 13 6,524 6,322
Cash and cash equivalents 452 913
6,976 7,235
------- -------
Total assets 12,238 12,435
------- -------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 78 91
Total current liabilities 78 91
------- -------
Total liabilities 78 91
------- -------
Net assets/liabilities 12,160 12,344
------- -------
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Ordinary shares 14 136 136
Share Premium 9,516 9,516
Merger reserve 2,809 2,809
Retained earnings/(deficit) (301) (117)
Total equity 12,160 12,344
------- -------
Statement of Changes in Company Equity
Share Share Merger Retained Total
Capital Premium reserve deficit equity
GBP GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 1 Apr 2014 132 9,458 2,809 165 12,564
Profit for the year - - - 191 191
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - 191 191
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Shares issued in the period 4 58 - - 62
Dividends paid - - - (204) (204)
Balance at 31 March 2015 136 9,516 2,809 152 12,613
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Loss for the year - - - (269) (269)
-------
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (269) (269)
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 31 March 2016 136 9,516 2,809 (117) 12,344
Loss for the year - - - (184) (184)
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (184) (184)
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 31 March 2017 136 9,516 2,809 (301) 12,160
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within owners' equity:
Share capital Amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.
Share premium Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value less attributable
share-issue
expenses.
Merger reserve Amounts attributable to equity in respect of merged subsidiary undertakings.
Retained earnings/(deficit) Cumulative profit/( loss) of the Group attributable to equity shareholders.
Company Cashflow
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit before tax (246) (269)
(246) (269)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (202) (795)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables (13) 12
Net cash generated from operating activities (461) (1,052)
------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 0 0
Net cash used in investing activities 0 0
------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid 0 0
Net cash (used)/generated from financing activities - 0
------- --------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (461) (1,052)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 913 1,965
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 452 913
------- --------
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1 General information
Scholium Group plc and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group')
are engaged in the trading and retailing of rare and antiquarian
books and works on paper primarily in the United Kingdom. The
Company is a public company domiciled and incorporated in England
and Wales (registered number 08833975). The address of its
registered office is 32 St George Street, London W1S 2EA.
2 Basis of preparation and accounting policies
The consolidated financial information, which represents the
results of the Company and its subsidiaries, has been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and
IFRC Interpretations issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (together "IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union
(EU) and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act 2006. The Company financial statements have been also
been prepared in accordance with IFRSs.
The consolidated and Company financial statements have been
prepared on an historic cost basis.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable
value. Cost incurred in bringing each product to its present
location and condition is accounted for as follows:
Finished goods - purchase cost on a first-in, first-out
basis.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the
ordinary course of business.
3 Revenue
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Sales of Stock 6,106 6,727
Commissions 12 15
Other income 2 -
6,120 6,742
------- -------
All revenues are derived from a single operating segment
4 Profit Before Taxation
Profit before taxation is after charging/(crediting): 31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 27 31
Operating lease rentals 316 338
Foreign currency losses 3 1
Employee costs (note 5) 1,029 1,015
Fees payable to the Company's auditor 27 28
5 Employee costs including Directors
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Wages 912 884
Social security costs 96 88
Pension costs 12 12
Other employee benefits 9 7
Compensation for loss of office 24
1,029 1,015
------- -------
All employee costs are included in administrative expenses.
6 Directors' remuneration
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Salaries and fees 234 266
Social security costs 17 18
Other employee benefits 5 3
256 287
------- -------
Information regarding the highest paid Director which comprises
salary and benefits as follows 75 73
------- -------
7 Exceptional items of expenditure
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Compensation for loss of office for Philip Blackwell - 24
- 24
--------------------------------------------------------------- -------
8 Income tax
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Current tax (credit)/expense
Current tax - -
Deferred tax - -
Impact of change in UK corporation tax rate 19 0
Origination and reversal of temporary differences -19 3
Total tax expense - 3
---------- ---------
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit/(loss) per the income statement as
follows:
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
GBP000 GBP000
Profit/(loss) before tax (224) (3)
---------- ---------
Applied corporation tax rates: 20% 20%
Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 20%: (45) (1)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 3 1
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses 35 -
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 7 3
Current tax charge 0 3
---------- ---------
9 Profit (Loss) per share
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Profit/(loss) used in calculating basic and diluted
earning per share attributable to the owners of
the parent (224) (6)
Profit from discontinued operation - (10)
(224) (16)
Number of shares
Weighted average number of shares for the purpose
of basic and diluted earnings per share 13.6m 13.6m
------- -------
Basic (loss)/earnings per share from continuing
operations (pence per share) (1.66) (0.05)
Basic (loss)/earnings per share from discontinued
operations (pence per share) - (0.07)
Total basic and diluted earnings per
share - pence (1.66) (0.12)
------- -------
All shares shown above are authorised, issued and fully paid up.
Ordinary shares carry the right to one vote per share at general
meetings of the Company and the rights to share in any distribution
of profits or returns of capital and to share in any residual
assets available for distribution in the event of a winding up.
10 Investment in subsidiaries
31 Mar
2017
Company
GBP000
At 7 January 2014
Nominal value of shares issued 28
Fair-value adjustment take to merger reserve 2,809
Deferred consideration 2,363
At 31 March 2014, 31 March 2015, 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2017 5,200
----------
The investments in Group undertakings are recorded at cost which is the fair-value of the
consideration paid.
The principal subsidiaries of the Company, all of which have been included in the consolidated
financial information, are as follows: Shapero Rare Books Ltd, Scholium Trading Ltd and Scholium
(Titan) Ltd, all of which are wholly owned
11 Deferred Corporation Tax
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Balance at the beginning of the year (277) (280)
Income statement - 3
Balance at the end of the year (277) (277)
- -
The deferred tax asset comprises: - -
- -
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (277) (277)
Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences
under the liability method using the tax rates expected for future
periods of 19%. The deferred tax asset has arisen due to the
availability of trading losses The Group has unutilised tax
allowances, at expected tax rates in future periods, of GBP357,000
(2016: GBP352,000) of which GBP277,000 has been recognised (2016
GBP277,000 recognised).
12 Inventories
31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Finished goods 7,873 7,550
Finished goods expensed in the year 4,215 4,840
------- -------
13 Trade & other receivables
31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016 2017 2016
Group Group Company Company
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Trade debtors 1,779 1,577 - -
Other debtors 30 15 1 4
Amounts due from Group undertaking 0 0 6,509 6,306
Prepayments and accrued income 241 442 14 12
2,050 2,034 6,524 6,322
------- ------- -------- --------
The age profile trade and other receivables comprise: GBP000
Current 905
One month past due 256
Two months past due 35
Over three months past due 583
Provision for doubtful debts -
1,779
-------
14 Share Capital
Number of shares 31 Mar 31 Mar
2017 2016
Group and Company Group and Company
Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each Number Number
At the end of the year 13,600,000 13,600,000
------------------ ------------------
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR DMGGNDVMGNZM
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 07, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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