TIDMSCHO
RNS Number : 0877V
Scholium Group PLC
19 July 2018
Scholium Group plc ('Scholium' or the 'Group')
Preliminary Results
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of regulation 596/2014
Scholium is engaged in the business of rare books, art and
collectibles. 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 Limited and has now commenced dealing in and the
auctioneering of stamps through its subsidiary Mayfair Philatelic
Limited.
Operating Highlights
-- Revenues up 10% to GBP6.7million
-- Group restored to profit after absorbing start up costs of new philatelic division
-- Overhead cost reductions of GBP225k achieved
-- Shapero Rare Books profitable in both first and second half of the year
-- Satisfactory trading in the first quarter of the new financial year
Financial Highlights
Years ended 31 March (GBP'000) 2018 2017
Revenue 6,715 6,120
Gross Profit 2,487 2,250
Gross Margin 37% 37%
Profit/(Loss) before tax 38 (224)
Cash 216 970
NAV/Share 73.2p 73.0p
Jasper Allen, Chairman of Scholium, noted "We are delighted to
have returned the Group to profitability after implementing the
cost reductions successfully during the year. The newly formed
philatelic division has recorded some early successes and is now
firmly established in the UK stamp marketplace. The Group continues
to have an ungeared balance sheet and is now seeking to broaden its
activities in its existing markets as well as considering new
opportunities in related collectibles markets."
For further information, please contact
Scholium Group plc
Jasper Allen, Chairman. Peter Floyd, Finance
Director +44 (0)20 7493 0876
---------------------------------------------- -------------------
WH Ireland Ltd - Nominated Adviser
Chris Fielding , Jessica Cave +44 (0)20 7220 1666
Chairman's Statement
I am pleased to report that the Group has recorded a profit for
the financial year, despite absorbing the start-up costs of
establishing the new philatelic division, Mayfair Philatelic. The
overhead cost reductions were implemented successfully, and the
market in our core areas has remained relatively stable, while the
re-admission to the Antiquarian Booksellers Association (ABA) has
enabled Shapero Rare Books to market itself more effectively.
The Group has also made a satisfactory start to the current
financial year.
The Group has made the important first steps in implementing its
strategy of becoming a more widely based collectibles business.
Mayfair Philatelic held its inaugural auction in March 2018 and
held another auction in June. The Group remains well capitalised
with GBP8.8 million of stock, GBP0.2 million in cash and no
debt.
The Group also has an undrawn overdraft facility available to
it. Furthermore, the Group is now well placed in the current
financial year to benefit from the reduced overhead cost base as
well as the more diversified revenue streams now available. The
Group is also well positioned to consider acquisitions in line with
its strategy.
Business Review
Shapero Rare Books (SRB) returned to profitability in the year
ended 31 March 2018. The improvement in performance compared to the
prior year was due both to higher sales, as well as the reduction
in overhead costs. Expenditure on trade fairs and exhibitions
increased from the prior year as a result of access to more fairs
following the re-admission to ABA membership. Book fairs are
important sources of customers, as well as providing potential
buying opportunities. Catalogues have continued to be produced as
our customers cannot all visit our retail premises in Mayfair. The
SRB website was also modernized during the year with pleasing
results and comments from our customers.
Scholium Trading performed well in the year and delivered a
reasonable contribution to the Group's performance, particularly as
the resources available to it in terms of management time and
funding were reduced by comparison to the previous financial year
as a consequence of the commencement of the new philatelic
division.
Mayfair Philatelic commenced trading in November 2017 and held
its inaugural auction in March 2018. It initially acquired a
substantial stock of stamps and has since commenced the marketing
and sale of this and other stock through both retail and auctions,
with the predominant offering to date being through auction.
Group revenue for the year of GBP6.7 million (2017: GBP6.1
million) generated a profit before tax of GBP38,000 (2017: loss of
GBP224,000). Excluding the first year loss attributable to Mayfair
Philatelic, the Group profit was GBP84,000 compared to the loss of
GBP224,000 in the prior year.
Staff
The successful implementation of the overhead cost reductions in
the year would not have been possible without the dedication of our
employees and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking
them again for their hard work and effort in helping to restore the
Group to profitability.
Current Trading and Prospects
The Group has made a satisfactory start to the new financial
year. Each of the three trading entities has continued to make
progress and sales have continued the momentum from the second half
of the year ended 31 March 2018. The Group remains well capitalised
with high quality stock and an ungeared balance sheet and is in a
good position to continue its development of a broader based
collectibles business.
Strategic Report
This report provides an overview of the Group's strategy and
business model; gives a review of the performance of the operating
entities and of the financial position at 31 March 2018; and sets
out the principal risks to which the Group is exposed. In addition,
it comments briefly on the future prospects of the business.
Principal Activities & Review of the Business
The Group is engaged in the business of rare books, fine art and
collectibles. The majority of the business transacted is as a
dealer - buying, owning and selling items, either on its own or
together with third parties who also deal as principals. The Group
also conducts auctions where both its own stock and third party
consignments are available for sale. The Group maintains value from
ownership of its stock and generates value through its expertise,
astute buying and the profitable sale of stock.
Shapero Rare Books is the main business of the Group. It is a
leading international dealer in rare and collectible books and
works on paper with special expertise in Natural History,
Illustrated, Travel and Exploration and Literature. The business
also trades as Shapero Modern in modern and contemporary prints and
limited editions by established artists.
Scholium Trading focuses on trading works of art in the wider
art market using its own capital and the expertise of a small
number of known third party dealers and their client bases.
Mayfair Philatelic is a dealer and auctioneer of stamps with a
particular focus on British and Commonwealth stamps. Regular
auctions are held in London and at Lingfield, Sussex, where both
the company's own stock and third party consignments are sold.
Strategy & Key Objectives
The Group's strategy is to:
-- build, either organically or by acquisition, a portfolio of
collectibles businesses to enable further diversification of its
revenue and profit streams;
-- attract individuals or teams of specialists in markets
complementary to the Group's existing businesses;
-- optimize working capital in existing businesses to provide
funds for new business development; and
-- continue to develop all its entities by trading alongside
other dealers in high value rare and collectible items and by
participating in the acquisition for onward sale of large
consignments.
The Directors intend, in due course, to provide an attractive
level of dividends to shareholders along with stable asset-backed
growth driven by the markets in which the Group operates.
Review of the year from continuing operations
The Group's businesses generally performed well in the year to
31 March 2018. The Group's businesses including the central
overheads but excluding the philatelic division traded profitably
in both the first and second half of the year. Revenue increased by
10% and gross profit increased by 10% compared with the prior year
ended 31 March 2017, with a slightly higher gross margin percentage
in spite of the sale of 50% of the Group's Russian stock at cost in
September 2017. The Group recorded a loss of GBP23k for the second
half of the year ended 31 March 2018, but this was after incurring
net costs of GBP46k in the new Philatelic division.
The increase in the Group's profitability stems partly from the
reduction in overhead costs due to the successful implementation of
the cost reduction programme as set out in previous reports, as
well as an increase in both sales and gross margin, particularly in
the Group's rare books business.
The year to 31 March 2018 included the creation and commencement
of trading in the Group's stamp division, where the recruitment of
two senior individuals well known in the UK philatelic marketplace
and the purchase of collections of British and Commonwealth stamps
provided the catalyst to hold the inaugural auction of stamps in
March 2018.
Group performance for the 12 months ended 31 March 2018 by half
year
----------------------------------------------------------------------
6 months ended (GBP'000) H1 (unaudited) H2 Variance
------------------------------- ------------------ ------ ---------
Revenue 3,323 3,392 2%
Gross Profit 1,048 1,439 37%
Profit/(loss) before tax 61 -23 n/a
The increase in margin reflects an improved margin in Shapero
Rare Books as well as the inclusion of the margin from the
inaugural auction of the Philatelic division.
As noted above, the establishment of Mayfair Philatelic required
an investment in stock to commence trading. At 31 March 2018,
Mayfair's stock was GBP636k (2017 GBP0k). This purchase of stock
was the factor primarily responsible for the decrease in the
Group's cash balances from GBP970k at 31 March 2017 to GBP216k at
31 March 2018. The Group also retains access to an overdraft
facility.
Group stock at 31 March 2018 was GBP8,841k, an increase GBP968k
compared with GBP7,873k at 31 March 2017. GBP636k of this increase
is attributable to Mayfair Philatelic, and the remaining increase
is primarily book and trading stock. The Group is focussed on
managing its stock more effectively in line with normal retail
practice.
Key Performance Indicators
The Group is managed by and reports on a number of key
performance indicators (KPIs).
The current principal KPIs are:
-- Sales, gross profit and gross margin, profit before tax;
-- the breadth and distribution of the stock of rare books held by the Group;
-- stock turnover; and
-- cash flow.
Key Performance Indicators
Years ended 31 March (GBP'000) 2018 2017 Variance
Revenue 6,715 6,120 +9.7%
Gross Profit 2,487 2,250 +10.5%
Gross Margin 37% 37% -
Stock Turnover (months) 22.8 23.9 +4.8%
Cash at bank 216 970 -77.7%
Group Performance
Shapero Rare Books
Shapero Rare Books (SRB) returned to profitability during the
year ended 31 March 2018. The year's sales were GBP5,756k, above
the prior year's sales of GBP5,183k and gross profit likewise at
GBP2,237k for the year ended 31 March 2018 compared with the prior
year of GBP1,981k. The increase in the gross profit for the year
was particularly pleasing given the sale of a 50% interest in the
stock of Russian books in September 2017 at cost.
Direct costs including the attendance at fairs, exhibitions, and
catalogues increased from GBP421k in the prior year to GBP487k in
the year to 31 March 2018. This reflected the increased presence at
fairs as a result of re-joining the Antiquarian Booksellers
Association. Overhead costs reduced from GBP1,629k in the prior
year to GBP1,523k in the year to 31 March 2018 which reflected the
cost savings implemented during the year.
SRB therefore recorded a profit before tax of GBP228k compared
with a loss of GBP69k in the prior year.
Scholium Trading
Scholium Trading performed reasonably well in the year ended 31
March 2018 with a contribution to profit of GBP162k compared to
GBP241k for the prior year. The reduction in profitability was the
result of lower sales as the timing of sales is dependent on
individual sections of the art market and the activity and emphasis
placed on the item by the third party dealer responsible for
marketing the item.
Group costs are not allocated to Scholium Trading and, as such,
this division has not had any associated cost reductions.
Mayfair Philatelic
The Philatelic division commenced trading in November 2017 and
held its inaugural auction in March 2018. Sales for the division in
the year to 31 March 2018 amounted to GBP324k, with a gross profit
of GBP88k. Direct costs including holding the auction, and the
overheads for the division amounted to GBP134k resulting in a loss
for the period to 31 March 2018 of GBP46k.
Central Costs
Central costs include the cost of all board members as well as
those costs associated with the Group's AIM listing. The central
costs were GBP303k in the year to 31 March 2018, a net reduction of
GBP93,000 from the prior year's total of GBP396k, and reflected the
overhead cost reduction programme introduced successfully during
the year under review.
Year ended 31 March 2018 (GBP'000)
Shapero Rare Scholium
Books Trading Mayfair Central Consolidated
-------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------- ------- ------------
Revenue 5,756 635 324 - 6,715
Gross Profit 2,237 162 88 - 2,487
Gross Margin 39% 26% 27% 0% 37%
Profit/(Loss)
before tax 228 159 (46) (303) 38
Year ended 31 March 2017 (GBP'000)
Shapero Rare Books Scholium Trading Central Consolidated
--------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ------- ------------
Revenue 5,197 923 0 6,120
Gross Profit 1,981 269 0 2,250
Gross Margin 38% 29% 0% 37%
(Loss)/Profit before
tax (69) 241 (396) (224)
Dividend
The Board does not propose to declare a final dividend for the
financial year ended 31 March 2018.
Principal Risks & Uncertainties
Supply of rare books, works on paper, prints and stamps and
other items
By definition, rare books and other works on paper, prints and
stamps are not commonly available. The availability of fresh stock
of such items onto the market 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, Scholium
trading and Mayfair Philatelic 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, or that
third parties will choose to consign their items for sale at the
Group's auctions.
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 or successfully
compete for the mandate to auction such items.
Reliance on key international trade fairs
A significant proportion of the Group's sales are made at
international trade fairs, and in particular the major fairs. If
these fairs were to be discontinued it would have a material effect
on the ability of the Group to sell its stock. 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 they will continue to secure places in the
future.
Competition
The market in the books and other items in which the Group
trades is competitive. In the market for rare 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, Bonhams and Spink 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 third party bookseller
or dealer 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 changing 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 the Group to sell the assets at or
above the price for which they were acquired. The value of assets
in the balance sheet may not always 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 Group 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 an 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 and Mayfair Philatelic operate. 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, henceforth, 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 to the level of resources available to it.
Currency risk
The Directors anticipate that the Group will conduct certain of
its transactions other than in Pounds Sterling, the Group's
functional currency. As a result, movements in foreign exchange
rates may impact the Group's performance. The Group does not enter
into any contracts for any hedging arrangements in respect of
currency positions.
Future prospects
The Group remains well capitalised with high quality stock and
an ungeared balance sheet, and an overdraft facility and is in a
good position to continue its development of a broader based
collectibles business.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended Year ended
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Note GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 3 6,715 6,120
Cost of Sales (4,228) (3,870)
Gross profit 2,487 2,250
----------- -----------
Distribution expenses (512) (427)
----------- -----------
Administrative expenses (1,937) (2,048)
Total administrative expenses (1,937) (2,048)
----------- -----------
Profit/(Loss) from operations 38 (225)
Financial income - 1
Profit/(loss) before taxation 38 (224)
Income tax credit/(expense) 7 - -
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations and total comprehensive
income attributable
to equity holders of the parent company 38 (224)
----------- -----------
Basic and diluted profit/(loss) per share:
From continuing operations - pence 8 0.27 (1.66)
Total diluted profit/(loss) per share - pence 0.27 (1.66)
----------- -----------
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Note GBP000 GBP000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 74 55
Deferred corporation tax asset 10 277 277
351 332
------- -------
Current assets
Inventories 11 8,841 7,873
Trade and other receivables 12 2,231 2,050
Cash and cash equivalents 216 970
11,288 10,893
------- -------
Total assets 11,639 11,225
------- -------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 1,678 1,302
Loans and borrowings - -
Current corporation tax liabilities - -
Total current liabilities 1,678 1,302
------- -------
Total liabilities 1,678 1,302
------- -------
Net assets/liabilities 9,961 9,923
------- -------
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Ordinary shares 13 136 136
Share Premium 9,516 9,516
Merger reserve 82 82
Retained earnings 227 189
Total equity 9,961 9,923
------- -------
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 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 Mar 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
Profit for the year from continued
and discontinued operations - - - 38 38
Total comprehensive income for
the period - - - 38 38
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 31 March 2018 136 9,516 82 227 9,961
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
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
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit/(loss) before tax 38 (224)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 27 27
Reclassification of intangible assets - 19
65 (178)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories (968) (323)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (151) (16)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 346 186
Net cash generated from operating activities (708) (331)
------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities - -
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (46) (8)
Interest received - -
Disposal of discontinued operation - -
Net cash used in investing activities (46) (8)
------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash (used)/generated from financing activities - -
------- -------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (754) (339)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 970 1,309
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 216 970
------- -------
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Company Statement of Financial Position
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Note GBP000 GBP000
------- -------
Assets
Non-current assets
Group Investments 9 5,200 5,200
Deferred tax asset 108 62
5,308 5,262
------- -------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 12 6,802 6,524
Cash and cash equivalents - 452
6,802 6,976
------- -------
Total assets 12,110 12,238
------- -------
Current liabilities
Borrowings 23 -
Trade and other payables 95 78
Current corporation tax liabilities - -
Total current liabilities 118 78
------- -------
Total liabilities 118 78
------- -------
Net assets/liabilities 11,992 12,160
------- -------
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Ordinary shares 13 136 136
Share Premium 9,516 9,516
Merger reserve 2,809 2,809
Retained earnings/(deficit) (469) (301)
Total equity 11,992 12,160
------- -------
Statement of Changes in Company Equity
Share Share Merger Retained Total
Capital Premium reserve deficit equity
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 1 Apr 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
Profit for the year - - - (168) (168)
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - (168) (168)
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
Balance at 31 March 2018 136 9,516 2,809 (469) 11,992
-------- -------- -------- --------- -------
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.
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.
Statement of Company Cash Flows
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit before tax (214) (246)
(214) (246)
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables (278) (202)
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 17 (13)
Net cash generated from operating activities (475) (461)
------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities - -
------- -------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash (used)/generated from financing activities - -
------- -------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (475) (461)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 452 913
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year (23) 452
------- -------
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 books, works on
paper and stamps 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 also been
prepared in accordance with IFRSs.
The consolidated and Company financial statements have been
prepared on an historical cost basis.
3 Revenue
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Sales of Stock 6,551 6,106
Commissions 156 12
Other income 8 2
6,715 6,120
------- -------
All revenues are derived from a single operating segment,
collectibles.
4 Profit Before Taxation
Profit before taxation is after charging/(crediting): 31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 26 27
Operating lease rentals 320 316
Foreign currency losses 8 3
Employee costs (note 5) 888 1,029
Fees payable to the Company's auditor 37 27
5 Employee costs including Directors
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Wages 776 912
Social security costs 76 96
Pension costs 26 12
Other employee benefits 10 9
888 1,029
------- -------
All employee costs are included in administrative expenses.
6 Directors' remuneration
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Salaries and fees 182 234
Social security costs 8 17
Pension costs 1 -
Other employee benefits 4 5
195 256
------- -------
Information regarding the highest paid Director which comprises
salary and benefits as follows 60 75
------- -------
Simon Southwood received GBP11,000 compensation for loss of
office in the year to 31 March 2018 (2017 - GBPnil)
7 Income tax
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Current tax (credit)/expense
Current tax - -
Deferred tax - -
Impact of change in UK Corporation tax rate 19
Origination and reversal of temporary differences - (19)
Total tax expense - -
--------- ---------
The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit/(loss) per the income statement as
follows:
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Profit/(loss) before tax 38 (224)
--------- ---------
Applied corporation tax rates: 19% 20%
Tax at the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2017: 20%): 7 (45)
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes - 3
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses 15 35
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (22) 7
Current tax charge - -
--------- ---------
8 Profit/ (Loss) per share
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Profit/(loss) used in calculating basic and diluted
earnings per share attributable to the owners
of the parent 38 (224)
Number of shares
Weighted average number of shares for the purpose
of basic and diluted earnings per share 13.6m 13.6m
------- -------
Basic earnings/(loss) per share from continuing
operations (pence per share) 0.27 (1.66)
Total basic and diluted earnings per
share - pence 0.27 (1.66)
------- -------
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.
9 Investment in subsidiaries
31 Mar
2018
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 2015, 31 March 2016, 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018 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 Mayfair
Philatelic Ltd, all of which are wholly owned.
10 Deferred Corporation Tax
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Balance at the beginning of the year (277) (277)
Income statement - -
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 has arisen due to the availability
of trading losses. The Group has unutilised tax allowances, at
expected tax rates in future periods, of GBP370,000 (2017:
GBP357,000) of which GBP277,000 has been recognised (2017
GBP277,000 recognised).
11 Inventories
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group Group
GBP000 GBP000
Finished goods 8,841 7,873
Finished goods expensed in the year 4,418 4,215
------- -------
12 Trade & other receivables
31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017 2018 2017
Group Group Company Company
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Trade debtors 1,962 1,779 - -
Other debtors 20 30 5 -
Amounts due from Group undertaking - - 6,797 6,510
Prepayments and accrued income 249 241 14
2,231 2,050 6,802 6,524
------- ------- -------- --------
The age profile of trade and other receivables comprise: GBP000
Current 730
One month past due 296
Two months past due 113
Over three months past due 823
Provision for doubtful debts -
1,962
------------
As at 31 March 2018, trade receivables of GBPnil (31 March 2017, 31 March 2016 GBPnil, 31
March 2015 GBPnil and 31 March 2014 GBP4,000) were considered past due and impaired. The other
debtors balances are categorised as loans and receivables. All amounts shown under trade and
receivables are due for payment within one year.
Amounts due from Group undertakings are unsecured,
interest-free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on
demand.
13 Share Capital
31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group and Company Group and Company
GBP000 GBP000
Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each
At the beginning of the year 136 136
Issued in the year - -
------------------ ------------------
At the end of the year 136 136
------------------ ------------------
Number of shares 31 Mar 31 Mar
2018 2017
Group and Company Group and Company
Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 each Number Number
At the beginning of the year 13,600,000 13,600,000
Issued in the year - -
At the end of the year 13,600,000 13,600,000
------------------ ------------------
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.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR FMGMNVRRGRZM
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July 19, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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