ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for alerts Register for real-time alerts, custom portfolio, and market movers

QRT Quarto Group Incorporated

140.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Quarto Group Incorporated LSE:QRT London Ordinary Share COM STK USD0.10
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 140.00 120.00 150.00 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Quarto Group Inc Half-year Report (8896A)

17/09/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Quarto (LSE:QRT)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Quarto Charts.

TIDMQRT

RNS Number : 8896A

Quarto Group Inc

17 September 2018

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

("Quarto" or the "Company" or the "Group")

Half-Year Results for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2018

The Quarto Group, Inc. (LSE: QRT), the leading global illustrated book publisher announces its unaudited half-year results for the six months ended 30 June 2018.

 
 Results ($m)                        H1 2018   H1 2017 
----------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Group Revenue                          56.2      50.2 
 Adjusted(2) Group Operating Loss      (4.7)     (7.2) 
 Group Operating Loss                  (7.0)     (7.6) 
 Adjusted(2) Loss before Tax           (6.6)     (8.7) 
 Loss before Tax                       (8.9)     (9.2) 
 Loss after Tax                        (6.7)     (5.2) 
 Net Debt                               73.2      75.8 
 
   1.     All results relate to continuing operations. 

2. Adjusted measures are stated before amortization of acquired intangibles and exceptional items.

Financial Highlights

   --     Encouraging trading performance, ahead of the prior year 
   --     Revenue up 12% 
   --     Improved gross profit margin of 50.1% (2017: 48.2%) 

-- Cost-out programme initiated post period end, and significant progress made with our banking syndicate to extend facilities until August 2020

Operational Highlights

   --     Solid trading performance in a challenging retail environment in both domestic markets 
   --     US publishing lists revenue up 9%, compared to 2017 

-- UK publishing lists revenue up 17%, compared to 2017, driven by a strong contribution from children's imprints

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive, CK Lau said:

"This is an encouraging set of results. We have achieved good year-on-year growth and we are well placed to deliver a solid performance for the full year.

The Group has had to adjust to various transitions in the management of the Company during the first half year. Our resilient and talented staff have stepped up to the challenges we have faced and are committed to delivering on a leaner and more focused publishing programme.

The newly constituted Board are concentrating on delivering stability to the business, and the extension of the banking facilities will enable us to lay down a key building block in returning the Group to full-health."

-S -

 
 For further information please contact: 
  CK Lau, CEO 
  Natacha Jedzinska, Corporate Communications 
  Manager                                        +44 (0)207 700 8075 
 

About The Quarto Group

The Quarto Group (LSE: QRT) creates a wide variety of books and intellectual property products for global distribution, with a mission to inspire life's experiences. Produced in many formats for adults, children and the whole family, our products are visually appealing, information rich and stimulating.

The Group encompasses a diverse portfolio of imprints and businesses that are creatively independent and expert in developing long-lasting content across specific niches of interest.

Quarto sells its products globally in over 50 countries and 40 languages, through a variety of sales channels and partnerships, and five main routes to market - US, UK, International English Language, Foreign Language and other Partnerships.

Quarto employs c.350 talented people in the US, UK, Hong Kong and Australia. The Group was founded in London in 1976. It is domiciled in the US and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit quarto.com, quartoknows.com or follow us on Twitter at @TheQuartoGroup.

This statement will be available at the registered office of the Company. A copy will also be displayed on the Company's website: www.quarto.com.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT

SUMMARY

The first six months of 2018 have been challenging as the market place continues to show softness in the book trade, both in the US and the UK. However, trading was encouraging for the first half of the year, with revenue up by 12% at $56.2m (2017: $50.2m). Our children's imprints performed particularly strongly, with revenues up 30%. Revenues from our adult imprints were also up, by 5%. The gross profit margin before amortization of pre-publication costs, was 50.1% (2017: 48.2%). The increased revenues, together with an improved gross profit margin, have resulted in a significantly lower adjusted group operating loss of $4.7m (H1 2017: loss of $7.2m), in what is our seasonally weak half year. The adjusted loss before tax was $6.6m (H1 2017: loss of $8.7m). Net debt at 30 June 2018 was $73.2m (H1 2017: $75.8m), a decrease of $2.6m over the twelve-month period.

Each of our reporting segments produced a solid trading performance. US Publishing revenues were up 9% compared to the prior year, UK publishing revenues were up 17% and Q Partners revenues were up 1%, resulting in an improvement in the Group's adjusted operating result, as shown in the table below. The US and UK publishing segments both benefited from an improved seasonal split of co-edition revenues, with a higher percentage than normal of expected full-year revenues achieved in the first half.

The book store market continues to be slow and this is likely to continue for the remainder of the year. We may also see further consolidation in the book trade and a continued pattern of more frequent smaller orders, which puts pressure on the supply chain. The Group expects that its strong autumn and holiday publishing programme, resurgent backlist and list of break-out titles will contribute to a positive year-end.

OPERATING REVIEW

 
 Revenue ($m)         H1 2018  H1 2017 
-------------------  --------  ------- 
 United States           34.7     32.1 
 United Kingdom           8.4      7.5 
 Rest of the World        6.8      5.4 
 Europe                   6.3      5.2 
-------------------  --------  ------- 
 Total Revenue           56.2     50.2 
-------------------  --------  ------- 
 
 
 Adjusted Operating Loss ($m)     H1 2018   H1 2017 
-------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 US Publishing                      (0.6)     (1.7) 
 UK Publishing                      (2.0)     (3.6) 
 Q Partners                         (0.1)     (0.1) 
 Group overhead                     (2.0)     (1.8) 
-------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total adjusted operating loss      (4.7)     (7.2) 
-------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Note: Revenue is shown by destination; Adjusted Operating Profit is shown by segment.

Continuing Publishing Operations

The Group's increase in revenue this year is a result of several factors prompted by our strong frontlist publishing programme, and backlist sales particularly from titles published in prior years. The highlights are our Little People Big Dreams list of titles which is now approaching 1 million copies in print and still growing. Our line of healthy cookery titles, led by our Keto cookery programme, has been very successful, with almost 600,000 copies in print. Returns, which were high last year when the colouring books fad ended, were at a more normalized level in 2018.

The revenue for our US publishing lists was up 9%, compared to the prior year, with a strong performance from our Beverly based imprints, Quarry and Fair Winds Press. In addition, Racepoint Publishing and becker&mayer! books achieved increased revenues. A strength of the US programme has been our ability to grow the specialty retailer accounts base, as the uncertainty of the book trade continues to show lower sales in our publishing categories.

The revenue for our UK publishing lists was up 17%, mainly driven by our children's category, led by Frances Lincoln Children's, which has performed well in all markets. The Little People Big Dreams series continues to be a major success; we are adding additional titles to the programme this autumn, and next year will be expanding the list to include inspirational male role models. Young Quarto has also performed strongly in the first half, selling well in the book trade. Although we have had a good first half in co-edition, sales to our key co-edition publishers for the second half of the year are expected to be slower. The launch of our Build and Become series (White Lion Publishing) has been well received and, with another four titles to come, we expect continued growth in the series.

Our international English language sales have seen a good uplift at the start of the year. We have already matched full-year sales from the prior year with a strong contribution from our Australian, Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

We expect our foreign language sales to be slightly lower than the prior year as a result of market place uncertainty. 2017 was a record year for our foreign language sales team, significantly increasing our market reach and growing the business in Asia.

Q Partners, our publishing partners and distribution business, has performed in line with the prior year's results. Sales have been slow in Brazil and the launch of Quarto Iberoamericana, our Spanish language partnership, has still to reach critical mass.

Cost-out programme

We have initiated a cost-out programme, which is designed to achieve: a right-sizing of the Group; a path to sustainable debt reduction; a focus on our core strengths; and a disciplined business model.

The process involved a thorough review of key areas of expenditure, including but not limited to, pre-publication expenditure, occupancy costs, payroll and discretionary expenditure. The benefit of the cost-out programme will not flow through immediately, as we will have to incur one-time exceptional costs, mainly in 2018, to implement the plan.

Refinancing

Significant progress has been made with our banks, to extend our facilities to August 2020. The key terms, which include a debt reduction programme, have been agreed and we expect to be able to announce details of the refinancing in the short term.

Year end

We have decided to continue the historical year-end of 31 December - the previous Board had agreed a change to 31 March. By doing this, we avoid the unnecessary time and cost of carrying out the additional work that would have been required in restating comparatives and preparing additional transitional reports.

OUTLOOK

We have produced a strong first-half performance compared to last year, and we are well placed to deliver a solid result for the full year.

The newly constituted Board are fully focused on achieving stability in the business after a period of considerable change. The extension of the banking facilities will create financial stability which is a key building block in returning the Group to full-health. This will allow us to concentrate on the production of the profitable and beautifully illustrated books for which Quarto is so well-known.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all staff for their continued support and loyalty during this recent period of change and uncertainty, as well as our partners and suppliers across the world.

CK Lau

Chief Executive

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                                   Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                                           to             to   31 December 
                                                 30 June 2018   30 June 2017          2017 
                                                    Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                          Note          $'000          $'000         $'000 
 
  Continuing operations 
Revenue                                    2           56,174         50,159       152,512 
Cost of sales                                        (44,237)       (40,914)     (109,848) 
----------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Gross profit                                           11,937          9,245        42,664 
 
Distribution costs                                    (3,778)        (3,265)       (7,549) 
Administrative expenses                              (12,838)       (13,187)      (27,922) 
----------------------------------------  ---- 
 
Operating (loss)/profit before 
 amortisation of acquired intangibles 
 and exceptional items                                (4,679)        (7,207)         7,193 
 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles                    (428)          (418)         (840) 
Exceptional items                          3          (1,891)              -      (24,235) 
----------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Operating loss                             2          (6,998)        (7,625)      (17,882) 
 
Finance income                                              -              -            25 
Finance costs                                         (1,902)        (1,528)       (3,325) 
----------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Loss before tax                                       (8,900)        (9,153)      (21,182) 
 
Tax credit                                 4            2,225          2,655         1,480 
----------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Loss for the period from continuing 
 operations                                           (6,675)        (6,498)      (19,702) 
 
Discontinued operations 
Profit for the period from discontinued 
 operations                                5                -          1,243         1,163 
----------------------------------------  ---- 
 
Loss for the period                                   (6,675)        (5,255)      (18,539) 
========================================  ====  =============  =============  ============ 
 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent                                  (6,675)        (5,229)      (18,513) 
Non-controlling interests                                   -           (26)          (26) 
----------------------------------------  ----  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
                                                      (6,675)        (5,255)      (18,539) 
========================================  ====  =============  =============  ============ 
 
Loss per share (cents) 
 
From continuing operations 
Basic                                      6           (35.5)         (31.8)        (96.4) 
Diluted                                    6           (35.5)         (31.8)        (96.4) 
 
From continuing and discontinued 
 operations 
Basic                                      6           (35.5)         (25.6)        (90.6) 
Diluted                                    6           (35.5)         (25.8)        (90.6) 
 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                              Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                                      to             to   31 December 
                                            30 June 2018   30 June 2017          2017 
                                               Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                                   $'000          $'000         $'000 
 
Loss for the period                              (6,675)        (5,255)      (18,539) 
 
Other comprehensive income which 
 may be reclassified to profit or 
 loss 
Foreign exchange translation differences           (691)            267            35 
Cash flow hedge: Profits arising 
 during the period                                    26             30            25 
Reclassification to income statement 
 on disposal of businesses                             -          3,540         3,540 
  Tax relating to items that may be 
   reclassified to profit or loss                      -              -           471 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Total comprehensive expense for 
 the period                                      (7,340)        (1,418)      (14,468) 
=========================================  =============  =============  ============ 
 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent                             (7,340)        (1,392)      (14,442) 
Non-controlling interests                              -           (26)          (26) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
                                                 (7,340)        (1,418)      (14,468) 
=========================================  =============  =============  ============ 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

At 30 June 2018

 
                                                                       31 December 
                                           30 June 2018  30 June 2017         2017 
                                              Unaudited     Unaudited      Audited 
                                     Note         $'000         $'000        $'000 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill                                         19,144        36,468       19,286 
Other intangible assets                           3,025         3,816        3,516 
Property, plant and equipment                     1,870         2,296        2,129 
Intangible assets: Pre-publication 
 costs                                           60,373        63,946       60,278 
Deferred tax assets                               3,890         2,824        3,901 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Total non-current assets                         88,302       109,350       89,110 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                                      24,574        21,159       22,637 
Trade and other receivables                      36,935        41,005       53,460 
Derivative financial instruments                    191           179          205 
Cash and cash equivalents             8           5,047         6,800       17,946 
Assets held for sale                                  -           949            - 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Total current assets                             66,747        70,092       94,248 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
Total assets                                    155,049       179,442      183,358 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
Current liabilities 
Short term borrowings                 8        (78,294)       (5,000)      (5,000) 
Derivative financial instruments                      -          (58)            - 
Trade and other payables                       (47,853)      (40,233)     (60,796) 
Tax payable                                     (1,268)       (1,695)      (5,243) 
Liabilities held for sale                             -         (198)            - 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Total current liabilities                     (127,415)      (47,184)     (71,039) 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Medium and long term borrowings       8               -      (77,720)     (76,907) 
Deferred tax liabilities                        (8,397)      (11,093)      (8,520) 
Tax payable                                     (1,016)             -      (1,116) 
Other payables                                  (1,524)       (6,358)      (1,673) 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Total non-current liabilities                  (10,937)      (95,171)     (88,216) 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
Total liabilities                             (138,352)     (142,355)    (159,255) 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
 
Net assets                                       16,697        37,087       24,103 
===================================  ====  ============  ============  =========== 
 
Equity 
Share capital                                     2,045         2,045        2,045 
Paid in surplus                                  33,764        33,764       33,764 
Retained profit and other reserves             (19,112)         1,278     (11,706) 
-----------------------------------  ----  ------------  ------------  ----------- 
Total equity                                     16,697        37,087       24,103 
===================================  ====  ============  ============  =========== 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                                                                          Equity 
                                                                                    attributable 
                                                                                       to owners 
                       Share  Paid in  Hedging              Translation   Retained        of the  Non-controlling 
                     capital  surplus  reserve                  reserve   earnings        parent        interests    Total 
                        $000     $000     $000                     $000       $000          $000             $000     $000 
 
Balance at 1 
 January 
 2017                  2,045   33,764      140                  (8,850)     12,120        39,219            4,892   44,111 
 
Loss for the period        -        -        -                        -    (5,229)       (5,229)             (26)  (5,255) 
Foreign exchange 
 translation 
 differences               -        -        -                      267          -           267                -      267 
Reclassification to 
 income 
 statement on 
 disposal 
 of businesses             -        -        -                    3,540          -         3,540                -    3,540 
Cash flow hedge: 
 profits 
 arising during the 
 period                    -        -       30                        -          -            30                -       30 
  Total 
   comprehensive 
   (expense)/income 
   for the period          -        -       30                    3,807    (5,229)       (1,392)             (26)  (1,418) 
-------------------  -------  -------  -------  -----------------------  ---------  ------------  ---------------  ------- 
 
Dividends to 
 shareholders              -        -        -                        -    (2,018)       (2,018)                -  (2,018) 
Dividend in-specie 
 paid 
 to non-controlling 
 interests                 -        -        -                        -          -             -          (3,744)  (3,744) 
Adjustment arising 
 from 
 change in 
 non-controlling 
 interests                 -        -        -                        -      1,122         1,122          (1,122)        - 
Share based payment 
 charge                    -        -        -                        -        156           156                -      156 
 
Balance at 30 June 
 2017                  2,045   33,764      170                  (5,043)      6,151        37,087                -   37,087 
===================  =======  =======  =======  =======================  =========  ============  ===============  ======= 
 
Balance at 1 
 January 
 2018                  2,045   33,764      165                  (4,793)    (7,078)        24,103                -   24,103 
 
Loss for the period        -        -        -                        -    (6,675)       (6,675)                -  (6,675) 
Foreign exchange 
 translation 
 differences               -        -        -                    (691)          -         (691)                -    (691) 
Cash flow hedge: 
 profits 
 arising during the 
 period                    -        -       26                        -          -            26                -       26 
Tax relating to 
items 
that may be 
reclassified 
to profit or loss          -        -        -                        -          -             -                -        - 
-------------------  -------  -------  -------  -----------------------  ---------  ------------  ---------------  ------- 
Total comprehensive 
 (expense)/income 
 for the period            -        -       26                    (691)    (6,675)       (7,340)                -  (7,340) 
-------------------  -------  -------  -------  -----------------------  ---------  ------------  ---------------  ------- 
 
Dividends to 
shareholders               -        -        -                        -          -             -                -        - 
Share based payment 
 credit                    -        -        -                        -       (66)          (66)                -     (66) 
 
Balance at 30 June 
 2018                  2,045   33,764      191                  (5,484)   (13,819)        16,697                -   16,697 
===================  =======  =======  =======  =======================  =========  ============  ===============  ======= 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2017

 
                                                                                        Equity 
                               Paid                                               attributable 
                     Share       in  Hedging              Translation   Retained  to owners of  Non-controlling 
                   capital  surplus  reserve                  reserve   earnings    the parent        interests     Total 
                      $000     $000     $000                     $000       $000          $000             $000      $000 
 
Balance at 1 
 January 
 2017                2,045   33,764      140                  (8,850)     12,120        39,219            4,892    44,111 
 
Loss for the year        -        -        -                        -   (18,513)      (18,513)             (26)  (18,539) 
Foreign exchange 
 translation 
 differences             -        -        -                       46          -            46             (11)        35 
Reclassification 
 to income 
 statement on 
 disposal 
 of businesses           -        -        -                    3,540          -         3,540                -     3,540 
Cash flow hedge: 
 profits 
 arising during 
 the year                -        -       25                        -          -            25                -        25 
Tax relating to 
 items 
 that may be 
 reclassified 
 to profit or 
 loss                    -        -        -                      471          -           471                -       471 
  Total 
   comprehensive 
   income 
   for the year          -        -       25                    4,057   (18,513)      (14,431)             (37)  (14,468) 
-----------------  -------  -------  -------  -----------------------  ---------  ------------  ---------------  -------- 
 
Dividends to 
 shareholders            -        -        -                        -    (2,018)       (2,018)                -   (2,018) 
Dividend 
 in-specie paid 
 to 
 non-controlling 
 interests               -        -        -                        -          -             -          (3,744)   (3,744) 
Adjustment 
 arising from 
 change in 
 non-controlling 
 interests               -        -        -                        -      1,111         1,111          (1,111)         - 
Share based 
 payment charge          -        -        -                        -        222           222                -       222 
 
Balance at 31 
 December 
 2017                2,045   33,764      165                  (4,793)    (7,078)        24,103                -    24,103 
=================  =======  =======  =======  =======================  =========  ============  ===============  ======== 
 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                                                        Six months     Six months    Year ended 
                                                                to             to   31 December 
                                                      30 June 2018   30 June 2017          2017 
                                                         Unaudited      Unaudited       Audited 
                                                             $'000          $'000         $'000 
 
           Loss for the period                             (6,675)        (5,255)      (18,539) 
           Adjustments for: 
     Net finance costs                                       1,902          1,528         3,300 
     Depreciation of property, plant 
      and equipment                                            357            381           817 
     Software amortisation                                     137            156           315 
     Tax credit                                            (2,225)        (2,655)       (1,480) 
     Impairment of goodwill                                      -              -        17,418 
     Impairment of pre-publication 
      costs                                                      -              -         4,868 
     Share based payments                                     (66)            156           222 
     Amortisation of acquired intangibles                      428            418           841 
     Gain on divestment of businesses                            -        (2,538)       (2,541) 
     Amortisation and amounts written 
      off pre-publication costs                             16,206         14,921        32,212 
     Movement in fair value of derivatives                    (26)           (31)         (130) 
 
           Operating cash flows before movements 
            in working capital                              10,038          7,081        37,303 
 
               (Increase)/decrease in inventories          (2,030)          2,410         1,281 
   Decrease/(increase) in receivables                       16,314         10,923         (784) 
    (Decrease)/increase in payables                       (13,086)       (11,296)         6,822 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
           Cash generated by operations                     11,236          9,118        44,622 
 
           Income taxes paid                               (1,865)              -             - 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Net cash from operating activities                           9,371          9,118        44,622 
 
Investing activities 
Interest received                                                -              -            25 
Investment in pre-publication 
 costs                                                    (16,886)       (16,222)      (35,551) 
Purchases of property, plant and 
 equipment                                                   (121)          (639)       (1,063) 
Purchase of software                                          (82)          (212)         (266) 
Disposal of subsidiaries                                         -          3,650         4,588 
Acquisition of publishing assets                                 -        (4,041)       (7,041) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Net cash used in investing activities                     (17,089)       (17,464)      (39,308) 
 
Financing activities 
Dividends paid                                                   -        (2,018)       (2,018) 
Interest payments                                          (1,651)        (1,322)       (2,935) 
External loans repaid                                      (8,633)        (5,432)       (8,271) 
External loans drawn                                         5,000          5,000         6,600 
 
Net cash used in financing activities                      (5,284)        (3,772)       (6,624) 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash 
 equivalents                                              (13,002)       (12,118)       (1,310) 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
 of period                                                  17,946         18,824        18,824 
 
Foreign currency exchange differences 
 on cash and cash equivalents                                  103             94           432 
---------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end 
 of period                                                   5,047          6,800        17,946 
===================================================  =============  =============  ============ 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Notes to the condensed financial statements

   1.         Interim Statement 

These interim consolidated financial statements are for the half year to 30 June 2018. They were approved by the board on 17 September 2018. These results are unaudited and have not been reviewed by the Group's auditor. The comparative figures for the six months to 30 June 2017 are also unaudited and derived from the interim financial statements for that period.

The information for the year ended 31 December 2017 does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those accounts was not qualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain statements under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the European Union.

The Directors have formed a judgement that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The Group has committed facilities of $80.0m through to 30 April 2019. The Group has complied with its bank covenants and is budgeted to do so for the foreseeable future.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 as described in those financial statements.

   2.     Segmental analysis 
 
                                                  US            UK   Q Partners 
 Six months to 30 June 2018               Publishing    Publishing                  Total 
                                                $000          $000         $000      $000 
 Revenue                                      29,180        24,288        2,706    56,174 
                                        ============  ============  ===========  ======== 
 
 Operating profit before amortisation 
  of acquired intangibles and 
  exceptional items                            (569)       (1,980)        (121)   (2,670) 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles          (298)         (130)            -     (428) 
                                        ------------  ------------  -----------  -------- 
 Segment result                                (867)       (2,110)        (121)   (3,098) 
 Unallocated corporate expenses                                                   (2,009) 
 Exceptional items                                                                (1,891) 
                                                                                 -------- 
 Operating loss                                                                   (6,998) 
 Finance costs                                                                    (1,902) 
                                                                                 -------- 
 Loss before tax                                                                  (8,900) 
 Tax credit                                                                         2,225 
                                                                                 -------- 
 Loss after tax                                                                   (6,675) 
                                                                                 ======== 
 
 
                                                                                 Q 
 Six months to 30 June 2017              US Publishing   UK Publishing    Partners     Total 
                                                  $000            $000        $000      $000 
 Revenue                                        26,656          20,834       2,669    50,159 
                                        ==============  ==============  ==========  ======== 
 
 Operating profit before amortisation 
  of acquired intangibles and 
  exceptional items                            (1,712)         (3,577)       (161)   (5,450) 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles            (298)           (120)           -     (418) 
                                        --------------  --------------  ----------  -------- 
 Segment result                                (2,010)         (3,697)       (161)   (5,868) 
 Unallocated corporate expenses                                                      (1,757) 
 Exceptional items                                                                         - 
                                                                                    -------- 
 Operating (loss)                                                                    (7,625) 
 Finance costs                                                                       (1,528) 
                                                                                    -------- 
 Loss before tax                                                                     (9,153) 
 Tax credit                                                                            2,655 
                                                                                    -------- 
 Loss after tax from continuing 
  operations                                                                         (6,498) 
 Profit after tax from discontinued 
  operations                                                                           1,243 
                                                                                    -------- 
 Loss after tax                                                                      (5,255) 
                                                                                    ======== 
 
   2.    Segmental analysis (continued) 
 
 Year ended 31 December 2017             US Publishing   UK Publishing   Q Partners      Total 
                                                  $000            $000         $000       $000 
 Revenue                                        74,134          72,737        5,641    152,512 
                                        ==============  ==============  ===========  ========= 
 
 Operating profit before amortisation 
  of acquired intangibles and 
  exceptional items                              4,641           7,099        (431)     11,309 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles            (596)           (244)            -      (840) 
--------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------- 
 Segment result                                  4,045           6,855        (431)     10,469 
 Exceptional items: 
 Exceptional item - impairment 
  of Goodwill                                 (17,100)           (314)            -   (17,414) 
 Exceptional item - pre-publication 
  asset impairment                             (1,041)         (3,827)            -    (4,868) 
 Exceptional items - other                        (82)           (842)         (46)      (970) 
--------------------------------------  --------------  --------------  -----------  --------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit                      (14,178)           1,872        (477)   (12,783) 
 Unallocated corporate expenses                                                        (4,116) 
 Corporate exceptional items                                                             (983) 
                                                                                     --------- 
 Operating loss                                                                       (17,882) 
 Finance income                                                                             25 
 Finance costs                                                                         (3,325) 
                                                                                     --------- 
 Loss before tax                                                                      (21,182) 
 Tax                                                                                     1,480 
                                                                                     --------- 
 Loss after tax from continuing 
  operations                                                                          (19,702) 
 Profit after tax from discontinued 
  operations                                                                             1,163 
                                                                                     --------- 
 Loss after tax                                                                       (18,539) 
                                                                                     ========= 
 
 
 Geographical revenue 
 The Group generates its revenue in the 
  following geographical areas: 
 
                                Six months      Six months     Year ended 
                                        to              to    31 December 
                              30 June 2018    30 June 2017           2017 
                                 Unaudited       Unaudited        Audited 
                                     $'000           $'000          $'000 
 United States                      34,690          32,068         86,444 
 United Kingdom                      8,407           7,486         20,256 
 Europe                              6,293           5,189         29,098 
 Rest of the World                   6,784           5,416         16,714 
 Total                              56,174          50,159        152,512 
=========================  ===============  ==============  ============= 
 
   3.     Exceptional items 
 
                                                                Six months   Six months 
                                                                        to           to     Year ended 
                                                                   30 June      30 June    31 December 
                                                                      2018         2017           2017 
                                                                 Unaudited    Unaudited        Audited 
                                                                     $'000        $'000          $'000 
 Exceptional items comprised: 
 Goodwill impairment                                                     -            -         17,414 
 Reorganisation costs 
 
        *    Impairment of pre-publication intangible assets             -            -          4,868 
 
        *    Staff costs                                               132            -            544 
 
        *    Royalty advance provisions                                  -            -            409 
 
        *    Inventory provisions                                        -            -             75 
 
        *    Refinancing costs                                         893            -            597 
 Board changes                                                         866            -              - 
 Aborted corporate transaction costs                                     -            -            241 
 Aborted business acquisition costs                                      -            -             87 
 
 Total                                                               1,891            -         24,235 
=============================================================  ===========  ===========  ============= 
 
   4.     Taxation 

Taxation for the six months to 30 June 2018 is based on the Group estimated underlying tax rate for the year.

   5.     Discontinued operations 

On 30 March 2017, the Group completed the disposal of its 75% interest in Regent Publishing Services Limited ("Regent"), its Hong Kong based publishing services business. On 3 April 2017, the Group completed the disposal of its 100% share of Books & Gifts Direct Pty Limited ("BGD Australia"), its direct sales business in Australia. On 7 July 2017, the Group completed the disposal of the trade and selected net assets of Books & Gifts Direct Limited ("BGD New Zealand"), its direct sales business in New Zealand. At 30 June 2017, this business was disclosed as a discontinued operation held for sale. The final loss on disposal was accounted for in the year ended 31 December 2017.

These disposals were completed in line with the Group's strategy of disposing of non-core businesses. Proceeds from the disposal were used to manage the Group's net debt position as received. The results of the discontinued operations and the profit or loss on disposal were included in the consolidated income statement, under discontinued operations,

   6.     Earnings per share 
 
                                                     Six months  Six months 
                                                             to          to    Year ended 
                                                        30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                                           2018        2017          2017 
                                                      Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
                                                          $'000       $'000         $'000 
  From continuing operations 
  Loss for the purposes of basic and diluted 
   earnings per share, being net loss attributable 
   to owners of the parent                              (6,675)     (6,498)      (19,702) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles 
   (net of tax)                                             321         293           591 
  Exceptional items (net of tax)                          1,418           -        22,852 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
  (Loss)/earnings for the purposes of 
   adjusted earnings per share                          (4,936)     (6,205)         3,741 
===================================================  ==========  ==========  ============ 
 
 
  From continuing and discontinued operations 
  Loss for the purposes of basic and diluted 
   earnings per share, being net loss attributable 
   to owners of the parent                              (6,675)     (5,229)      (18,513) 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles 
   (net of tax)                                             321         293           591 
  Exceptional items (net of tax)                          1,418           -        22,852 
  (Profit) from discontinued operations                       -           -       (1,189) 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
  Adjusted earnings attributable to owners 
   of the parent                                        (4,936)     (4,936)         3,741 
===================================================  ==========  ==========  ============ 
 
                                                         Number      Number        Number 
  Weighted average number of shares                  20,444,450  20,444,450    20,444,450 
  Dilutive outstanding options awards                   400,185     626,167       575,631 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ------------ 
  Diluted weighted average number of                 20,844,635  21,070,617    21,020,081 
===================================================  ==========  ==========  ============ 
 
 
  (Loss)/earnings per share (cents)                       Cents       Cents         Cents 
  From continuing operations 
  Basic                                                  (32.6)      (31.8)        (96.4) 
  Diluted                                                (32.6)      (31.8)        (96.4) 
 
  Adjusted basic                                         (24.1)      (30.4)          18.3 
  Adjusted diluted                                       (24.1)      (30.4)          17.8 
 
  From continuing and discontinued operations 
  Basic                                                  (35.5)      (25.6)        (90.6) 
  Diluted                                                (35.5)      (25.8)        (90.6) 
 
  From discontinued operations 
  Basic                                                       -         6.2           5.8 
  Diluted                                                     -         6.0           5.7 
 
  Discontinued operations earnings 
  Profit for the period from discontinued 
   operations                                                 -       1,243         1,163 
  Add: non-controlling interest share 
   of loss                                                    -          26            26 
                                                     ----------  ----------  ------------ 
                                                              -       1,269         1,189 
                                                     ----------  ----------  ------------ 
 

THE QUARTO GROUP, INC.

Notes to the condensed financial statements

   7.     Dividends 
 
                                                       Six months  Six months 
                                                               to          to    Year ended 
                                                          30 June     30 June   31 December 
                                                             2018        2017          2017 
                                                        Unaudited   Unaudited       Audited 
                                                            $'000       $'000         $'000 
           Amounts recognised as distributions 
            to equity holders in the period: 
           Final dividend for the year ended 31 
            December 2017 of nil (2016: 9.87c/7.95p)            -       2,018             - 
 
 
           Total dividend paid for the period                   -       2,018             - 
=====================================================  ==========  ==========  ============ 
 
 

The Quarto Group, Inc., as a US incorporated company, is required to collect US dividend withholding taxes on dividend distributions made to its non-US shareholders. The US dividend withholding tax is generally 30% of any dividends paid to Quarto's non-US shareholders, but this amount can potentially be reduced pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty between the US and the country of residence of the non-US shareholder. For example, under the US/UK income tax treaty, the US dividend withholding tax rate can range from nil (applicable to certain UK resident pension trusts and tax-exempt entities) to 15% (applicable to UK resident individual shareholders and certain UK corporate shareholders). For US shareholders, no US dividend withholding tax is generally applicable. It should be noted that certain documentation requirements must be met by all shareholders prior to the payment of any dividends to certify their status as a US or non-US shareholder, and, if a non-US shareholder to claim any applicable benefits under the US/UK or other applicable income tax treaty. Each shareholder should consult their own tax adviser to determine whether and to what extent they may be entitled to claim a reduced amount of US dividend withholding taxes under a US income tax treaty.

   8.          Net debt 
 
                                        30 June      30 June   31 December 
                                           2018         2017          2017 
                                      Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                          $'000        $'000         $'000 
 Net debt comprised: 
 Cash and cash equivalents                5,047        6,800        17,946 
 Cash included in assets held for 
  sale                                        -          128             - 
 Short term borrowings                 (78,294)      (5,000)       (5,000) 
 Medium and long-term borrowings              -     (77,720)      (76,907) 
 Net debt                              (73,247)     (75,792)      (63,961) 
                                    ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

At 30 June 2018, the Group has a $80.0m syndicated facility, comprising a term loan and revolving credit facility. These facilities expire on 30 April 2019 and are subject to covenants, which were all met in the current period.

   9.     Principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group 

There have been no changes to the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group since the year-end. These are disclosed on pages 28 and 29 of the 2017 Annual Report.

10. Financial Instruments

There are no material differences between the fair value of financial instruments and their carrying value.

11. Management Statement

This Interim Management Report (IMR) has been prepared solely to provide additional information to shareholders to assess the Group's strategies and the potential for those strategies to succeed. The IMR should not be relied on by any other party or for any other purpose.

The IMR contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report but such statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.

Responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

(a) the condensed set of financial statements, which has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the issuer, or the undertakings included in the consolidation as a whole as required by DTR 4.2.4R;

(b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.27R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year); and

(c) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.28R (disclosure of related party transactions and changes therein).

By the order of the board

 
 CK Lau                     Andrew Cumming 
  Chief Executive Officer    Chairman 
 
 17 September 2018          17 September 2018 
 

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

IR FKQDBOBKDPCD

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 17, 2018 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

1 Year Quarto Chart

1 Year Quarto Chart

1 Month Quarto Chart

1 Month Quarto Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock