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SCHO Scholium Group Plc

39.00
0.00 (0.00%)
Last Updated: 08:00:03
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Scholium Group Plc LSE:SCHO London Ordinary Share GB00BJYS2173 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 39.00 36.00 42.00 39.00 37.50 39.00 0.00 08:00:03
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Books & Newspapers-wholesale 9.06M 231k 0.0170 22.94 5.3M

Scholium Group PLC Preliminary Results (0877V)

19/07/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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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

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