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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley Gibbons Group Plc | LSE:SGI | London | Ordinary Share | GB0009628438 | 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% | 1.60 | 1.50 | 1.70 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMSGI
RNS Number : 2276C
Stanley Gibbons Group PLC
27 September 2018
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014
THE STANLEY GIBBONS GROUP PLC
(the "Group" or "Company")
Posting of Annual Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting
The Company has today published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018 which is available on the Company's website and is set out in full below.
The Annual Report contains a Notice of General meeting of shareholders which will be held at 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX on Thursday 1 November 2017 at 11.30 a.m.
Enquiries:
The Stanley Gibbons Group plc Harry Wilson Andrew Cook +44 (0)207 836 8444 finnCap Ltd (Nomad and Broker) Stuart Andrews / Christopher Raggett / Anthony Adams (corporate finance) +44 (0)20 7220 0500
Group Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2018
Financial Highlights
Hot Features
Premium
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2018 31 March 2017
Group turnover from continuing operations(GBPm) 13.4 15.3
Trading loss from continuing operations(GBPm)
(5.4) (5.8)
Loss before taxation from continuing operations (GBPm) (8.0) (11.8)
Adjusted (loss)/profit before taxation from continuing operations (GBPm)
(6.7) (5.6)
Basic earnings per share - continuing operations (p)
(4.21) (6.21)
Adjusted earnings per share - continuing operations(p)
(3.58) (3.10)
Dividend per share (p) - -
Total borrowings (GBPm)
10.0 16.5
Net assets per share (p)
2.9 10.1
Contents
Page
2 Directors and Advisers 3-4 Chairman's Statement 5-7 Chief Executive's Letter to Shareholders 8-14 Business Review 15-16 Corporate Governance 17-19 Report on Remuneration 20-25 Directors' Report 26-31 Independent Auditor's Report 32 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 33 Consolidated statement of financial position 34 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 35 Consolidated statement of cash flows 36-77 Notes to the Financial Statements 78-79 Directors' Biographical Details 80-84 Notice of Annual General Meeting
Financial Calendar
Annual General Meeting Thursday 1 November 2018
Directors and Advisers
Directors H G Wilson Non-Executive Chairman
G E Shircore Chief Executive Officer A Cook Chief Finance Officer C P Whiley Non-Executive Director L E Castro Non-Executive Director*
* Independent
Company Secretary R K Purkis Registered Office 18 Hill Street
St. Helier
Jersey JE2 4UA
Tel: 01534 766711
Company Registration Registered in Jersey
Number 13177
Nominated Adviser and finnCap Limited Broker 60 New Broad Street
London EC2M 1JJ
Auditors BDO Limited
Windward House
La Route de la Liberation
St Helier
Jersey JE1 1BG
Legal Advisers Mourant Ozannes
22 Grenville Street
St Helier
Jersey JE4 8PX
Bird & Bird LLP
12 New Fetter Lane
EC4A 1JP
Bankers Barclays Bank PLC
1 Churchill Place
London
E14 5HP
Registrars Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited
Shareholder Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
Tel: 0871 664 0300; from overseas +44 20 8639 3399
Website Further financial, corporate and shareholder information is available in the Company information section of the Group's website: www.stanleygibbons.com
Chairman's Statement
Introduction
This report relates to the audited results for the year ended 31 March 2018.
The year was another difficult trading period as the results show. However, I am pleased to report that at the end of the financial year a major financial restructuring of the Group was completed which materially changes our future prospects. More details on the transaction are given later on in this report.
The wholesale changes initiated in 2016 to address legacy issues were continued through the year and resulted in the sale of a number of non-core subsidiary businesses and assets. As a result of these disposals, one-off restructuring costs, difficult trading conditions and the overhang of the Group's investment contracts there has been a further 32 % fall in net asset value to GBP12.2m (2017; GBP18.0m). The trading loss from continuing operations over the period was GBP5.4m (2017; GBP5.8m) a disappointing result but not unexpected given the transition which the business has gone through over the year.
This transition has resulted in the sale of several non-core assets, collectively generating cash of GBP2.9m. In addition, a further decrease in the corporate overhead of GBP2.0m was achieved during the year together with a reduction in average staff numbers of 42. These reductions, while severe, were considered essential to ensure the survival of the Group going forward.
In November 2017 the Group's wholly owned subsidiary Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited ("SGG") was put into Administration by the Royal Court of Guernsey. Whilst regrettable, this action was necessary due to the large contingent liabilities that SGG faced arising from legacy buy-back guarantees provided by SGG on various investment products. Although the buy-back guarantees were stopped in August 2016 the increasing number of requests by investment clients to exercise their rights under the guarantees had become unsustainable. A deterioration in sales of investment products - largely as a result of the removal of the buy-back guarantees - meant that SGG had become dependent on its inter-company credit line. However, the Group was no longer in a position to provide further funding and under legal advice the decision to put SGG into Administration was taken.
I am pleased to say that the strategic review initiated in the summer of 2017 resulted in a transformational deal with Phoenix UK Fund Ltd ("Phoenix") in February 2018 under which Phoenix agreed to invest GBP19.45m into the Group. This was subsequently approved by shareholders on 16(th) March 2018. The key elements of the transaction are detailed further on in this report.
Phoenix is an experienced investor with considerable knowledge of the collectibles industry. Its intention is to help rebuild the Stanley Gibbons and Baldwins brands to their rightful positions as leaders in the philatelic and numismatic collecting worlds. Phoenix take a long-term approach and we look forward to working with them.
Following the Phoenix transaction Henry Turcan retired from the Board and Graham Shircore was appointed as the Phoenix representative director. I would like to thank Henry for his diligent contribution and support over the last 2 years. More recently we have been able to recruit a number of senior specialists in to the Group and have reorganised several of the retail divisions with senior internal appointments.
In June 2018 Graham Shircore was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Group. As a recent appointee to the Board, Graham sets out his views of where we are and his vision for what happens next in the following section of this report. Reading this I hope you will share the enthusiasm he has for the business and what we wish to achieve.
Chairman's Statement
continued
Outlook
The last 2 years have been very tough for all those involved in Stanley Gibbons but I hope that, with the restructuring undertaken and the Phoenix transaction completed, we are now through the low point. The legacy issues we have dealt with were severe and I would like to thank all our stakeholders, particularly our staff, for their hard work and support during this difficult period. While our recent history will continue to play a role, we are now finally in a position where we can look forward and rebuild. It is pleasing to see the tremendous goodwill towards Stanley Gibbons and it is incumbent on us now to repay that faith. We are fortunate to have some of the foremost specialists in their fields at Stanley Gibbons and Baldwin's and are increasingly well positioned to take advantage of these strengths.
Harry Wilson
Chairman
27 September 2018
Chief Executive's Letter to Shareholders
Dear shareholders
Six months since the financial restructuring of your Group, we find ourselves at an intersection between the tumultuous recent history which brought it to the brink and a future which holds many exciting opportunities.
The seeds for this most challenging period in the Group's long and venerable history were sown over the course of the preceding decade and while there is little to be gained by dwelling on the root causes, they will continue to have an impact for a while to come.
That said, their influence is now gradually reducing and in continuing the work which began almost two years ago we are accelerating this process of change. The group structure continues to be simplified, costs continue to be reduced and we are working tirelessly to build greater trust in the brands and restore the Group to underlying profitability.
In the fullness of time all of our efforts will be able to be concentrated on building for the future and while that time is not quite with us, it is now in sight. As we endeavour to write a new, more successful chapter, it is vital that we begin to look forward, replacing the confusion that has gripped the business in recent times with optimism, clarity and a willingness to embrace progress.
We have a clear view of our future direction and this is an opportunity for me to share the main aspects of this with you.
Building for the Future
It is less than four months since I was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of your company I already have a huge affection for our fantastic brands and the global reputation they possess.
Having brands with this reputation, built up over lives which span three centuries, is a wonderful starting point from which to reinvigorate a business. We will focus our efforts on what the core of these businesses has historically been, emphasising their unrivalled history while looking forward and making them more appealing to a new generation of collector.
A key part of this will be exploiting the opportunities which modern technology provides for brands with global recognition like ours. We are, perhaps without exception, the only business in the stamp and coin collecting markets with the scale, breadth of product and market position to be able to create a truly exceptional online experience and we have more to benefit from doing so than anybody else.
To exploit their potential fully however, our brands also need a physical home which they can be proud of. One which strengthens how they are perceived both in the domestic market and abroad. This needs to be somewhere which is renowned as THE place to go for anyone interested in stamp and coin collecting.
These two approaches to engaging with existing and potential customers must be complementary and consistent with each other in all respects. The problems of the past have resulted in far too much inconsistency across the Group and a confused message about what our brands stand for.
We have made steady progress in laying the foundations for the future, but it is fair to say that greater urgency is required if we are to give ourselves the best chance of success and it is my responsibility to ensure that this happens.
Chief Executive's Letter to Shareholders
continued
People are Key
This success rests on two key groups of people, namely our customers and our colleagues. Both groups have suffered. Both are also rarely given the time, focus and attention they deserve by most businesses. We will be different.
In recent years, customer service levels have fallen and we've forgotten to remind and continually re-enforce through our actions, why people should want and indeed aspire to deal with Stanley Gibbons and Baldwin's.
It is clear from speaking to many customers, past, present and from all parts of the business, that despite this, there remains a lot of goodwill towards us and a genuine desire to see us succeed. We will work tirelessly to capitalise on this, improving the service and offering we provide for our customers. Given the nature of our business and the other inherent strengths we have, if we do well for them, the financial rewards will follow.
Making progress in this regard is essential but it is extremely hard to achieve without colleagues who feel valued by the business and empowered to take responsibility for dealing with the opportunities they encounter on a day to day basis. The relevant knowledge and skills we have within the business are second to none. To make the most of and indeed develop this further, we need to give everybody a clear sense of what we are collectively trying to achieve, the support they need to achieve it and the motivation to work towards it.
With both our customers and colleagues, we have begun the process of making improvements and are starting to see the green shoots of progress. However it is early days and there is an awful lot more work to do if we are going to fulfil our potential.
Our Financial Framework
While we are going back to our roots in terms of what the businesses are focused on, doing so in a way which sets us up for a prosperous future requires significant change.
The benefits of this will only be truly felt over the course of several years. Nevertheless we can be entirely clear today in the approach we will take from a financial perspective.
The key tenets of this are and will continue to be:
-- A culture of sensible frugality.
Our brands do not have the model of being the 'lowest cost producer' but we do need to provide the highest quality of service and experience at the lowest possible cost.
-- Our customers need to perceive a value to what they receive from us which is greater than the price we charge. In our businesses there are many different aspects to 'value' and their importance varies between customers. By minimising costs, we can make this equation as attractive as possible for as many people as possible by continually reinvesting in the business while having enough left over to generate a suitable level of profit for you, our owners.
-- Over time this process can generate its own momentum and become exceptionally powerful; the two levers we can pull to improve the financial prospects of the business, namely selling more and reducing costs, are thus inextricably linked. For example, savings in one area may free up funds to employ additional staff within the shop which in turn improves customer service and stimulates further sales.
-- A focus on return on capital employed.
Some parts of our business require little capital but in other areas we hold significant amounts of inventory on our balance sheet. In recent times the discipline needed to do this effectively has been lacking and the impact that this can have on shareholder returns has not been well communicated internally.
Chief Executive's Letter to Shareholders
continued
There has also been a disproportionate focus on margin at the expense of how rapidly we sell our inventory. This is changing and we are working hard to ensure that everybody fundamentally understands the concepts involved.
-- Cash is king.
Related to this is the need to emphasise that cash returns are what matters. Building a clear understanding around the distinction between cash and accounting profit is vital when giving people the freedom to invest heavily on behalf of the business and negotiate sizable individual transactions.
At a Group level we will make capital allocation decisions within the same framework, always doing what we believe to be in the best interests of the long-term future of the business as opposed to what may be optically most appealing.
Our Commitment to Shareholders
This approach to capital allocation is reflective of a broader intention to always look towards our long-term future. Our main brands have each been in existence for over 140 years and we will endeavour to put them in a position from which they can flourish for many years to come.
It is also our responsibility to communicate openly, honestly and with humility with all stakeholders. We are fortunate to have a relatively large number of private shareholders alongside our institutional investors and we will do our best to ensure that everybody feels that they are kept fully informed.
Where We Are Now
As well as the inherent strengths which exist in your business, the core end markets in which we operate all have fundamental strengths which the Group will seek to capitalise on fully in the coming years.
The numismatic market remains robust as does the philatelic market for British Commonwealth items. The Great Britain market is experiencing a period of noticeable weakness which has likely been influenced by our own recent history. While no one can say with certainty when it will happen, more positive times will return and we will do all we can to ensure we are in the best shape possible to capitalise on this.
Reasonable progress has been made in recent months but we need to move faster. While the balance sheet has been strengthened, we are not yet profitable and our cash generation profile is not where it should be. There is however light at the end of the tunnel and over time I hope to be able to report on further, more significant progress and an improving financial position.
Graham Shircore
Chief Executive Officer
27 September 2018
Business Review
Over the last two years, the Group has undergone a programme of intense rationalisation as the Board has sought to streamline the Group to a business which is capable of trading profitably, reducing its debt burden and seeking to enhance value to Shareholders. During that time, a number of businesses and assets have been sold or closed, overhead costs have been reduced significantly and the Group's focus has been re-aligned to its heritage of serving the philatelic and numismatic collectibles market.
This culminated in the Phoenix transaction announced on the 23 February and detailed below. Accordingly, the Group has reached a fundamental turning point where the Board believes that the Company will finally be in a position to start to rebuild for the future.
Summary Trading and Operations
As the transaction with Phoenix did not complete until the 19th March, during the vast majority of the year under review the Group was trading with limited cash resources. This constraint had an impact on the trading performance of the Group and the decisions taken by the Directors as it continued with its restructuring plans.
A significant part of the restructuring of the Group involved the sale of the brands and businesses previously within our Interiors division. Additionally following the granting of the administration order in relation to Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary through which our Investment division activities were conducted, the Group lost control of this entity. Both of these divisions have therefore been included as discontinued activities within our results and therefore not included in the individual figures for the continuing operations of the Group. The statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2018 has been disclosed accordingly and the comparative figures for 31 March 2017 have been restated.
Summary results:
-- Turnover from continuing operations of GBP13.4m was GBP1.9m (12.8%) lower than last year with the majority of the reduction attributable to A H Baldwin's;
-- Gross margin for the year was 40.0 % (2017: 44.1%) as we continued to prioritise cash-flow in reducing the excess stock position;
-- Trading losses from continuing operations, before accounting adjustments and exceptional costs reduced to GBP5.4m from GBP5.8m, before accounting adjustments largely as a result of cost saving being partially offset by lower margins particularly in the Philatelic division.;
-- Loss for the financial year from continuing operations GBP7.9m compared to GBP11.1m last year
-- Loss for the financial year from discontinued operations GBP4.3m compared to GBP17.7m for last year
-- a 32 % reduction in net assets to GBP12.2m (2017: GBP18.0m) due to the losses highlighted above, offset in part by the issue of shares resulting in an increase in equity of GBP5.9m after costs.
-- Borrowings at the balance sheet date reduced from GBP16.5m to GBP10.0m in 2018, cash increased from GBP2.3m to GBP4.6m.
Business Review
continued
Phoenix Transaction
As previously announced this transaction with Phoenix was completed on the 19 March 2018, following shareholder approval on the 16 March 2018. Althoughthe initial counterparty to the transaction was Phoenix UK Fund Limited, on 27 March 2018 its interests in the shares, loans and related agreements were transferred to its wholly owned subsidiary Phoenix S. G. Limited. Throughout this report a reference to 'Phoenix' is to the controlling party at that time.
The following is a summary of the transaction-
-- Subscription by Phoenix for 248,000,000 new Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 2.5p, representing 58.09% of the enlarged issued share capital of the Company.
-- As a result of the above, the Group's cash resources were increased by GBP5.85m after the payment of costs directly relating to the share issue of GBP0.35m.
-- Phoenix purchased the total Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited intercompany debt of GBP6.5m due to the Group, at the point the administration order was granted, for GBP2.75m.
-- The GBP2.75m consideration for the intercompany debt was used to capitalise a new wholly owned subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Finance Limited, to enable it to acquire its share of the debt from RBS.
-- Of the residual RBS debt, (which at the point of completion stood at GBP17.5m), GBP10.5m was assigned to Phoenix and GBP7.0m was assigned to Stanley Gibbons Finance Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
-- The Group immediately repaid GBP0.5m of the Phoenix loan from the share issue proceeds, reducing the overall debt facility to GBP10.0m. This is repayable in March 2023.
-- Phoenix separately reached agreement with the Administrators of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited for the acquisition of the majority of the inventory not owned by third parties. The inventory comprised of stamps and coins.
-- On 10 September 2018 Stanley Gibbons Limited acquired the above inventory for GBP5.2m, payable in cash only as and when sales of the inventory are made and after deduction of a commission payable to Stanley Gibbons Limited.
Phoenix already has a controlling interest in Hornby, which also includes other collectible businesses such as Airfix and is clearly committed to this sector. Phoenix has confirmed that it is supportive of the strategic plans for the Group as previously outlined and it intends to work collaboratively with the management of the Group and the Board of the Company in driving the return of the Group's business to a profitable state.
Restructuring Update
Over the last two years, the Group has undergone a programme of intense rationalisation as the Board has sought to streamline the Group to a business which is capable of trading profitably, reducing its debt burden and seeking to enhance value to Shareholders. During that time, a number of businesses and assets have been sold or closed, overhead costs have been reduced significantly and the Group's focus has been re-aligned to its heritage of serving the philatelic and numismatic collectibles market.
Business Review
continued
Interiors
On 26 May 2017 the Group sold its 25% interest in Masterpiece London Limited for GBP1.4m.
On the 1 October the Board announced the sale of Dreweatts 1759 Limited to Gurr John's Limited ("Gurr Johns") for a consideration of GBP1.25m paid in cash on completion, plus a maximum additional consideration of GBP0.4m, payable over the next 24 months (alongside the assumption of certain other liabilities associated with the Interiors division). Certain assets and liabilities, intellectual property rights and goodwill in respect of the Group's Interiors division, were transferred to a newly incorporated entity Dreweatts 1759 Limited on 31 July 2017. The sale to Gurr Johns also included the Bloomsbury Auctions brand.
On the 8 December 2017 the Group also sold the Mallett and Made by Meta brands to Gurr John's Limited for a further GBP0.1m.
These disposals represented all of the significant trading assets and brands of the Interiors division and its results have therefore been reclassified and disclosed as discontinued operations. The Group has retained the benefit of the rental income from the former Mallett New York leasehold premises, which will allow the Group to derive some additional benefit from the remaining assets of the Interiors division in the coming years. This asset together with any subsequent costs and benefits in relation to Mallett litigation now make up the new Legacy Interiors division. Details of the impact on the results of these discontinued operations are given in Note 29.
Investments
On 21 November 2017 the directors of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited applied for and were granted an administration order. Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited was the entity through which the Groups Investment division activities had been conducted. The administration order meant the Group lost control of this business and its assets and so the Investment division's results have been reclassified as discontinued operations. The assets and liabilities of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited that the Group lost control of are given in Note 29. The contingent liability disclosed in last year's Report and Accounts at GBP54m related to guarantees and undertakings within investment products, previously sold by Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited and so have also been removed from the Group. The Directors believe that the administration of SG Guernsey has fundamentally limited the exposure of the Group to the buyback liabilities and removed the cashflow burden associated therewith.
Cost savings
The Group has now been comprehensively restructured and the majority of the restructuring and cost savings have now been completed. The Board believes that this has resulted in a more appropriate structure and cost base for the future. Over the last two financial years, cost saving measures have been identified and implemented that are expected to reduce annualised total operating costs, excluding professional fees associated with the restructuring, by over GBP12.0 million (65%), with employment costs falling by around 75%. Whilst there are still some more areas to be addressed the Board is now progressing with plans to invest in projects already outlined that will support the growth and profitability of the Group over the longer term.
Business Review
continued
Litigation
The Group continues to cooperate with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), following the conclusion of the Department of Justice's ("DOJ") criminal prosecution against a former client, (arising in part out of his dealings with Mallett, Inc) and a New York based former director of Mallett plc. Both the SEC and DOJ are aware that Mallett's new owners were not involved in the events underlying the investigation, and there have been discussions with the SEC regarding resolution of these matters.
Whilst no criminal or civil charges have been filed against Mallett Inc. or any Mallett group company to date, we have made an offer to the SEC that would resolve all outstanding issues. We understand that the SEC Staff has recommended acceptance of the settlement offer to the SEC Commission, but as of the date of this Business Review, no decision has been made by the Commission. Any settlement with the SEC will require court approval.
Given the former director's admitted criminal conduct, the Group is pursuing civil action against certain former directors of Mallett plc in respect of losses it has incurred as a result of these matters.
Though the Board cannot predict with certainty the outcome of the situation their best estimate of the future costs associated with the above, as at 31 March 2018, is GBP0.6m, which excludes any potential recovery from the former directors of Mallett. This amount is the accrual at the year end.
Continuing operations
12 months to 12 months to 31
31 March March
2018 2018 2017 2017
Sales Profit Sales Profit
Restated Restated
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Philatelic 6,796 (2,101) 7,584 (716)
Publishing 2,213 (29) 2,043 122
A H Baldwin 3,213 502 4,975 955
Legacy interiors property & legal 1,136 33 584 (630)
Other & corporate overheads - (3,332) 136 (5,340)
Finance charges - (444) - (223)
------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Trading sales and losses 13,358 (5,371) 15,322 (5,832)
Amortisation of customer lists - (237) - (423)
Pension service & share option
charges - (200) - (623)
Finance charges related to pensions - (152) - (138)
Exceptional operating charges - (6,332) - (4,778)
Gain on loan restructuring - 4,250 - -
------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Group total sales and (loss)/profit
before tax 13,358 (8,042) 15,322 (11,794)
------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Business Review
continued
Overview
Group turnover for continuing operations, for the year ended 31 March 2018 was GBP13.4m (2017: GBP15.3m), 12.% lower than the prior year. The gross margin percentage for the year ended 31 March 2018 was 40.0% (2017: 44.1%).
During virtually all of the year ended 31 March 2018 the Group was trading with limited cash resources, which restricted our ability to buy new stock and also meant we were at times selling items to realise cash rather than maximise profits. The lack of new stock particularly reduced the sales of A H Baldwin's coins and our Commonwealth philatelic items, whilst the lower margin sales were more generally of Great Britain ("GB") philatelic items. The consequence was that Philatelic sales held up reasonably well but the margins were lower, whereas A H Baldwin's margins improved from 19% to 22% but the sales were lower.
As a result of the restructuring plan, corporate overheads were reduced by GBP2.0m, 38%. The trading loss, for continuing operations, before accounting adjustments including exceptional operating charges and finance charges related to pensions, was GBP5.4m for the year ended 31 March 2018 (2017: trading loss GBP5.8m).
Philatelic
Whilst sales reduced by 6% the reduction in contribution was more significant. This was largely as a result of selling items at lower margins, particularly high value GB items that would historically have been purchased with a view to sale through the Investment division. Though this generated sales and cash, it reduced our profitability when compared to last year. Additionally the market for GB stamps has been weaker, particularly for very high value philatelic rarities. This may be related, in part, to the reduction in buying and selling of our Investment division, which in the past likely contributed to the increase in the strength of the market for high value items. As a result we conducted a full review of our inventory carrying values, including all of the high value or specialised items, which resulted in an impairment provision of GBP4m included within exceptional charges, shown in the table below.
Publishing
Whilst the results from this division are relatively consistent they reflect our inability over recent years to generate an appropriate return from our catalogues, albums and magazines. The monetisation of the wealth of unique and historical intellectual property we have is one of our key objectives and we are working on a number of projects which should allow us to do so.
Coins & Medals
Sales were down 35% but this was mainly due to the inability to buy new inventory coupled with our desire to not unnecessarily discount stock simply to realise cash as it may have damaged the longer term prospects of the business, coupled with the fact that the prior period included income from auctions, which are now conducted through Baldwin's of St James's.. Nevertheless this division produced a significant profit contribution whilst more than halving its inventory, thus releasing GBP2m of cash to Group. Baldwin's of St James's, the joint venture that was launched in January 2017 generated GBP113k in the year. This business is now established and has maintained the market positions of the two brands that combined to form it.
Legacy Interiors
The sales from this division all relate to rental income from the leasehold property in New York which was vacated and sublet by Mallett in 2017. The costs relate to the rents and other costs in relation to the property together with the costs of the ongoing litigation detailed above.
Business Review
continued
Corporate Overheads
As highlighted above, the restructuring plan has delivered significant cost reductions, some of which will only produce a full year impact in the current financial year ending 31 March 2019.
Other Accounting Adjustments & Finance Charges related to pensions
Pension service and share option charges, amortisation of customer lists and finance charges related to pensions for the year ended 31 March 2018 were GBP0.6m (2017: GBP1.2m). In the opinion of the Directors, such accounting charges do not form part of the operating performance of the Group.
Exceptional Operating Charges
Exceptional operating charges/(income) , can be further analysed as follows:
Year ended 31 March 2018 Year ended 31 March
GBP'000 2017 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Stock provisions 4,202 506
392
Professional fees for corporate activity 1,235 587
Other impairment of intangible assets 541 1,000
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 392 -
Impairment of receivables 288 -
Loss on disposal of philatelic approvals business 171 -
Restructuring and redundancy costs 119 589
Marketplace intangible asset written off - 2,096
Release of other payables excess provision (616) -
6,332 4,778
--------------------------------------------------- -------------------- -----
The stock provisions largely related to a review of our philatelic realisable values as highlighted above. The professional fees relate to the significant corporate activity carried out during the year including the Phoenix transaction but exclude the element relating to the share issue. The release represents an over provision relating to prior periods.
Business Review
continued
Inventory
The Group continues to own some valuable assets. Apart from the heritage brands, which are not wholly recognised within the balance sheet, as only acquired brands can be recognised, the most significant asset of the Group is its stock which is summarised below:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Philatelic rarities 14,056 31,039
Philatelic stock (general) 1,457 3,828
Coins and medals 2,148 4,408
Autographs, historical documents and related
memorabilia - 365
Antiques 417 700
Publications, albums and accessories 136 243
--------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Group owned stock 18,214 40,583
Inventory owned by third parties 89 14,642
--------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
18,303 55,225
--------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Cash Resources
As at the balance sheet date the Group had cash balances of GBP4.6m and a loan of GBP10.0m repayable in March 2023, provided there is no event of default in the meantime. The loan is due to Phoenix S. G. Limited, the Group's controlling shareholder.
As detailed in note 18 the Group is currently in default on its loan facilities as Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in administration) is in administration. Phoenix was aware of the default at the time of its investment. The loan is also in default due to the qualified audit report in these financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018. Although during periods of default the facilities are repayable on demand, Phoenix S. G. Limited has not requested repayment.
As at 25 September 2018 the Group had cash balances of GBP1.6m, this reflects the payment of the creditors at the time of the transaction together with a degree of investment in inventory.
Andrew Cook
Chief Finance Officer
27 September 2018
Corporate Governance
The Directors recognize the importance of and are committed to high standards of corporate governance. The corporate governance framework within which the Stanley Gibbons Group operates, including Board leadership and effectiveness, Board remuneration and internal control is based on practices which the Board believes are appropriate to the size, risks, complexity and operation of the business.
Changes to the AIM Rules effective on 28 September 2018 require AIM companies to apply a recognised corporate governance code. Of the two widely recognised formal codes, the Board has decided to adhere to the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code for small and mid-size quoted companies (the QCA Code) which was revised in April 2018 to meet the new requirements of AIM Rule 26. The Board will apply the principles of the QCA Code.
The Company holds board meetings regularly throughout the period at which operating and financial reports are considered. The Board is responsible for formulating, reviewing and approving the Group's strategy, budgets, major items of capital expenditure and senior personnel appointments.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises only Non-Executive Directors.
The Committee met three times during the period since approval of the previous financial statements. It has written terms of reference, which were updated in June 2018, setting out its responsibilities that include:
-- monitoring the financial reporting process, the integrity of the company's financial statements and announcements relating to financial performance and reviewing significant financial judgements contained in them;
-- keeping under review the company's internal controls and risk management systems;
-- considering annually the need for a separate internal audit function and making recommendations to the Board;
-- making recommendations to the Board regarding the appointment, re-appointment or removal of the external auditor, and approving the remuneration and terms of engagement of the external auditor; and
-- reviewing and monitoring the external auditor's independence and the effectiveness of the audit process.
In addition, the Board requested that the Committee advise them on whether they believe the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company's performance, business model and strategy. The Committee has concluded that this is the case and has reported this to the Board.
Non-audit services are reviewed on a case by case basis and also in terms of materiality of the fee. Note 4 to the Financial Statements details the quantum and split of auditor fees.
In the course of its work the Audit Committee meets with the external auditors and reviews the reports from them relating to the financial statements. It also reviews the likely significant issues in advance of publication both of the half and full year results and in particular any critical accounting judgements identified by both the Company and the external auditors most of which are disclosed in note 2 to the Financial Statements (Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements).
A number of significant accounting policy changes and balance sheet adjustments were applied in arriving at the final figures in the financial statements and these have been extensively covered elsewhere in this document.
Members of the Audit Committee at the date of this report were LE Castro and HG Wilson.
Corporate Governance
continued
Nomination Committee
A separate Nomination Committee is in operation. It has written terms of reference, which were updated in October 2016, setting out its responsibilities. It comprises the Non-Executive Chairman and a Non-Executive Director. The committee considers appointments to the Board and is responsible for nominating candidates to fill Board vacancies and for making recommendations on Board composition. A Company wide policy exists on diversity. The Board recognises such benefits of and will continue to appoint Executive and Non-Executive Directors to ensure diversity of background and on the basis of their skills and experience.
Members of the Nomination Committee at the date of this report were HG Wilson and LE Castro.
Report on Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee comprises only Non-Executive Directors. It reviews the performance of the Executive Directors and sets the scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their service agreements with due regard to the interests of shareholders.
The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for making recommendations to the Board on the Group's general policy on remuneration and also specific packages for individual Directors. It carries out the policy on behalf of the Board.
Members of the Remuneration Committee at the date of the report were CP Whiley and LE Castro.
Neither of the members of the committee have day to day involvement in the running of the business.
Policy on Executive Directors' Remuneration
The Committee reviews remuneration of Executive Directors and senior management each year. The main aim of the Group's executive pay policy is to provide an appropriate reward for their work which is sufficient to attract and retain the Directors needed to meet the Group's objectives and satisfy shareholder expectations.
Options
Executive Share options are granted to Directors and other employees on a phased basis. The value of those options ensures that this spreads any reward over a number of years, allied to growth in shareholder value over the long term.
Options granted under the Group Share Option Plan 2010 are exercisable between the third and tenth anniversaries of the date of grant.
Options issued in 2010 had the target of a minimum EPS of 17.3 pence for the year ended 31 December 2012. 25% of the granted options vest if this target is reached, rising on a straight line basis to 100% of options granted to vest if an EPS of 21.5 pence was achieved.
Options issued in 2011 had the target of a minimum EPS of 19.2 pence for the year ended 31 December 2013. 25% of the granted options vest if this target is reached, rising on a straight line basis to 100% of options granted to vest if an EPS of 22.7 pence was achieved.
Options issued in 2014 required that the Company's compound average Total Shareholder Return ("TSR") growth over the performance period must match or exceed 8% per annum. The options vest over a number of shares determined as follows:
Compound average annual TSR growth Percentage of Option vestings
over the performance period (with straight line vesting between each point)
Less than 8% 0%
8% 25%
15% or more 100%
Options issued in 2016 were granted at market value and are not subject to a performance condition.
Report on Remuneration
continued
An incentive plan for certain Directors of the Company was adopted on 30 September 2014 when grants of nil cost options were made over ordinary shares of 1p each under the Stanley Gibbons Group plc Value Creation Plan ('VCP'). Vesting of the awards was dependent on the level of total shareholder return over a three year period commencing on the grant of the awards. The performance condition was not achieved and the awards under the plan have therefore not vested.
An incentive plan for certain senior executives within the Interiors Division (defined as The Fine Art Auction Group Limited and its subsidiaries) was adopted by the Board on 2 February 2015 with grants subsequently made on 4 February 2015. Vesting of awards was dependent on the achievement of a performance condition over a performance period commencing on 1 April 2015 and ending on 31 March 2020 or under shorter period as may apply under the performance condition. The performance condition was not achieved on the sale of the Interiors Division and the awards under the plan have therefore not vested.
Bonuses
Directors are awarded annual bonuses calculated on the basis of defined criteria relating to Group performance compared to prior year and budget and other specific objectives which contribute to growth in earnings per share, cash generation and return on capital employed.
Other benefits
The Company Secretary is a member of the Group's defined benefit pension scheme, which is now closed. During the year contributions were paid on behalf of H Wilson and A Cook to defined contribution personal pension schemes.
Benefits also include the provision of family private healthcare insurance and death in service insurance.
Report on Remuneration
continued
Service contracts
No Director has a notice period exceeding six months.
Directors' Remuneration
For each Director remuneration for the year to 31 March 2018 can be analysed as follows:
2018 2018 2018
Salary Performance Other
& Related Benefits 2018 Pension 2018 2017
Fees Bonus GBP'000 Contributions Total Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------ ------------------- ----------------- ------------ ------------------------- ------- ---------------
H Wilson 150 - - 8 158 109
G Shircore - - - - -
A Cook 150 - - 8 158 128
C Whiley - - - - - -
L Castro 35 - - - 35 21
H Turcan 34 - - - 34 21
M Bralsford - - - - 23
M Hall - - - - 326
D Duff - - - - 219
J Byfield - - - - 97
M Magee - - - - 20
S
Perreé - - - - 10
C Jones - - - - 23
------------ ------------------- ----------------- ------------ ------------------------- ------- ---------------
369 - - 16 385 997
------------ ------------------- ----------------- ------------ ------------------------- ------- ---------------
The periods each Director served during the year are given on page 22.
Directors' Share Options
Number Number
Earliest Exercise at at
Date of exercise Expiry Price 31 March 2017 Forfeited 31 March
grant date date (1p shares) In period 2018
--------- --------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ -------------- ---------------------
H Wilson 5/10/16** 5/10/19 5/10/26 11p 2,000,000 - 2,000,000
A Cook 5/10/16** 5/10/19 5/10/26 11p 2,000,000 - 2,000,000
M Hall 10/4/14** 10/4/17 10/4/24 316.5p 157,977 (157,977) -
30/9/14*** 559,174 (559,174) -
D Duff 10/4/14** 10/4/17 10/4/24 316.5p 112,164 (112,164) -
30/9/14*** 372,782 (372,782) -
5,202,097 (1,202,097) 4,000,000
------------------------------------------------------ ------------ -------------- ---------------------
** Options granted under Group Share Option Plan 2010.
*** Value creation plan nil cost award.
The closing market price of the Company's shares at 31 March 2018 was 4.5p and the range of market prices during the twelve month period was between 13.125p and 2.875p.
Directors' Report
for the year ended 31 March 2018
The Directors present their report and the consolidated audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018.
Incorporation
The Company was incorporated in Jersey, Channel Islands on 13 June 1977.
Directors' responsibilities for the financial statements
Directors are required by the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group as at the end of the financial period and of the Group profit or loss for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
-- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; -- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-- State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud, error and non-compliance with law and regulations.
The maintenance and integrity of the Stanley Gibbons web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the accounts since they were initially presented on the web site.
Legislation in Jersey governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
In so far as each of the Directors is aware:
-- There is no relevant audit information of which the Group's auditors are unaware; and
-- Each of the Directors has taken all steps that he ought to have taken to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Principal activities
The principal activities of the Group are those of trading in collectibles, auctioneering, the development and operation of collectible websites, philatelic publishing, mail order, retailing, and the manufacture of philatelic accessories.
Business review
Included within the Annual Report is a fair review of the business of the Group during the year ended 31 March 2018 and the position of the Group at the end of the year. This review is contained in the Chairman's Statement on pages 3 to 4 and the Business Review on pages 8 to 14. Key Performance Indicators and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties are referred to below.
Directors' Report
continued
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks faced by the Group, together with the controls in place to manage those risks, are documented by the Executives, Senior Management team, Audit Committee and wider Board and are regularly reviewed throughout the period.
Investment Products
The Group was aware of the potential risk in connection with a commitment to buy-back in the future certain assets sold under collectible investment contracts in previous accounting periods. The Group therefore bears the risk in the event that the underlying assets go down in value during the contract period and continually monitors it. Based on the level of quality and rarity of the assets held under such contracts, and from historic pricing evidence over the past 50 years, the Directors are of the opinion that the risk of the assets going down materially in value in the future is slight.
On 21 November 2017 the directors of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited applied for and were granted an administration order. This subsidiary was most exposed to investment product risk and therefore with the deemed loss of control over the subsidiary the level of this risk to the Group is now minimised.
Competition
The Group's markets are extremely competitive, with threats from other dealers, auctioneers and online marketplaces. The Group combats this risk by maintaining strong client relationships, continued monitoring of competitor activity and a focus on client service.
Key Personnel
The knowledge and expertise of the Group's specialists is critical to maintaining the Group's reputation and success. Accordingly the Group is highly dependent on attracting and retaining appropriately qualified personnel. The Group manages this risk by ensuring that remuneration is benchmarked against market rates to ensure that it is competitive and providing appropriate support and training.
Key Clients
A number of the Group's high value sales are made to a relatively small number of existing key clients. The Group manages this risk by maintaining strong client relationships, focussing on client service and ensuring that it maintains an inventory of highly attractive items.
Stock Valuation
The market in rare stamps, coins and other collectibles is not a highly liquid trading market. As a result, the realisable value of inventory is relatively subjective and may fluctuate over time. The Group's management keeps a close eye on market conditions and on a periodic basis we consult external parties in our consideration of the carrying value of our inventories.
Retirement Benefit Pension Obligations
Future costs and obligations relating to the Group's defined benefit pension schemes are significantly influenced by changes in interest rates, investment performance and actuarial assumptions, each of which is unpredictable. Actuarial valuations are carried out every three years with recovery plans agreed with the Trustees.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Directors manage the business on a monthly cycle of management reports and information combined with weekly sales and margins reporting. A monthly information pack is provided to the Board incorporating individual reports from each of the executive committee members and commentary on key performance indicators. Appropriate matters are summarised and appropriate decisions made at Board meetings. Key performance measures are disclosed and discussed in the Business Review on pages 8 to 14.
Directors' Report
continued
The diverse nature of the Group's activities dictates that specific financial and non financial performance indicators and reporting templates are in place unique to each department to enable the successful management of each operating division. Examples of some of the most important KPIs used in this reporting environment are:
-- Sales and gross margins compared to last year and budget -- Overhead variations against budget -- Personnel and resource matters (eg. performance, attendance and training) -- New customers recruited and marketing response rates -- Value of stock purchases and stock levels at the end of each month against budget -- Website visitor activity statistics
Results and dividends
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2018 is set out on page 32. The Directors do not recommend a final dividend for the year ended 31 March 2018 (year ended 31 March 2017: nil).
Directors
The following Directors have held office since 1 April 2017:
H G Wilson
G E Shircore (appointed 19 March 2018)
A Cook
C P Whiley
L E Castro (Non-Executive)
H A J Turcan (Non-Executive) (resigned 19 March 2018)
L Castro is considered to be Independent
On 19 March 2017 H G Wilson and CP Whiley relinquished their executive director roles and remain as Non-Executive Chairman and Non-Executive Director respectively.
Biographical details of the current Directors are given on pages 78 and 79.
Directors' Report
continued
Directors' interests
The interests of the Directors in the shares of the Company, all of which are beneficial, at 31 March 2018 together with their interests at 31 March 2017 were:
Ordinary 1p Ordinary 1p
Shares Shares
31 March 31 March
2018 2017
HG Wilson (1)
2,000,000 2,000,000
GE Shircore (2) 705,741 -
A Cook - -
CP Whiley (3) (4) 500,000 500,000
LE Castro - -
* On appointment
-- Held in the name of Park Securities Limited for Roselea Limited, both companies in which H Wilson is a director and shareholder.
-- Phoenix Asset Management Partners Limited, Mr Shircore's ultimate employer, is the investment manager to Phoenix SG Limited which holds 248,000,000 Ordinary shares representing 58.09% of the Company's issued share capital.
-- Held in the name of Zodiac Executive Pension Scheme, of which CP Whiley is a beneficiary.
-- Evolution Securities China Limited, Mr Whiley's former employer, holds 1,800,000 ordinary shares, representing 1.006% of the Company's issued share capital.
Details of the Directors' share options are given in the Remuneration Report on page 19.
Apart from service contracts and the transactions referred to in note 28 of the financial statements, none of the Directors had a material interest in any contract of significance to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was a party during the year.
Research and development
Costs associated with research and development relate to internal web development work in the creation of an online collectibles marketplace. Research and development costs are capitalised in the year incurred and are disclosed under the heading 'Computer Software' in note 10.
Financial Risk Management
The Group principally finances its operations through the generation of cash from operating activities and has no interest rate exposure on financial liabilities except those disclosed in note 29. Liquidity risk is managed through forecasting the future cash flow requirements of the business. Further disclosure on the company's financial risk management can be found in note 14 (Provision for impairment of receivables and collateral held) and note 27 (Financial instruments).
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Business Review on pages 8 to 14 along with the financial position of the Group, its cash resources and borrowing. In addition note 27 in the financial statements include the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives, and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.
Directors' Report
continued
The Group's forecasts shows that it will remain within current loan facility limits for the foreseeable future. However as highlighted above, the Group is currently in default on its banking facilities, due to Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in administration) being in administration and the qualified audit report in these financial statements. During periods of default the loan is repayable on demand. The loan is from the Group's controlling shareholder Phoenix S. G. Limited and due for repayment in March 2023. Phoenix was aware of the default at the time they acquired its interest in the Group and the Directors do not believe it will seek repayment of the loan within the foreseeable although there can be no certainty of this fact. In the event that Phoenix S. G. Limited requested repayment of the loan or trading deteriorates below forecasted levels, the Group would require access to additional liquidity.
The Directors acknowledge that the above risks cast doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. They recognise that Phoenix S. G. Limited has stated that it intends to be a long term investor, is the controlling shareholder with an interest of just over 58% and has given no indication that it would withdraw its support.
The granting of the administration order on 21 November 2017 for Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited resulted in the Group's loss of control of the business of that entity and its assets and liabilities. The contingent liability of GBP54,150,000 at 31 March 2017, disclosed in note 26a relating to guarantees and undertakings have been removed from the Group and have fundamentally limited the exposure of the Group to the related buyback liabilities and associated cash outflows.
As such, having regard to the matters above, and after making reasonable enquiries and taking account of uncertainties discussed above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have access to adequate resources to continue operations and to meet its liabilities, as and when they fall due, for the foreseeable future. For that reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the accounts.
Intangible Assets
Except for those acquired in the Noble acquisitions, no value is attributed in the consolidated statement of financial position to the Group's brand names, the value of the Stanley Gibbons stamp referencing system, editorial intellectual property or its database of customer lists as an accurate valuation of these items would be impractical to establish and the capitalisation of internally generated assets is not allowed under IAS38. External costs incurred in the development of the software for the Digital Asset Management system and the redevelopment of the Group's websites have been capitalised and are being amortised in accordance with IAS38.
Substantial Shareholdings
As at 27 September 2017, the Company had been notified of the following interests in 3% or more of its issued share capital:
Phoenix SG Limited 58.09%
Lombard Odier Asset Management (Europe) Limited 10.90%
Purchase of Own Shares
The Company did not purchase any of its shares for cancellation during the year. The Company has authority to purchase up to 15% of its own shares. A resolution to renew this authority will be proposed at the AGM.
Directors' Report
continued
Employees
The Group's policy is to provide equal opportunities to all present and potential employees. The Group gives full consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons and where existing employees become disabled, it is the Group's policy, wherever practicable, to provide continuing employment under normal terms and conditions.
The Group operates an annual performance review system with employees to discuss performance against agreed objectives and career development.
The Group believes in respecting individuals and their rights in the workplace. With this in mind, specific policies are in place covering harassment and bullying, whistle-blowing, equal opportunities and data protection.
Secretary
Mr R K Purkis has been secretary for the entire year ended 31 March 2018 and to the date of approval of the financial statements.
Independent Auditors
BDO Limited have expressed their willingness to continue as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them as auditors to the Company and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration will be proposed at the AGM.
By order of the board
Registered office:
18 Hill Street St Helier, Jersey JE2 4UA
R K Purkis
Secretary
27 September 2018
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc
Qualified Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
of Stanley Gibbons Group plc
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In our opinion, except for the We have audited the consolidated
possible effects of the matter financial statements of The Stanley
described in the Basis for Qualified Gibbons Group Plc (the "Company")
Opinion section of our report, and its subsidiaries (the "Group"),
the accompanying consolidated which comprise:
financial statements: * the consolidated statement of financial position as
* give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's at 31 March 2018,
affairs as at 31 March 2018 and of the Group's loss
and for the year then ended;
* the consolidated statement of comprehensive income,
consolidated statement of changes in equity and
* have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs consolidated statement of cash flows for the year
as adopted by the European Union; and then ended, and
* have been prepared in accordance with the * notes 1 to 33 to the consolidated financial
requirements of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. statements, including a summary of significant
accounting policies.
The financial reporting framework
that has been applied in their
preparation is applicable law
and International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRSs") as adopted
by the European Union.
Basis for Qualified Opinion
In seeking to form an audit opinion on the financial statements,
the audit evidence available to us was limited in respect
of Property, Plant and Equipment. We were unable to obtain
sufficient appropriate audit evidence over the existence,
accuracy and valuation of property, plant and equipment with
a carrying value of GBP1.2 million consisting of all of the
property, plant and equipment in Mallet, Inc. within the total
carrying value of property, plant and equipment of GBP2.5
million.
Had this information been available, we might have formed
a different opinion on the financial statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards
on Auditing (UK) ("ISAs (UK)"). Our responsibilities under
those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities
for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section
of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit
of the consolidated financial statements, and we have fulfilled
our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained
is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified
opinion.
Material uncertainty related to going concern
We draw attention to note 2 to the financial statements concerning the Group's
ability to continue as a going concern. The Group is currently in default of its
loan finance facilities, which are due for repayment before the end of March 2023.
The facility has been in default since being provided by the lender Phoenix SG
Limited, who is also the Group's controlling party, and so the loan is necessarily
recorded as a current liability. The directors do not believe they will seek repayment
of the loan within the next twelve months however acknowledge there can be no
certainty of this. These conditions, along with the other matters referred to
in note 2, indicate that a material uncertainty exists which may cast significant
doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements
do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue
as a going concern.
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of
most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the
current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the
consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon,
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to the
matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section, we have determined
the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in
our report.
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc
continued
1 Carrying value of inventory
KEY AUDIT MATTER AUDIT RESPONSE
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Group holds material Discussions were held with
inventory the directors and relevant
at the year-end. Due to the internal Group experts throughout
nature of the inventory (unique the audit process to ascertain
and rare philatelics and other how value is attributed to
collectibles with low trading individual inventory items.
volumes and long inventory
turnover We selected several random
times), the net realisable value samples across the different
of inventory items are subject inventory lines, splitting
to significant judgement. these into different categories
Experts based on the value of the
employed by the Group determine individual inventory items.
the values on which the The Group's experts provided
directors supporting evidence for each
base their assessment of net item linked to external data
realisable value. The to support cost and carrying
subjectivity value for a sample of inventory
of these assessments could items (for example, purchase
result documentation or corroborative
in the net realisable values data relating to recent sales
being overstated and therefore of similar items).
possible inventory impairments
may not be provided for,
resulting
in the overall value of
inventory
being overstated, and is
therefore
considered to be a key audit
matter.
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to Note 1 (accounting
policy) and Note 12
(Inventories)
of the accompanying financial
statements.
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Valuation of defined benefit pension schemes' obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY AUDIT MATTER AUDIT RESPONSE
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Group has used external, The competence and independence
independent actuaries to value of the Group's external,
the obligations for the two independent actuary was verified
defined benefit pension schemes through our own research
totaling GBP5.329m (2017: on the qualifications and
GBP6.086m) background of the individual
within the consolidated actuary as well as the actuarial
financial firm.
statements, based on full member
data as at 31 March 2018. Due The key assumptions used
to the size of the pension in the valuations of the
scheme defined benefit pension schemes
obligations compared to the were reviewed by an independent,
size of the Group, any minor externally employed actuarial
changes in the key assumptions, specialist. This included
being the discount factor, benchmarking the key assumptions
inflation used against other comparable
and mortality rates, may lead companies and externally
to a significant impact on the derived market data with
valuation of the schemes' critical assessment of assumptions
liabilities if they appeared inconsistent
and Group's financial position, with the benchmarks identified.
and is therefore considered
to be a key audit matter. We also considered whether
the disclosures are fully
compliant with IAS 19 and
appropriately reflect the
sensitivity of the obligations
to changes in the underlying
assumptions.
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to Note 1 (accounting
policy) and Note 25 (Retirement
Benefits) of the accompanying
financial statements.
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc
continued
3 Carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY AUDIT MATTER AUDIT RESPONSE
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Group has a significant
level of goodwill, as well as
other intangible assets such
as computer software,
publishing
rights, customer lists and
brands
and trademarks, arising from
acquisitions of business
combinations
in prior periods.
The wider group, including many
of the subsidiaries have
experienced
challenging trading conditions,
resulting in poor financial
performance, and lower forecast
profitability.
There is a risk that these
subsidiaries
may not achieve the anticipated
future financial performance
to support the carrying value
of these intangibles, leading
to a potential impairment
charge
that has not been recognised
by the directors.
The board prepare a detailed
impairment assessment for all
intangibles, based on a number
of assumptions and forecast
information.
Significant judgement is
required
in forecasting the future cash
flows of each subsidiary,
together
with the rate at which they
are discounted, and is
therefore
considered to be a key audit
matter.
With specific regard to the
computer software recognised
as an intangible asset, there
is a risk of obsolescence due
to ongoing upgrades and
releases,
resulting in the potential for
an omitted impairment charge.
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to Note 1 (accounting We used valuation experts
policy) and Note 10 (Intangible to assist in our understanding
Assets) of the accompanying of the method applied by
financial statements. the directors in performing
the impairment test for the
goodwill and other intangible
assets in respect of the
relevant subsidiaries.
We performed sensitivity
analyses on the key inputs
and assumptions to quantify
the required change before
an impairment would be triggered
and considered the likelihood
of this occurring.
Where indicators of impairment
were identified, we critically
assessed and corroborated
the key inputs to the valuations
including:
* Analysing the historical accuracy of budgets to
actual results to determine whether forecast cash
flows are reliable based on past experience.
* Assessing the discount rate by obtaining the
underlying data used in the calculation and
benchmarking it against available market data.
* Assessing the validity of assumed growth rates for
appropriateness through discussion with management to
gain a full understanding of the calculation. No data
on comparable entities could be identified due to the
unique nature of the Group entities.
We considered the adequacy
of the Groups disclosures
in note 10 against the requirements
of IAS 36 (Impairment of
Assets).
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc
continued
---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Administration of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited
KEY AUDIT MATTER AUDIT RESPONSE
---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors of Stanley We performed a detailed review
Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited ('SGG'), of the documentation relating
a subsidiary of the Group, filed to the application for an administration
an application for an administration order and the subsequent report
order on 16 November 2017. An administration from The Royal Court of Guernsey.
order was granted by The Royal In addition, extensive discussions
Court of Guernsey on 21 November were held with management to
2017 on the basis that SGG was determine the intended result
insolvent. The background to the of the administration (being
administration order is as follows: a liquidation and subsequent
winding up of SGG) at the date
-- The SGG's potential liabilities the application for an administration
primarily consisted of approximately order was submitted.
GBP54 million in contingent liabilities
relating to the buy-back guarantees We reviewed documentation in
(or "investment products") that relation to material transactions
were offered by SGG, and a further subsequent to the administration
GBP11 million in liabilities included date to ensure strategic decisions
on its balance sheet. were independently executed
by the administrators.
-- The removal of the provision
of buy-back guarantees by SGG in The results of SGG for the
August 2016 further affected sales period to 21 November 2017
and the deterioration in revenues were subject to audit procedures
resulted in the Company becoming using materiality for the consolidated
largely dependent upon financial financial statements, as set
support from the Group, and further out in the Our application
SGG was in default on its bank of materiality section below.
facilities such that it was dependent
upon the ongoing support of its Using the same materiality,
bank, at that time. we performed audit procedures
over the assets and liabilities
Given the above, the Group lost of SGG at the administration
control of SGG once the administration date to ensure they had been
order was granted on 21 November recorded at fair value. This
2017. The Group has had no influence procedure would subsequently
over the actions of the administrators provide evidence over the accuracy
from this date onwards and would of the gain on disposal balance
derive no further risk or reward included within the Consolidated
from the activities of SGG. Therefore, Statement of Comprehensive
as of 21 November 2017, the Group Income of The Stanley Gibbons
effectively disposed of the assets Group Plc.
and liabilities of the SGG for
no consideration and this disposal
has been accounted for accordingly
in the Group financial statements,
and is therefore considered to
be a key audit matter.
The results of SGG for the period
to 21 November 2017 have been included
in the Group financial statements
as a discontinued operation.
Refer to Note 2 (Discontinue operations)
of the accompanying financial statements.
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc
continued
--------------
Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the
consolidated financial statements that makes it probable that
the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would
be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning
the scope of the audit work and in evaluating the results of our
work.
Based on professional judgement, we determined balance sheet materiality
for the consolidated financial statements to be GBP726,000 (2017
- GBP1,501,000) which represents 2% of total asset value. We determined
income statement materiality for the consolidated financial statements
to be GBP524,000 (2017 - GBP849,000) which represents approximately
2% of total revenue (including discontinued operations). We agreed
with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements
identified during our audit above GBP36,000 (2017 - GBP75,000)
with regards to the balance sheet and GBP26,000 (2017 - GBP42,000)
with regards to the income statement. We also report to the Audit
Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing
the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We selected total asset value as a benchmark for balance sheet
materiality as the most significant balance in the consolidated
financial statements is inventory. Turnover of inventory can be
slow in nature and the Group's policy is to hold inventory for
sale at a fair market price, even if this results in maintaining
items for a prolonged period of time.
We selected revenue as a benchmark for income statement materiality
due to the Group being a retail group (with specific focus on
cash generation rather than reducing losses in recent years).
The Group had both a trading division and an investment division
during the year, therefore it is justifiable to calculate a separate
materiality for the income statement.
An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group
and its environment, including internal controls and assessing
the risks of material misstatement. Audit work to respond to the
risks of material misstatement was performed directly by the audit
engagement team. The audit approach that enabled us to arrive
at our opinion consisted of analytical reviews and substantive
testing of material amounts in the consolidated financial statements.
Other Information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other
information comprises the information included in the annual report,
other than the consolidated financial statements and our auditor's
report thereon.
Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not
cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements,
our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing
so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent
with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained
in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a
material misstatement in the financial statements or a material
misstatement of the other information. As described in the Basis
for Qualified Opinion section above, we were unable to obtain
sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the existence, accuracy
and carrying value of plant, property and equipment held by the
Group. Accordingly, we are unable to conclude whether or not the
other information is materially misstated with respect to this
matter.
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of
The Stanley Gibbons Group Plc
continued
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Due to the matters described in the basis for qualified opinion
paragraph:
* we have not received all the information and
explanations we required for our audit; and
* We were unable to determine whether proper accounting
records had been kept.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters
where the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 requires us to report to
you if, in our opinion:
* returns adequate for our audit have not been received
from branches not visited by us; or
* the financial statements are not in agreement with
the accounting records and returns.
Responsibilities of directors
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation
of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs,
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary
to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud
or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the directors
are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related
to going concern, and using the going concern basis of accounting
unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial
Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue
an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance
is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit
conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered
material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken
on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of
the consolidated financial statements is located on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.
This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body,
in accordance with Article 113A of the Companies (Jersey) Law
1991. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state
to the Company's members those matters we are required to state
to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Philip Braun
For and on behalf of BDO Limited
Chartered Accountants
Jersey, Channel Islands
27 September 2018
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 March 2018
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2018 31 March
2017 Restated
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Revenue 1, 3 13,358 15,322
Cost of sales (8,011) (8,570)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Gross Profit 5,347 6,752
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Administrative expenses before defined
benefit
pension service costs and exceptional
operating costs (5,517) (3,285)
Defined benefit pension service costs 25 (171) (188)
Exceptional operating charges 5 (6,332) (4,778)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Total administrative expenses (12,020) (8,251)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Selling and distribution expenses (5,288) (10,072)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Operating loss 4 (11,961) (11,571)
Finance income 45 43
Finance costs 27 (489) (266)
Gain on loan restructuring 4,250 -
Share of net profits of joint venture 113 -
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Loss before tax (8,042) (11,794)
1)
Taxation 8 133 676
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Loss from continuing operations (7,909) (11,118)
Loss from discontinued operations 29 (4,260) (17,682)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Loss for the financial year (12,169) (28,800)
Other comprehensive income:
Amounts which may be subsequently reclassified
to profit & loss
Exchange differences on translation of
foreign operations 24 319
Amounts which will not be subsequently
reclassified to profit & loss
Revaluation of reference collection 11 - 70
Actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in
the pension scheme 25 448 (1,064)
Tax on actuarial gains recognised in the
pension scheme (146) 166
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for
the year net of tax 326 (509)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Total comprehensive loss for the year (11,843) (29,309)
------------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------- --------------------
Loss per share from continuing operations
Basic loss per Ordinary share 9 (4.21)p (6.21)p
Diluted loss per Ordinary share 9 (4.21)p (6.21)p
Loss per share from discontinued operations
Basic loss per Ordinary share 9 (2.27)p (9.88)p
Diluted loss per Ordinary share 9 (2.27)p (9.88)p
Total comprehensive loss is attributable
to the owners of the parent.
The notes on pages 36 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated statement of financial position
for the year ended 31 March 2018
31 March
31 March 2018 2017
Assets Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 10 5,977 7,772
Property, plant and equipment 11 2,535 4,332
Deferred tax asset 19 1,190 1,344
Investments 113 -
Available for sale financial
assets - 6
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Total non-current assets 9,815 13,454
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Current Assets
Inventories 12 18,303 55,225
Trade and other receivables 13 3,610 4,044
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding
bank overdrafts) 17 4,596 2,349
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Total current assets 26,509 61,618
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Total assets 36,324 75,072
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 15 8,404 29,260
Borrowings 18 10,000 16,501
Total current liabilities 18,404 45,761
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Other payables 16 - 4,676
Retirement benefit obligations 25 5,329 6,086
Deferred tax liabilities 19 408 554
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Total non-current liabilities 5,737 11,316
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Total liabilities 24,141 57,077
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Net assets 12,183 17,995
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Equity
Called up share capital 20 4,269 1,789
Share premium account 22 78,217 74,847
Share compensation reserve 22 2,064 1,883
Capital redemption reserve 22 38 38
Revaluation reserve 22 346 346
Retained earnings 22 (72,751) (60,908)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
Equity shareholders' funds 12,183 17,995
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- --------
The financial statements on pages 34 to 77 were approved by the board of Directors on 27 September 2018, were authorised for issue on that date and were signed on its behalf by:
H G Wilson
A Cook Directors
The notes on pages 36 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Called Share premium Share compensation Revaluation Capital Retained
up share account reserve reserve redemption earnings Total
capital reserve
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1 April 2017 1,789 74,847 1,883 346 38 (60,908) 17,995
Loss for the financial
year - - - - - (12,169) (12,169)
Amounts which may be
subsequently reclassified
to profit & loss
Exchange differences
on translation of
foreign
operations - - - - - 24 24
Amounts which will not
be subsequently
reclassified
to profit & loss
Remeasurement of pension
scheme net of deferred
tax - - - - - 302 302
------------------------- --------- ------------- ------------------ ----------- ----------- --------- --------
Total comprehensive loss - - - - - (11,843) (11,843)
Share issue 2,480 3,370 - - - - 5,850
Cost of share options - - 181 - - - 181
At 31 March 2018 4,269 78,217 2,064 346 38 (72,751) 12,183
)
------------------------- --------- ------------- ------------------ ----------- ----------- --------- --------
At 1 April 2016 471 63,682 1,448 276 38 (31,529) 34,386
Loss for the financial
year - - - - - (28,800) (28,800)
Amounts which may be
subsequently reclassified
to profit & loss
Exchange differences
on translation - - - - - 319 319
Amounts which will not
be subsequently
reclassified
to profit & loss
Remeasurement of pension
scheme net of deferred
tax - - - - - (898) (898)
Revaluation of reference
collection - - - 70 - - 70
------------------------- --------- ------------- ------------------ ----------- ----------- --------- --------
Total comprehensive loss - - - 70 - (29,379) (29,309)
Share issue 1,318 11,165 - - - - 12,483
Cost of share options - - 435 - - - 435
At 31 March 2017 1,789 74,847 1,883 346 38 (60,908) 17,995
------------------------- --------- ------------- ------------------ ----------- ----------- --------- --------
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 March 2018
Year ended
31 March Year ended
2018 31 March 2017
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Cash outflow from operating activities 23 (2,168) (8,248)
Interest paid (489) (626)
Taxes repaid 22 493
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Net cash outflow from operating activities (2,635) (8,381)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (35) (301)
Purchase of intangible assets (computer
software) (30) (118)
Investment in joint venture (113) -
Disposal proceeds from discontinued
operations 2,681 -
Proceeds from sale of property plant
& equipment 236 2,500
Interest received 44 170
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Net cash generated from investing activities 2,783 2,251
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share
capital 5,850 12,383
Proceeds from disposal of loan of subsidiary
in administration 2,750 -
Repayment of bank loans (8,300) (823)
Proceeds from new borrowing 10,500 -
Repayment of new borrowing (500) -
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Net cash generated from financing activities 10,300 11,560
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 10,448 5,430
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at start
of year (5,852) (11,282)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year 17 4,596 (5,852)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ---------------- ---------------
The notes on pages 36 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2018
1 Accounting policies and presentation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as approved for use in the European Union applied in accordance with the provisions of Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 on a historical cost basis except where otherwise indicated.
The Group is listed on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. These financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with AIM Rules.
The company has not prepared separate company accounts, as permitted under Jersey Company Law 1991 Amendment 4 Part 16 (substituted), as consolidated accounts are prepared.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in British Pounds Sterling, which is also the Company's functional currency.
Amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.
Standards, amendments and interpretations that are effective for periods beginning on or after 1 April 2017 for standards, amendments subject to EU endorsement:
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, subject to EU endorsement. The standard is part of a wider project to replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.
IFRS 15, Revenue from contracts with customers (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, subject to EU endorsement)
IFRS 16, Leases (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019)
IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts (effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021, subject to EU endorsement)
The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the standards listed above will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods, except that IFRS 9 will impact the measurement of financial instruments, IFRS 15 may have an impact on revenue recognition and related disclosures and IFRS 16 will have an impact on operating leases. Beyond the information above, it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimation of the effect of IFRS 9, IFRS 15 IFRS 16 and IFRS 17 until a detailed review has been completed.
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Basis of consolidation
Where the company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The company controls an investee if all three of the following elements are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicated that there may be a change in any of these elements of control.
The consolidated financial statements present the results of the company and its subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they formed a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the acquisition method. In the consolidated statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date on which control ceases.
Impairment of non-financial assets (excluding inventories and deferred tax assets)
Impairment tests on goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful economic lives are undertaken annually at the financial year end or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other non-financial assets are subject to impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Where the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount (i.e the higher of value in use or fair value less costs to sell), the asset is written down accordingly.
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the impairment test is carried out on the smallest group of assets to which it belongs for which there are separately identifiable cash flows; its cash generating units ('CGUs'). Goodwill is allocated on initial recognition to each of the Group's CGUs that are expected to benefit from a business combination that gives rise to the goodwill.
Impairment charges are included in profit or loss, except to the extent they reverse gains previously recognised in other comprehensive income. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed.
Intangible Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is measured as the excess of the costs of a business combination over the total acquisition date fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. Where the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceed the fair value of consideration paid, the excess is credited in full to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on the acquisition date.
Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortised but it is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.
Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. The units or groups of units are identified at the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, being the operating segments (note 3).
Internally generated goodwill is not recognised as an intangible asset.
Publishing rights
Publishing rights represent the cost paid to third parties to acquire copyright of publications. Publishing rights are
not amortised but tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Computer software
Costs associated with maintaining software programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. In accordance with IAS 38, purchased computer software that will generate economic benefit beyond one year is capitalised as an intangible asset.
Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the group are recognised as intangible assets when management intends to use the software for its business operations, the development costs can be reliably measured and that it is technically feasible for the Group to complete the software so that it will be available for use. The Group would also only recognise the software as an intangible asset if it can be demonstrated that the software will generate probable future economic benefits. Directly attributable costs that are capitalised as part of the software include employee costs and an appropriate portion of relevant overheads. These development costs are recorded as an intangible asset.
Capitalised software costs are amortised over its expected useful economic life. For purchased computer software assets impairment is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over four years. The purchase and development of software related to the Group's websites and Digital Asset Management system is capitalised and amortised over its expected useful economic life of between five and ten years on a straight line basis.
Customer lists
In accordance with IAS 38, customer lists acquired have been capitalised as an intangible asset and are amortised on a straight line basis over 8 years. Internally generated customer lists are not capitalised or shown as an intangible asset.
Brands
In accordance with IAS 38, brands acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. The brands acquired are considered to have an indeterminate life because of their longevity and heritage. As such, these brands are not amortised but are the subject of an annual impairment review.
Trademarks
Trademarks acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. They have a finite useful life and are amortised using the straight line method over their estimated useful life of 8 years. They are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.
Property, plant and equipment and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets other than the reference collection
Tangible fixed assets, other than the reference collection, are stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items, their purchase price, including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated to write down the net book value of tangible fixed assets less their residual value on a straight-line basis, over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:
Freehold buildings 2%
Vehicles, plant and machinery 20-25%
Fixtures, fittings, tools and equipment 10-25%
Leasehold improvements Over period of lease
Freehold land is not depreciated.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Reference collection
Fixed assets include a reference collection of certain stamps & coins held on a long term basis. The reference collection for stamps is subject to a full valuation every five years by a qualified external valuer. The carrying value of the numismatic reference library is revalued each year. Therefore not all the reference collection is valued annually.
Where a reference collection or part of a collection has been revalued the assets will be carried at the revised valuation, with the revaluation amount being recognised in other comprehensive income.
Leased assets
When substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are not transferred to the Group (an "operating lease"), the total rentals payable under the lease are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The aggregate benefit of lease incentives is recognised as a reduction of the rental expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for obsolete and slow
moving items.
Due to the nature of collectibles and antiques it is not always practicable to ascertain individual costs for items purchased.
The purchase of stamp, coins and antiques into inventory can be classified in the way in which they are purchased. Some items will be bought on itemised invoices from other dealers and auctioneers. These items will be costed based on these invoices. Other items will be purchased via collections or group of assets where a price is determined for the collection. These collections will often be split into individual items and cost is apportioned between the items purchased on the basis of the opinion of the Group's dealers and experts.
Work in progress
Work in progress comprises philatelic and other collectible material which has been acquired but which has not yet been described by our philatelic experts.
Financial Instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables and assets held for sale are measured at initial recognition at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less provision for impairment. A provision is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due. The amount of any provision is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Impairment provisions are recognised when there is objective evidence (such as significant financial difficulties on the part of the counterparty or default or significant delay in payment) that the Group will be unable to collect all of the amounts due under the terms receivable, the amount of such provision being the difference between the net carrying amount and the present value of the future expected cash flows associated with the impaired receivable. For trade receivables, which are reported net, such provisions are recorded in a separate allowance account with the loss being recognised as an exceptional item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. On confirmation that the trade receivable will not be collectable, the gross carrying value for the asset is written off against the associated provision.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group and short term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are shown within loans and borrowings in current liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position.
Financial liabilities
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognised in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as a prepayment and amortised over the period of the facility to which it relates.
Borrowings are removed from the consolidated statement of financial position when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss as other income or finance costs.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.
Any investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation.
Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Financial liabilities issued by the Group are classified in accordance with the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and any deferred tax movements.
The tax currently payable is based on the taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit before tax as reported in the statement of comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position and the amounts attributed to such assets and liabilities for tax purposes. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred tax relating to charges made directly to equity is recognised in other comprehensive income.
Foreign currencies
Transactions entered into by Group entities in a currency other than the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate (their "functional currency") are recorded at the rates ruling when the transactions occur. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rates ruling at the reporting date.
On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated at rates approximating to those ruling when the transactions took place. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations are translated at the rate ruling at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on translating the opening net assets of foreign operations are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as other comprehensive income which may be reclassified to profit and loss.
Retirement benefits
The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes. The assets of the schemes are held and managed separately from those of the Group. In accordance with IAS 19 (Amendment) for Employee Benefits, the liability in the consolidated statement of financial position represents the present value of the defined benefit obligations at that date less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated periodically by an independent actuary.
Current service costs are recognised in administrative expenses in the statement of comprehensive income. Interest costs on plan liabilities and the expected return on plan assets are recognised in finance charges. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in other comprehensive income.
Pension scheme assets are measured at their market value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme liabilities. The actuarial valuations are performed by a qualified actuary on a triennial basis and are updated at each balance sheet date. The resulting defined benefit asset or liability is presented separately as a non-current asset or liability on the face of the consolidated statement of financial position.
Notes to the Financial Statements
ontinued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Under IAS 19 the retirement benefit obligation is presented gross of deferred tax.
The Group also maintains a number of defined contribution pension schemes. For these schemes the Group has no further obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the statement of comprehensive income in the year when they are due.
Share capital
Financial instruments issued by the Group are classified as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the
definition of a financial liability of financial asset.
The Group's ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments.
Share options and awards
The fair value of share options and awards granted to certain employees and Directors is recognised as an employee benefits expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount to be apportioned is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted including the Group's share price, the impact of the group's trading performance, the grantee remaining an employee over a specified time period and any impact of non-vesting conditions.
The total expense is recognised over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At the end of each period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the Group's profitability and the number of remaining employees in each grant. It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in profit and loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
The proceeds received on exercise of the options are credited to equity.
Dividends
Dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends to equity shareholders, this is when declared by the Directors. In the case of final dividends, this is when approved by the shareholders at the AGM.
Revenue
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue represents amounts invoiced by the Group in respect of goods sold and services provided during the year falling within the Group's ordinary activities, excluding intra-group sales, estimated and actual sales returns, trade discounts and any applicable value added tax. Revenue from the provision of all goods and services is recognised when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that the future economic benefits will flow to the Group and specific criteria have been met for each of the Group's activities as described below.
The specific accounting policies for the Group's main types of revenue are explained below.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
Sale of goods retail
Revenue from the provision of goods is recognised when substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of goods have transferred to the customer. The risks and rewards of ownership of goods are deemed to have been transferred when the goods are allocated to a customer and that customer has made an irrevocable commitment to complete the purchase.
Sale of goods - Investment contracts
In respect of certain investment products previously offered by the Group, income is recognised at the point of customer commitment in line with the normal course of trade but not when there is a contractual buyback commitment on the Group as part of the transaction to buy back the products at the full sale price or higher amount. These contracts do not pass the risk or reward of ownership to the customer until the customer accepts stock at the end of the initial contract term (between 5 and 10 years). At the point where the contract matures the client has options to take a guaranteed cash sum, keep or auction the assets of the contract or reinvest in another of the Group's investment contracts. Until the point of maturity the contractual buyback amount is shown in other payables on the Group's balance sheet and the stock contained in these contracts is reported in the Group's inventory numbers. At maturity, if the customer reinvests or decided to keep the collectible assets the contract is recognised in revenue and the inventory released from the consolidated statement of financial position.
A number of the Groups previous investment contracts, Guaranteed Minimum Return Contract ("GMRC") and the Capital Protection Growth Plan ("CPGP") both were contracts that had an element of contractual buyback. The contractual buy backs within the CPGPs were at a level of the original purchase price and within the GMRCs were above the purchase price to include a finance charge. This finance charge is recognised in the profit and loss throughout the period of the contract. The GMRC and CPGP contracts ceased to be sold in April 2011 and December 2013 respectively.
Investment contracts which transfer the risk and rewards of ownership to the customer are recognised as revenue on completion of the contract. These investment contracts do not offer a full guaranteed return or protection of the principal invested.
Investment products sold historically include Capital Growth Plans (CGP) and Flexible Trading Portfolios (FTP). The FTPs and CGPs also include a buy back option of 75% of the Stanley Gibbons catalogue value where appropriate or otherwise market value. The Directors consider that the likelihood of these investment plan holders exercising this right to accept a value lower than market value to be remote and are therefore recognised as a contingent liability (see note 26a).
Investment plans including contractual buy back options at any level ceased to be sold in July 2016 and as a result of the granting of an administration order for Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited on 21 November and the Group's deemed loss of control, the revenue and associated costs of the investment plans has been included in discontinued operations for the period up to 21 November 2017 and for the prior year ended 31 March 2017.
Sale of goods - auctions
In its role as auctioneer, the Group accepts property on consignment and matches sellers to buyers through the
auction process. Following the auction, the Group invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the property (including
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
1 Accounting policies and presentation continued
the commission owed by the buyer), collects payment from the buyer, and remits to the consignor the net sale proceeds after deducting its commissions, expenses and applicable taxes and royalties.
The Groups auction commissions include those paid by the buyer ("buyer's premium") and those paid by the seller (vendors commission") (collectively, "auction commission revenue"), both of which are calculated as a percentage of the hammer price of the property sold at auction.
On the fall of the auctioneer's hammer, the highest bidder becomes legally obligated to pay the full purchase price, which includes the hammer price of the property purchased plus the buyer's premium, and the seller is legally obligated to relinquish the property in exchange for the hammer price less any seller's commissions. Therefore both buyer's premium and vendors commission is recognised on the date of the auction sale upon the fall of the auctioneer's hammer.
The Group is not obligated to pay the consignor for property that has not been paid for by the buyer. If a buyer defaults on payment, the sale may be cancelled, and the property will be returned to the consignor.
The Group's management evaluates the collectability of amounts due from individual buyers. If management determines that it is probable that the buyer will default, a credit note is recorded in the period in which this judgement is made and any commission due to the Group from the buyer and the vendor is reversed.
Further detail of the Group's revenue streams can be found in the Business Review on pages 8 to 14.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic resources as a result of past events and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are measured at management's best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date. Provisions are discounted if the effect of the time value of money is material.
Rental Income
The Group sublets some of its properties that it occupies under operating leases. Lease income from operating leases where the group is a lessor is recognised in the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term). The respective leased assets are included in the balance sheet in leasehold properties.
Joint ventures
The Group accounts for joint ventures using the equity method of accounting. The initial investment is recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the Group's share of post-acquisition profits or losses and the Group's share of the movements in other comprehensive income in the entity. Dividends received or receivable from the joint ventures are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group's share of losses in an equity-accounted investment equal or exceeds its interest in the entity the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it incurs obligations or make payments on behalf of the entity.
The carrying amount of equity-accounted investment is tested for impairment in accordance with the Group's impairment policy.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
2 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions. The estimates, assumptions and management judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position together with the financial position of the Group, its cash resources and borrowing facilities are set out in the Business Review on pages 8 to 14. In addition note 27 in the financial statements include the Group's objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives, and its exposure to credit risk and liquidity risk.
The Group's forecasts show that it will remain within current loan facility limits for the foreseeable future. However as highlighted above, the Group is currently in default on its banking facilities, due to Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in administration) being in administration and the qualified audit report in these financial statements. During periods of default the loan is repayable on demand. The loan is from the Group's controlling shareholder Phoenix S. G. Limited and due for repayment in March 2023. Phoenix was aware of the default at the time they acquired its interest in the Group and the Directors do not believe it will seek repayment of the loan within the foreseeable although there can be no certainty of this fact. In the event that Phoenix S. G. Limited requested repayment of the loan or trading deteriorates below forecasted levels, the Group would require access to additional liquidity.
The Directors acknowledge that the above risks cast doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. They recognise that Phoenix S. G. Limited has stated that it intends to be a long term investor, is the controlling shareholder with an interest of just over 58% and has given no indication that it would withdraw its support.
The granting of the administration order on 21 November 2017 for Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited resulted in the Group's loss of control of the business of that entity and its assets and liabilities. The contingent liability of GBP54,150,000 at 31 March 2017, disclosed in note 26a relating to guarantees and undertakings have been removed from the Group and have fundamentally limited the exposure of the Group to the related buyback liabilities and associated cash outflows.
As such, having regard to the matters above, and after making reasonable enquiries and taking account of uncertainties discussed above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have access to adequate resources to continue operations and to meet its liabilities, as and when they fall due, for the foreseeable future. For that reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the accounts.
Revenue recognition
Within the investment sales are a number of different products. These include GMRCs and CPGPs. The GMRC and CPGP contracts ceased to be sold in April 2011 and December 2013 respectively. One of the options within these products is a contractual buy back option to re-acquire at a level equal to or above the original purchase price. These transactions are considered by management not to meet the criteria for a sale until such time as the underlying items are irrevocably sold. This is because insufficient risk and reward is considered to have passed to the client. For all other sales, including investment plans with guarantee buy-back options at 75% of catalogue or market value, revenue is recognised immediately as the risks and rewards of ownership are deemed to have passed to the buyer.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
2 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements continued
As a result of the granting of an administration order for Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited on 21 November and the Group's deemed loss of control the revenue and associated costs of the investment plans has been included in discontinued operations for the period up to 21 November 2017 and for the prior year ended 31 March 2017.
Retirement benefits
The costs, assets and liabilities of the defined benefit retirement schemes operating within the Group are determined using methods relying on actuarial estimates and assumptions. Details of the key assumptions are set out in note 25. The Directors take advice from independent actuaries relating to the appropriateness of the assumptions and challenge the reasonableness and appropriateness of these assumptions before adapting them in these financial statements. It is important to note, however, that comparatively small changes in the assumptions used may have a significant effect on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of financial position.
Inventory valuation
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises all costs of purchase, including auction buyers premium where applicable. Where necessary, provision is made for slow-moving and damaged stock. This provision represents the difference between the cost of the stock and its estimated market value, based upon stock turn rates, market conditions and trends in consumer demand. For rare collectibles and antiques this includes monitoring of sales of similar items and a degree of judgement being applied by our specialists as to the relevance for items held in stock.
Reference Collections
Reference collections of philatelic items are carried at cost or valuation. Where the carrying value is above cost this will be supported by an independent external valuation. If the carrying value is below cost or independent value this will be as a result of a review performed either by external or internal specialists.
Goodwill Impairment
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the Directors to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating units and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. The carrying amount of goodwill at 31 March 2018 was GBP2,310,000 (2017: GBP2,568,000) after an impairment loss of GBP258,000 (2017: GBP8,697,000) was recognised in the year. Details of the carrying value of goodwill and the impairment losses are set out in note 10.
Intangible Assets
IFRS 3 (revised) 'Business Combinations' requires that goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is capitalised and included in intangible assets. IFRS 3 (revised) also requires the identification of other intangible assets at acquisition. The assumptions involved in valuing these intangible assets require the use of estimates and judgments which may differ from the actual outcome.
IAS 38 'Intangible Assets' requires that development costs, arising from the application of research findings or other technical knowledge to a plan or design of a new or substantially improved product, are capitalised, subject to certain criteria being met. Determining the technical feasibility and estimating the future cash flows generated by the products in development requires judgments which may differ from the actual outcome.
The estimates and judgments made in relation to both acquired intangible assets and capitalised development costs, cover future growth rates, expected inflation rates, re-assessing useful life of the assets and the discount rate used.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
2 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements continued
Fair value measurement
A number of assets and liabilities included in the Group's financial statements require measurement at, and/or disclosure of, fair value. The fair value measurement of the Group's financial and non-financial assets and liabilities utilises market observable inputs and data as far as possible. Inputs used in determining fair value measurements are categorised into different levels based on how observable the inputs used in the valuation technique utilised are (the 'fair value hierarchy'):
- Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical items (unadjusted)
- Level 2: Observable direct or indirect inputs other than Level 1 inputs
- Level 3: Unobservable inputs (i.e. not derived from market data).
The classification of an item into the above levels is based on the lowest level of the inputs used that has a significant effect on the fair value measurement of the item. Transfers of items between levels are recognised in the period they occur. The carrying amount of financial assets or financial liabilities is a reasonable approximation of their fair value. Any differences between these valuations would not be material.
3 Segmental Analysis
IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified based on internal reporting. Accordingly, the determination of the Group's operating segments is based on the following organisation units for which management accounting information is reported to the Group's management and used to make strategic decisions.
-- Sale of investment contracts; -- Philatelic trading and retail operations; -- Publishing and philatelic accessories; -- Coins and medals -- Legacy Interiors property & legal
The Group has disposed of the majority of its assets of the Interiors division and therefore the Directors have classified this operating segment as discontinued operation.
As a result of the granting of an administration order on 21 November 2017 the Group lost control of the business and assets of its Investment division and therefore this operating segment has also been classified as a discontinued operation.
The comparatives in this note have been amended to show only continuing operations. The result for the year ended 31 March 2018 of the discontinued operations and comparatives for the year ending 31 March 2018 are shown in note 29.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
3 Segmental Analysis continued
Legacy Interiors includes continuing items from the discontinued Interiors operation, specifically the leasehold property in New York and the ongoing legal matters related to the Mallett entities (see note 26b - Litigation section). The activities, products and services of the reportable segments are detailed in the Business Review on pages 8 to 14.
Investments* Philatelic Publishing Coins Legacy Unallocated Total
& Medals Interiors
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Segmental income
statement
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Year ended 31 March
2018
Revenue - 6,796 2,213 3,213 1,136 - 13,358
Operating costs - (8,897) (2,242) (2,711) (1,103) (3,921) (18,874)
Exceptional costs - (4,017) 29 (582) (37) 2,525 (2,082)
Net finance costs - - - - (126) (318) (444)
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) before
tax - (6,118) - (80) (130) (1,714) (8,042)
Tax - (3) - 166 - (30) 133
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) for
the year from continuing
operations - (6,121) - 86 (130) (1,744) (7,909)
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Segmental balance
sheet
as at 31 March 2018
Total assets - 16,163 - 18,111 383 1,667 36,324
Total liabilities - (17,365) - (569) (55) (6,152) (24,141)
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Net assets/(liabilities) - (1,202) - 17,542 328 (4,485) 12,183
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Other segmental items
Depreciation - 327 - 1 - 350 678
Amortisation of other
intangible assets - 307 - - - 237 544
Capital expenditure - 65 - - - - 65
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Investments* Philatelic Publishing Coins Legacy Unallocated Total
& Medals Interiors
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Segmental income
statement
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Year ended 31 March
2017 Restated
Revenue - 7,584 2,043 4,975 584 136 15,322
Operating costs - (8,300) (1,921) (4,020) (1,274) (6,600) (22,115)
Exceptional costs - (1,358) - (506) - (2,914) (4,778)
Net finance costs - (140) - (5) (121) 43 (223)
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) before
tax - (2,214) 122 444 (811) (9,335) (11,794)
Tax - 186 - 965 (134) (341) 676
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Profit/(loss) for
the year from continuing
operations - (2,028) 122 1,409 (945) (9,676) (11,118)
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Segmental balance
sheet
as at 31 March 2017
Total assets - 19,305 - 18,059 315 37,393 75,072
Total liabilities - (22,445) - (336) (309) (33,987) (57,077)
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Net assets/(liabilities) - (3,140) - 17,723 6 3,406 17,995
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
Other segmental items
Depreciation - 359 - 30 - 179 619
Amortisation of other
intangible assets - 259 - 28 - 397 684
Capital expenditure - 102 - 29 - 288 419
-------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ---------
*- results for the Investment division are included in discontinued operations (see note 29)
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
3 Segmental Analysis continued
Geographical information
Analysis of revenue by origin and destination
Year ended 31 March Year ended Year ended Year ended
2018 Sales by destination 31 March 31 March 31 March
2018 Sales 2017 Sales 2017 Sales
GBP'000 by origin by destination by origin
Restated Restated
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------------ --------------
Channel Islands 364 - 664 10
United Kingdom 9,178 12,222 10,868 14,685
Hong Kong 284 - 123 -
Europe 522 - 915 -
North America 2,209 1,136 1,816 627
Singapore 147 - 87 -
Rest of Asia 88 - 172 -
Rest of the World 566 - 677 -
------------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------------ --------------
13,358 13,358 15,322 15,322
------------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------------ --------------
Destination is defined as the location of the customer. Origin is defined as the country of domicile of the Group company making the sale. All of the sales relate to external customers.
There were no customers in either 2018 or 2017 from which the Group earned more than 10% of its revenues.
Property, plant and equipment of GBP2,535,000 was split between the UK GBP2,492,000 (2017: GBP4,244,000) and the Channel Islands GBP43,000 (2016: GBP88,000).
Intangible assets of GBP5,977,000 (2017: GBP7,772,000) are all held in the UK.
4 Operating loss
The following table shows the material costs by nature charged to cost of sales, administrative expenses and selling and distribution costs for the continuing operations for year ending 31 March 2018 and the comparative figures for the prior year.
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
GBP'000 Restated
GBP'000
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense 8,011 8,570
Employee benefit costs expensed (see note 7) 3,793 6,301
Depreciation of property plant and equipment 490 784
Amortisation of intangible assets 543 588
Advertising & marketing expenses 624 1,282
Distribution & transport costs 433 494
Operating lease charges - leased premises 1,207 1,521
IT operating expenses 535 814
Other property operating costs 817 518
Impairment of trade receivables 129 57
Other administrative expenses 1,282 257
Fees payable to the Group's auditor for the
audit of the Group's annual accounts, including
subsidiaries 303 460
Fees payable to the Group's auditor for other
advisory services - 1
Other professional fees 758 624
Foreign exchange losses 62 (156)
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
18,987 22,115
The comparatives in this note have been amended to show only continuing operations. The result for the year ended 31 March 2018 of the discontinued operations and comparatives for the year ending 31 March 2018 are shown in note 29.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
5 Exceptional operating charges
The items of income and expenditure listed below are either non-recurring or unusual in size and therefore distort the view of the normal trading activities of the Group. They have therefore been separately identified to give more clarity on the underlying trend of the trading performance of the continuing operation for the year ended 31 March 2018 and the comparative figures for the prior year.
Year ended 31 March Year ended
2018 31 March
2017
GBP'000 Restated
GBP'000
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------
Stock provisions 4,202 506
392
Professional fees for corporate activity 1,235 587
Other impairment of intangible assets 541 1,000
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 392 -
Impairment of receivables 288 -
Loss on disposal of philatelic approvals
business 171 -
Restructuring and redundancy costs 119 589
Marketplace intangible asset written
off - 2,096
Release of other payables excess provision (616) -
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------
6,332 4,778
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ------------
The stock provisions largely related to a review of our philatelic realisable values as highlighted above. The professional fees relate to the significant corporate activity carried out during the year including the Phoenix transaction but exclude the element relating to the share issue. The release represents an over provision relating to prior periods.
The comparatives in this note have been amended to show only continuing operations. The result for the year ended 31 March 2018 of the discontinued operations and comparatives for the year ending 31 March 2018 are shown in note 29.
6 Directors' emoluments
The remuneration paid to the Directors of The Year ended
Stanley Gibbons Group plc was: Year ended 31 March
31 March 2018 2017
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Fees - 150
Salaries 369 804
Short-term employee benefits 369 954
Post-employment benefits 16 43
Share-based payment 69 181
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Key management personnel compensation 454 1,178
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
Number of Directors included in the defined - -
benefit pension scheme (note 25)
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -----------------
The detailed numerical analysis of Directors' remuneration is included in the Report on Remuneration on page 19. The charge to profit in respect of share options and awards issued to the Directors was GBP69,000 (2017: GBP181,000).
During the year the Group made payments into the personal pension schemes of H Wilson and A Cook. Total cost of these pension contributions to the Group were GBP16,000 (2017: GBP43,000).
Details of share options forfeited by Directors during the period are disclosed in the Report on Remuneration on page 19.
Management consider that the key management personnel comprise the Directors.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
7 Employee information
The average number of persons (including executive Directors) employed by the Group during the period was
93 (2017: 135). Year ended
Year ended 31 31 March
March 2018 2017
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
Management and Administration 35 61
Sales 38 53
Production and Editorial 17 16
Marketing 3 5
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
93 135
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
Staff costs relating to those persons during
the year amounted to:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
Wages and salaries 3,020 4,905
Social security costs 323 523
Pension costs - defined benefit scheme (note
25) 171 188
Pension costs - defined contribution scheme 98 250
Share option cost 181 435
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
3,793 6,301
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------ -----------------
The comparatives in this note have been amended to show only continuing operations. The result for the year ended 31 March 2018 of the discontinued operations and comparatives for the year ending 31 March 2018 are shown in note 29.
8 Taxation
UK corporation tax and overseas tax on profits for the year
Year ended 31 Year ended
March 2018 31 March
2017
GBP'000 Restated
Current tax: GBP'000
---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
UK corporation tax at 19% (2017: 20%) - -
Overseas tax - -
Deferred taxation (note 19) (138) -
---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
Current year tax credit (138) -
Adjustment relating to earlier periods (22) (886)
Deferred taxation - amounts relating to
earlier periods (see note 19) - (472)
---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
Tax credit (160) (1,358)
---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
Income tax attributable to:
Profit from continuing operations (133) (676)
Profit from discontinued operations (27) (682)
---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
(160) (1,358)
---------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
8 Taxation continued
The Company is registered in the Channel Islands and has subsidiaries in the Channel Islands, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and the USA. However a significant proportion of the profits in the Group are taxed in the UK. Accordingly, the difference between the total tax expense shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax to the profit is as follows:
Tax charge reconciliation Year ended
Year ended 31 March 31 March
2018 2017
% %
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------
The standard rate of corporation tax
in the UK 19.0 20.0
Effects of:
Item subject to capital gains tax - (0.5)
Disallowable items (0.9) (0.9)
Overseas profits taxable at lower rates (7.0) (0.3)
Losses for which no deferred asset recognised (9.4) (10.0)
Capital amortisation and provisions (1.2) (8.3)
Other permanent differences 0.6 -
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------
Effective rate of corporation tax for
year 1.1 -
---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------
The main rate of corporation tax in the UK was 19% for financial years starting on or after 1 April 2017.
9 Earnings per ordinary share
The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share is based on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. Adjusted earnings per share has been calculated to exclude the effect of exceptional operating costs, pension service costs, share option charges and the amortisation of customer lists. The Directors believe this gives a more meaningful measure of the underlying performance of the Group.
For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Group has only one category of dilutive ordinary shares: those share options granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the Company's ordinary shares during the period.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
9 Earnings per ordinary share continued Year ended
31 March
Year ended 31 2017
March 2018 Restated
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
in issue (No.) 184,749,520 178,916,643
Dilutive potential ordinary shares: Employee
share options (No.) 931,956 323,959
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Continuing operations
Loss after tax (GBP) (7,909,000) (11,118,000)
Pension service cost (net of tax) 139,000 150,000
Cost of share options (net of tax) 147,000 435,000
Amortisation of customer lists( net of tax) 192,000 423,000
Exceptional operating costs (net of tax) 708,000 4,559,,000
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Adjusted loss after tax (GBP) (6,723,000) (5,551,000)
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Basic loss per share - pence per share (p) (4.21)p (6.21)p
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Diluted loss per share - pence per share
(p) (4.21)p (6.21)p
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Adjusted loss per share - pence per share
(p) (3.58)p (3.10)p
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Adjusted diluted loss per share - pence
per share (p) (3.58)p (3.10)p
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Discontinued operations
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Loss after tax (GBP) (4,260,000) (17,682,000)
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Basic loss per share - pence per share (p) (2.27)p (9.88)p
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Diluted loss per share - pence per share
(p) (2.27)p (9.88)p
--------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------
Net assets per share, as disclosed in the financial highlights, are calculated using the net assets per the consolidated statement of financial position divided by the number of shares at 31 March 2018 per note 20.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
10 Intangible assets Publishing Computer Customer Brands &
Goodwill rights Software Lists trademarks Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
Cost
At 1 April 2016 24,268 19 9,056 3,593 6,052 42,988
Additions - internally
developed - - 118 - - 118
Reclassification from
tangible assets - - 687 - - 687
Disposals - - - - - -
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
At 31 March 2017 24,268 19 9,861 3,593 6,052 43,793
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
Additions - internally
developed - - 30 - - 30
Disposals (7,936) - (7,349) (1,386) (3,524) (20,195)
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
At 31 March 2018 16,332 19 2,542 2,207 2,528 23,628
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
Accumulated amortisation
and
impairment
At 1 April 2016 13,003 - 8,704 1,610 40 23,357
Impairment losses 8,697 - - 362 2,921 11,980
Amortisation charge - - 261 423 - 684
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
At 31 March 2017 21,700 - 8,965 2,395 2,961 36,021
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
Impairment losses 258 19 - 167 97 541
Amortisation charge - - 307 237 - 544
Disposals (7,936) - (7,349) (1,386) (2,784) (19,455)
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
At 31 March 2018 14,022 19 1,923 1,413 274 17,651
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
Net book value
At 31 March 2018 2,310 - 619 794 2,254 5,977
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
At 31 March 2017 2,568 19 896 1,198 3,091 7,772
------------------------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ----------- --------
The brought forward goodwill of GBP24,268,000 related to the acquisition of the Noble Investments Group (GBP23,682,000), the acquisition of Murray Payne (GBP212,000), the acquisition of the magazine 'Philatelic Exporter' (GBP87,000), the album producer 'Frank Godden' (GBP23,000), the trade of an independent stamp dealer (GBP10,000), the acquisition of Stampwants.com (GBP36,000) and the acquisition of Bid For Wine (GBP218,000).
Goodwill has undergone an impairment review with reference to expected future cash flows generated by these business units. Management looks at five year projections, using a cost of capital of 11.0% (2017: 10.9%), when determining if any impairment is likely. The key assumptions used by management derived from current budgets and forecast, are the growth in revenue and costs of between 1% and 3% (2017: 1% to 3%) over the period in question. The impairment review did not result in any additional impairment other than for that relating to Murray Payne and Stampwants.com, which are no longer used by the Group.
The disposals of goodwill, customer lists and brands were the elements of the Interiors Division that were sold and related to The Fine Art Auction Group Limited and Dover Street Limited (formerly Mallett Limited). The computer software disposal related to the Marketplace
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
11 Property, plant and equipment
Freehold Leasehold Fixtures,
land and property fittings, Vehicles,
Reference and tools and plant and
collection buildings improvements equipment machinery Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- ----------- ---------------------------- ---------- ---------- --------
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2016 1,587 - 4,264 1,419 1,303 8,573
Additions 15 - 222 64 - 301
Revaluation 70 - - - - 70
Disposals - - - (3) (45) (48)
Exchange differences - - 355 - - 355
Reclassification to
intangible assets - - - (423) (264) (687)
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
At 31 March 2017 1,672 - 4,841 1,057 994 8,564
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
Additions 6 - 17 10 2 35
Revaluation - - - - - -
Disposals (483) - (277) (461) (120) (1,341)
Exchange differences - - (159) - - (159)
Reclassification between
asset categories - 162 - (162) - -
At 31 March 2018 1,195 162 4,422 444 876 7,099
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2016 380 - 1,616 702 959 3,657
Charge for the year - - 523 62 34 619
Impairment for year - - - - - -
Depreciation on disposal - - - - (44) (44)
Transferred to current - - - - - -
assets
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
At 31 March 2017 380 - 2,139 764 949 4,232
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
Charge for the year - - 519 153 6 678
Impairment for year - - 151 - 2 153
Depreciation on disposal - - (83) (330) (86) (499)
Transferred to current
assets - - 154 (154) - -
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
At 31 March 2018 380 - 2,880 433 871 4,564
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
Net book value
At 31 March 2018 815 162 1,542 11 5 2,535
------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------------- ---------- ---------- --------
At 31 March 2017 1,292 - 2,702 293 45 4,332
The reference collection is subject to a full valuation every five years by a qualified external valuer and an interim valuation is carried out in year three by the Group's expert stamp dealers.
The last independent valuation of a part of the reference collection was carried out in March 2016 by A F Norris, Philatelic Consultant for the collection in London and in July 2017 by D R Seaby Philatelic Consultant for the Ringwood collection. The basis of the revaluation used was replacement value. The surplus of GBP70,000 was transferred to the revaluation reserve.
The revalued element of the reference collection is GBP436,000 (2017: GBP436,000). All other fixed assets are stated at historic cost less depreciation. If the reference collection had not been revalued it would have been included at a net book value based on historic cost of GBP379,000 (2017: GBP856,000).
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
11 Property, plant and equipment continued
Fully written down Property, Plant and Equipment with a cost of GBP1,706,000 (2017: GBP691,000) remains in use by the Group.
12 Inventories
31 March 2018 31 March 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Work in progress 200 1,131
Finished goods and goods for resale 18,103 54,094
18,303 55,225
As at 31 March 2018 GBP89,000 of the above inventories were owned by third parties, (2017: GBP14,642,000). As at 31 March 2018 GBP14,990,000 (2017: GBP27,683,000) of the above inventories were part of the security given in relation to the borrowings detailed in note 18.
During the year GBP4,202,000 was charged to exceptional costs for the write down of inventories (2017: GBP3,440,000 of which GBP506,000 related to continuing operations) following a review of the Group's carrying value of its inventories, as a result of comparison to net realisable value and checks for physical existence.
13 Current trade and other receivables
31 March 2018 31 March 2017
GBP'000
GBP'000
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Trade receivables 2,160 7,572
Provision for impairment (593) (5,105)
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Net trade receivables 1,567 2,467
Other receivables 1,332 129
Prepayments and accrued income 711 1,448
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
3,610 4,044
------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Other receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. If collection of the amounts is expected in one year or less they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 30 days and therefore are all classified as current. The Group's impairment and other accounting policies for trade and other receivables are outlined in note 1.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
14 Provision for impairment of receivables and collateral held
A provision is established for irrecoverable amounts where there is objective evidence that amounts due under the original payment terms will not be collected. Indications that the trade receivable may become irrecoverable would include financial difficulties of the debtor, likelihood of the debtor's insolvency and default or significant failure of payment.
Provision for impairment of receivables
Relating to debt over 6 months past
due
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Opening provision 5,105 5,210
Discontinued operations (4,812) -
Impairments in the year 304 -
Amounts utilised in the year (4) (105)
---------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Closing provision 593 5,105
----------------------------------------
As at 31 March 2018, excluding balances due under extended payment terms and those provided for by the impairment provision, GBP477,000 (2017: GBP3,010,000) of trade receivables, were past their due settlement date but not impaired. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Up to 3 months past due 198 1,594
3 to 6 months past due 58 398
Over 6 months past due 221 1,018
477 3,010
There are instances where receivables have had their terms renegotiated however the Group has not had to call upon its security due to default by customers at any time during the year. Trade receivables that are neither past due nor impaired are considered to be fully recoverable.
15 Current trade and other payables
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Trade payables 2,823 11,204
Other payables 1,837 11,705
Other taxes and social security 214 1,587
Accruals and deferred income 3,530 4,764
8,404 29,260
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
16 Non-current other payables
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Non-current
Due between 1 and 2 years - 1,965
Due between 2 and 5 years - 2,669
Due > 5 years - 42
- 4,676
--------
The above amounts, together with GBPnil (2017: 11,705,000) within current payables are the liabilities recognised in relation to certain investment plans. These total amounts represent the value of the relevant extant investment plans and will be payable if the plan holder chooses either not to hold their collectibles nor to reinvest in other collectibles on expiry of the investment scheme.
17 Cash and cash equivalents
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Cash at bank and in hand 4,596 2,349
Bank overdraft (as included in
borrowings in note 18) - (8,201)
Cash and cash equivalents 4,596 (5,852)
18 Borrowings
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
Current GBP'000 GBP'000
Loans 10,000 8,300
Bank overdraft - 8,201
10,000 16,501
The loan at 31 March 2018 of GBP10m is due to Phoenix S. G. Limited, the controlling party of the Group. Interest on the loan is 5% per annum added to the loan. The loan is due for repayment in March 2023, provided there is no event of default in the meantime.
The loans and overdrafts due to The Royal Bank of Scotland as at 31 March 2017 totalling GBP16.5m, upon which interest was charged at margins over LIBOR ranging between 1.3% and 2.75%, had increased to GBP17.5m by 16 March 2018 when they were part of the Phoenix transaction whereby GBP7m of this debt was assigned to Stanley Gibbons Finance Limited and GBP10.5m was assigned to Phoenix UK Fund Limited and subsequently to Phoenix S.G. Limited(see note 31).
In relation to the Phoenix S. G. Limited loan, the Group is required to satisfy financial conditions relating to cashflow and EBITDA. Commencing for the year ended 31 March 2019, the cashflow and EBITDA each need to exceed GBP1.0m, increasing to GBP1.5m for the year to 2020, GBP2.0m for the year to 2021, GBP2.5m for the year to 2022.
The Group is currently in default on its loan facilities as Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in administration) is in administration. Phoenix was aware of the default at the time of its investment resulting in an interest of just over 58% in the Company's share capital, the loan is also in default due to the qualified audit report in these financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2018. Although during periods of default the facilities are repayable on demand and hence classified as current borrowings, Phoenix S. G. Limited has not requested repayment.
During the year the Group paid arrangement facility fees of GBPnil (2017: GBPnil) for the above facilities. The borrowings are secured by a full fixed and floating charge debenture over the core assets of the group.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
19 Deferred tax assets and liabilities
Assets 31 31 March Liabilities 31 March
March 2018 2017 31 March 2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Defined benefit pension scheme
(note 25) 560 706 - -
Other timing differences 122 165 - -
Unutilised tax losses 509 473 - -
Deferred tax on revalued fixed
assets - - 70 113
Accelerated capital allowances - - 338 441
Full provision 1,190 1,344 408 554
The movement on deferred tax
assets is shown below
(Charge)/
credit to
31 March Profit and Comprehensive 31 March
2017 loss income 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Defined benefit pension scheme
(note 25) 706 - (146) 560
Other timing differences 165 (43) - 122
Unutilised tax losses 473 36 - 509
Deferred tax on revalued fixed
assets (113) 43 - (70)
Accelerated capital allowances (441) 102 - (339)
Full provision 790 138 (146) 782
20 Called up share capital
31 March 2018 31 March 2017 GBP'000 GBP'000
Authorised
500,000,000 (2017: 250,000,000) Ordinary Shares of 1p each 5,000 2,500
Allotted, issued and fully paid (all equity):
426,916,643 (2017: 178,916,643) Ordinary Shares of 1p each 4,269 1,789
On 16 March 2018 the Company increase its authorised share capital to 500,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p each and on 19 March issued a further 248,000,000 ordinary shares at an issue price of 2.5p a share. These shares were admitted to the Alternative Investment Market on that date. The net proceeds of this issue were GBP5,850,000.
On 1 April 2016, the Company issued 131,796,286 Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 10p a share. These shares were admitted to the Alternative Investment Market on that date. 129,996,286 shares were issued to shareholders by way of a fundraising exercise and 1,800,000 shares were issued to Evolution Securities China Limited (ESCL) for consultancy services supplied by ESCL to the Group. Clive Whiley is managing director of ESCL, which company is his ultimate employer. The net proceeds of this issue were GBP12,350,000.
Capital risk management
Capital is managed to ensure that the entities within the Group will be able to continue as a going concern whilst maximising the returns to stakeholders through the optimisation of debt and equity balances. Detail on capital structure is presented in the consolidated statement of financial position. Notes 21 and 22 provide details on equity. Details of loans and overdrafts at the year end are disclosed on page 9 in the Business Review and further disclosure can be found in note 18 and note 27. The external capital requirements imposed on the Group in relation to borrowings, are disclosed in note 18. Further detail on capital risk management can be found in the Directors' Report on pages 20 to 25.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
21 Options in shares of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc
Executive Share options are granted to Directors and other employees on a phased basis. The value of those options ensures that this spreads any reward over a number of years, allied to growth in shareholder value over the long term. Options granted under the Group Share Option Plan 2010 are exercisable between the third and tenth anniversaries of the date of grant.
Options issued in 2010 had the target of a minimum EPS of 17.3 pence for the year ended 31 December 2012. 25% of the granted options vest if this target is reached, rising on a straight line basis to 100% of options granted to vest if an EPS of 21.5 pence was achieved.
Options issued in 2011 had the target of a minimum EPS of 19.2 pence for the year ended 31 December 2013. 25% of the granted options vest if this target is reached, rising on a straight line basis to 100% of options granted to vest if an EPS of 22.7 pence was achieved.
Options issued in 2014 required that the Company's compound average Total Shareholder Return (TSR) growth over the performance period must match or exceed 8% per annum. The options vest over a number of shares determined as follows:
Compound average annual TSR growth over the Percentage of Option vesting (with straight line
performance period vesting between each point)
Less than 8% 0%
8%
25%
15% or more 100%
Options issued in 2016 were granted at market value and are not subject to performance condition.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
21 Options in shares of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc continued
Excluding the Directors' share options disclosed in the Report on Remuneration on page 19, detailed below are options which have been granted to employees together with the periods in which they may be exercised:
Date Earliest Expiry Exercise Number Granted Exercised Forfeited Number
of grant exercise date price 31 March in year in year in Year 31 March
date (1p shares) 2017 2018
01/6/10 01/6/13 31/5/20 123.5p 22,830 - - (22,830) -
06/5/11 06/5/14 05/5/21 179.0p 116,398 - - (63,900) 52,498
06/12/11 06/12/14 05/12/21 165.0p 4,774 - - (4,774) -
10/04/14 10/04/17 10/01/24 316.5p 42,366 - - (42,366) -
05/10/16 05/10/19 05/10/26 11.0p 10,630,000 - - (1,620,000) 9,010,000
10,816,368 - - (1,753,870) 9,062,498
Movements in the number of share options outstanding including Directors' share options and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:
31 March 2018 Average 31 March 31 March 31 March
exercise price per 2018 2017 Average 2017
share Options (thousands) exercise Options
price per (thousands)
share
At 1 April 18p 16,018 151p 2,803
Granted - - 11p 14,950
Forfeited/lapsed 45p (2,956) 175p (1,735)
Exercised - - - -
At 31 March 12p 13,062 18p 16,018
Share options outstanding at the end of the period have the following expiry date and exercise price:
Options (thousands) Options
31 March (thousands)
Exercise 2018 31 March
Expiry date price per share 2017
31 May 2020 123.5p - 23
30 September 2020 nil - 932
5 May 2021 179.0p 52 116
5 December 2021 165.0p - 5
10 April 2024 316.5p - 312
5 October 2026 11.0p 13,010 14,630
13,062 16,018
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
21 Options in shares of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc continued
Stochastic and Black-Scholes models have been used to value the awards. The awards issued and still outstanding in the year ended 31 March 2017 are set out below:
Dates of grant 05/10/2016 Number of options granted 14,950,000 Weighted average fair value at date of grant (per share) 5.20 Weighted average share price on date of grant 11.25p Weighted average exercise price 11.0p Expected term (from date of grant) 6.5 years Expected volatility 46.77% Expected dividend yield 0.00% Risk-free interest rate 0.42%
Expected volatility was determined by calculating historical volatility of the Group's share price over a minimum 10 year period.
An incentive plan for certain Directors of the Company was adopted on 30 September 2014 when grants of nil cost options were made over ordinary shares of 1p each under the Stanley Gibbons Group plc Value Creation Plan ('VCP'). Vesting of the awards was dependent on the level of total shareholder return over a three year period commencing on the grant of the awards. The performance condition was not achieved and the awards under the plan have therefore not vested.
On 2 February 2015 the Board approved the adoption by the Company of an incentive plan for senior executives within the Interiors Division (The Fine Art Auction Group Limited and its subsidiaries). Awards were subsequently made on 4 February 2015. Under the terms of the plan participants share in the growth in value of the Interiors Division measured over the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020. The performance condition was not achieved on the sale of the Interiors Division and the awards under the plan have therefore not vested.
22 Share premium and reserves
Share premium account
The share premium account is used to record the aggregate amount or value of premiums paid when the Company's
shares are issued at a premium.
Share compensation reserve
The share compensation reserve relates to the fair value of options granted which has been charged to the statement
of comprehensive income over the vesting period of the options.
Revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve relates to the reserve movement in respect of the revaluation of property, plant and
equipment and available for sale financial assets.
Capital redemption reserve
The capital redemption reserve represents the cumulative par value of all shares bought back and cancelled by the
Group.
Retained earnings
Retained earnings represents the accumulated profits not distributed to shareholders.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
23 Cash outflows from operating activities Year ended
Year ended 31 March
31 March 2018 2017
Restated
GBP'000 GBP'000
Operating loss (including discontinued operations) (11,998) (29,701)
Profit on sale of property - (325)
Profit on sale of discontinued operations (2,139) -
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 392 -
Depreciation of tangible assets 678 619
Amortisation of intangible assets 544 684
Impairment of intangible assets 541 11,980
Impairment of tangible assets 153 -
Decrease in provisions (308) (200)
Income from joint venture 113 -
Cost of share options 181 435
Decrease in inventories 14,522 10,696
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables (487) 9,742
Decrease in trade and other payables (less
deferred consideration) (4,543) (12,141)
Net exchange differences 183 (37)
Cash outflows from operating activities (2,168) (8,248)
24 Capital and other commitments
Lease commitments
At 31 March 2018 the Group had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
Payable: GBP'000
Within one year 1,389 2,201
Between two and five years 3,459 4,877
In five years or more 4,211 6,892
9,059 13,970
These figures represent the aggregate payable until expiration of all non-cancellable operating leases.
At 31 March 2018 the Group had future minimum rental payments receivable under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
Land and Buildings Land and Buildings
31 March 2018 31 March 2017
Receivable: GBP'000 GBP'000
Within one year 1,372 1,344
Between two and five years 5,040 5,067
In five years or more 5,042 7,027
11,454 13,438
These operating leases are all sub leases and the lease terms are coterminous with those of the company. The above rentals relate to the sub lease at premises in Strand and Pall Mall, London, and Madison Avenue, New York.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
25 Retirement benefits
The Stanley Gibbons Group of Companies operates two defined benefit pension schemes namely: (a) (a)The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme ("the Scheme")
The scheme closed to new members with effect from 1 September 2002 and to future accrual with effect from 1 July 2014. All employer costs are borne by Stanley Gibbons Limited. The assets of the scheme are held under the provisions of a trust deed and are invested in a range of different asset classes including equities, a diversified growth fund, property, corporate bonds, absolute return bond funds and liability driven investment funds. These funds are managed by different investment managers and are all held on the Mobius Life Investment Platform. This investment policy mitigates the actuarial risks that the scheme is exposed to such as longevity, interest rate, inflation and investment risks. The contributions are determined by a qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations using the projected unit method. The Scheme is funded with the assets held in separate trustee administered funds. Employees are entitled to retirement benefits based on their final pensionable salary and length of service.
The costs of insurance of the death-in-service benefits and all administration expenses and levies to the Pension Protection Fund are paid for by the employer.
The IAS19 disclosures for the year to 31 March 2018 are based on the results of the actuarial valuation as at 30 June 2015.
Scheme assets are stated at their market value at 31 March 2018. The Group currently pays deficit reduction contributions of GBP256,000 per annum under a Recovery Plan agreed on 10 April 2017.
-- The Mallett Retirement Benefits Scheme
This is a separate trustee administered scheme holding the pension plan assets to meet long term pension liabilities for employees and former employees. The level of retirement benefit is principally based on salary earned in the last three years of employment prior to leaving active service and is linked to changes in inflation up to retirement.
The plan is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator, and Guidance Notes adopted by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension plans in the UK.
The trustees of the plan are required to act in the best interest of the plan's beneficiaries. The appointment of the trustees is determined by the plan's trust documentation.
A full actuarial valuation was carried out as at 1 May 2016 and the funding of the plan is agreed between the Company and the trustees in line with those requirements. This actuarial valuation showed a deficit of GBP1,409,000. The Company agreed with the trustees that it will aim to eliminate the deficit over a period of 9 years and 1 month from 1 May 2016 by the payment of monthly contributions of GBP17,033 in respect of the deficit which includes an allowance of GBP1,200 towards Friends Life's expenses of administration. The Company will also meet expenses of the plan and levies to the Pension Protection Fund.
The IAS19 disclosures for the year to 31 March 2018 are based on the actuarial valuation as at 1 May 2016 and updated on an approximate basis to 31 March 2018.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
25 Retirement benefits continued
The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position are as follows:
31 March 31 March
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Present value of funded obligation (19,685) (20,390)
Fair value of scheme assets 14,356 14,304
Net obligation (5,329) (6,086)
Deferred tax asset 560 706
Retirement benefit obligation (4,769) (5,380)
GBP'000 GBP'000
Cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised
in other comprehensive income (2,450) (2,898)
The amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income for the period are as follows:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Current service cost 19 19
Interest cost on net benefit obligations 152 169
--------
Total included in employee benefit
expense 171 188
--------
Actual return on scheme assets 366 1,339
--------
The amounts recognised in other comprehensive income are as follows:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Actuarial gains/(losses) on scheme obligations
from financial assumptions 98 (2,943)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on scheme obligations
from demographic assumptions 101 487
Actuarial gains/(losses) on scheme obligations
from experience 251 411
Actuarial (losses)/gains on fair value of scheme
assets (2) 981
Remeasurement (losses)/gains 448 (1,064)
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit
obligation are as follows:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Present value of obligations at start
of year 20,390 18,376
Liabilities acquired at fair value - -
Current service cost 19 19
Interest cost 520 613
Contributions by employees - -
Remeasurement losses/(gains) (450) 2,045
Charges paid (19) (19)
Benefits paid (775) (644)
--------
Present value of obligations at end of
year 19,685 20,390
--------
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
25 Retirement benefits continued 31 March
Changes in the fair value of scheme assets 31 March 2018 2017
are as follows: GBP'000 GBP'000
Fair value of scheme assets at start of
year 14,304 13,154
Assets acquired at fair value - -
Expected return on scheme assets 368 444
Remeasurement gains/(losses) (2) 895
Contributions by employees - -
Contributions by company 480 474
Charges paid (19) (19)
Benefits paid (775) (644)
--------
Fair value of scheme assets at end of year 14,356 14,304
--------
The Group currently expects to contribute GBP493,000 to its defined benefit schemes in the financial year to 31 March 2019.
The major categories of scheme assets as a percentage of the fair value of total scheme assets are as follows:
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
% %
Equities 15.4% 33.5%
Corporate bonds 11.7% 31.9%
LLDI 9.3% -%
Multi Asset Credit 18.5% -%
Property 6.7% -%
Gilts/cash 0.6% 0.8%
Insurance policies 16.3% 19.3%
Diversified growth funds 20.5% 13.5%
Insured Annuitants 1.0% 1.0%
Principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting
date:
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
Future salary increases 2.15% 2.20%
Price inflation - RPI 3.15% 3.20%
Price inflation - CPI 2.15% 2.20%
Revaluation of deferred pensions 2.15% 2.20%
Pension Increase - Non Directors
Pre 1988 GMP 0.00% 0.00%
Post 1988 GMP 3.00% 3.00%
Pre 1997 0.00% 0.00%
Post 1997 2.15% 2.20%
Post 2005 2.15% 2.20%
Pension Increase - Directors
Pre 1997 3.00% 3.00%
Post 1997 3.15% 3.20%
Post 2005 3.15% 3.20%
Discount rate 2.60% 2.60%
Equities (long term expected rate of return) 2.60% 2.60%
Corporate bonds (long term expected rate
of return) 2.60% 2.60%
2
Fixed interest gilts (long term expected
rate of return) 2.60% 2.60%
Cash (long term expected rate of return) 2.60% 2.60%
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
25 Retirement benefits continued
The mortality assumptions adopted at 31
March 2018 imply the following life expectations: 31 March
The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension 31 March 2018 2017
and Assurance Scheme In years In years
Retiring at 65 at reporting date
Male 21.8 22.0
Female 23.7 23.8
Retiring at 65 at reporting date + 20 years
Male 22.9 23.0
Female 24.9 25.0
---------
The Mallett Retirement Benefits Scheme
31 March 2018 31 March
2017
In years In years
Retiring at 65 at reporting date
Male 21.8 22.0
Female 23.7 23.8
---------
Retiring at 65 at reporting date + 20 years
Male 22.9 23.0
Female 24.9 25.0
---------
Sensitivity of results
The value placed on the benefit obligation is particularly sensitive to changes in some of the key assumptions as
detailed below:
The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme
Change in
the benefit (Deficit)
Obligation - % GBP'000s
Assumption as per IAS 19 disclosures n/a (3,554)
0.25% p.a. reduction in discount rate 3.5% (3,996)
0.25% increase in CPI inflation 2.0% (3,810)
Pensions payable for 1 year longer due to mortality assumptions
3.1% (3,941)
The Mallett Retirement Benefits Scheme
Change in Change in
the benefit the benefit
Obligation Asset - % (Deficit)
- % GBP'000s
Assumption as per IAS 19 disclosures n/a n/a (1,775)
0.25% p.a. reduction in discount rate 4.7% 1.2% (2,058)
0.25% increase in inflation 3.5% 0.3% (2,000)
Pensions payable for 1 year longer
due to mortality assumptions* 3.3% 2.2% (1,897)
* The change to the mortality assumption increase member's life expectancy by assuming each member was born one year later and therefore has the life expectancy of someone aged one year younger.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
25 Retirement benefits continued
Amounts for the current and previous four periods are as follows:
31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 December
2018 2017 2016 2015 2013
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Present value of defined
benefit obligations Fair
value of scheme assets (19,685) (20,390) (18,232) (18,946) (10,579)
14,356 14,304 13,010 13,130 7,294
Deficit (5,329) (6,086) (5,222) (5,816) (3,285)
Experience adjustments on
scheme assets (2) 895 (527) 978 544
Effects of changes in the
demographic and
financial assumptions in
the underlying scheme
liabilities
- Amount 199 (2,456) 659 (2,077) (297)
- Percentage of benefit
obligation 1.0% -12.0% 3.6% -10.9% -2.8%
Future profile of the Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme
The Stanley Gibbons Holdings PLC Pension and Assurance Scheme closed to new members with effect from 1 September 2002. This will result in the age profile of the active membership rising over time and hence, under the method required to calculate IAS 19 liabilities, the future cost in relation to this Scheme will rise in the long-term.
The Group has considered the impact of the IAS 19 deficit in respect of the Group, its employees and pensioners. The deficit has decreased from GBP3,832,000 at 31 March 2017 to GBP3,554,000 at 31 March 2018 principally arising from changes in scheme data and a change from the approximate methodology used in previous disclosures.
Future profile of the Mallet Retirements Benefits Scheme
The Mallet Retirements benefits Scheme was closed to new members in 2002. This will result in the age profile of the active membership rising over time and hence, under the method required to calculate IAS 19 liabilities, the future cost in relation to this Scheme will rise in the long-term.
The Group has considered the impact of the IAS 19 deficit in respect of the Group, its employees and pensioners. The deficit has decreased from GBP2,254,000 at 31 March 2017 to GBP1,775,000 at 31 March 2018 principally arising from changes in scheme data and a change from the approximate methodology used in previous disclosures.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
26 a Contingent liability - Investment Plans
The Group's wholly owned subsidiary Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Ltd, has potential liabilities that would be due to customers of certain previously sold investment products still extant. They will become payable if the customer chooses to exercise a guarantee or undertaking within their contracts to require the Group to buy back their collectibles at 75% of the latest Stanley Gibbons catalogue price where appropriate, or otherwise at 75% of the market value. The granting of the administration order on 21 November 2017 for Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited resulted in the Group's loss of control of the business and its assets and liabilities. This also resulted in the contingent liabilities no longer becoming payable by the Group and as a result at 31 March 2018 the maximum potential liability was GBPnil (2017: GBP54,150,000).
26 b Contingent liability - Litigation
The Group continues to cooperate with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), following the conclusion of the Department of Justice's ("DOJ") criminal prosecution against a former client, (arising in part out of his dealings with Mallett, Inc) and a New York based former director of Mallett plc. Both the SEC and DOJ are aware that Mallett's new owners were not involved in the events underlying the investigation, and there have been discussions with the SEC regarding resolution of these matters.
Whilst no criminal or civil charges have been filed against Mallett Inc. or any Mallett Group company to date, we have made an offer to the SEC that would resolve all outstanding issues. We understand that the SEC Staff has recommended acceptance of the settlement offer to the SEC Commission, but as of the date of this disclosure, no decision has been made by the Commission. Any settlement with the SEC will require court approval.
Given the former director's admitted criminal conduct, the Group is pursuing civil action against certain former directors of Mallett plc in respect of losses it has incurred as a result of these matters.
Though the Board cannot predict with certainty the outcome of the situation their best estimate of the future costs associated with the above, as at 31 March 2018, is GBP0.6m, which excludes any potential recovery from the former directors of Mallett. This amount is the accrual at the year end.
27 Financial instruments
The Group is exposed through its operations to the following risks:
- Credit risk - Interest rate risk - Liquidity risk
The Group is exposed to the risk that arises from its use of financial instruments. The Group's financial instruments comprise cash and available banking facilities and various items such as trade receivables and trade payables which arise directly from operations. The Group financed its operations until 16 March 2018 with a bank loan and overdrafts. Following the refinancing the Group is financed by a fixed interest loan provided by Phoenix SG Limited, details of the loan facility can be found in note 18. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group's operations.
The Group's policies and procedures in managing these risks are detailed in the Business Review on pages 8 to 14.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
27 Financial instruments continued
Summary of financial assets and liabilities by category
The principal financial instruments used by the Group, from which financial instrument risk arises are shown below
summarised by category:
31 March 2018 31 March
GBP'000 2017
GBP'000
Financial assets - Loans and receivables
Trade and other receivables 3,610 4,044
Cash at bank 4,596 2,349
--------
8,206 6,393
--------
Financial liabilities measured at amortised
cost
Trade and other payables 8,404 33,936
Borrowings 10,000 16,501
--------
18,404 50,437
--------
(10,198) (44,044)
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or contractual party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Group is mainly exposed to credit risk from credit sales. In order to manage risk the Group has implemented policies that require appropriate credit checks on potential customers before sales are made. These checks are performed at a local level. The amount of any exposure to any individual counterparty is subject to a limit which is regularly reviewed by the Directors.
Credit risk also arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions. Risks associated with cash deposits are limited as the banks used have high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.
The Group's exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position as noted in the above table.
The Directors of the Company consider that all the above financial assets for each of the consolidated statement of financial position dates under review are of a good credit quality, including those past due settlement dates. See note 16 for more information on financial assets that are past due settlement dates.
Interest rate risk
The Group finances its operations through a combination of bank loans and overdraft (see note 18), and through
the generation of cash from operating activities and has no interest rate exposure on any other financial liabilities.
The finance charge of the Group for the year to 31 March 2018 of GBP489,000 (2017: GBP266,000) comprised loan interest & charges of GBP444,000 (2017: GBP223,000).
The bank loans in place until 16 March 2018 were linked to LIBOR. A 0.05% (5 basis point movement) (2017: 0.05%) movement in LIBOR would have resulted in an additional interest charge of GBP9,000 (2017: GBP8,000). The refinance resulted in the bank loans being replaced by a GBP10,000,000 fixed interest loan (5% per annum) provided by Phoenix SG Limited.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
27 Financial instruments continued
Foreign exchange risk
The Group had no material exposure to foreign exchange risk in the year ended 31 March 2017. The Group did have assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies relating to USA activities of Mallett Inc. This activity was deemed as a material risk of foreign currency exposure to the group. Liabilities that arise in US $ are managed from cash generated by the sale of assets in these currencies or by the use of foreign currency earnings generated elsewhere within the Group.
After the discontinuation of the Mallett trading business the only significant foreign asset is a lease on a New York property. The property is sub-let and generates income to cover associated costs and therefore the foreign exchange risk is minimal.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of its working capital and the finance charges and principal repayment on its bank borrowings. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due.
The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs. The Group's liquidity risk is managed by the Group finance function. Budgets and forecasts are prepared throughout the year for the Directors. These are monitored to ensure that the Group has sufficient headroom within its current cash balance to meet liabilities as they fall due. The forecasts are dependent upon the liabilities, not materialising at a level greater than forecast and trading improving from its current level in line with management's expectations. In the event that either these liabilities increased or trading deteriorates the Group would require access to additional liquidity.
The Group's financial liabilities have contractual maturities (representing undiscounted contractual cash flows) as summarised below:
Within 6 months Between Between
GBP'000 6 and 12 months 1 and 5 years Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 31 March 2018
Trade and other payables 8,404 - - 8,404
Borrowings 10,000 - - 10,000
18,404 - - 18,404
At 31 March 2017
Trade and other payables 28,125 1,135 4,676 33,936
Borrowings 16,501 - - 16,501
44,626 1,135 4,676 50,437
Included within trade and other payables is an amount of GBP189,000 (2017: GBP16,381,000) relating to previous customers of certain investment plans and will be payable if the customer chooses not to hold their collectibles or reinvest in other collectibles.
The Directors monitor these liabilities as they fall due and have procedures in place to ensure that the liquidity risk from these maturing investments in minimised.
.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
28 Identity of related parties
The Company has a controlling related party relationship with its subsidiary companies (see note 32). The Group also had a related party relationship with its Directors.
Transactions between parent and subsidiaries
The parent company charged management fees of GBP1,771,170 in the year to 31 March 2018 (2017: GBP2,221,000) to
its subsidiaries.
Transactions with Directors and key management personnel
The remuneration of the Directors and details of share options granted are disclosed in the Report on Remuneration
and in note 6. There are no key management personnel, as defined in IAS 24, aside from the Directors.
Year ended 31 March 2018
H G Wilson made purchases during the year to the value of GBP23,514, he had a purchase ledger balance of GBP5,818 at the year end.
During the year the Group paid GBP254,820 to Evolution Securities China Ltd for corporate consultancy services. C P Whiley was the Managing Director of this company.
Year ended 31 March 2017
M Hall and D Duff forfeited share options during the year to 31 March 2017 as follows:
Shares forfeited
No. Price
M Hall 137,741 363.0p
D Duff 97,796 363.0p
H G Wilson made purchases during the year to the value of GBP31,126, he had a purchase ledger balance of GBP3,289 at the year end.
The Group received rental income of GBP6,300 during the year from Marbral Limited, a company 100% owned by Mr Bralsford.
During the year the Group paid GBP304,000 to Evolution Securities China Ltd for corporate consultancy services. C P Whiley is the Managing Director of this company.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
29 Discontinued Operations
During the year ended 31 March 2018 the company began to dispose of various assets of its Interiors division resulting in the cessation of trading in this segment. As a result the financial information relating to the Interiors division has been reported as a discontinued operation and that information is presented in the note below.
On 21 November 2017 the directors of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited applied for and were granted an administration order. Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited was the entity through which the Groups Investment division activities had been conducted. The administration order resulted in the Group losing control of this business and its assets and so the Investment division's results have been reclassified as discontinued operations. The assets and liabilities of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited that the Group lost control of are shown below. The contingent liability disclosed in note 26a at GBP54m related to guarantees and undertakings within investment products, previously sold by Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited and so have also been removed from the Group.
Financial performance and cash flow information
The financial performance and cash flow information of the Interiors division for the year ending 31 March 2018 and the financial performance and cash flow information of the Investment division up until the date of administration on 21 November 2017 are shown in the note below
Investments Interiors Total Investments Interiors Total
31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March
2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 8,420 3,828 12,248 19,076 8,066 27,142
Expenses (13,030) (5,644) (18,674) (19,250) (26,581) (45,831)
Loss before income
tax (4,610) (1,816) (6,426) (174) (18,515) (18,689)
Income tax credit - 27 27 - 682 682
Loss after income
tax of discontinued
operation (4,610) (1,789) (6,399) (174) (17,833) (18,007)
Gain on disposal
of assets 269 1,870 2,139 - 325 325
Loss/profit from
discontinued operation (4,341) 81 (4,260) (174) (17,508) (17,682)
Net cash outflow
from operating activities (1,469) (2,802) (4,271) (579) (3,703) (4,282)
Net cash - sales
proceeds (87) 2,740 2,653 - 2,500 2,500
Net decrease in cash
from discontinued
operations (1,556) (62) (1,618) (579) (1,203) (1,782)
Details of the sale of assets
Details of the assets disposed of and the detail of the balance sheet of the Investment division at the date of administration are shown in the note below.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
29 Discontinued Operations continued
Investments Interiors Total
31 March 31 March 31 March
2018 2018 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Consideration received
Cash (87) 2,768 2,681
Fair value of consideration - (713) (713)
Total disposal consideration (87) 2,055 1,968
Amount of net (assets)/liabilities
sold 356 (185) 171
Gain /(loss) on sale 269 1,870 2,139
The carrying value of assets and liabilities for the Investments division is shown as at the date of administration, 21 November 2017. The Interiors division trade and assets was disposed of in a number of transfers during the year. The assets and liabilities below is the consolidation of those disposals.
Investments Interiors Total
31 March 31 March 31 March
2018 2018 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Property plant &
equipment - 209 209
Intangible assets - 740 740
Investments - 11 11
Inventories 22,379 21 22,400
Trade and other receivables 11,748 320 12,068
Total assets 34,127 1,301 35,428
304
Liabilities
Trade and other payables (34,483) (1,116) (35,599)
Net assets/(liabilities) (356) 185 (171)
Deferred consideration
An amount of GBP713,000 is payable to the purchaser of the Dreweatts business and is based on the net liabilities of the Dreweatts business at the date of disposal being 30th September 2017.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
30 Post Balance Sheet Events
Agreement to Purchase Inventory from Phoenix S. G. Limited
On 10 September 2018 Stanley Gibbons Limited (SGL) entered into an agreement with Phoenix S.G. Limited (Phoenix SG) under which Stanley Gibbons Limited acquired certain philatelic and numismatic the items from Phoenix SG for an initial consideration of GBP5.2million.
The consideration is payable in cash to Phoenix SG over the term of the agreement, as and when sales of the inventory are made to third parties and will be the net proceeds, after deduction of a commission payment to be made to SGL, on completed sales. The commission payment is in line with that which SGL would earn on similar deals with unrelated parties.
The items purchased from Phoenix SG had been acquired by them from the administrators of Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited (in administration) and represented the majority of the stock owned by Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) when it went into administration. The agreement is for a total term of 10 years and any sale at a value that is less than the base cost of an inventory item can only be made with the specific permission of Phoenix SG. To the extent that all of the inventory is sold and the appropriate payments have been made by SGL to Phoenix SG no further consideration will be due. To the extent that inventory remains to be sold at the end of the agreement the relevant inventory will be returned to Phoenix SG and no further consideration will be due.
31 Refinancing
The Group carried out a refinancing which was completed on the 19 March 2018, following shareholder approval on the 16 March 2018. The initial counterparty was Phoenix UK Fund Limited and on 27 March 2018 the shares, loans and related agreements were transferred to its wholly owned subsidiary Phoenix S. G. Limited. Throughout this note a reference to 'Phoenix' is to the controlling party at that time.
Phoenix subscribed to 248,000,000 new Ordinary Shares at an issue price of 2.5p, representing 58.09% of the enlarged issued share capital of the Company. As a result of the above the Group's cash resources were increased by GBP5.85m after the payment of costs directly relating to the share issue of GBP0.35m.
Phoenix purchased the total Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited intercompany debt of GBP6.5m due to the Group, at the point the administration order was granted, for GBP2.75m. The GBP2.75m was used to capitalise a new wholly owned subsidiary, Stanley Gibbons Finance Limited, to enable it to acquire its share of the debt from RBS.
The RBS debt, which at the point of completion stood at GBP17.5m, GBP10.5m was assigned to Phoenix and GBP7.0m was assigned to Stanley Gibbons Finance Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Group immediately repaid GBP0.5m of the Phoenix loan from share issue proceeds, reducing the loan to GBP10.0m, which is repayable in March 2023.
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
32 Principal subsidiaries
The principal subsidiary undertakings of the Company, all of which are 100% owned are as follows:
Country Description of
Name of incorporation shares held Principal activity
Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Guernsey Ordinary GBP1 shares Philatelic dealer
Limited (in administration)** and dealer in memorabilia
Stanley Gibbons (Jersey) Jersey Ordinary GBP1 shares Philatelic dealer
Limited and dealer in memorabilia
Stanley Gibbons E-commerce Jersey Ordinary GBP1 shares E-commerce retailing
Limited
Stanley Gibbons Holdings England Ordinary GBP0.25 Holding Company
Limited shares
Stanley Gibbons Limited* England Ordinary GBP1 shares Philatelic dealer
and retailer, and
dealer in memorabilia
Stanley Gibbons (Asia) Hong Kong Ordinary HK$1 shares Philatelic dealer
Limited and dealer in memorabilia
Stanley Gibbons (SEA) Singapore Ordinary S$1 shares Philatelic dealer
Pte Limited and dealer in memorabilia
Stanley Gibbons US, Inc* United States Common stock US$0.0001 Web development
Minden House Limited Jersey Ordinary GBP1 shares First day cover dealer
Concept Court Limited England Ordinary GBP1 shares First day cover dealer
Murray Payne Limited England Ordinary GBP1 shares Philatelic dealer
and auctioneer
Noble Investments (UK) England Ordinary 1p shares Holding Company
Limited
AH Baldwin & Sons Limited* England Ordinary GBP1 shares Dealer and auctioneer
in rare coins and
other collectibles
Greenfield Auctions Limited* England Ordinary GBP1 shares Auctioneers of works
on paper
The Fine Art Auction Group England Ordinary GBP0.45 Auctioneers and valuers
Limited* shares Preferred of art, antiques
GBP1 shares and collectibles
Preferred GBP0.25
shares
Deferred GBP0.25
shares
Dover Street Limited* England Ordinary GBP0.05 Holding company
(formerly Mallett shares
Limited)
Milsom Street Limited* England Ordinary GBP1 shares Antique dealers
(formerly
Mallett & Son (Antiques)
Limited)
Octagon Chapel Limited* England Ordinary GBP1 shares Antique dealers
(formerly
Mallett Overseas Limited)
Mallett, Inc* United States Common stock US$1 Antique dealers
Stanley Gibbons Finance England Ordinary GBP1 shares Loan finance
Limited
* Indirect holding
** Not controlled due to administration
Notes to the Financial Statements
continued
33 Controlling party
In the opinion of the directors the controlling party of the Group after the 19 March 2018 was Phoenix UK Fund Limited and after 27 March 2018 was Phoenix S. G. Limited. There was no controlling party prior to 19 March 2018 or in the prior period.
Directors' Biographical Details
Henry George Wilson, Director and Non-executive Chairman
Date of Birth: 18 September 1952. Date of Appointment as Director: 16 May 2016.
Harry Wilson received a BSc in physics from Manchester University in 1973. Following graduation he spent 17 years in various roles at British Petroleum and attended the Executive Programme at the INSEAD Business School in France in 1985.
Harry has over 35 years business experience, initially in the oil industry but successively in a wide range of business sectors. He has been founder, CEO and Chairman of a number of independent oil companies and led public listings for five companies including Dragon Oil Plc and Eland Oil & Gas Plc. He has been an executive and non-executive director of listed companies in the UK and abroad and has built up an extensive range of London and international contacts in the investment, broking and advisory communities.
Throughout his business career Harry has taken a keen interest in collectibles, particularly stamps and antiques. He is a longstanding member of the Royal Philatelic Society London, the Malaya Study Group and the India Study Group.
Harry was appointed a Director on 16 May 2016 and became Executive Chairman on 14 July 2016. Following completion of the debt restructuring and subscription for new shares by Phoenix he resumed his role as Non-Executive Chairman on 19 March 2018. He is Chairman of the Nomination Committee and member of the Audit Committee.
.
Graham Elliott Shircore, Chief Executive Officer
Date of Birth: 24 October 1981. Date of Appointment as Director: 19 March 2018.
Graham Shircore graduated from Bath University with a BSc (Hons.) degree in Business Administration in 2005. During his time at University he completed internships with Fidelity, Principal Investment Management and Motorola Finance as well as passing the IMC exam.
Following graduation he joined Aviva Investors, subsequently becoming a UK Equity Analyst there. Having passed all three levels of the CFA exam he became a UK Equity Fund Manager in 2008 and later also managed European funds before moving to Rothschild Wealth Management in 2013 as a Senior Equity Analyst. There he helped shape and implement the equity research process.
Graham joined Phoenix Asset Management Partners in January 2017 and was heavily involved in the due diligence process which ultimately led to Phoenix taking a 58% equity stake in The Stanley Gibbons Group.
Graham was appointed a Director on 19 March 2018 and Chief Executive Officer on 4 June 2018.
Andrew Cook, Chief Financial Officer
Date of Birth: 24 March 1963. Date of Appointment as Director: 14 July 2016.
Andrew Cook, who was appointed Group Managing Director on 31 May 2016, joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer on 14 July 2016.
Andrew is an experienced finance executive having previously held the position of Group Finance Director at Orchard & Shipman Group plc and at Medina Dairy Ltd. Prior to this Andrew held senior finance, commercial and executive roles for various companies including Kelly Services, The Body Shop and The Virgin Group.
Directors' Biographical Details
continued
Clive Peter Whiley, Non-exectutive Director
Date of Birth: 16 June 1960. Date of Appointment as Director: 31 March 2016.
Clive Whiley became a Member of The London Stock Exchange in 1983 and a Fellow of the Securities Institute in 1995. He has extensive main board executive director experience across a broad range of financial services, engineering, manufacturing, distribution & leisure businesses covering the UK, Europe, North America, Australasia and the People's Republic of China.
Mr Whiley is currently Executive Chairman of Mothercare PLC, and a Non-Executive Director of Camper & Nicholsons Marina Investments Limited and Grand Harbour Marina PLC.
He is also Chairman of China Venture Capital Management Limited, First China Venture Capital Limited and Y-Lee Limited.
Clive was appointed an Executive Director on 31 March 2016. Following completion of the debt restructuring and subscription for new shares by Phoenix on 19 March 2018 he became a Non-Executive Director of the Company. He also chairs the Remuneration Committee.
Louis Emmanuel Castro BSc, BComm (Hons), FCA, Non- Executive Director - Independent Date of Birth: 12 August 1958 Date of Appointment as Director: 3 October 2016.
Louis has over 30 years' experience in investment banking and broking both in the UK and overseas. Most recently he has been the Chief Financial Officer at Eland Oil & Gas, a publicly quoted company where he was one of two executive board directors. Previously he was Chief Executive of Northland Capital Partners in London and before this he was Head of Corporate Finance at Matrix Corporate Capital and at Insinger de Beaufort. He started his career by qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC).
Louis has widespread international experience having advised the Boards of companies worldwide including companies in the retail sector. He has led on numerous public listings and has been a non-executive director of several quoted companies.
Mr Castro is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He graduated in 1980 from Birmingham University with a BSc & BComm (Hons) in Engineering Production & Economics. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of The Stanley Gibbons Group plc ("Company") will be held at 399 Strand, London WC2R 0LX on Thursday 1 November 2018 at 11.30 a.m. for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, adopting the following resolutions relating to the ordinary and special business of the Company at the Annual General Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
NB: You will not receive a form of proxy for the Annual General Meeting in the post. Instead, you will receive instructions to enable you to vote electronically and how to register to do so. You will still be able to vote in person at the Annual General Meeting, and may request a hard copy proxy form directly from the registrars, Link Asset Services, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, BR3 4TU (telephone number: 0871 664 0300).
Ordinary Business
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions as Ordinary Resolutions:
-- "THAT the Company's audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018 and the Directors' and Auditors' Reports thereon be approved and adopted."
-- "THAT HG Wilson, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company."
-- "THAT A Cook, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company."
-- "THAT CP Whiley, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company."
-- "THAT LE Castro, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company."
-- "THAT GE Shircore, who retires in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, and, being eligible, be re-elected as a Director of the Company."
-- "THAT BDO Limited be appointed as Auditors of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting and to authorise the Directors to fix the Auditors' remuneration."
Special Business
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as a Special Resolution:
Authority to purchase own Ordinary Shares
-- "THAT the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised to make one or more market purchases of its own Ordinary Shares, such purchases to be of Ordinary Shares of one pence (1p) each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares"), provided that:
-- the maximum number of Ordinary Shares authorised to be purchased shall be 64,000,000 Ordinary Shares, being approximately 15 per cent of the issued capital of the Company; and
-- the minimum price which may be paid for any such Ordinary Shares shall be 1p per Ordinary Share (exclusive of expenses); and
-- the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for such Ordinary Shares shall be an amount equal to 5 per cent above the average middle market quotations of an Ordinary Share as derived from the Daily Official List of the UKLA for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which any such Ordinary Shares are purchased or contracted to be purchased;
Notice of Annual General Meeting
continued
-- unless otherwise varied renewed or revoked the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2019; and
-- prior to expiry of the authority hereby conferred the Company may enter into a contract or contracts for the purchase of Ordinary Shares which may be executed in whole or in part after such expiry and may purchase Ordinary Shares pursuant to such contract or contracts as if the authority hereby conferred had not so expired."
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as an Ordinary Resolution: Authority to allot Ordinary Shares
9. "THAT the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all powers of the Company to issue or grant equity securities (as defined in the articles of association of the Company (the "Articles")) in accordance with article 2.2(b) of the Articles:
(a) up to a maximum number of 73,083,357 Ordinary Shares (such number to be reduced by the number of Ordinary Shares allotted pursuant the authority in sub-paragraph (b) below) in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue:
-- to holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings; and
-- to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and
(b) in any other case, up to a maximum of 142,000,000 Ordinary Shares (such number to be reduced by the number of any Ordinary Shares allotted pursuant to the authority in sub-paragraph (a) above in excess of 142,000,000),
provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company, expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2019, save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be issued or granted and the Directors may issue or grant equity securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the authority conferred by this resolution has expired."
To consider, and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution as a Special Resolution:
Disapplication of pre-emption rights
10. "THAT, subject to the passing of the ordinary resolution numbered 9 in this notice of Annual General Meeting, the Directors be given the general power to issue or grant equity securities (as defined in the Articles) for cash either pursuant to the authority conferred by the ordinary resolution numbered 9 in this notice of Annual General Meeting or by way of a sale of treasury shares, as if the pre-emption rights contained in article 2.7 of the Articles did not apply to any such issue or grant, provided that this power shall be limited to:
Notice of Annual General Meeting
continued
(a) the allotment or grant of equity securities in connection with an offer of equity securities (but, in the case of the authority granted under sub-paragraph (a) of the ordinary resolution numbered 9 in this notice of Annual General Meeting, by way of a rights issue only):
-- to the holders of Ordinary Shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings; and
-- to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and
(b) the allotment or grant (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) of equity securities up to a maximum of 106,500,000 Ordinary Shares.
The power granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2019 (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to or on such date) save that the Company may, before such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or granted after such expiry and the Directors may allot or grant equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution has expired."
by order of the board of Directors of
The Stanley Gibbons Group plc
RK Purkis, Secretary
Dated: 26 September 2018
Registered Office Address: 18 Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4UA, Channel Islands.
NOTES:
-- A member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the meeting convened by the notice set out above is entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of your rights to attend, speak (with permission of the Chairman) and vote on your behalf at a general meeting of the Company.
You can vote either:
-- online, by logging on to www.signalshares.com and following the instructions;
-- by requesting a hard copy form of proxy directly from the registrars, Link Asset Services by calling tel: 0371 664 0300. Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales;
-- in the case of CREST members, by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment service in accordance with
the procedures set out below.
In order for a proxy appointment to be valid a proxy instruction must be completed. In each case the proxy instruction must be received by Link Asset Services at 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4ZF by 11.30 am on 30(th) October 2018.
-- In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment submitted by the most senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint holders appear in the Company's register of members in respect of the joint holding (the first-named being the most senior).
-- In the case of a member which is a company, your proxy form must be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by a duly authorised officer of the Company or an attorney for the Company.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
continued
-- Any power of attorney or any other authority under which your proxy form is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power or authority) must be included with your proxy form.
-- If you submit more than one valid proxy appointment, the appointment received last before the latest time for the receipt of proxies will take precedence.
-- You may not use any electronic address provided in your proxy form to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated.
-- CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so for the General Meeting to be held on 1 November 2018 and any adjournment(s) thereof by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider should refer to their CREST sponsors or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a "CREST Proxy Instruction") must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited's specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message must be transmitted so as to be received by the Company's agent, Link Asset Services (CREST Participant ID: RA10), no later than 48 hours before the time appointed for the meeting. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time stamp applied to the message by the CREST Application Host) from which the Company's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST.
CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsor or voting service provider should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider, to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider takes) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsor or voting service provider are referred in particular to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.
The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Article 34 of the Companies (Uncertified Securities) (Jersey) Order 1999.
-- Pursuant to Article 40 of the Companies (Uncertificated Securities) (Jersey) Order 1999, the Company specifies that only those members entered on the register of members of the Company as at close of business on 30 October 2018 or, if the meeting is adjourned, 48 hours before the time fixed for the adjourned meeting shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting in respect of the number of Ordinary Shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries on the register of members after close of business on 30 October 2018 or, if the meeting is adjourned, on the register of members 48 hours before the time fixed for the adjourned meeting shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting.
-- Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same Ordinary Shares.
-- Any member attending the meeting has the right to ask questions. The Company has to answer any questions raised by members at the meeting which relate to the business being dealt with at the meeting unless:
-- to do so would interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential information;
-- the answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question, or;
-- it is undesirable in the interests of the company or the good order of the meeting to answer the question.
11. Copies of the directors' service contracts and letters of appointment are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours on any business day and will be available for inspection at the place where the meeting is being held from 15 minutes prior to and during the meeting.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Resolutions 2 - 6: Directors seeking re-election
The entire Board of Directors comprising Harry Wilson, Graham Shircore, Andrew Cook, Clive Whiley and Louis Castro will retire from office
and offer itself for re-election, at this year's Annual General Meeting.
Biographical details of the Directors seeking re-election are contained in the Annual Report 2018.
Resolution 7: Appointment of auditor
At each general meeting at which the accounts are laid before the members, the Company is required to appoint an auditor to serve until
the next such meeting. The resolution also authorises the Board to determine the remuneration of the Company's auditor.
Resolution 8: Authority for Company to purchase its own Ordinary Shares
The previous authority granted by the shareholders to the Directors for the Company to purchase its own Ordinary Shares will shortly expire and the Directors recommend that a further authority in this respect be obtained. The authority, if renewed at the Annual General Meeting, would permit the Company to purchase up to approximately 15% of its issued Ordinary Shares for a price (exclusive of expenses) which is not less than the nominal value of an Ordinary Share and not more than 5% above the average market value of an Ordinary Share for the five business days prior to the day the purchase is made. The authority granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.
The Board would only authorise such purchases after careful consideration, taking account of other investment opportunities, appropriate gearing levels, the overall financial position of the group and whether the effect would be an increase on earnings per share and in the best interests of shareholders generally.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
continued
Resolution 9: Authority to allot Ordinary Shares
This resolution deals with the Directors' authority to allot Ordinary Shares in accordance with article 2.2 of the Articles and will, if passed, authorise the Directors to allot: (a) in relation to a pre-emptive rights issue only, up to a maximum of 73,083,357 Ordinary Shares (which represents the Company's unissued Ordinary Shares as at the date of this notice). This maximum is reduced by the number of Ordinary Shares allotted under the authority referred to in sub-paragraph (b) below; and (b) in any other case, up to a maximum of 142,000,000 Ordinary Shares (which represents approximately one-third of the Company's issued Ordinary Shares as at the date of this notice). This maximum is reduced by the number of Ordinary Shares allotted under the authority referred to in sub-paragraph (a) above in excess of 142,000,000 Ordinary Shares. Therefore, the maximum number of Ordinary Shares which may be allotted under this resolution is 73,083,357 Ordinary Shares. The authority granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.
Resolution 10: Disapplication of pre-emption rights
This resolution will, if passed, give the Directors power, pursuant to the authority to allot granted by resolution 9, to allot Ordinary Shares or sell treasury shares for cash up to a maximum of 106,500,000 of Ordinary Shares (which represents approximately 25% of the Company's issued Ordinary Shares as at the date of this notice) without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings. The power granted by this resolution will expire at the earlier of the expiry of 15 months from the date of this Resolution and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company.
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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