Final Results
Cohen(A.) & Co PLC
30 June 2006
30 June 2006
A.Cohen & Co. PLC (the 'Company')
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2005
Chairman's Statement
The Company has, effectively no trading activities save for the completion of a
number of transactions that took place whilst it was a trading company.
The costs of running the Company were kept to a minimum with none of the
directors taking a salary. The operating loss before tax was £85,000. After an
impairment charge of £42,000 on our remaining investments and a small interest
charge there was a reduced loss before tax of £127,000 compared to a loss before
tax of £431,000 in 2004.
On 8 February 2006, the Company announced that it had negotiated the sale of its
24.5 per cent. investment in ROO Media Europe Ltd., a supplier of internet and
broadband media, to ROO Group Inc. for a cash consideration of £50,000, before
expenses. The Company did not derive any income or revenue from ROO Media Europe
Ltd and had written down this investment in its books to nil. The proceeds of
this disposal were used for working capital purposes.
We realise that this has been a frustrating period for our shareholders and the
directors are continuing to seek suitable investment opportunities which can be
put before shareholders for their consideration.
G.B. Ashley
Executive Chairman
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005
2005 2004
Notes £'000 £'000
TURNOVER 3 - -
COST OF SALES - -
-------- ---------
GROSS PROFIT - -
DISTRIBUTION COSTS - -
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (85) (201)
OTHER OPERATING INCOME - 30
-------- ---------
OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL COSTS 4 (85) (171)
EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 6 - (82)
-------- ---------
OPERATING LOSS AFTER EXCEPTIONAL COSTS (85) (253)
PROVISION FOR IMPAIRMENT OF INVESTMENTS (42) (186)
-------- ---------
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE INTEREST (127) (439)
INTEREST RECEIVABLE 1 8
INTEREST PAYABLE 7 - -
-------- ---------
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 3 (126) (431)
TAX ON LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 8 - -
-------- ---------
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER TAXATION (126) (431)
-------- ---------
LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ATTRIBUTABLE TO 17 (126) (431)
SHAREHOLDERS ======== =========
LOSS PER SHARE (PENCE) BOTH BASIC AND DILUTED 9 (0.80) (2.80)
======== =========
All of the results for 2005 relate to continuing activities.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005
2005 2004
Notes £'000 £'000
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 10 - -
Investments 11 50 92
-------- ---------
50 92
CURRENT ASSETS
Tangible assets held for resale 12 - -
Debtors 13 5 11
Cash at bank and in hand 10 65
-------- ---------
15 76
CREDITORS : Amounts falling due within one year 14 (78) (55)
-------- ---------
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) (63) 21
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES (13) 113
PROVISIONS 15 (82) (82)
-------- ---------
-------- ---------
NET (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS (95) 31
======== =========
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 16 3,032 3,032
Capital redemption reserve 17 49 49
Share premium account 17 2 2
Other reserves 17 386 386
Profit and loss account 17 (3,564) (3,438)
======== =========
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)/FUNDS (95) 31
======== =========
Approved by the Board on 27 June 2006
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
G.B. Ashley
Director
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005
2005 2004
Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 19 (56) 401
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND
SERVICING OF FINANCE
Interest received 1 8
Interest paid - -
------- -------
NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND
SERVICING OF FINANCE 1 8
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL
INVESTMENT
Payments to acquire fixed asset - -
investments
Receipts from sale of fixed asset - -
investments
Receipts from sale of business - -
Receipts from sale of tangible - -
fixed assets ------- -------
NET CASH INFLOW FROM CAPITAL - -
EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL
INVESTMENT
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
Payments on termination of an - -
operation ------- -------
NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM ACQUISITIONS - -
AND DISPOSALS ------- -------
NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) BEFORE
FINANCING (55) 409
FINANCING
Repayment of borrowings - -
Capital element of finance lease - -
rental payments ------- ------- ------- -------
NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) - -
FROM FINANCING
------- -------
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH 21 (55) 409
======= =======
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting
standards. The particular accounting policies adopted are described below.
1.1 Accounting Convention
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as
modified by the revaluation of certain investments.
1.2 Basis of Preparation of the Financial Statements
The financial statements are prepared on the basis that the Group is a going
concern. It should be noted, however, that all trading operations of the
subsidiary companies have ceased and that the parent company is now looking to
existing and other investments. The directors are confident that investors will
continue to support the Group and that as a result the going concern basis of
preparation has been adopted in the preparation of these financial statements.
1.3 Basis of Consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the
company and all subsidiary undertakings for the financial year ended 31st
December, 2005.
1.4 Financial Instruments
As at the end of the financial year the Group did not have any derivative
contracts.
1.5 Foreign Currencies
Company and UK subsidiary undertakings:
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into
sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date unless
covered by forward exchange contracts when the contracted rates are used.
Transactions during the year in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates
ruling at the date of the transactions.
Overseas subsidiaries:
The financial statements of overseas subsidiaries are translated into sterling
at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and their results are
translated at the average rates for the year. The differences arising from the
translation of the opening net investments in subsidiaries and associates are
taken direct to reserves.
1.6 Acquisitions and Disposals
On the acquisition of a business, including an interest in an associated
undertaking, fair values are attributed to the Group's share of net tangible
assets. Where the cost of acquisition exceeds the values attributable to such
net assets, the difference is treated as purchased goodwill.
The profit or loss on disposal or closure of a previously acquired business
includes the attributable amount of any purchased goodwill relating to that
business not previously charged through the profit and loss account.
The results and cash flows relating to a business are included in the
consolidated profit and loss account and the consolidated cash flow statement
from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal.
1.7 Tangible Fixed Assets
Depreciation is provided on cost or on revalued amounts over the estimated
useful lives of the assets. The rates of depreciation are as follows:-
Plant and - 15% per annum on written down value
machinery
Fixtures, - 15% per annum on written down value
fittings,
tools and
equipment
1.8 Turnover
Turnover represents the amounts derived from the sale of goods which fall within
the Group's ordinary activities after deduction of trade discounts and VAT.
1.9 Fixed Asset Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost or valuation, less provision for
impairment. Investments are revalued where the directors believe this is
necessary in order to show a true and fair view in the accounts.
Investments in which the Group has shareholdings of between 20% and 50% are only
equity accounted where the Group has significant influence over the operations.
1.10 Tangible Asses Held for Resale
These assets represent the cost of valuation, less provision for impairment, of
assets the directors have resolved to dispose of within one year subject to
shareholder agreement.
1.11 Deferred Taxation
Deferred taxation is provided on all timing differences, without discounting,
calculated at the rate at which it is estimated that tax will be payable, except
where otherwise required by accounting standards.
1.12 Leases
Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account in equal
amounts over the lease term.
1.13 Pension Costs
UK pension scheme:
The Company made payment into a defined contribution scheme, and these amounts
were charged to the profit and loss account during the year in which they were
incurred.
2. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
The directors are not aware of any post balance sheet events that would
materially affect the affairs of the Company.
3. ANALYSIS OF GROUP TURNOVER, LOSS BEFORE TAXATION AND NET ASSETS
The principal activity of the Group was investment.
The loss before taxation and net assets are attributable to the UK.
4. OPERATING LOSS
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Operating loss is stated after charging:
Depreciation - owned assets - 10
Rentals under operating leases: - -
Hire of plant and machinery 30 104
Land and buildings
========= ==========
Auditors' remuneration 10 10
Audit fees - company - 7
Other - taxation and other advice
========= ==========
5. INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES
Directors'
emoluments
Total
emoluments
excluding
pensions
Basic Salary Fees Benefits 2005 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
R. Ritchie
(resigned - - - - 32
20.10.04)
J. Ferguson - - - - 12
R. Sincock - - - - 12
---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- - - - 56
========== ========= ========== ========== ==========
Directors' expenses were paid on a reimbursement basis and there were no other
services performed by the directors for the year.
There were no directors for whom the Company made pension contributions during
the year.
2005 2004
Average number of persons employed Number Number
Office and management - -
Manufacturing - -
--------- ----------
- -
========= ==========
£'000 £'000
Staff cost during the year (including directors)
Wages and salaries - 199
Social security costs - 25
Pension costs (see note 22) - 10
--------- ----------
- 234
========= ==========
6. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Aborted acquisition expenditure - -
Impairment of assets of A. Cohen (Great Britain) Ltd - -
Meeting costs re: Extraordinary General Meeting 30.6.04 - -
Onerous lease rental - 82
--------- ----------
- 82
========= ==========
The provision represents unavoidable payments, less the estimate of rental
income receivable, under leases on surplus premises.
7. INTEREST PAYABLE
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
========= ==========
Bank loans, overdrafts and other loans repayable - -
within five years
========= ==========
8. TAX ON LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
United Kingdom corporation tax at nil% (2004 : nil%) - -
========= ==========
There is no tax charge in the year as the Group has brought forward losses
available and has made losses in the year. The Group has a deferred tax asset
which has not been recognised in the accounts. This asset would be recoverable
in the event that the group made sufficient, applicable taxable profits in the
future.
9. LOSSES PER SHARE
The calculation losses per share is based on losses attributable to shareholders
of 384,000 (2004 : £431,000) and on the weighted average number of shares of
15,160,482 (2004 : 15,160,482) in issue during the year.
There were no diluting instruments at the end of the year. There is therefore no
difference between diluted and non-diluted losses per share.
10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures and Fittings Total
Group and Company £'000 £'000
Cost or valuation
At 1st January, 2005 17 17
Additions - -
--------- ----------
At 31st December, 2005 17 17
--------- ----------
Accumulated depreciation
At 1st January, 2005 17 17
Charge for the year - -
--------- ----------
At 31st December, 2005 17 17
--------- ----------
Net Book Value
At 31st December, 2005 - -
========= ==========
At 31st December 2004 - -
========= ==========
11. INVESTMENTS HELD AS FIXED ASSETS
Trade
Investments
£'000
The Group
At 1st January, 2005 50
Provision for diminution -
-------------
At 31st December, 2005 50
=============
Shares in Trade Total
Subsidiary Investments
Undertakings
Company £'000 £'000 £'000
Cost
At 1st January, 2005 and 31st December, 1,929 386 2,315
2005 ------------- --------- ----------
Provisions
At 1st January, 2005 1,929 294 2,223
Impairment - 42 -
------------- --------- ----------
At 31st December, 2005 1,929 336 2,223
Net Book Value
At 31st December, 2005 - 50 92
============= ========= ==========
At 31st December, 2004 - 92 92
============= ========= ==========
Details of the company's investments are given in note 27.
12. TANGIBLE ASSETS HELD FOR RESALE
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Transferred from tangible fixed assets - -
========= ==========
13. DEBTORS
Group Company
2005 2004 2005 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Trade debtors - - - -
Amounts owned by group - - - 13
undertakings
Other debtors - - - -
Prepayments and accrued income 5 11 12 11
-------- -------- -------- --------
5 11 12 24
======== ======== ======== ========
14. CREDITORS : Amounts falling due within one year
Group Company
2005 2004 2005 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Trade creditors (45) (31) (46) (31)
Amounts owned by group - - (4) -
undertakings
Other creditors and accruals (33) (24) (32) (24)
-------- -------- -------- --------
(78) (55) (82) (55)
======== ======== ======== ========
15. PROVISIONS
Group and Company Other
£'000
At 31st December, 2004 82
Charged to the profit and loss account during the year -
----------
At 31st December, 2005 82
==========
Other provisions relate to surplus premises costs relating to an onerous lease.
16. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL
2005 2004
Number £'000 Number £'000
'000 '000
Authorised
Ordinary shares of 20p each - - - -
Ordinary shares of 1p each 111,951 1,120 111,951 1,120
Deferred shares of 19p each 15,160 2,880 15,160 2,880
-------- -------- -------- --------
127,111 4,000 127,111 4,000
======== ======== ======== ========
Allotted, called up and fully
paid
Ordinary shares of 20p each - - - -
Ordinary shares of 1p each 15,160 152 15,160 152
Deferred shares of 19p each 15,160 2,880 15,160 2,880
-------- -------- -------- --------
30,320 3,032 30,320 3,032
======== ======== ======== ========
During the year, each of the 15,160,482 issued Ordinary Shares of 20p each were
converted and subdivided into one Ordinary Share of 1p and one Deferred Share of
19p.
The 4,839,518 unissued Ordinary Shares of 20p each were converted and subdivided
into 20 Ordinary Shares of 1p each.
17. RESERVES
Capital Share Other Profit
Redemption Premium Reserves and Loss
Reserve Account Account
Group £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1st January, 2005 49 2 386 (3,438)
Loss for the year - - - (126)
--------- -------- -------- --------
At 31st December, 2005 49 2 386 (3,564)
========= ======== ======== ========
Company
At 1st January, 2005 49 2 252 (3,308)
Loss for the year - - - (126)
--------- -------- -------- --------
At 31st December, 2005 49 2 252 (3,434)
========= ======== ======== ========
As permitted by Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the profit and loss
account of the parent undertaking. A. Cohen & Co. plc, has not been presented in
these accounts. The loss after tax of the parent undertaking for the financial
year amounted to £81,352 (2004 : loss of £449,835).
18. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
At 31st December, 2005 the Group had no capital commitments (2004 : £nil).
The Group has an annual commitment of £22,080 per year under an operating lease
for land and buildings, which expires after more than five years.
19. RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING LOSS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Operating loss before exceptional costs (127) (171)
Exceptional costs - (82)
Impairment of fixed assets 42 -
Depreciation - 10
Net movement in working capital
Stocks - -
Debtors 6 759
Creditors 23 (197)
Provisions - 82
----------- ----------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities (56) 401
=========== ==========
20. CASH FLOW STATEMENT : Analysis of net debt
At 1 Jan. Cash At 31 Dec.
2005 Flow 2005
£'000 £'000 £'000
Cash in hand and at bank 65 (55) 10
Overdrafts and bank loans - - -
---------- ----------- -----------
65 (55) 10
========== =========== ===========
21. CASH FLOW STATEMENT : Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in the
net debt
2005 2004
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Increase/(decrease) in cash in (55) 409,000
the year
Cash outflow from decrease in - -
debt and lease financing --------- --------
Change in net debt resulting
from cash (55) 409
flows -------- --------
Movement in net debt in the year (55) 409
Net debt at start of year 65 (344)
-------- --------
Net funds at end of year 10 65
======== ========
22. PENSIONS
The Group makes contributions to various pension schemes as shown below. The
funds of these schemes are administered by trustees and held separately from the
group's assets.
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Contribution - -
UK - defined contribution scheme - -
----------- ----------
- -
=========== ==========
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group's policies as regards derivatives and financial instruments are set
out below.
Currency risk
The Group has investments in foreign currencies and transactional currency
exposures arising from sales or purchases by operating businesses in currencies
other than the business' functional currency.
Interest rate risk
The Group has borrowings as disclosed in Note 24.
24. INTEREST RATE RISKS
Interest rate and currency of financial liabilities
The Group had invoice discounting facilities of which £nil (2004: £nil) was
drawn down at year end. These balances are included in other creditors (see note
14). These were repaid in full during the year.
25. HEDGING
Foreign currency hedging
The Group does not hedge its foreign exposure. The Group's exposure to foreign
exchange is set out in note 26 below.
Fixed asset investment
The value of the investment in Speedmark Industries (Proprietary) Limited and
Metal Sales (PVT) Ltd are not hedged.
26. CURRENCY PROFILE
The main functional currency of the Group is sterling. The following analysis of
net monetary assets and liabilities shows the Group's currency exposures. Such
exposures comprise the monetary assets and monetary liabilities of the Group
that are not denominated in the operating (or 'functional') currency of the
operating unit involved.
2005 2004
Australian US$ European Australian US$ European
$ Currencies $ Currencies
Operating £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
currency
Sterling - - - 22 289 88
======== ====== ========= ======== ======= ========
27. PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARY AND ASSOCIATED UNDERTAKINGS
Subsidiary undertakings
Country of Incorporation
Great Britain Class of Share Interest in
Held Equity
A. Cohen & Co. (Great Britain)
Ltd. Non-trading Ordinary 100%
A. Cohen Metals Merchanting Non-trading Ordinary 100%
Ltd.
A. Cohen (Aust) Pty Ltd Non-trading Ordinary 100%
A. Cohen & Co. Securities Ltd Non-trading Ordinary 100%
Comexim International Ltd Non-trading Ordinary 100%
All the companies are incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England
and Wales except for A. Cohen (Aust) Pty Ltd. which is registered in Victoria
Australia.
Trade
Investments
Country of Operation Class of Interest
Incorporation Share in
Held Equity
Great Britain
ROO Media
Europe Media products and services of content Ordinary 24.5%
Limited syndication and supply of streaming video,
reproduction of video content and advertising.
Money
Products
International Manufacture, sale and rental of change machines Ordinary 33.3%
Ltd and coin operated equipment.
South Africa
Speedmark
Industries
(Proprietary)
Ltd Non-trading Ordinary 37.4%
Zimbabwe
Metal Sales
(PVT) Ltd. Production of copper alloy and aluminium alloy Ordinary 46.9%
ingots, copper wire bars and lead anodes, zinc
distillation and distribution of brass and
copper semis.
Despite the equity interest in the above noted investments the directors have
decided not to equity accounts due to a lack of significant influence over the
investments.
28. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
J.S. Ferguson is a director of A. Cohen & Co. (Great Britain) Ltd and a director
and shareholder of Motehill Metals Limited. Motehill Metals Limited has a
service contract with A. Cohen & Co plc to provide the services of J.S. Ferguson
to the company.
29. STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Loss attributable to members of the company (84) (431)
Revaluation of investment - -
----------- ----------
Total recognised gains and losses relating to the year (84) (431)
=========== ==========
30. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)/FUNDS
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Loss attributable to members of the company (84) (431)
Revaluation of investment - -
Net increase/(reduction) in shareholders' funds (84) (431)
Opening shareholders' funds 31 462
----------- ----------
Closing shareholders' (deficit)/funds (53) (31)
=========== ==========
31. NOTE OF HISTORICAL COST PROFITS AND LOSSES
2005 2004
£'000 £'000
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (84) (431)
Realisation of revaluation - -
Difference between the historical cost depreciation - -
charge and the actual depreciation charge for the year ----------- ----------
calculated on the revalued amount
Historical cost profit/(loss) on ordinary activities
before (84) (431)
taxation =========== ==========
Historical cost profit/(loss) for the year after (84) (431)
taxation,
Minority interests and dividends
=========== ==========
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