Preliminary Results
Web Shareshop (Holdings) PLC
12 September 2003
For immediate release on Friday 12 September 2003
Web Shareshop (Holdings) plc ('the Company')
Chairman's statement
Results for the year ended 31 July 2003
The Board announces the Group's audited results for the year ended 31 July 2003.
Highlights
Since the interim report to 31 January 2003 was issued, the Group has made its
first very satisfactory trade investment sale to realise its first profit; also,
it has made one further investment in accordance with the business plan. Stock
market conditions continue to be such that further profit taking has not proved
possible.
Results
The results for the twelve months to 31 July 2003 record a gross profit of
£160,419 and an operating profit of £41,471 after all expenses; net interest
payable of £47 leaves a net profit for the year before taxation of £41,424.
During the period January to July 2003, the Group sold warrants to subscribe for
ordinary shares in Hidefield plc for £159,519; these had been secured at no
cost. As at 31 July 2003, the Group had £176,460 cash in the bank, net current
assets of £568,500 and net assets of £568,750; trading investments are included
at cost. The mid market valuation at 31 July 2003 was £1,125,812, giving an
unrealised investment profit of £703,312.
No dividend has been proposed for the year.
The underlying net asset value per share based on the mid market quotations as
at 31 July 2003 was 5.1 pence, fully diluted; since the year end, this has
improved to stand at 7.1 pence per share on 9 September. The previous values
were 6.4 pence at 31 January 2003 and 5.7 pence at 31 July 2002.
Investments and current activities
Having made a further investment since the balance sheet date, the trade
investment portfolio currently comprises:
Activities Domicile Equity held %
Beowulf Gold plc Gold exploration and development England & Wales 5.79
Black Swan Resources Limited Diamonds and gold exploration Canada 0.79
Franconia Minerals Exploration North American minerals Canada 25.12
Hidefield plc North American mining & energy England & Wales 11.18
Southern African Resources plc High value metals & minerals England & Wales 9.68
St Helen's Capital plc Corporate finance advisor England & Wales 9.69
In addition, the Group holds warrants, the terms of which permit the purchase of
new shares at a price below the current market price in Southern African
Resources.
The Group will continue to seek opportunities to underwrite small company new
issues and support pre-IPO opportunities so as to enhance Shareholder value and
to make disposals as soon as market conditions permit.
The Group's overheads have been stabilised at approximately £65,000 per annum,
exclusive of the Directors' fees and subject to increases arising from inflation
and increased activity.
The Directors have a broad strategy to make, say, six trade investments per
year, each with warrants or options attached and to expect a 100% return within
six to nine months. Whilst there are opportunities available for profitable
trading, current resources are a limiting factor.
Funding requirement
In order to finance the Group's proposed activities, the Directors are seeking
to raise additional capital through a placing which they expect to be concluded
shortly.
The Directors continue to be most satisfied with the overall achievements to
date and look forward to reporting improved results in the years ahead.
R Bruce Rowan, Chairman & Chief Executive
10 September 2003
Consolidated profit and loss account
for the year ended 31 July 2003
Year ended Year ended
31 July 2003 31 July 2002
£ £
Turnover 160,419 429
Cost of sales - -
Gross profit 160,419 429
Administrative expenses (119,178) (360,456)
Operating profit/(loss) on ordinary activities 41,471 (360,027)
Interest receivable - 10,609
Interest payable (47) (12)
Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before and after 41,424 (349,430)
taxation
Retained profit/(loss) for the year 41,424 (349,430)
Profit/(loss) per share - basic and diluted 0.15 pence (1.5 pence)
There are no recognised gains or losses in either year other than the profit/(loss) for the year.
All of the operations are considered to be continuing.
Consolidated balance Sheet
As at 31 July 2003
Year ended Year ended
31 July 2003 31 July 2002
£ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 250 500
Current assets
Debtors 12,050 15,393
Trading investments 422,500 372,500
Cash at bank 176,460 125,066
611,010 512,959
Less:
Creditors - amounts due within one (42,510) (28,232)
year
Net current assets 568,500 484,727
Net assets 568,750 485,227
Share capital and reserves
Called-up share capital 276,324 262,291
Share premium account 1,352,581 1,324,515
Profit and loss account (1,484,565) (1,525,989)
Merger reserve 424,410 424,410
Shareholders funds - equity interest 568,750 485,227
Company balance Sheet
As at 31 July 2003
Year ended Year ended
31 July 2003 31 July 2002
£ £
Fixed assets
Investments 1,427,573 1,427,573
Current assets
Debtors 203,116 161,017
Net current assets 203,116 161,017
Total assets less current liabilities 1,630,689 1,588,590
Share capital and reserves
Called-up share capital 276,324 262,291
Share premium account 1,352,581 1,324,515
Profit and loss account 1,784 1,784
Shareholders funds - equity interest 1,630,689 1,588,590
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 July 2003
Year ended Year ended
31 July 2003 31 July 2002
£ £
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 8,212 (694,173)
Returns on investments and servicing of finance - net 1,083 10,597
interest received
Capital expenditure and financial investments - 15,000
Cash inflow/(outflow) before management of liquid 9,295 (668,576)
resources and financing
Management of liquid resources 115,000 585,562
Financing - issue of Ordinary share capital 42,099 161,250
Increase/(decrease) in cash in the year 166,394 78,236
Net funds/(debt) at the beginning of the year 10,066 (68,170)
Net funds/(debt) at the end of the year 176,460 10,066
The financial information set out above does not constitute statutory accounts
as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.
Copies of the report and financial statements will be available from the Company
Secretary at the registered office from Monday 29 September 2003:
123 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 1LR
email: email@webshareshop.com
END
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