Samarkand Group plc : Interim Results
Samarkand Group plc (SMK)
Samarkand Group plc : Interim Results
15-Dec-2022 / 07:00 GMT/BST
Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EQS Group.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
15 December 2022
Samarkand Group plc
("Samarkand", the "Company" or together with its subsidiaries the "Group")
Interim Results for the half-year ending 30 September 2022
Samarkand Group plc, the cross-border eCommerce technology, services and consumer brand group, announces its unaudited interim results for the half year ending 30 September 2022 (“H1 2023”).
David Hampstead, Chief Executive Officer of Samarkand Group, commented: “The first half of this financial year has included some of the most turbulent months in China since the outbreak of the pandemic with continued lockdowns across much of the country and restrictions on the flow of goods. As I described in our last full year results, we adapted quickly to the situation and I’m pleased that at the half-year point our revenues are up against prior year by 15%. Our key objective is to return to profitability and in that regard, we have also made strong progress. Adjusted EBITDA losses reduced by 48% from £2.6m in H1 2022 to £1.3m in H1 2023. We continue to drive further cost efficiencies and improvements in operational leverage across the business whilst maintaining good strategic progress across our other objectives and expect to finish the year within guidance.
Our open offer announced in September, received strong support and a further £1.9m of net proceeds was committed from existing shareholders and I thank them for their continued support. The opportunity in front of us remains compelling despite the challenging backdrop we are faced with in the immediate-term, and we continue to make progress towards our strategic goals.
Our cross-border eCommerce technology is being adopted by more merchants and from an increasingly diverse base in terms of geography and product category. Our core eCommerce Acceleration business is where we have experienced the most challenges related to supply chain disruption in China yet despite these headwinds, we have achieved revenue growth of 2% and made a material improvement in contribution margins and evolved the portfolio of brands we work with.
We release these interims shortly after a peak trading period for the Group known as “Singles Day”. This is a major shopping festival in China that takes place on 11th November. It took place this year during a period of heightened COVID disruption with bonded warehouses used by the Group in lockdown for two weeks in the run-up to the event. The leading eCommerce marketplaces have not released figures on 11/11 however industry analyst have reported that the beauty and skincare category is down on last year. Given the challenges we faced and the direction of industry trends, we are pleased with the performance of our portfolio over the singles day period, which performed in line with our expectations.”
Chief Executive’s Review
Overview
The disruption to supply chains, consumer habits and the economy in China as a result of the pandemic has been widely reported. Prevention measures remain in place and major cities can undergo mass testing and lockdown at short notice. It is likely this will continue for the remainder of the current financial year and possibly beyond, although we remain optimistic about a slowly improving picture.
We have adapted well to new ways of working and altered some of our sales channel mix to navigate the ongoing situation. In the first half of this financial year, we have been able to increase revenue and reduce losses. Adoption of our technology has grown through the partnerships we have formed with large international logistics companies and through our own marketing initiatives. Our brand acquisitions performed ahead of acquisition economics and have the added benefit of reducing the Group’s exposure to some of the disruption encountered in China. There will undoubtedly be further challenges to overcome in China but it unquestionably remains a highly attractive market for international brands.
Our Market
The period in review saw an eight-week lockdown for Shanghai, the Group’s base of operations and which represents a significant customer base. The COVID situation in China continues to make headlines in Western media with widespread testing and lockdowns. That said, the situation in China has steadily been improving with the loosening of restrictions on transport and travel leading to a reduction in logistical issues when compared to the peak earlier in the year. Although the overall situation remains fluid and difficult to predict, we remain positive in the long-term outlook for cross-border eCommerce in the world’s second largest economy and largest eCommerce market. It is frustrating that factors beyond our control are impacting performance, although the resilience of the business has come to the fore and we retain a strong degree of confidence in our medium-term prospects.
The Group has, through its past acquisitions, diversified revenues. Revenues from our core eCommerce Acceleration business, both through Nomad Technology and our traditional distribution channels, contributed to 57% of total revenue in H1 2023 vs 65% in H1 2022. Revenues on our owned brands from the UK and international markets contributed 28% for total revenues in H1 2023 vs 20% in H1 2022.
We will continue to explore opportunities to leverage our brands, infrastructure and technology outside of China where there are compelling and profitable opportunities to do so.
Strategic Progress
Recognising the disruption we have faced in China we continue to execute well against the priorities identified at the time of our IPO, with the added imperative of returning to profitability in the next financial year, towards which we are making good progress.
eCommerce Acceleration
Our eCommerce acceleration business where we operate as the China market development partner for a number of prestige international brands was most impacted by supply side disruptions in China in the first half. We work with a high-quality portfolio of niche prestige brands targeting high end Chinese consumers and maintain a strong funnel of new and emerging brand opportunities to ensure our portfolio remains balanced as our business evolves. Due to the impact of COVID on logistics into China we shifted some of our sales from direct-to-consumer to B2B which reduced the revenue attributable to our Nomad Technology but was necessary to maintain sales.
Adoption of our cross-border Checkout technology solution
We launched two new enterprise retail merchants in the first half of the year and expect to add new enterprise merchants in the second half. Our partnerships with three major logistics companies (SF Express, FedEx and ECMS) have started to yield client opportunities in multiple territories including South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Europe and USA. The timelines for the implementation of these channels have taken longer than anticipated. Sales cycles have also been extended due to the uncertainty surrounding the situation in China.
Growth of our owned brands
Zita West Products continues to perform ahead of management forecasts. Revenue for H1 revenue has increased 81% compared to prior year. Revenue outside of China, predominantly in the UK, grew at 24% in the first half. We continued to leverage our infrastructure to expand the brand in China adding JD Worldwide and Douyin stores to our existing TMALL Global store and working with key influencers to raise the profile of the brand in China.
The acquisition of Napiers the Herbalist was completed in November 2021 and has since been fully integrated into the Group’s eCommerce operations have been consolidated into the Group. The acquisition of Napiers gives the Group an entry into the high-margin beauty category in addition to the existing health and wellbeing portfolio. Since the acquisition of Napiers the Group has developed 12 new beauty and skincare products. These now make up more than 50% of the top 20 products sold and will be launching across the Groups beauty channels in China in the coming months.
Path to profitability
Moving the business towards profitability is a key objective and we continued to seek opportunities to improve efficiency and operating leverage in the first half. Simplifying our organisational structure as well as reducing our network of offices and expenses has enabled us to lower our run rate cost base in the period.
Investment in our Checkout DTC technology remains at a high level in relation to the income generated from it to date and expanding the commercialisation of our solution remains a top priority for the Group.
Outlook
Current indications for the second half are that the underlying trends from the first half are likely to continue as is the volatility in the China market. The focus for the remainder of the financial year and into the next is for the Group to reach a self-funding situation which we are well on the path towards.
Our acquisitions have diversified our revenues, with revenues from our eCommerce Acceleration business decreasing and revenues from our UK and international markets increasing. The Company has been forged in the world’s most advanced, competitive and innovative eCommerce market that is China. We are committed to realising the opportunity in China while recognising that we are well positioned to further exploit emerging opportunities in new markets through our technology, infrastructure and the partnerships we’ve built over the last 5 years.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Overview
During the period the Group’s revenues increased by 15% to £8.3m (H1 2022: £7.2m) with gross margin decreasing to 54% (H1 2022: 57%).
Revenues from our core activities, Brand ownership is up 36% to £3.1m (H1 2022: £2.2m), Nomad technology is down 10% to £2.7m (H1 2022: £3.0m) with revenues from our distribution business increasing 29% to £2.3m (H1 2022: £1.8m). The disruption caused by the widespread COVID lockdowns impacted our ability to fulfil orders to China from our UK warehouse, which impacted our Nomad technology revenues, the Group reacted quickly and effectively by moving inventory to our Bonded Warehouses and increasing sales through our existing B2B distribution channels which were less affected by the lockdowns.
The Group’s gross margin has decreased from H1 2022 from 57% to 54% but has improved from those levels achieved in FY 2022. The change in gross margin is a result of changes in our product mix, sales channels and supply chain pricing pressures not all which could be passed on to our customers.
Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by 48% from £2.6m to £1.4m.
Operating expenses
Selling and distribution expenses decreased to 28% (H1 2022: 46%) of revenue, as a result of more efficient and targeted advertising spends and product pricing changes to adapt to the increasing distribution and inflationary costs seen in the last 6 months.
Administrative expenses, excluding one-off costs such share-based payment expense, acquisition and restructuring related costs, decreased to 42% (H1 2022: 49%) of revenue as a result of tighter controls over other administrative costs. Staff costs have remained the same at £2.5m (H1 2022: £2.5m) due to the timing of reductions. The full effect will be of these actions will be reflected in the full year results. The number of employees at 30 September 2022 was 117 (30 September 2021: 133), down from 158 at 31 March 2022.
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted loss per share was 3.9p and 3.8p per share respectively (H1 2022: 6.5p per share).
Net cash
Sep-22
Sep-21
Mar-22
Cash and cash equivalents
3,054,184
10,389,765
4,049,118
Right-of-use lease liabilities
(590,164)
(847,433)
(720,353)
Borrowings
(1,451,113)
(1,607,040)
(1,452,127)
Net cash
1,012,907
7,935,292
1,876,638
At the period end, the Group’s net cash position was £0.9m (H1 2022: £7.9m), excluding the IFRS 16 lease liabilities, net cash was £1.6m (H1 2022: £8.8m). The Group’s reduction in staff and operational costs has resulted in 51% improvement in operating cashflow from negative £4.3m to £2.0m. On the 21 September 2022, the Company raised gross proceeds of £2.0m pursuant to a Placing and Open Offer dated 5 September 2022. Furthermore, acquisitions in H2 2022 and the payments of deferred consideration in H1 2023 reduced cash balance by £1.5m and £0.1m respectively.
Inventories
The Group reduced gross inventories from £4.4m at 31 March 2022 to £3.4m at 30 September 2022. Improvements in inventory management and ordering process has resulted in the Group holding lower inventory levels. To reduce complexity, the Group focused on reducing the breath of inventory in its UK and bonded warehouses.
Depreciation and amortisation
The total depreciation and amortisation costs were £0.2m and £0.3m respectively (H1 2022: £0.2m and £0.2m). The Group continued to invest in its Nomad Technology platform with a total of £0.6m (H1 2022: £0.5m) development costs capitalised during the period.
Adjusted EBITDA loss
Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by 48% from £2.6m to £1.4m. The improvements in adjusted EBITDA loss is driven by the decrease in staff cost and operating costs.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the six-month period ended 30 September 2022
Period ended 30 September 2022
Period ended 30 September 2021
Year ended
31 March 2022
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
Notes
£
£
£
Revenue
3
8,254,207
7,167,152
16,576,228
Cost of sales
3
(3,814,675)
(3,061,619)
(8,226,260)
Gross profit
4,439,532
4,105,533
8,349,968
Selling and distribution expenses
(2,325,694)
(3,262,723)
(7,056,415)
Administrative expenses
4
(3,776,853)
(3,917,370)
(8,183,996)
Adjusted EBITDA
(1,392,232)
(2,635,916)
(6,236,249)
Repayment of share option plan
5
-
(315,540)
(306,579)
Acquisition and restructuring costs
5
(157,031)
(123,104)
(347,615)
Share based payment expense
(113,752)
-
-
EBITDA
(1,663,015)
(3,074,560)
(6,890,443)
Depreciation and amortisation
(521,189)
(362,561)
(786,639)
Operating loss
(2,184,204)
(3,437,121)
(7,677,082)
Finance income
64,539
86
86
Finance costs
(59,529)
(91,757)
(171,455)
Loss before taxation
(2,179,194)
(3,528,792)
(7,848,451)
Taxation
13,271
13,149
141,499
Loss after taxation
(2,165,923)
(3,515,643)
(7,706,952)
Other comprehensive income:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
(3,333)
13,435
(23,234)
Items that may be reclassified to profit and loss in subsequent periods
(3,333)
13,435
(23,234)
Total comprehensive loss for the period
(2,169,256)
(3,502,208)
(7,730,186)
Loss attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
(2,122,404)
(3,506,624)
(7,617,081)
Non-controlling interests
(43,519)
(9,019)
(89,871)
(2,165,923)
(3,515,643)
(7,706,952)
Loss per share (basic)
6
(0.0387)
(0.0648)
(0.1399)
Loss per share (diluted)
6
(0.0383)
(0.0648)
(0.1399)
Comprehensive loss attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
(2,125,737)
(3,493,189)
(7,640,315)
Non-controlling interests
(43,519)
(9,019)
(89,871)
(2,169,256)
(3,502,208)
(7,730,186)
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
For the six-month ended 30 September 2022
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
Notes
£
£
£
ASSETS
Intangible assets
7
7,265,902
4,246,664
7,011,236
Property, plant and equipment
236,470
233,223
243,417
Right-of-use assets
492,649
724,621
608,635
Non-current assets
7,995,021
5,204,508
7,863,288
Inventories
8
2,618,636
3,547,425
3,720,248
Trade receivables
2,125,136
1,790,874
1,512,702
Corporation tax recoverable
120,251
52,846
113,710
Other receivables and prepayments
785,407
791,160
1,012,371
Cash and cash equivalents
3,054,184
10,389,765
4,049,118
Current assets
8,703,614
16,572,070
10,408,149
Total assets
16,698,635
21,776,578
18,271,437
Trade and other payables
1,709,326
3,308,947
3,597,110
Accrued liabilities
976,484
655,722
566,266
Deferred revenue
324,439
21,618
214,383
Borrowings
56,701
239,896
62,092
Right-of-use lease liabilities
266,823
257,274
262,001
Total current liabilities
3,333,773
4,483,457
4,701,852
Right-of-use lease liabilities
323,341
590,159
458,352
Borrowings
1,394,412
1,367,144
1,390,035
Deferred tax liability
356,963
269,673
370,590
Accrued liabilities
512,441
-
512,441
Total non-current liabilities
2,587,157
2,226,976
2,731,418
Total liabilities
5,920,930
6,710,433
7,433,270
Net assets
10,777,705
15,066,145
10,838,167
EQUITY
Share capital
9
583,581
547,148
547,148
Share premium
22,954,412
21,022,958
21,022,958
Merger relief reserve
(2,063,814)
(2,063,814)
(2,063,814)
Accumulated loss
(10,669,157)
(4,436,296)
(8,546,753)
Currency translation reserve
(7,766)
5,168
(31,501)
Share option reserve
113,839
-
-
Total equity attributable to parent
10,911,095
15,075,164
10,928,038
Non-controlling interest
(133,390)
(9,019)
(89,871)
Total equity
10,777,705
15,066,145
10,838,167
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the six-month period ended 30 September 2022
Share
Merger relief reserve
Share option reserve
Currency
Non-controlling
Capital
Share
Translation
Accumulated
Total
Premium
reserve
loss
interests
equity
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 April 2022
547,148
21,022,958
(2,063,814)
-
(31,501)
(8,546,753)
(89,871)
10,838,167
Loss after taxation
-
-
-
-
-
(2,122,404)
(43,519)
(2,165,923)
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
23,735
-
-
23,735
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period
-
-
-
-
23,735
(2,122,404)
(43,519)
(2,142,188)
Shares issued on acquisition net of fees
458
29,042
-
-
-
-
-
29,500
Shares issued on open offer net of fees
35,975
1,902,412
-
-
-
-
-
1,938,387
Share based payments
-
-
-
113,839
-
-
-
113,839
36,433
1,931,454
-
113,839
-
-
-
2,081,726
Balance at 30 September 2022
583,581
22,954,412
(2,063,814)
113,839
(7,766)
(10,669,157)
(133,390)
10,777,705
Balance at 1 April 2021
516,190
17,412,900
(2,063,814)
-
(8,267)
(929,672)
-
14,927,337
Loss after taxation
-
-
-
-
-
(3,506,624)
(9,019)
(3,515,643)
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
13,435
-
-
13,435
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period
-
-
-
-
13,435
(3,506,624)
(9,019)
(3,502,208)
Shares issued net of transaction fees
30,958
3,610,058
-
-
-
-
-
3,641,016
30,958
3,610,058
-
-
-
-
-
3,641,016
Balance at 30 September 2021
547,148
21,022,958
(2,063,814)
-
5,168
(4,436,296)
(9,019)
15,066,145
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the six-month period ended 30 September 2022
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss after taxation
(2,165,923)
(3,515,643)
(7,706,952)
Cash flow from operations reconciliation:
Depreciation and amortisation
521,189
362,561
786,639
Finance costs
59,529
91,757
60,182
Finance income
(64,539)
(86)
(86)
Net exchange differences
64,531
(31,386)
-
Share option expense
113,752
-
-
Income tax credit
(13,271)
-
(141,499)
Working capital adjustments:
Inventories
1,101,612
(1,468,921)
(1,544,851)
Trade and other receivables
(385,470)
(1,012,158)
(780,763)
Trade and other payables
(1,257,504)
1,318,496
1,258,687
Cash generated used in operating activities
(2,026,094)
(4,255,380)
(8,068,643)
Interest paid
(11,243)
-
-
Corporation tax paid
(6,897)
(42,898)
20,803
Net cash generated used in operating activities
(2,044,234)
(4,298,278)
(8,047,840)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(44,218)
(117,661)
(175,151)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
1,925
-
-
Payment of intangible assets
(609,214)
(499,253)
(1,228,096)
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired
-
(1,829,993)
(3,341,477)
Payment of deferred consideration
(80,000)
-
-
Interest received
8
86
86
Net cash used in investing activities
(731,499)
(2,446,821)
(4,744,638)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of share capital (net of fees)
1,937,890
3,141,016
3,141,016
Repayment of right-of-use lease liabilities
(142,181)
(142,177)
(252,641)
Repayment of borrowings
(37,315)
(483,505)
(630,411)
Net cash from financing activities
1,758,394
2,515,334
2,257,964
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(1,017,339)
(4,229,765)
(10,534,514)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
4,049,118
14,606,867
14,606,867
Effect of FX changes on cash and cash equivalents
22,405
12,663
(23,235)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
3,054,184
10,389,765
4,049,118
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the period ended 30 September 2022
Samarkand Group plc was incorporated in England and Wales on 12 January 2021. The address of its registered office is Unit 13 & 14 Nelson Trading Estate, The Path, Merton, London SW19 3BL.
Basis of preparation and measurement
(a) Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Samarkand Group plc and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”), comprises the results of the Group for the 6 months ended 30 September 2022. These interim financial statements are not audited nor reviewed by independent auditors, were approved by the board of directors on 14 December 2022.
The financial information in this interim report has been prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards. The accounting policies applied by the Group in this financial information are the same as those applied by the Group in its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 and which will form the basis of the 2022 financial statements.
The financial information for the year ended 31 March 2022 included in these financial statements does not constitute the full statutory accounts for that year. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2022 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2022 was (i) unqualified, although included an emphasis of matter in respect of material uncertainty around going concern and (ii) did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Unless otherwise stated, the financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling (£) which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into £ at the rate of exchange on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is reflected in the “Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income” within either “Finance income” or “Finance costs”.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for certain financial instruments that have been measured at fair value.
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of normal business activity and the realisation of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. The directors of Samarkand Group plc have reviewed the Group’s overall position and outlook and are of the opinion that the Group is sufficiently well funded to be able to operate as a going concern for at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
Going Concern
For the year ended 31 March 2022, the Group faced difficult trading conditions, with external factors including widespread COVID lockdowns in China causing high levels of disruptions to the Group’s operations. These conditions extended through H1 2023 with lockdowns continuing across much of the country restricting the flow of goods and people in many areas. The Group’s actions in Q4 2022 and its continued cost actions throughout FY 2023, have resulted in a 48% reduction in adjusted EBITDA losses from £2.6m to £1.4m.
On 21 September 2022, the Company raised gross proceeds of £2.0m pursuant to a Placing and Open Offer dated 5 September 2022, which will enable the Group to meet its obligations. The combined effect of the raise, the realisation of cost actions taken in Q4 plus additional planned cost actions in FY 2023 have led the Directors to conclude that the Company will continue to operate for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these interim financial statements. It should be noted, that should market conditions deteriorate again, this could give rise to a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
(b) Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Group financial statements comprises the financial statements of Samarkand Group plc and its subsidiaries.
A subsidiary is defined as an entity over which Samarkand Group plc has control. Samarkand Group plc controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
Changes in the Group’s interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amounts of the Group’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Company.
Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions are eliminated; unrealised losses are also eliminated unless cost cannot be recovered. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to ensure consistency of accounting policies with those of the Group.
The total comprehensive income of non-wholly owned subsidiaries is attributed to owners of the parent and to the non-controlling interests in proportion to their relative ownership interests.
Segmental analysis
An analysis of the Group’s revenue and cost of sales is as follows:
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
Revenue analysed by class of business:
£
£
£
Brand ownership
3,055,517
2,246,237
4,509,979
Nomad technology
2,727,147
3,035,286
7,480,941
Distribution
2,325,534
1,803,700
4,447,990
Other
146,009
81,929
137,318
Total revenue
8,254,207
7,167,152
16,576,228
Cost of sale by business unit:
£
£
£
Brand ownership
1,292,910
842,751
1,991,401
Nomad technology
940,036
1,024,792
3,240,269
Distribution
1,579,483
1,192,414
2,992,880
Other
2,246
1,662
1,710
Total cost of sale
3,814,675
3,061,619
8,226,260
Segment assets:
The non-current assets of the Group are not measured or reported internally on a segmental basis as they are not considered to be attributable to any specific business segment.
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
Revenue by geographical destination:
£
£
£
UK
3,861,056
2,380,437
4,917,082
China
4,256,910
4,743,191
11,606,545
Rest of the World
136,241
43,524
52,601
Total revenue
8,254,207
7,167,152
16,576,228
An analysis of the Group’s expenses by nature is as follows:
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
Administrative expenses:
£
£
£
Property costs
194,963
181,083
393,714
Staff costs
2,478,415
2,451,513
5,330,434
Professional fees
303,055
313,547
714,495
Other
529,637
532,583
1,091,159
Repayment of share option plan
(a)
-
315,540
306,579
Acquisition and restructuring costs
(b)
157,031
123,104
347,615
Share based payment charge
113,752
-
-
Total administrative expenses
3,776,853
3,917,370
8,183,996
(a) Recompense of Share option plan (b) Acquisition costs relate to the costs incurred in relation to the acquisitions in the period and restructuring costs are as a result of corrective actions taken in light of the challenges presented by the disruptions
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and exclude exceptional items, depreciation, and amortisation. Exceptional items are those items the Group considers to be non-recurring or material in nature that may distort an understanding of financial performance or impair comparability.
Adjusted EBITDA is stated before exceptional items as follows:
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
£
£
£
Repayment of share option plan
-
315,540
306,579
Acquisition and restructuring costs
157,031
123,104
347,615
Share based payment charge
113,752
-
-
270,783
438,644
654,194
Unaudited
Unaudited
Audited
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March
2022
£
£
£
Basic loss per share
(3.87) pence
(6.48) pence
(13.99) pence
Diluted loss per share
(3.83) pence
(6.48) pence
(13.99) pence
Earnings
Loss for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share
(2,122,404)
(3,506,624)
(7,617,081)
Number of shares
Basic weighted average number of shares in issue
54,923,137
54,140,377
54,419,885
Potentially dilutive share options
641,345
-
-
Dilutive weighted average number of shares in issue
55,564,482
54,140,377
54,419,885
Development costs
Trademarks
Brands
Goodwill
Website
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
2,330,437
99,596
2,484,091
2,829,718
70,198
7,814,040
Additions
598,251
10,180
-
-
783
609,214
At 30 September 2022
2,928,688
109,776
2,484,091
2,829,718
70,981
8,423,254
Amortisation
At 1 April 2022
493,548
32,503
271,680
-
5,073
802,804
Amortisation charge
257,229
6,785
80,980
-
9,554
354,548
At 30 September 2022
750,777
39,288
352,660
-
14,627
1,157,352
Net book value
At 31 March 2022
1,836,889
67,093
2,212,411
2,829,718
65,125
7,011,236
At 30 September 2022
2,177,911
70,488
2,131,431
2,829,718
56,354
7,265,902
Development costs
Trademarks
Brands
Goodwill
Website
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2021
1,190,555
70,372
459,916
68,042
-
1,788,885
Acquired through business combinations
-
8,857
1,133,915
1,358,497
-
2,501,269
Additions
491,057
8,196
-
-
-
499,253
At 30 September 2021
1,681,612
87,425
1,593,831
1,426,539
-
4,789,407
Amortisation
At 1 April 2021
163,067
13,345
149,492
-
-
325,904
Acquired through business combinations
-
7,661
-
-
-
7,661
Charge for the year
137,964
5,341
65,873
-
-
209,178
At 30 September 2021
301,031
26,347
215,365
-
-
542,743
Net book value
At 31 March 2021
1,027,488
57,027
310,424
68,042
-
1,462,981
At 30 September 2021
1,380,581
61,078
1,378,466
1,426,539
-
4,246,664
Inventories
30 September 2022
30 September 2021
31 March 2022
£
£
£
Finished goods
3,363,195
3,664,533
4,394,080
Provision for obsolescence
(744,559)
(117,108)
(673,832)
Total inventories
2,618,636
3,547,425
3,720,248
Cost of inventory recognised in profit and loss
3,814,675
3,061,619
8,226,260
Number of shares
Share capital
Note
No.
£
At 1 April 2021
51,618,966
516,190
Shares issued on 4 May 2021
357,977
3,580
Shares issued on 10 May 2021
2,737,840
27,378
At 30 September2021 and 31 March 2022
54,714,783
547,148
Shares issued on 15 August 2022
(a)
45,802
458
Shares issued on 21 September 2022
(b)
3,597,616
35,975
At 30 September 2022
58,358,201
583,581
The following table summarises the share capital of Samarkand Group plc for the periods presented:
On 15 August 2022, Samarkand Group plc issued 45,802 new ordinary shares of £0.01 each as part of the deferred consideration paid, for the acquisition of The Edinburgh Herbal Dispensary Limited. On 21 September 2022, Samarkand Group plc issued 3,597,616 new ordinary shares of £0.01 each raising gross proceeds of £1,978,688 pursuant to the Open Offer set out on the 5 September 2022.
Net debt reconciliation:
Opening balances
Cash flows
Foreign exchange movements
Closing balances
£
£
£
£
Six-month period ended 30 September 2022
Cash and cash equivalents
4,049,118
(1,017,339)
22,405
3,054,184
Right of use lease liabilities
(720,353)
130,189
-
(590,164)
Borrowings
(1,452,127)
1,014
-
(1,451,113)
Totals
1,876,638
(886,136)
22,405
1,012,907
Six-month period ended 30 September 2021
Cash and cash equivalents
14,606,867
(4,229,765)
12,663
10,389,765
Right of use lease liabilities
(972,994)
125,561
-
(847,433)
Borrowings
(2,082,538)
475,498
-
(1,607,040)
Totals
11,551,335
(3,628,706)
12,663
7,952,670
For more information, please contact:
Samarkand Group plc
Via Alma PR
David Hampstead, Chief Executive Officer
Eva Hang, Chief Financial Officer
VSA Capital – AQSE Corporate Adviser and Broker
+44(0)20 3005 5000
Andrew Raca, Pascal Wiese (Corporate Finance)
Andrew Monk, David Scriven (Corporate Broking)
Alma PR
+44(0)20 3405 0213
Josh Royston
Lily Soares Smith
Joe Pederzolli
Notes to Editors
Samarkand is a cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group focusing on connecting International Brands with China, the world's largest eCommerce market. The Group has developed a proprietary software platform, the Nomad platform, which is integrated across all necessary touchpoints required for eCommerce in China including eCommerce platforms, payments, logistics, social media and customs. The Nomad platform is the foundation on which the Group's Nomad technology and service solutions are built. The core products include Nomad Checkout, Nomad Storefront and Nomad Distribution.
Founded in 2016, Samarkand is headquartered in London, UK with offices in Shanghai.
For further information please visit https://www.samarkand.global/
ISIN: GB00BLH1QT30 Category Code: MSCM TIDM: SMK Sequence No.: 208720 EQS News ID: 1513379
End of Announcement EQS News Service