TIDMSGI 
 
RNS Number : 9054L 
Stanley Gibbons Group Limited 
20 January 2009 
 

For release at 7am on 20 January 2009 
 
 
The Stanley Gibbons Group Limited 
("Stanley Gibbons" or the "Company") 
 
 
Trading Update 
 
 
As it enters its close period, the Board of Stanley Gibbons wishes to provide an 
update to the market on its expected results for the year ended 31 December 2008 
and current trading. 
 
 
2008 trading results 
 
 
Overall, the results for the year are encouraging, demonstrating a continuing 
high level of demand for the Company's investment products linked to the 
underlying assets of stamps and collectibles.  Whilst the reported outcome for 
the year is likely to show turnover broadly in line with that reported in 2007, 
the resulting profit before tax is now estimated to be below earlier market 
expectations.  However, due to a lower tax rate, earnings per share are expected 
to be similar to 2007. 
 
 
During the year, the Company entered into approximately GBP3.4 million in value 
of sales transactions on extended credit terms to several key investment 
clients. Since these sales were on terms including a 12 month buyback guarantee, 
the Board has decided to defer both this revenue and the associated profit into 
2009, when the guarantees will have expired. 
 
 
The clients have paid a 10% cash deposit on these contracts and the Board does 
not expect the guarantees to be called.  The Board considers that the deferral 
of the revenue into 2009 is prudent and in line with best market practice. 
 
 
Proposed Dividend 
 
 
The Company's balance sheet remains strong and is debt free despite an increased 
investment during the year in its stockholding of scarce, high value 
rarities. The Board intends to demonstrate its confidence in the outlook for the 
business by recommending to Shareholders a final dividend similar to last year. 
 
 
Current trading and outlook 
 
 
Recent trading is showing a high level of demand for the Company's investment 
products which are benefiting from the current low interest rate environment 
making the returns from investing in collectibles more appealing. The current 
weakness in the value of Sterling against most other major currencies presents 
some exciting marketing opportunities to substantially grow sales 
internationally to US Dollar and Euro based investors. 
 
 
Consequently, the Directors remain confident in the long term growth potential 
of the Company's businesses and in the ability for sales and profits to grow 
again in 2009. 
 
 
The market in rare stamps continues to be strong, evidenced by the high value of 
realisations from recent auction sales. 
 
 
Martin Bralsford, Non-Executive Chairman commented: 
 
 
"I am more than satisfied with the Company's performance during 2008, a year of 
challenging economic and financial conditions. More particularly, when 
considering the 2008 results including the sales we are deferring into 2009, 
underlying sales would show growth of over 10% year on year and profits would 
also have shown an improvement at the same time as increasing revenue investment 
in long term growth opportunities. 
 
 
Based on current trading, our outlook for 2009 remains optimistic." 
 
 
For further information, contact: 
 
 
The Stanley Gibbons Group Limited 
Michael Hall, Chief Executive    +44 (0) 1481 708 273 
www.stanleygibbons.com 
 
 
Seymour Pierce Ltd, NOMAD/Broker 
Jonathan Wright +44 (0) 20 7107 8000 
 
 
 
 
 
This information is provided by RNS 
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange 
   END 
 
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