MBL plunges into the red
Entertainment products distributor MBL Group swung into the red in six months ended 30 September, after losing a major customer which accounted for 79% of turnover earlier in the year.
Entertainment products distributor MBL Group swung into the red in six months ended 30 September, after losing a major customer which accounted for 79% of turnover earlier in the year.
Morrisons, which had been MBL's biggest customer, formally confirmed in March that it would terminate two supply agreements with the firm in September, a move which caused MBL significant income loss.
"During the following six months, MBL substantially downsized its operations and attempted to unwind the working capital position relating to this customer. The suddenness of the withdrawal, however, left MBL in a position in which it was incurring the significant payroll and overhead costs which previously supported this customer," the firm said.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Sales for the period decreased from £71.1m to £15.7m on a like-for-like basis, leading to a loss before tax of £7.2m, compared to a small profit of £0.7m for the same period a year ago.
Earnings per share turned from a modest profit of 2.9p to a loss of 43.9p.
Although no dividend was paid, the firm, which continues its process of downsizing, was keen to emphasise that it still debt free.
Chairman Peter Cowgill said: "During this period, a substantial downsizing has occurred and post the period end two subsidiaries, Global Media Vault and MBL Guernsey PCC, have been sold and the activities of one subsidiary, Outnow Home Entertainment, have been discontinued.
"The board is committed to stabilising the business following the damaging events of earlier this year and we shall provide an update on headline performance in late January 2012."
NR
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
Bitcoin price one of the most-asked questions on Alexa - here's how to buy the cryptocurrency
According to figures from Amazon, which cover September 2023 to November 2024, pop star Taylor Swift and Bitcoin were named among the most popular Alexa queries of 2024
By Chris Newlands Published
-
Investing for children this Christmas – five ideas
It might not come with a shiny ribbon, but an investment fund could be the gift that keeps on giving. We share five ideas if you are investing for children this Christmas.
By Katie Williams Published