ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE
Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st December 2023
Registered company number: 10197485 Registered Charity number: 1172320
ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 |
| Independent Auditor's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10-13 |
ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered charity number 1172320 (England & Wales):
Registered company number 10197485 (England & Wales): Registered Office: 52 Swan Street West Malling ME 19 6JX
Trustees:
The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs P Banks Dr K Clarke The Rev Canon C Dench The Rt Revd A Newman (Acting Chair - Appointed 25 September 2023) M Girt C Spencer (Chair - Resigned 25 September 2023)
Bankers: Natwest 43 Swan Street West Malling Kent ME19 6HF Independent Examiner: Haysmacintyre LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects are the advancement of the Christian faith for the public benefit in particular, but not exclusively, by providing and establishing a training and retreat centre in the area of Malling Abbey for the local community.
Situated within the grounds of Malling Abbey the St Benedict’s Centre welcomes individuals and groups seeking a place to rest, retreat, study, create, meet and/or work.
Malling Abbey is home to a community of Anglican Benedictine Nuns who continue to embody the Rule of St Benedict in their daily rhythms of prayer, worship, work and study. The St Benedict’s Centre is an exciting collaboration between the Benedictine Community at Malling Abbey and the Diocese of Rochester.
Opened in 2016, the newly developed centre, using the Guest House, the Western Range and the Pilgrim Chapel has well equipped spaces for those wanting personal or professional space and for groups of up to 50 people.
The St Benedict’s Centre is also home to the St Augustine’s College of Theology and is a Diocese of Rochester training location for the Bishop’s Certificate in Foundation for Christian Ministry, Licensed Lay Ministry and Continuing Ministerial Development training.
Following the Benedictine tradition of hospitality we endeavour to offer a warm, whole hearted and sincere welcome to all our guests and those enquiring about the St Benedict’s Centre and Malling Abbey.
St Benedict said: ‘All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ Rule of St Benedict 53:1
At the St Benedict’s Centre, in our close relationship with the Benedictine Community at Malling Abbey, we are eager to reflect the rhythm and pattern of Benedictine community life in and through our hospitality and programme.
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the activities of the charity in the year have furthered the charity's purposes for the public benefit.
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Achievements and Performance
Programme
2023 saw an encouraging increase in the use of the Centre by groups and individuals for prayer, study, quiet days and individual and led retreats.
The monthly programme continues to comprise: Traditional quiet days led by a variety of people on different seasonal or pertinent themes; Wisdom days led by people who carry wisdom in a topic and share this in a way which generates conversation as well as time for reflection. The Wisdom days included a bespoke series of Benedictine wisdom days running bi-monthly and in collaboration with the Benedictine Community of Malling Abbey. Wisdom days also included seasonal study groups for Lent and the period after Easter. Arts days featured different expressions of art and enabled people to use more than just words to explore spirituality and faith. Walking with Jesus days provided an opportunity for people to walk and talk around a particular theme of Jesus' teaching or explore the relationship he had with the disciples. The days offered another way for people to share and grow in faith. The Centre programme offers an event almost every week of the month and this creates a steady flow of different guests.
Centre activity
Our two core user groups remain St Augustine College of Theology (based on site) and the Rochester Diocese, who use the Centre for their lay formation programme, continuing ministerial development, meetings of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and other meetings. Other church-based groups using the Centre include diocesan groups and parish groups, and there is a growing number of secular organisations using the space for training, development and business meetings – these are groups whose ethos and values are in sympathy with those of the Centre, and we will look to build on these public and private sector bookings in the future.
Personnel
During 2023 Jane Winter, who had been seconded by the Diocese to act as Director of the St Benedict’s Centre, was recalled to head up the Formation and Ministry department. In her 4 years with us Jane contributed a huge amount to the development of the Centre and she is sorely missed. Following her departure the decision was made to appoint a 12-month interim Coordinator while we determine the appropriate future staffing pattern (not yet appointed by the end of 2023).
Also in 2023 our Chair, Caroline Spencer, had to step back from this role for domestic reasons. We are grateful to Caroline for her year as Chair and wish her well for the future. Adrian Newman was appointed as Acting Chair, and the trustees committed to a process of identifying and appointing further trustees, including a Chair.
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Financial review
In the financial year the charity generated income of £114,993 (2022: £111,085). Of this income, £31,101 (2022: £17,555 restated) related to charitable activities, being retreat house bookings both individuals and groups and £51,142 (2022: £48,033 restated) to rental, license and retainer fees. The Charity also received donations/grants totalling £32,214 (2022: £45,465) and other income £536 (2022: £32) during the year.
Total expenditure in the year was £114,426 (2022: £82,532). All expenditure related to charitable activities.
The charity does not have restricted funds balance. At 31 December 2023 the charity had unrestricted funds of £1,173,046 (2022: £1,172,479) and cash balances of £130,707 (2022: £101,328).
Structure,governance and management
The St Benedict''s Centre is a company limited by guarantee (company number 10197485) and was incorporated on 24 March 2016. It is governed by its Memorandun and Articles of Association dated 24 March 2016. It is a registered charity with the Charity Commission.
Appointment of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the St Benedict’s Centre comprises 7 members (2022: 7) who meet at least four times a year to review operations and strategic direction.
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The charity trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Provision of information to auditors
So far as each of the Trustees at the time the report is approved are aware:
- there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware and,
• they have taken all the steps they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information, and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Approved by order of the board of Trustees:
Matthew Girt
…………………………………………
M Girt Trustee Date: 7 May 2024
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of St Benedict's Centre for the year ended 31st December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”). The trustees are satisfied that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out the examination I have followed the requirements of the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act;
or
2.�The accounts do not accord with those records; or
- The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which
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Jane Askew, Charities Partner Haysmacintyre LLP Statutory Auditor 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
Date: 18 July 2024
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Notes INCOME FROM: Donations and grants 3 Charitable activities - retreat house bookings Charitable activities - rental, license and retainer fees Other income TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities 6 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/ (EXPENDITURE) FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY 10 FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 10 |
2023 2023 Unrestricted Restricted £ £ 772 31,442 31,101 - 51,142 - 536 - |
2023 2022 Total Total £ £ 32,214 45,465 31,101 17,555 51,142 48,033 536 32 |
|---|---|---|
| 83,551 31,442 114,993 111,085 - - - - (82,984) (31,442) (114,426) (82,532) |
||
| (82,984) (31,442) (114,426) (82,532) |
||
| 567 - 567 28,553 |
||
| 1,172,479 - 1,172,479 1,143,926 1,173,046 - 1,173,046 1,172,479 |
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 | BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 | COMPANY NUMBER: | 10197485 | 10197485 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 7 | 1,004,484 | 1,005,964 | |||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Debtors | 8 | 53,555 | 76,516 | |||
| Cash at Bank | 130,707 | 101,328 | ||||
| 184,262 | 177,844 | |||||
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts Falling Within One Year | 9 | (15,700) | (11,329) | |||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 168,562 | 166,515 | ||||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 1,173,046 | 1,172,479 | ||||
| CREDITORS | ||||||
| Amounts Falling Due After One Year | - | - | ||||
| NET ASSETS | 1,173,046 | 1,172,479 | ||||
| CAPITAL AND RESERVES | ||||||
| Unrestricted Reserves | 1,173,046 | 1,172,479 |
The directors consider that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2023. These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the small charity provisions.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(a) ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
The financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 were approved by the Board on 7 May 2024 and are signed on its behalf.
Matthew Girt
………………………………………………………….
M Girt
Trustee
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
| Notes Net cash provided by operating activities A Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year A: Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities Net income/(expenditure) Depreciation (Decrease)/increase in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash provided by operating activities |
2023 £ 29,379 - 101,328 130,707 2023 £ 567 1,480 22,961 4,371 29,379 |
2022 £ 3,275 (4,439) 102,492 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101,328 | ||||
| 2022 £ 28,553 1,480 (2,653) (24,105) |
||||
| 3,275 |
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
St Benedict's Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Income
All income is accounted for when there is evidence of entitlement, the income is measureable and receipt is probable.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Financial instruments
The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term liquid investments in current and deposit accounts.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The review of our financial position, reserves levels and future plans gives Trustees confidence the charity remains a going concern for the foreseeable future.
Other Tangible Fixed Assets
Depreciation is provided in order to write off the cost (less any ultimate disposal proceeds at prices ruling at the time of the asset's acquisition) of other fixed assets over their currently expected useful economic lives. All capital expenditure on computer and office equipment over £1k is capitalised and depreciated over 3 years.
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost.
No depreciation has been provided on the Company's improvements to the leasehold buildings it occupies. It is the Company's policy to maintain this asset in a continual state of sound repair and to make improvements thereto from time to time. Accordingly the Company considers that the life of this asset and its residual value (based on prices prevailing at the time of the acquistions) are such that their depreciation is insignificant.
2. OPERATING PROFIT
The Operating Profit is stated after charging:
| Depreciation | 2023 £ 1,480 |
2022 £ 1,480 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
3. DONATIONS AND GRANTS
| Other donations and grants | 2023 Unrestricted £ 772 |
2023 Restricted 31,442 |
2023 Total £ 32,214 32,214 |
2022 Total £ 45,465 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 772 | 31,442 | 45,465 |
4. TAXATION
Analysis of the Tax Charge
The tax charge on the profit on ordinary activities for the year was as follows:
| Current Tax: UK Corporation Tax Tax on Profit on Ordinary Activities |
2023 £ - - |
2022 £ - |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - |
5. STAFF COSTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The average number of employees in the year was 1 (2022: 1). Total staff costs were £18,370 (2022: £15,039).
Reimbursement of trustees' expenses in 2023 was £216 (2022: £96).
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| 6. EXPENDITURE Salaries Cleaning and gardening Rates Utilities Communications Insurance Maintenance Rent Bank charges Miscellaneous Payment to RDSBF Refreshments Management costs Depreciation Stationery and office costs Professional fees 7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 January 2023 Additions At 31st December 2023 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2023 Additions At 31st December 2023 NET BOOK VALUE At 31st December 2022 At 31st December 2023 |
2023 Unrestricted £ 18,370 3,368 5,650 12,399 11,687 526 8,451 - 206 307 10,466 2,065 830 1,480 2,669 4,510 |
2023 Unrestricted £ 18,370 3,368 5,650 12,399 11,687 526 8,451 - 206 307 10,466 2,065 830 1,480 2,669 4,510 |
2023 Restricted £ - 5,000 - 13,360 - 3,082 - 10,000 - - - - - - - - |
2023 Restricted £ - 5,000 - 13,360 - 3,082 - 10,000 - - - - - - - - |
2022 Total £ 15,039 11,772 5,120 15,589 7,264 3,309 5,798 10,000 46 2,617 - 1,499 583 1,480 391 2,025 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ 18,370 3,368 5,650 12,399 11,687 526 8,451 - 206 307 10,466 2,065 830 1,480 2,669 4,510 |
|||||||
| 82,984 | 31,442 | 82,532 | |||||
| Property £ 1,003,005 - |
Total £ 1,007,444 - |
||||||
| 1,003,005 | 4,439 | 1,007,444 | |||||
| - - |
1,480 1,480 |
1,480 1,480 |
|||||
| - | 2,960 | 2,960 | |||||
| 1,003,005 | 2,959 | 1,005,964 | |||||
| 1,003,005 | 1,479 | 1,004,484 |
At the Balance Sheet date the gross amount of the property assets held by the Company was £1,003,005. These assets relate to the fit-out of a worship centre and community facility held under a long lease.
8. DEBTORS: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| DEBTORS: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade debtors VAT debtors |
2023 2022 £ £ 1,225 13,720 52,330 62,796 53,555 76,516 |
|
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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
9. CREDITORS: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| Accruals VAT creditors Other creditors 10. RESERVES At 1 January Income Expenditure As at 31st December |
2023 Unrestricted funds £ 1,172,479 83,551 (82,984) |
2023 Restricted fund £ - 31,442 (31,442) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,173,046 | - |
In 2023 the restricted fund related to grants received from St Mary Abbey towards insurance and other associated running costs.
11. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022
| INCOME FROM: Donations and grants Charitable activities - retreat house bookings Charitable activities - rental, license and retainer fees Other income TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/ (EXPENDITURE) FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER |
2022 Unrestricted £ Restated 3,268 17,555 48,033 32 |
2022 2022 Restricted Total £ £ Restated 42,197 45,465 - 17,555 - 48,033 - 32 42,197 111,085 - - (42,197) (82,532) (42,197) (82,532) - 28,553 - 1,143,926 - 1,172,479 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 68,888 - (40,335) |
|||
| (40,335) | |||
| 28,553 | |||
| 1,143,926 1,172,479 |
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