Sportingbet PLC
06 June 2007
Sportingbet Plc
__________________________________________________________________________
Unaudited results for the third quarter ended 30 April 2007
Sportingbet, the online sports betting and gaming group, announces its results
for the third quarter ended 30 April 2007.
In order to aid comparison, the financial and operational information for the
prior period is stated excluding the US business that was sold/closed in October
2006 resulting in Sportingbet's complete exit from that market. Highlights and
commentary on the results for the nine months to 30 April 2007 are included at
the end of this announcement.
Financial highlights - Third quarter ended 30 April 2007
• Group operating profit* up 275% to £3.0m (2006: £0.8m)
• Cash on the balance sheet, net of customer liabilities, of £38.1m
• Diluted earnings per share* of 0.7p (2006: 0.2p loss)
(* Stated pre exceptional charges, goodwill amortisation and FRS 20 share option
charges)
Business highlights - Third quarter ended 30 April 2007
• Strong performance in core sports betting business
• Pipeline of product enhancements for delivery over coming months
• Considerable achievements in Q3 laying foundations for future growth
- Customer Services now fully operational in Dublin
- Paradise to Boss work complete - seamless migration on 24 May
- Operational and IT work underway ahead of planned move to the Channel
Islands
Andrew McIver, Group Chief Executive, said:
'Following our exit from the US market in October 2006, our aim in this current
financial year is to build a solid foundation for the future and thereby enable
us to capitalise efficiently on the opportunities that this high growth market
continues to present. During this last quarter, significant 'behind-the-scenes'
achievements have been completed: all customer service personnel have been
relocated to one dedicated service centre and all Poker players are now playing
on a single platform. Work continues on the next major Group project, being the
relocation of licensable functions to the Channel Islands.
I am particularly pleased that during this period, not only have we achieved all
of these important steps on schedule and to plan, but at the same time we have
delivered a three fold increase in profitability.'
For further information please contact:
Sportingbet Plc Tel: 020 7184 1800
Andrew McIver, Group Chief Executive
Simon Gregory, Director of Business Development
Smithfield Consultants Tel: 020 7903 0669
George Hudson
FINANCIAL RESULTS
In order to aid comparison, the financial and operational information for the
prior periods is stated excluding discontinued businesses. Commentary on the
results for the nine months to 30 April 2007 is included at the end of this
announcement.
Third quarter ended 30 April 2007 - Continuing operations
Turnover for the third quarter ended 30 April 2007 was £291.1m (2006: £229.4m),
earning a gross profit of £31.9m (2006: £29.7m) at 11.0% of turnover (2006:
12.9%). Sports betting turnover in Europe was £156.3m (2006: £131.0m), earning a
gross profit of £15.1m (2006: £10.6m).
Turnover and margin for the period are stated after a deduction for customer
bonuses of £2.5m (2006: £2.2m). The European and Australian sports gross profit
as reported was 9.6% and 2.2% of turnover respectively (2006: 8.0% and 2.9%).
Without the bonus deduction the equivalent numbers would have been 10.6% and
2.3% (2006: 8.8% and 3.0%).
Australian sports betting turnover was £120.7m (2006: £81.6m), earning a gross
profit of £2.7m (2006: £2.4m), the year on year increase in turnover more than
offsetting the weaker margin. On much reduced liquidity, Paradise Poker
contributed gross profit of £2.8m (2006: £4.5m) during the period. European
poker, provided by Boss, still managed to achieve gross profit of £3.4m (2006:
£4.1m) despite the impact of migration work. Casino and gaming contributed gross
profit of £7.9m (2006: £8.1m) down slightly year on year ahead of the major
upgrade now being rolled out.
Costs (excluding exceptional items, share option charge and goodwill
amortisation) in the third quarter were £28.9m (2006: £28.9m).
During the quarter exceptional items of £62.3m (2006: £nil) were charged. These
comprised £51.4m relating to the migration of Paradise to Boss, including an
impairment charge of £46.2m in relation to goodwill in Paradise Poker. The
impairment writes the Paradise goodwill down to nil but it is possible that as
part of the detailed year end audit process this nil valuation may be revised
upwards. The £51.4m exceptional compares favourably to the £55m estimated in the
announcement at the start of this initiative in February. The remaining £10.9m
of exceptionals relate to the transfer of operations to Dublin and the Channel
Islands and again compare favourably to the £13.5m estimated in the announcement
of these initiatives in March. Of the total of £62.3m, £11.3m is likely to be a
cash expense.
Operating profit (before exceptional items, share option charge and goodwill
amortisation) for the third quarter was £3.0m (2006: £0.8m).
Profit before tax after exceptional charges, share option charge of £2.8m (2006:
£1.1m) and goodwill amortisation of £1.4m (2006: £1.4m) and after crediting
£0.6m of interest income (2006: £1.0m charge) was a loss of £62.9m (2006: £2.7m
loss).
Basic earnings per share before share option charges and amortisation of
goodwill was 0.8p (2006: 0.2p loss). Diluted earnings per share before
exceptionals, share option charges and amortisation of goodwill was 0.7p (2006:
0.2p loss).
As at 30 April 2007, the Group had £50.1m of cash and liquid resources on its
balance sheet, of which £12.0m related to customer liabilities.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Sportingbet Group
As with previous announcements, quarters one and three provide a brief update on
operational developments with a more detailed analysis accompanying the interim
and year-end results.
This financial year remains one of operational focus for the Group with the
intention of establishing a strong platform for growth for forthcoming years.
Accordingly, the Group has continued to drive forward a number of major projects
during the quarter to either enhance the customer experience in the future or
create further efficiencies within the business.
During the quarter, we have successfully amalgamated all non-Australian customer
services personnel in a single dedicated customer services centre in Dublin,
Ireland. This unit, now headed by a new highly experienced management team, aims
to provide first rate customer service for all Sportingbet products in a
seamless manner. This operation went live on 2 April 2007.
In addition, significant work has been undertaken by both Sportingbet and
representatives from Boss Media to migrate poker players from the Paradise Poker
platform to the Boss Media run IPN Network. This work continues to enhance our
working relationship with Boss, the supplier of both our casino and poker
products. A smooth and successful migration took place on 24 May 2007, and early
signs from the combined effects are encouraging, with initial indications
suggesting that we will lose less than the expected 20% of customers. Product
enhancements exist for both sets of players; this will be the first time that
Boss based players will have direct access to an embedded blackjack and casino
product and similarly the first time that European based Paradise Poker players
will have direct access to sportsbetting facilities. Now the migration is
complete, focus returns to the marketing of the Paradise Poker brand.
Our increased focus on the customer experience is delivering further product
enhancements. In the quarter, a new version of the casino has been built and
integrated, refreshing the existing product with enhanced features, graphics and
new games. In addition, our virtual games offering is also being revamped. These
updates, along with the continued rollout of the improved sports product with
its superior in-running functionality, will be deployed across the portfolio
over the coming months.
As announced on 28 March 2007, as part of Sportingbet's ongoing organisational
strategy, the Board continually reviews the most appropriate locations for the
various elements of its business. As a result of the considerable uncertainty
surrounding the precise operational requirements of the 2005 UK Gambling Act,
and with ever limited time remaining to adopt the eventual requirements, it is
the Board's intention to transfer certain activities to a more defined
regulatory environment. The Group already holds a licence in the Channel
Islands, granted by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, and will be moving
its licensenable activities from the UK to the Channel Islands prior to 1
September 2007. This process was initiated during the quarter and is now well
advanced.
Europe
The number of customers who bet on the region's sports betting websites rose by
11% to 215,348 (2006: 194,636).
The number of sports bets placed by these customers increased by 22% to 12.9m
(2006: 10.5m) at a rate of 60 bets per active customer per quarter (2006: 54
bets), and the average sports bet size was £12.26 (2006: £12.48). The sports
margin percentage after betting tax was 10.6% (2006: 8.8%).
Given the degree of operational changes being made across the business during
the quarter effort was concentrated on existing customers rather than pure
recruitment. In aggregate, yield per sports active customer increased by 32%
from £58.56 to £77.57 in part as a result of increased margin, but also from the
number of bets made per customer; a function of the enhanced betting in-running
product which is being rolled out across the portfolio. The cost of acquiring a
new active customer increased by 15% to £167 (2006: £145).
The number of customers who bet on the Group's casino websites decreased by 4%
to 30,157 (2006: 31,492). The number of bets placed by these customers rose by
5% to 36.9m (2006: 35.2m) at an average bet size of £4.83 (2006: £5.42). The
casino margin percentage was 3.36% (2006: 3.21%).
During the quarter the European region generated £3.6m of poker rake (2006:
£4.4m), down 18% year on year, on the Boss Media platform. In addition, Paradise
Poker generated a further £3.0m of poker rake (2006: £4.7m) from its remaining
non-US players on its proprietary owned software platform. Following migration,
all Group poker rake will, in future, be reported as a single line item.
Australia
The number of customers who bet with the region's sports betting business
increased by 52% to 11,852 (2006: 7,775). The number of sports bets placed by
these customers rose by 78% to 2.0m (2006: 1.1m) at a rate of 166 bets per
customer per quarter (2006: 142 bets). The average sports bet size was lower at
AUS$153 (2006: AUS$176), reflecting the increased activity on the more
leisure-oriented internet platform.
During the quarter, the proportion of bets taken over the internet rose to 82%
(2006: 74%). The margin, after betting taxes, was disappointing during the
quarter at 2.3% (2006: 3.0%), partially impacted by additional taxes from the
Racing Victoria Limited levy versus the 2006 comparator. The cost of acquiring a
new active customer fell to AUS$481 (2006: AUS$778).
Offer Talks
On 7 March 2007, the Board announced it was in very preliminary talks with bwin
Interactive Entertainment AG regarding a potential combination of the two
groups. These discussions continue and due to complex legal, regulatory and
operational issues, remain protracted. Such discussions may or may not lead to a
transaction between the two parties and the Board will provide further updates
in due course and when necessary.
Regulatory Developments
Much uncertainty remains regarding regulation across this industry; however, the
Board continues to believe that a properly regulated market remains the most
appropriate structure for any gambling industry. Internally, Sportingbet
continues to implement best practice policies in this regard wherever practical.
Group services are provided only from jurisdictions that are licensed and
regulated. To facilitate this, the Group is currently licensed in the UK,
Alderney, Antigua, Italy and Australia. The Group also undertakes ongoing
regulatory reviews and risk assessment processes with regard to this
uncertainty.
Externally, considerable confusion exists both within various governments and
internationally as to the best way of regulating this industry. There is little
sign, however, that the market distortions which now exist across various
markets show any signs of being resolved. Diverse government policies ranging
from the provision of licenses and proper regulation to blatant protectionism of
monopoly provided services are now in place. The Board welcomes the recent
European Court of Justice ruling in the so called Placanica case requiring EU
governments to justify, for reasons of public interest, the limitation of supply
of other EU member services in this sector.
As part of the Group's ongoing risk assessment process, it continues to monitor
legal and regulatory developments in jurisdictions where it operates or where
customers have been or continue to be offered services. The Group considers the
potential impact on its business, and continues to take appropriate advice in
this respect. There remains much uncertainty as to what, or where, regulatory
actions, if any, may occur and any impact such actions may have on the Group.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Group ceased taking bets from US resident
customers resulting in a total exit from the US market prior to the enactment of
the UIGEA on 13 October 2007. The Board notes the recent political developments
in the US with regard to certain proposed legislative reforms and confirms that
it is taking no part in any reported initiatives to overturn, challenge or amend
that or related legislation.
Trading Outlook
Margin in May has been below average due to less favourable results across
European soccer. However, at this point, the Board remains confident of the
outlook for the remainder of the current financial year and beyond.
As stated in the interim announcement, the Board's aim for the current year is
to establish a solid platform from which to focus the Group's customer offering.
A major cost restructuring was completed soon after the exit from the US,
establishment of the customer services centre in Dublin has been finalised and
more recently we have successfully migrated all our poker players onto a single
integrated platform. Significant work is underway to move certain operational
aspects of the business to the Channel Islands during the summer period. The
Board remains confident that the full benefit of these initiatives will flow
through during future periods.
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
Notes 3 months 3 months 9 months 9 months
to to to to
30 April 30 April 30 April 30 April
2007 2007
2006 2006
Restated Restated
£m £m £m £m
Turnover - continuing operations 291.1 232.4 836.3 656.0
- discontinued - 274.9 228.2 979.4
operations --------- --------- --------- ---------
Turnover 2 291.1 507.3 1,064.5 1,635.4
Cost of sales (259.2) (422.9) (931.8) (1,403.3)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 31.9 84.4 132.7 232.1
Gross profit % 11.0% 16.6% 12.5% 14.2%
------------------------ ------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
Exceptional
items 3 (62.3) - (314.7) -
Share option
charge (2.8) (1.5) (5.0) (4.5)
Goodwill
amortisation (1.4) (5.6) (7.6) (16.6)
Other
administration
expenses (28.9) (55.6) (112.8) (146.2)
------------------------ ------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total
administration
expenses (95.4) (62.7) (440.1) (167.3)
------------------------ ------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
Group operating
profit before
exceptional
items, share
option charge
and goodwill
amortisation 3.0 28.8 19.9 85.9
Exceptional
items 3 (62.3) - (314.7) -
Share option
charge (2.8) (1.5) (5.0) (4.5)
Goodwill
amortisation (1.4) (5.6) (7.6) (16.6)
------------------------ ------ --------- --------- --------- ---------
Group operating
(loss)/profit - continuing (63.5) (1.5) (78.0) (4.2)
operations
- discontinued - 23.2 (229.4) 69.0
operations --------- --------- --------- ---------
Group operating
(loss)/profit (63.5) 21.7 (307.4) 64.8
Finance costs 6 0.6 (0.5) 2.0 (2.3)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(Loss)/profit
before taxation (62.9) 21.2 (305.4) 62.5
Taxation (0.2) (0.5) (0.9) (1.2)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(Loss)/profit
after taxation (63.1) 20.7 (306.3) 61.3
Minority
interest - - 0.4 -
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(Loss)/profit
for the
financial period (63.1) 20.7 (305.9) 61.3
========= ========= ========= =========
(Loss)/earnings
per ordinary
share -
continuing and
discontinued
operations 8
Basic (14.6)p 4.9p (71.3)p 15.9p
Diluted (12.4)p 4.8p (60.6)p 15.4p
========= ========= ========= =========
(Loss)/earnings
per ordinary
share -
continuing
operations 8
Basic (14.6)p (0.8)p (18.2)p (2.2)p
Diluted (12.4)p (0.7)p (15.5)p (2.1)p
========= ========= ========= =========
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 30 April 2007
30 April 2007 30 April 31 July
2006 2006
Restated
£m £m £m
Fixed assets
Intangible assets - goodwill 55.8 368.3 351.6
Tangible assets 17.1 11.8 16.4
Investment in joint venture - 8.5 8.0
--------- --------- ---------
72.9 388.6 376.0
Current assets
Debtors 4.3 24.3 21.9
Cash at bank and in hand 50.1 103.9 97.2
--------- --------- ---------
54.4 128.2 119.1
--------- --------- ---------
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
Bank loans and overdrafts - 21.0 10.5
Deferred consideration - - 17.9
Other creditors 49.3 75.3 67.9
--------- --------- ---------
49.3 96.3 96.3
--------- --------- ---------
Net current assets 5.1 31.9 22.8
--------- --------- ---------
Total assets less current liabilities 78.0 420.5 398.8
Provisions for liabilities
Other provisions 1.0 2.0 1.7
Contingent consideration 2.6 26.6 18.8
--------- --------- ---------
3.6 28.6 20.5
--------- --------- ---------
NET ASSETS 74.4 391.9 378.3
========= ========= =========
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 0.4 0.4 0.4
Shares to be issued 22.1 41.3 24.0
Share premium 42.8 38.0 38.0
Share option reserve 12.3 4.5 7.3
Other reserves 0.3 0.3 0.3
Profit and loss account (2.9) 307.4 308.5
--------- --------- ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 75.0 391.9 378.5
Minority interest (0.6) - (0.2)
--------- --------- ---------
74.4 391.9 378.3
========= ========= =========
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
Notes 3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 2007 30 April 2006 30 April 2007 30 April 2006
£m £m £m £m
EBITDA (11.4) 28.6 (5.9) 84.8
Net working
capital
movement 16.3 0.9 17.9 21.8
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash
inflow from
operating
activities 4 4.9 29.5 12.0 106.8
Returns on
investment and
servicing of
finance 0.5 0.1 1.2 (0.3)
Taxation - - (1.4) (0.1)
Capital
expenditure (2.3) (2.6) (10.3) (6.4)
Acquisitions
and disposals 4 (2.8) - (22.1) (12.9)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash
(outflow)/inflow
before
financing 0.3 27.0 (20.6) 86.9
Management of
liquid
resources 6.7 3.9 9.6 (4.6)
Financing 0.2 (24.9) (10.6) (50.0)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
(Decrease)/
increase in cash
in the period 7.2 6.0 (21.6) 32.3
========= ========= ========= =========
(Decrease)/
increase in cash
in the period 7.2 6.0 (21.6) 32.3
Cash
(inflow)/outflow
from
(decrease)/
increase in
liquid
resources (6.7) (3.9) (9.6) 4.6
Cash
(inflow)/outflow
from
(increase)/
decrease in debt (0.1) 20.7 10.8 42.1
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Movement in
net funds
resulting from
cash flows in
period 0.4 22.8 (20.4) 79.0
Disposals - - (15.9) -
Other movements - (0.2) (0.3) (0.7)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Movement in
net funds in
period 0.4 22.6 (36.6) 78.3
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net funds at
start of
period 49.7 60.3 86.7 4.6
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net funds at
end of period 50.1 82.9 50.1 82.9
========= ========= ========= =========
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
1. Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses:
3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 2007 30 April 2006 30 April 2007 30 April 2006
£m £m £m £m
(Loss)/profit
for financial
period (63.1) 20.7 (305.9) 61.3
Exchange
translation
differences on
consolidation (1.1) (6.1) (5.5) (9.4)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total
recognised
gains and
losses for the
financial
period (64.2) 14.6 (311.4) 51.9
--------- --------- --------- ---------
2. Analysis of turnover and operating profit:
Turnover:
Discontinued Continuing 3 months to Discontinued Continuing 3 months
to
Operations Operations 30 April Operations Operations 30 April
2007 2006
a) Analysis £m £m £m £m £m £m
of
revenue
by
activity
Sports - 277.0 277.0 238.4 215.6 454.0
betting
Casino - 7.9 7.9 9.3 8.2 17.5
and
gaming
Poker - 6.2 6.2 24.1 8.6 32.7
rake
Fee - - - 3.1 - 3.1
income --------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
- 291.1 291.1 274.9 232.4 507.3
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
b) Analysis
by
geography
Americas - 0.8 0.8 274.9 1.2 276.1
Europe - 169.6 169.6 - 149.7 149.7
Australia - 120.7 120.7 - 81.5 81.5
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
- 291.1 291.1 274.9 232.4 507.3
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
Post the passing of the UIGEA, Americas comprises Canada and Central and South
Americas.
Discontinued Continuing 9 months to Discontinued Continuing 9 months
to
Operations Operations 30 April Operations Operations 30 April
2006
2007
a) Analysis £m £m £m £m £m £m
of
revenue
by
activity
Sports 201.9 791.9 993.8 875.5 613.0 1,488.5
betting
Casino 6.7 23.3 30.0 29.0 21.1 50.1
and
gaming
Poker 17.7 21.1 38.8 66.1 22.0 88.1
rake
Fee 1.9 - 1.9 8.7 - 8.7
income --------- --------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------
228.2 836.3 1,064.5 979.3 656.1 1,635.4
--------- --------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------
b) Analysis
by
geography
Americas 228.2 2.7 230.9 978.1 3.1 981.2
Europe - 506.1 506.1 1.2 383.4 384.6
Australia - 327.5 327.5 - 269.6 269.6
--------- --------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------
228.2 836.3 1,064.5 979.3 656.1 1,635.4
--------- --------- ---------- --------- -------- ---------
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
2. Analysis of turnover and operating profit (continued):
Operating profit before exceptional items, share option charge and goodwill
amortisation:
Discontinued Continuing 3 months Discontinued Continuing 3 months
to to
Operations Operations 30 April Operations Operations 30 April
2007 2006
Analysis £m £m £m £m £m £m
by
geography
Americas - 0.1 0.1 28.0 0.5 28.5
Europe - 4.2 4.2 - 2.1 2.1
Australia - 0.7 0.7 - 0.1 0.1
--------- -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
- 5.0 5.0 28.0 2.7 30.7
Central - (2.0) (2.0) - (2.1) (2.1)
costs --------- -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
- 3.0 3.0 28.0 0.8 28.8
--------- -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Discontinued Continuing 9 months Discontinued Continuing 9 months
to to
Operations Operations 30 April Operations Operations 30 April
2007 2006
Analysis £m £m £m £m £m £m
by
geography
Americas 13.5 0.6 14.1 83.0 1.4 84.4
Europe - 9.0 9.0 - 5.1 5.1
Australia - 2.7 2.7 - 1.9 1.9
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
13.5 12.3 25.8 83.0 8.4 91.4
Central - (5.9) (5.9) - (5.5) (5.5)
costs --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
13.5 6.4 19.9 83.0 2.9 85.9
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating (loss)/profit:
Discontinued Continuing 3 months Discontinued Continuing 3 months
to to
Operations Operations 30 April Operations Operations April 2006
2007
Analysis £m £m £m £m £m £m
by
geography
Americas - (12.9) (12.9) 24.9 0.3 25.2
Europe - (46.1) (46.1) - 1.2 1.2
Australia - 0.4 0.4 - 0.1 0.1
--------- -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
- (58.6) (58.6) 24.9 1.6 26.5
Central - (4.9) (4.9) (1.5) (3.3) (4.8)
costs --------- -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
- (63.5) (63.5) 23.4 (1.7) 21.7
--------- -------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
2. Analysis of turnover and operating profit (continued):
Operating (loss)/profit:
Discontinued Continuing 9 months Discontinued Continuing 9 months
to to
Operations Operations 30 April Operations Operations 30 April
2007
2006
a) Analysis £m £m £m £m £m £m
by
geography
Americas (228.2) (12.8) (241.0) 73.8 0.8 74.6
Europe - (42.4) (42.4) - 2.3 2.3
Australia - 2.4 2.4 - 1.8 1.8
---------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
(228.2) (52.8) (281.0) 73.8 4.9 78.7
Central (1.2) (25.2) (26.4) (4.5) (9.4) (13.9)
costs ---------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
(229.4) (78.0) (307.4) 69.3 (4.5) 64.8
---------- --------- -------- --------- --------- --------
3. Exceptional items:
Notes 3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 2007 30 April 2006 30 April 2007 30 April 2006
£m £m £m £m
Impairment of
goodwill 46.2 - 178.9 -
Loss on
disposal of
business 5 - - 106.3 -
Write-off of
fixed assets 2.8 - 3.6 -
Reorganisation
costs 13.3 - 25.9 -
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
62.3 - 314.7 -
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
As previously announced, on 12 October 2006, Sportingbet sold its US-facing
sports betting and casino business to Jazette Enterprises Limited resulting in a
loss of £106.3m. As a result, the carrying value of the US-facing business at
the end of October of £106.3m has been written off.
Sportingbet retained the Paradise Poker business, but ceased taking deposits
from US resident customers. As a result, in October 2006 an impairment charge of
£132.7m was made in the profit and loss account and the carrying value of the
goodwill was written down from £180.9m to £50.4m. The charge to the profit and
loss account included a £2.2m loss on exchange. Following the migration of all
remaining Paradise Poker customers to the Boss platform, the residual Paradise
Poker goodwill was fully written down from £46.2m to £nil. The impairment will
be subject to the detailed year end audit process and may revised once the
impact of the migration has become clear. In addition fixed assets of £3.6m have
been written off.
The impact of the passing of the UIGEA and the subsequent decision to close the
US-facing part of Paradise Poker and dispose of the remaining US-facing
operations has resulted in a number of reorganisation costs (including
redundancies and other related costs) amounting to £25.9m.
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
4. Notes to the cashflow:
3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 30 April 30 April 30 April
2007 2006 2007 2006
Acquisitions and disposals £m £m £m £m
Cash consideration and
other sums paid to
vendors (2.8) - (20.4) (12.9)
Cash disposed of with
disposal of operations - - (1.7) -
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(2.8) - (22.1) (12.9)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 30 April 30 April 30 April
2007
2006 2007 2006
Reconciliation of operating £m £m £m £m
profit to net cashflow from
operating activities
Operating
(loss)/profit (63.5) 21.7 (307.4) 64.8
Amortisation -
goodwill 1.4 5.6 7.6 16.6
Depreciation 1.7 1.3 5.1 3.4
Impairment of goodwill 46.2 - 178.9 -
Loss on disposal of
business - - 106.3 -
Write-off of fixed
assets 2.8 - 3.6 -
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(11.4) 28.6 (5.9) 84.8
Share option charge 2.8 1.5 5.0 4.5
Debtors 7.5 (2.1) 8.6 (2.6)
Creditors 6.2 4.6 6.4 19.1
Unrealised translation
differences (0.2) (3.1) (2.1) 1.0
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
4.9 29.5 12.0 106.8
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
5. Discontinued operations:
On 12 October 2006 the group disposed of its US-facing sports and casino
operations. The loss on disposal has been calculated as follows:
£m £m
Consideration
Cash proceeds -
Net assets disposed of:
Fixed assets 3.6
Debtors 5.8
Liquid resources 15.9
Cash 1.7
Creditor (27.0)
Provisions (0.5)
---------
(0.5)
--------
Profit before goodwill 0.5
Goodwill 106.3
Foreign exchange impact (0.5)
--------
Loss on disposal (106.3)
--------
6. Finance costs:
3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 30 April 30 April 2007 30 April 2006
2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Interest receivable 0.6 0.5 1.4 1.1
Interest payable - (0.4) - (1.6)
Amortisation of loan
agreement fees - (0.3) (0.3) (0.8)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
0.6 (0.2) 1.1 (1.3)
Finance charge on
discounting of
contingent consideration
(FRS7) - (0.3) 0.9 (1.0)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Total finance costs 0.6 (0.5) 2.0 (2.3)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
7. Dividends:
3 months to 3 months to 9 months to 9 months to
30 April 30 April 2006 30 April 30 April
2007 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Ordinary shares
Interim 2006 dividend
paid of 1.0p (2005:
Nil) per share - (4.2) - (4.2)
Final 2005 dividend
paid of 1.0p (2005:
Nil) per share - - - (4.2)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
- (4.2) - (8.4)
---------- --------- --------- ---------
8. Earnings per share:
For continuing and discontinued 3 months to 3 months 9 months 9 months
operations: to to to
30 April 30 April 30 April 30 April
2007 2006 2007 2006
(Loss)/earnings per ordinary share
Basic (14.6)p 4.9p (71.5)p 15.9p
Diluted (12.5)p 4.8p (60.6)p 15.4p
========== ========= ========= =========
For continuing operations:
Loss per ordinary share
Basic (14.6)p (0.8)p (18.2)p (2.2)p
Diluted (12.5)p (0.7)p (15.6)p (2.1)p
========== ========= ========= =========
For continuing and discontinued operations:
Adjusted earnings per ordinary
share
(before exceptional items, share
option charge and goodwill
amortisation)
Basic 0.8p 6.6p 5.0p 21.4p
Diluted 0.7p 6.4p 4.2p 20.7p
========== ========= ========= =========
For continuing operations:
Adjusted earnings/(loss) per
ordinary share
(before exceptional items, share
option charge and goodwill
amortisation)
Basic 0.8p (0.2)p 1.4p (0.2)p
Diluted 0.7p (0.2)p 1.2p (0.2)p
========== ========= ========= =========
The basic earnings per share for the three months is based on the loss on
ordinary activities after taxation of £63.1m (2006: £20.7m profit) and on the
weighted average number of shares in issue of 432,609,555 (2006: 421,452,170).
The diluted earnings per share for the three months is based on the loss on
ordinary activities after taxation of £63.1m (2006: £20.7m profit) and the
weighted average number of shares in issue adjusted to assume the exercise of
options over shares and the effect of dilutive earn-out shares to be issued, of
507,536,344 (2006: 433,825,233).
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share before goodwill and share
option charges exclude exceptional charges of £62.3m (2006: £nil), amortisation
of goodwill of £1.4m (2006: £5.6m) and share option charges of £2.8m (2006:
£1.5m).
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
The basic earnings per share for the nine months is based on the loss on
ordinary activities after taxation of £305.9m (2006: £61.4m profit) and on the
weighted average number of shares in issue of 428,571,684 (2006: 385,470,495).
The diluted earnings per share for the nine months is based on the loss on
ordinary activities after taxation of £305.9m (2006: £61.4m profit) and the
weighted average number of shares in issue adjusted to assume the exercise of
options over shares, and the effect of dilutive earn-out shares to be issued, of
504,456,542 (2006: 397,675,797).
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share before goodwill and share
option charges exclude exceptional charges of £314.7m (2006: £nil), amortisation
of goodwill of £7.6m (2006: £16.6m) and share option charges of £5.0m (2006:
£4.5m).
As at 30 April 2007 there were 432,853,094 shares in issue. In addition to these
shares there are 35,294,118 shares in relation to consideration owing to the
Group's Turkish marketing partner (to be issued in the period to 31 December
2008), 1,934,593 shares in relation to consideration owing to our Italian joint
venture partners (to be issued in December 2007) and 41,345,183 outstanding
share options and awards of which 38,656,147 are accounted for as dilutive for
the nine months to 30 April 2007 (37,698,078 for the three months to 30 April
2007).
9. Impact of accounting changes:
During the period the Group adopted FRS 20 'Share-based Payment', and has
restated its comparatives accordingly. Under FRS 20 the cumulative share option
charge as at 1 August 2006 is £0.6m (previously £Nil) and the share option
charge for the year ended 31 July 2006 is £6.7m (previously £6.4m).
10. These results have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set
out in the Group's 2006 statutory accounts, except as stated in Note 9. These
results do not constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of
section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.
Sportingbet Plc
Unaudited Notes Continued
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
Highlights - Nine months ended 30 April 2007
• Group operating profit* of £19.9m (2006: £85.9m)
• Loss before tax of £305.4m (2006: profit of 62.5m), including
exceptional charges of £314.7m
• Cash generated from operating activities of £12.0m (2006: £106.8m)
• Diluted earnings per share* of 4.2p (2006: 20.7p)
(* Stated pre exceptional items, goodwill amortisation and FRS 20 share option
charges)
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Nine months ended 30 April 2007
Turnover for the nine months ended 30 April 2007 was £1,064.5m (2006:
£1,635.4m), earning a gross profit of £132.7m (2006: £232.1m) at 12.5% of
turnover (2006: 14.2%). Sports betting turnover was £993.8m (2006: £1,488.5m),
earning a gross profit of £61.9m (2006: £85.2m) at a gross profit percentage of
6.2% (2006: 5.7%). Casino and gaming, poker and fee income contributed a further
£30.0m, £38.9m and £1.9m respectively to both turnover and gross margin (2006:
£50.2m, £88.0m and £8.7m).
Turnover and margin for the period are stated after a deduction for customer
bonuses of £8.3m (2006: £16.1m). The sports gross margin as reported was 6.2%
(2006: 5.7%), however without the bonus deduction, the equivalent number would
have been 6.7% (2006: 6.2%).
Costs (excluding exceptional items, share option charge and goodwill
amortisation) in the nine month period were £112.8m (2006: £146.2m).
Operating profit (before exceptional items, share option charge and goodwill
amortisation) for the nine months was £19.9m (2006: £85.9m). Loss before tax was
£305.4m (2006: £62.5m profit), after expensing exceptional items of £314.7m
(2006: £nil), share option charges of £5.0m (2006: £4.5m), goodwill amortisation
of £7.6m (2006: £16.6m) and net finance income of £2.0m (2006: £2.3m charge).
Basic earnings per share before share option charges and amortisation of
goodwill, was 5.0p (2006: 21.4p). Diluted earnings per share, before share
option charges and amortisation of goodwill, was 4.2p (2006: 20.7p).
During the nine months ended 30 April 2007, the Group generated cash from
operating activities of £12.0m (2006: £106.8m).
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange