Interim Results

BRANDS HATCH LEISURE PLC 27 September 1999 Record Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 1999 Brands Hatch Leisure PLC, the fully listed leisure venue operator, is pleased to announce record interim results for the six months ended 30 June 1999. Key Points 1999 1998 % change Turnover (£'000) 10,409 8,321 +25 Operating profit (£'000) 2,359 2,004 +18 Profit after tax (£'000) 1,445 1,208 +20 E.P.S. (p) 6.8 5.5 +24 - Transformation in prospects with strategic initiatives in UK motorsport rights, new international events, consolidation of UK motor sports market and international expansion plans. - First half achievements include: - Formula One Grand Prix rights at Brands Hatch from 2002 - Rights to second round of World Superbike in 2000 for three years - Securing a share in British Superbike from 2000 - Acquisition of Daytona karting circuits Commenting on the outlook Sir Rodney Walker, Chairman said: 'Strong organic growth underpinned by our capital investment programme and continued investment in and training of our management team, coupled with many exciting strategic developments demonstrate the Board's continued optimism about the future.' Contact: Nicola Foulston, Chief Executive 0171 466 5010 Richard Oldworth, Buchanan Communications 0171 466 5000 ww2.investor-relations.co.uk/brandshatch/ CHAIRMANS STATEMENT INTRODUCTION The first six months of the year have seen a transformation in the prospects of the Group with strategic initiatives in UK motorsport rights, new international events, consolidation of the UK motor sports market and first steps towards international expansion. Earnings growth remains strong with earnings per share (before goodwill amortisation) growing by 24%. FINANCIAL REVIEW In the period ended 30 June 1999 the Group has performed well in all areas. The Group has consistently delivered double- digit earnings growth and enjoys strong cash generation underpinned by substantial asset backing, and benefits from a flexible cost structure, high operational gearing and a low level of indebtedness. In the six month period turnover grew by 25% to £10.409m (1998: £8.321m), operating profit by 18% to £2.359m (1998: £2.004m), profit after tax by 20% to £1.445m (from £1.208m) and earnings per share (before goodwill) was up 24% to 6.8p (from 5.5p). STRATEGIC REVIEW Key achievements so far this year include: - the acquisition of the rights to host the Formula One Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in 2002 for six years with a five year renewal option; - the acquisition of the rights to the second round of the World Superbike in 2000 for three years.; - securing a share in the rights to the British Superbike from 2000 through a newly created company British Motorsport Promoters, in which Brands Hatch has a significant stake ; and - the acquisition of the Daytona Karting circuits OPERATIONS REVIEW New Developments The first half of 1999 saw the successful introduction of our new Supercar Experience at Snetterton, and the opening of the new Jackie Stewart Business Centre at Oulton Park, which enjoys the patronage of Jackie Stewart. Our capital investment programme continues, with a total of £6.4m being invested (including £3m on the acquisition of the Rebel Group) in the first six months. Key organic expenditure was on the Jackie Stewart Business Centre at Oulton Park, the new Supercar experience and the development of a new Karting venue in London. Trading performance 30 June 30 June Growth 1999 1998 £000 £000 Events 2,828 2,741 3% Testing and track 1,622 1,440 13% hire Activities 2,635 2,029 30% Corporate, conference 2,158 2,111 2% and catering Daytona - Karting 1,166 - N/A Total turnover 10,409 8,321 25% Events turnover remains strong and the second half of the year will benefit from the spectacular attendance at the FIM Superbike World Championship on 1st August 1999, at Brands Hatch which again attracted the biggest bike audience of the Championship world-wide. Testing and track hire continues to grow, benefiting from the capital investment in our infrastructure, particularly at Snetterton and Oulton Park. Activities enjoyed the strongest growth in the period - and benefited from the introduction of the new Supercar experience at Snetterton, increased popularity of our Rally schools and continued growth in the Brands Hatch Club. Turnover growth in corporate, conference and catering turnover is skewed strongly toward the second half of the year with good performance from the new Jackie Stewart Business Centre at Oulton Park, which opened in mid April 1999. Turnover from the newly acquired Karting enterprises added significantly to our top line turnover, however the real benefits from this acquisition are still yet to be achieved through the integration of their overhead and roll-out of new venues - we expect to start realising such benefits during 2000. OUTLOOK Strong organic growth underpinned by our capital investment programme and continued investment in and training of our management team, coupled with many exciting strategic developments demonstrate the Boards continued optimism about the future. Once again it is right that I pay tribute to Nicky Foulston and her highly motivated young Executive team, together with all our team members who contribute so much to the companys success. Sir Rodney Walker Chairman BRANDS HATCH LEISURE PLC Group Profit and Loss Account for the six months 30 June 1999 Six months Six Year ended ended months ended June 30 1999 June 30 1998 December 31 1998 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £000's £000's £000's Turnover: Existing 9,243 8,321 19,330 Acquisition 1,166 - - 10,409 8,321 19,330 Cost of Sales (3,906) (3,222) (7,973) Gross profit 6,503 5,099 11,357 Administrative (4,203) (3,338) (6,810) costs Goodwill (47) - - Other operating 106 243 516 income Operating profit comprises: Existing 2,212 2,004 5,063 Acquisition 147 - - 2,359 2,004 5,063 Operating profit 2,359 2,004 5,063 Interest 1 40 73 receivable Interest payable (354) (293) (550) and similar charges Profit on 2,006 1,751 4,586 ordinary activities before Taxation Tax on profit on (561) (543) (1,387) ordinary activities Profit on 1,445 1,208 3,199 ordinary activities after taxation Dividends Ordinary dividend on equity shares - - (876) Profit retained 1,445 1,208 2,323 for the period Adjusted 6.8 5.5 14.6 Earnings per share (before Goodwill) Earnings per 6.6 5.5 14.6 share Fully Diluted 6.5 5.5 14.6 Earnings per share BRANDS HATCH LEISURE PLC Group Balance Sheet as at 30 June 1999 June 30 June 30 1998 December 31 1999 1998 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £000's £000's £000's Fixed Assets Tangible assets 47,985 28,840 43,553 Goodwill 3,158 - - Current assets Stocks 524 394 463 Debtors: Trade debtors 1,639 1,892 1,316 Other Debtors 173 263 - Prepayments and 1,635 1,112 1,093 accrued income Cash at bank and in hand - 1,187 55 3,971 4,848 2,927 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors (2,522) (3,329) (1,469) Bank overdraft (1,140) - - Corporation tax (929) (572) (943) Other taxes and (577) (606) (104) social security Finance leases (144) - - Proposed (876) - (876) dividends (6,188) (4,507) (3,392) Net current (2,217) 341 (465) (liabilities)/ assets Total assets less 48,926 29,181 43,088 current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year: Bank loans (8,372) (5,846) (5,312) Corporation tax (561) (560) Finance leases (560) - - (9,493) (6,406) (5,312) Provision for (378) (679) (591) liabilities and charges Accruals (1,033) (663) (868) Deferred income (2,621) (2,045) (2,360) Net assets 35,401 19,388 33,957 Capital and reserves Called up share 5,477 5,459 5,477 capital Share premium 18,394 18,394 18,394 account Revaluation 13,436 - 13,436 Reserve Profit and loss (1,906) (4,465) (3,350) account Equity 35,401 19,388 33,957 shareholders' accouUnauditednt BRANDS HATCH LEISURE PLC Summarised Group Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended 30 June 1999 Six months Six Year ended months ended ended June 30 June 30 Dec 31 1998 1999 1998 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £000's £000's £000's Net cash flow from operating activities 2,600 2,735 5,028 Returns on investments and servicing of finance (354) (253) (1,306) Taxation (14) - (692) Capital expenditure and financial investment (6,441) (1,830) (3,046) Net cash flow before (4,209) 652 (16) financing Financing 3,014 - (481) Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period (1,195) 652 (497) Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to movement in Net Debt Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period (1,195) 652 (497) Non cash movement in net (3,060) (30) 521 debt Net debt at 1 January 1999 (5,257) (5,281) (5,281) Net debt at 30 June 1999/ 31 December 1998 (9,512) (4,659) (5,257) BRANDS HATCH LEISURE PLC Summarised Group Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the six months ended 30 June 1999 Six Six Year months months ended ended ended June 30 June 30 December 1999 1998 31 1998 Unaudited Unaudited Audited £000's £000's £000's Profit for the financial period attributable to members of the Company 1,445 1,208 3,199 Surplus on revaluation of freehold land and properties - - 13,436 Total recognised gains relating to the year 1,445 1,208 16,635 BRANDS HATCH LEISURE PLC Notes to the Financial Information for the six months to 30 June 1999 (Unaudited) 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Information The interim financial information has been prepared on a basis consistent with accounting policies disclosed in the statutory accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 December 1998. The auditors have carried out a review and their report is set out below. The information was approved by the Board of Directors on 15 September 1999, and is unaudited. The financial information contained in this interim statement does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 1998 has been extracted from the audited statutory accounts of Brands Hatch Leisure PLC for that year. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 1998 received an unqualified audit report and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. 2. Taxation Taxation has been provided at an effective rate of 28% (1998 31%) on the profit arising in the period. 3. Earnings per share The calculation of the adjusted earnings per ordinary share is based on earnings of £1,492,000 (June 1998: £1,208,000, December 1998: £3,199,000) and on 21,908,500 (June 1998: 21,832,500, December 1998: 21,870,500) ordinary shares. The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on earnings of £1,445,000 (June 1998: £1,208,000, December 1998: £3,199,000) and on 21,908,500 (June 1998: 21,832,500, December 1998: 21,870,500) ordinary shares. The diluted earnings per share is based on earnings of £1,445,000 (June 1998: £1,208,000, December 1998: £3,199,000) and on 22,225,680 (June 1998: 21,869,697, December 1998: 21,901,429) ordinary shares. 4. Interim Results Copies of the interim results will be sent to shareholders. Further copies can be obtained from the Company Secretary at the registered office, Brands Hatch Leisure PLC, Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG. 5. Financial Commitments Brands Hatch Leisure PLC announced in May 1999 that its subsidiary, Brands Hatch Leisure Group Limited, has secured an exclusive contract with Formula One Administration Limited to stage the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch commencing in 2002. The contract ensures that a Grand Prix will continue to be held in Britain until 2006. Brands Hatch Leisure PLC has already committed to pay the first year's fee for the British Grand Prix to Formula One Administration Limited through the provision of a letter of credit facility from its bankers, Bank of Scotland. 6. Year 2000 As is well known, many computer and digital storage systems express dates using only the last two digits of the year and will thus require modification or replacement to accommodate the Year 2000 and beyond in order to avoid malfunctions and resulting widespread commercial disruption. This is a complex and pervasive issue. The operation of our business depends not only on our computer systems, but also to some degree on those of our suppliers and customers. This could expose us to further risk in the event that thereis a failure by other parties to remedy their own Year 2000 issues. The Group has undertaken a full review of its operating systems to assess the risks to its business in relation to Year 2000 compliance. From this review an action plan has been implemented and an Executive Director assigned to ensure that the Group has reached an acceptable state of readiness before the end of the current financial year. All principal suppliers are being contacted to verify compliance and warranties are being obtained where appropriate. The costs associated with Year 2000 compliance are expected to be absorbed in the normal course of business and are not expected to be material. Report of the Auditors to Brands Hatch Leisure PLC We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information set out on pages 4 to 7 and have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. A review consists principally of making enquiries of Brands Hatch Leisure plc management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 1999. Ernst & Young Registered Auditors London
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