Interim Results

Character Group PLC 27 April 2006 Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham Date: Thursday, 27 April 2006 Embargoed: 7.00am The Character Group plc Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 Highlights Continuing business (Toys, Games and Gifts) 6 months to 6 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 £m £m Turnover 40.7 27.2 +50% Operating profit 3.7 (1.0) Earnings per share 5.69p (2.45p) Dividend 1.65 pence, up from 1.1 pence (an increase of 50%) Group results (including discontinued operation) 6 months to 6 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 £m £m Turnover 66.6 43.4 +53% Operating profit 1.1 (1.5) Profit before tax 3.0 (1.9) Earnings per share 5.04p (3.8p) Cash at bank £10.3 million, up from £3.9 million (an increase of 164%) Approaches regarding possible offers terminated 'During the first six months of the current financial year the Group underwent a major reorganisation with the disposal of its Digital Business in February 2006. 'The structure of the Group is now designed to maximise the strength of, and focus on, the core business of Toys, Games and Gifts. 'The Board is delighted with the progress made by the remaining core business and, providing we see no further erosion in economic confidence generally and, in particular, in the retail sector, we see no reason why the Group's excellent recent progress will not be maintained.' Richard King, Chairman FULL STATEMENT ATTACHED Enquiries: Richard King, Chairman Kiran Shah, Group Finance Director Fiona Tooley, Director Richard Thompson / Philip Davies The Character Group plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson Charles Stanley Securities Tel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Tel: 020 7953 2457 Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT) Mobile: +44 (0) 7956 278522 (KS) www.thecharacter.com -2- The Character Group plc Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN, RICHARD KING Introduction During the first six months of the current financial year the Group underwent a major reorganisation with the disposal of its Digital Business in February 2006. The structure of the Group is now designed to maximise the strength of, and focus on, the core business of Toys, Games and Gifts. This core business, which now is our sole area of trading, has made very substantial progress, both operationally and in terms of sales. We are aware that the Group is operating in, and expects to continue to operate in, a very competitive marketplace where our product offering is all important. We are delighted that not only is the Group's current portfolio of products seen to be our strongest for some time but we also have strong products in the pipeline for introduction later in this, as well the next, financial year and we look forward to achieving further successful trading and growth. The Directors are pleased to be able to report that the operating profit of the on-going business for the period to 28 February 2006 was £3.7 million, against a £1.0 million loss for the comparable period last year. This was achieved on turnover up nearly 50% from £27.2 million to over £40.7 million. We believe that this excellent improvement in sales and profitability bodes well for the future of the Group. Financials for the six months ended 28 February 2006 In the six months ended 28 February 2006, Group revenues, including discontinued activities, were up 53% to £66.6 million (2005: £43.4 million), resulting in an operating profit of £1.1 million, compared to a loss of £1.5 million in 2005. Profit before taxation, including the exceptional item relating to the disposal of the Digital Business, was £3.0 million (2005: £1.9 million loss). Revenues on a like-for-like basis from our continuing business were £40.7 million, (2005: £27.2 million) producing an operating profit of £3.7 million, a significant turnaround from the operating losses of £1.0 million in the comparable 2005 period. Revenues from the Digital Business in the period were £25.9 million (2005: £16.2 million), whilst this division's operating losses amounted to £2.6 million, compared with a £0.6 million loss last time. Basic earnings per share amounted to 5.04 pence, against a loss per share of 3.8 pence in 2005. Adjusted earnings per share related to the on-going business are 5.69 pence, against a loss of 2.45 pence in 2005. Cash at bank on 28 February was £10.3 million (2005: £3.9 million). Dividend In view of the Board's confidence in the future direction of the Group, the Directors are declaring an interim dividend of 1.65 pence (2005: 1.10 pence), an increase of 50%. This dividend is covered 3 times by earnings. The interim dividend will be paid on 28 July 2006, to shareholders on the Register as at 7 July 2006. The shares go ex-dividend on 5 July 2006. continued... -3- Business Overview for the six months ended 28 February 2006 Digital Business Our Digital Business operated in a highly competitive environment and since the expiry of the Polaroid licence agreements last year, this business had become even higher risk and cash intensive. As a result, the Board looked at a number of opportunities for this operation and concluded that a larger specialist player in the electronics sector would be better placed to take it to the next level in its development. On 17 February 2006, the Group completed the sale of the digital products division based in Hong Kong of World Wide Licenses Limited ('WWL') and related assets (the 'Digital Business') to Flextronics Sales and Marketing (A-P) Limited ('Flextronics'). The total sale price was approximately US$17.98 million (£10.3 million), of which approximately US$1.8 million (£1.0 million) has been retained by Flextronics until the first anniversary of completion as security in respect of any warranty or indemnity claims against WWL. Due to the higher than expected write-down of non-current inventory of finished goods and parts (approximately £3.4 million) not included in the digital sale agreement, the out-turn of all aspects of the sale of the digital business was disappointing. In addition, the digital management team was heavily involved in the sale process and, as a consequence, trading had deteriorated severely during the extended negotiating period, which impacted on the Group's result from this operation for this period. The exceptional gain of £2.4 million from the disposal of the Digital Business is after charging previously written-off goodwill of £1.9 million in accordance with FRS10. This goodwill charge has been made to the profit and loss account and has no negative impact on the Group's reserves. Whilst in profit terms the return was disappointing, I am pleased to report that, in cash flow terms, the disposal has had a very positive effect on the Group, which is now in a stronger position to finance its expected growth, with the net effect of the disposal being an increase in net assets of £4.3 million. The sale of the Digital Business will allow the Group to focus entirely upon the development of its Toys, Games and Gifts business. Toy, Games and Gifts Business The results from the on-going Toys, Games and Gifts business have been very positive and follow the strong sales of our product ranges in the 2005 Christmas trading period. It is pleasing to note that, according to NPD Group, Character Options had the Number 1 and 2 best selling toys in December, namely The Dalek from Dr Who and the Roboraptor from our robotic range. The reaction from our customers to our current product ranges continues to be very encouraging and we expect that trading will prove to be exciting for the financial year as a whole and will continue through Christmas 2006, thereby providing a solid foundation to deliver good prospects for growth both for this and the next financial year. Notable new products which we expect to perform strongly, include: • Dr Who - products based on the new series, including the much awaited Cyberman; • Roboreptile - following on this year from the very successful Roboraptor; • Scooby Doo - where we have a European licence; • Superman Returns - toys based on the new film to be released in July 2006; • Pirates of the Caribbean 2 - a race set and vehicles based on the new film, which is also to be released in July 2006; • Biker Mice From Mars - which, will have the debut of its new series on GMTV this August; • Disney Princess - which will be supported by a DVD release featuring the popular character theme Ariel in October 2006; • Carol Vorderman - further Sudoku products endorsed under licence; • Peppa Pig - as seen on both Nick Junior and Channel 5. continued... -4- In addition, we have recently re-launched Trolls, where we have both a European and Australian licence, as well as building our in-house developed brands, including Gr8 Gear Kit and our ranges of games. The Group continues to have a presence in Hong Kong, which, together with its recently established facilities in Shenzhen, China, will allow the Group to continue the growth of its Toys, Games and Gifts business. Termination of Third Party approaches On 15 February 2006, the Group announced that it had received approaches which may or may not lead to an offer or offers being made for the Company. Discussions are no longer on-going but the Board will keep shareholders informed of any future developments. Pursuant to the Company having been authorised to purchase back up to 25% of its issued shares at the AGM in February, the Directors will consider a buy-back of shares at an appropriate time or times where it is felt that it would be in the interests of the Company and shareholders in general. Summary The Board is delighted with the progress made by the remaining core business and, providing we see no further erosion in economic confidence generally and, in particular, in the retail sector, we see no reason why the Group's excellent recent progress will not be maintained. -5- The Character Group plc Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Unaudited six months to 28 February 2006 Notes 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) restated restated (note 1) (note 1) £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover - continuing 40,718 27,201 48,670 - discontinued 25,851 16,162 50,121 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66,569 43,363 98,791 Cost of sales (49,735) (31,932) (75,110) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 16,834 11,431 23,681 Net operating expenses Selling and distribution costs (7,477) (6,123) (9,750) Administration expenses (8,468) (6,922) (12,867) Administration expenses - exceptional - - (643) Other operating income 204 89 443 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating profit/(loss) - continuing 3,667 (955) (511) - discontinued (2,574) (570) 1,375 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating profit/(loss) 1,093 (1,525) 864 Exceptional item - discontinued 1 activity ------------------------------------------ Gain before goodwill write back 4,300 - - Goodwill charge (1,897) - - ------------------------------------------ 2,403 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before interest 3,496 (1,525) 864 Interest (538) (405) (703) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 2,958 (1,930) 161 Taxation 2 (308) (64) (365) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 2,650 (1,994) (204) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings/(loss) per share 5 - basic - continuing 5.69p (2.45p) (2.11p) - discontinued (0.65p) (1.35p) 1.72p ----------------------------------------- 5.04p (3.80p) (0.39p) ----------------------------------------- - fully diluted 4.91p (3.80p) (0.39p) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend per share 1.65p 1.10p 2.0p ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 3,888 (1,245) 1,492 and amortisation) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit/(loss) for the financial period 2,650 (1,994) (204) Write back of goodwill previously written off 1,897 - - Foreign exchange differences 122 (383) (64) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total recognised gains and losses relating to the financial period 4,669 (2,377) (268) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -6- The Character Group plc Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET Note 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 624 669 646 Tangible assets 1,553 1,680 1,849 Investments 2 2 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2,179 2,351 2,497 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Current assets Stocks 8,667 8,923 9,810 ---------------------------------------------- Trade debtors subject to finance arrangements 5,223 4,297 9,053 Factor advances (3,685) (3,778) (6,937) ---------------------------------------------- 1,538 519 2,116 Trade and other debtors 8,155 8,291 21,803 Cash at bank and in hand 10,298 3,901 3,748 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28,658 21,634 37,477 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (15,675) (14,553) (29,009) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net current assets 12,983 7,081 8,468 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets less current liabilities 15,162 9,432 10,965 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets 15,162 9,432 10,965 ==================================================================================== Capital and reserves Called up share capital 2,642 2,641 2,641 Investment in own shares (908) (908) (908) Capital redemption reserve 40 40 40 Share premium account 11,821 11,819 11,821 Merger reserve 651 651 651 Profit and loss account 3 916 (4,811) (3,280) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equity shareholders' funds 15,162 9,432 10,965 ==================================================================================== -7- The Character Group plc Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT Notes 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash flow from operating activities 6 4,101 1,486 2,870 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Returns on investment and servicing of finance Interest paid (net) (538) (405) (703) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash outflow for returns on investments and servicing (538) (405) (703) of finance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Taxation (458) (678) (844) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Capital expenditure and financial investment Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (658) (376) (868) Sale of tangible fixed assets 432 28 25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash outflow for capital expenditure and financial (226) (348) (843) investment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acquisitions and disposals Sale of business - exceptional item 4,143 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equity dividend paid (473) (367) (945) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash inflow/(outflow) before use of liquid resources and 6,549 (312) (465) financing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Issue of new shares 1 32 34 Capital element of finance lease rentals - (2) (4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash inflow from financing 1 30 30 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period 7 6,550 (282) (435) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Decrease/(increase) in net debt in the period 8 6,550 (280) (431) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -8- The Character Group plc Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 1 BASIS OF PREPARATION The financial information for the six months ended 28 February 2006 has not been audited, nor has the financial information for the six months ended 28 February 2005. However, the interim report includes a review report signed by the auditors. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 August 2005 do not constitute the company's statutory accounts for that year, but have been extracted from the statutory accounts filed with the Registrar of Companies, and which carried an unqualified audit report. The report has been prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting standards on a consistent basis using the accounting policies set out in the 2005 Annual Report. The Company has adopted Financial Reporting Standard 21 'Events after the balance sheet date' for the results to 28 February 2006. As a result of this, dividends declared for an accounting period after the balance sheet date are no longer recognised as a liability at that balance sheet date. Profit and loss reserves as at 31 August 2004 have been restated from (£2,434,000) by the value of the final dividend proposed for the year of £367,000 resulting in restated reserves of (£2,067,000). The dividend recognised in the results for the six months to 28 February 2005 is restated to be the final dividend declared and paid for the year ended 31 August 2004 of £367,000 and profit and loss reserves are restated accordingly (note 3). The dividend recognised in the results for the year ended 31 August 2005 is restated to be the final dividend declared and paid for the year ended 31 August 2004 of £367,000 together with the interim dividend declared and paid for the six months ended 28 February 2005 of £578,000 and profit and loss reserves have been restated accordingly (note 3). The dividend recognised in the results for the six months ended 28 February 2006 is the final dividend declared and paid for the year ended 31 August 2005 of £473,000. The dividend for the six months ended 28 February 2006 has been declared after the balance sheet date and is disclosed in note 4. Exceptional Item The exceptional gain of £2,403,000 is stated after charging goodwill previously written off of £1,897,000 and associated costs on the termination of the digital operation amounting to £4,885,000. The goodwill charge is an accounting entry required by FRS 10, Goodwill and intangible assets, and a corresponding amount has been credited to profit and loss account reserves. 2 TAXATION The tax charge for the half year is estimated on the basis of the anticipated tax rates applying for the full year. 3 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT £'000 At 1 September 2005 as previously reported (3,753) Final dividend proposed for the year ended 31 August 2005 473 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At 1 September 2005 restated (3,280) Write back of goodwill previously written off 1,897 Exchange difference 122 Profit after tax for the period 2,650 Dividends (473) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At 28 February 2006 916 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- continued... -9- The profit and loss account for prior periods is restated in accordance with FRS 21 as follows: 6 months ended 12 months ended 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 At 1 September 2004 as previously reported (2,434) (2,434) Final dividend proposed for the year ended 31 August 2004 367 367 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At 1 September 2004 restated (2,067) (2,067) Exchange difference (383) (64) Deficit for the period (2,361) (1,149) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit and loss account restated (4,811) (3,280) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 DIVIDENDS The interim dividend declared for the six months ended 28 February 2006 is 1.65p per ordinary share and is expected to be paid on 28 July 2006 to those shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 July 2006. This dividend was declared after 28 February 2006 and the liability of £867,000 has not been recognised in the interim results in accordance with FRS 21 (note 1). The interim dividend paid for the six months ended 28 February 2005 was 1.1p per ordinary share and the final dividend paid for the year ended 31 August 2005 was 0.9p per ordinary share making a total of 2.0p per ordinary share. 5 EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with FRS 14 Earnings per share. The calculations are based on the following: 6 months to 28 February 2006 Profit/(loss) after taxation Weighted average number of ordinary Pence per £ shares share Basic earnings per share 2,650,000 52,543,290 5.04 Impact of share options - 1,406,700 (0.13) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted earnings per share 2,650,000 53,949,990 4.91 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 months to 28 February 2005 Basic earnings per share (1,994,000) 52,407,183 (3.80) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted earnings per share (1,994,000) 52,407,183 (3.80) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 months to 31 August 2005 Basic earnings per share (204,000) 52,475,156 (0.39) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted earnings per share (204,000) 52,475,156 (0.39) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating profit/(loss) 1,093 (1,525) 864 Depreciation, impairment and amortisation 392 280 628 Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 161 7 11 Decrease in stocks 1,143 3,304 2,417 Decrease in debtors 15,260 8,755 (6,347) (Decrease) in creditors (14,070) (8,952) 5,361 Exchange differences 122 (383) (64) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash inflow from operating activities 4,101 1,486 2,870 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- continued... -10- RECONCILIATION OF EXCEPTIONAL PROFIT / (LOSS) TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM EXCEPTIONAL ITEM 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Exceptional profit/(loss) 2,403 - (643) Write back of goodwill previously written off 1,897 - - (Increase)/decrease in debtor (1,027) - 2,504 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 870 - (551) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash inflow from exceptional item 4,143 - 1,310 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT 6 months to 6 months to 12 months to 28 February 2006 28 February 2005 31 August 2005 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period 6,550 (282) (435) Cash inflow from movement in debt and lease financing - 2 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Movement in net debt resulting from cash flows 6,550 (280) (431) Net debt at 1 September 2005 3,748 4,179 4,179 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net debt at 28 February 2006 10,298 3,899 3,748 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT Cash at bank and in hand Lease finance Total £'000 £'000 £'000 1 September 2004 4,183 (4) 4,179 Cash flow (282) 2 (280) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 February 2005 3,901 (2) 3,899 Cash flow (153) 2 (151) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 August 2005 3,748 - 3,748 Cash flow 6,550 - 6,550 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 February 2006 10,298 - 10,298 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -11- INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO THE CHARACTER GROUP PLC Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information for the six months ended 28 February 2006, which comprises the consolidated profit and loss account, the consolidated statement of recognised gains and losses, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated cash flow statement and the notes to the accounts. We 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. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the Company for the purposes of its interim report. We do not, therefore, in producing this report, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The AIM Rules require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those that will be adopted in the annual accounts having regard to the accounting standards applicable to such annual accounts, except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of 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 International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Review conclusion 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 28 February 2006. HLB Vantis Audit plc Chartered Accountants London 26 April 2006 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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