Interim Results

Paddy Power plc 23 July 2002 Paddy Power Plc 2002 Interim Results Announcement Record Results Paddy Power plc, trading as Paddy Power Bookmaker, today announced record turnover, operating profits and earnings per share for the six months ended 30 June 2002. Highlights Turnover €319.1m (2001: €206.4m) +55% Operating profit €9.1m (2001: € 4.0m) +127% EPS €0.163 (2001: €0.074) +120% Dividend per share €0.034 (2001: €0.017) +100% Cash balances €29.4m (2001: €18.3m) + 61% - Appointment of John O'Reilly as Chief Executive - Appointment of Stewart Kenny as Chairman. - Appointment of Ross Ivers as Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director. Commenting on his first set of results as Chief Executive, John O'Reilly said: 'I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of Paddy Power and look forward to growing and developing the business along with my colleagues. As always our continued focus will be on our customers who have made Paddy Power the company it is today. The first half of the year has seen strong development of the business across all channels and is a testament to the success of our strategy. We have made excellent progress in developing the Paddy Power brand in the UK through our On-line and Dial-a-Bet offering while we continue to develop our core Irish operations. The World Cup gave us an excellent opportunity to showcase the difference of our product in the UK where we got significant media coverage. We remain positive about the prospects for Paddy Power and look forward to reporting continued growth at the full year results announcement. ' Commenting on the results Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director Ross Ivers said: ' The six months to June have seen excellent turnover growth on the back of an uninterrupted sporting calendar in contrast to 2001. Gross margins have been strong across the Betting Office estate, which has made a significant contribution to operating profits, while the continued turnover growth at good margin in the On-line division has significantly improved its performance.' 23 July 2002 Issued on behalf of Paddy Power plc by Drury Communications For reference: John O'Reilly Ross Ivers Chief Executive Deputy Chief Executive & Finance Director Paddy Power plc Paddy Power plc Tel: + 353 1 4045936 Tel: + 353 1 4045912 Mobile: + 353 87 254 1688 Mobile: + 353 87 668 8772 Mark Cahalane/ Trevor Phillips Maire-Therese Duffy Holborn Drury Communications Ltd Tel: + 44 207 929 5599 Tel: + 353 1 260 5000 Mobile: + 353 87 230 2737 2002 Interim Report Chairman's Statement I am delighted, in issuing my first report as Chairman of Paddy Power, to report record sales, operating profit and earnings per share for the six months ended 30 June 2002. Turnover grew by 55% to €319.1m from €206.4m, reflecting the impact of cancelled sporting events in the first half of 2001 due to the foot and mouth crisis, along with solid underlying growth. Operating profits increased by 127% to €9.1m from €4.0m, driven by the turnover growth and good gross margins in the Betting Offices and On-line divisions. The results and operations are discussed in more detail in the following pages of the interim report. The number of our Betting Offices in Ireland continues to grow with three new outlets opened during the period whilst we have commenced a process to create a Betting Office estate in the UK. Telephone betting continues to show strong growth in Ireland while its roll-out in the UK is generating significant turnover growth. We are delighted with the continued development of our On-line betting, which has shown continued turnover growth through the period with a consequent improvement in performance. We remain confident that this business will meet its profit objective of breakeven in 2003. During the period the bookmaking industry reached agreement with the British Horseracing Board on the pricing for pre-race data. Given the cost we have had no choice but to pass this on to our customers, which in my view, is an unfair burden. Despite charging the 1% this will not cover the cost to Paddy Power of the additional charges paid to the British Horseracing Board. In Ireland, reduced betting taxes came into effect from 1 May 2002, which is a far-seeing move by the Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy TD, which will stimulate the industry and increase employment. In addition, the positive response from the UK government to the Budd report augurs well for the medium term growth of our UK Betting Offices. However, the continuation of the anti-competitive demand test for the next two to three years will limit the pace of organic growth in the UK. The World Cup gave us a tremendous opportunity to show the unique differences between Paddy Power and other bookmakers, especially in the UK. I am delighted to take up the position of Chairman and hope I can do as good a job as John Corcoran has done in guiding and giving long-term vision to Paddy Power over the past 15 years. Paddy Power would not be what it is today without his long-term vision, drive and practical team building skills. I am confident the excellent team at Paddy Power, under the new leadership of John O'Reilly, Chief Executive, and Ross Ivers, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director, will continue to strengthen your Company. The Board has decided to pay an interim dividend of 3.4 cent per share on 12 August 2002 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 August 2002. This is an increase of 100% and reflects your Board's views of the financial strength of the Company. We remain positive about the prospects for Paddy Power plc and look forward to being able to report continued growth at the full year. Operations Review Paddy Power continues to be a small stake, fixed odds bookmaker operating through the brand name Paddy Power Bookmaker. Distribution is primarily through a 129-shop Betting Office estate complemented by the fast growing Telephone and On-line channels. Betting Offices The Group operates 129 Betting Offices (2001:122) throughout Ireland and the UK. Three (2001: four) new Irish outlets were opened in the six months to 30 June 2002. 127 of the Betting Offices are in Ireland and two are in the UK. The Group also operates four racecourse shops (2001:four) as well as a shop in Lansdowne Road, home of the Irish Rugby Football Union and home ground for the Football Association of Ireland. During the period the Group relocated one (2001: one) Betting Office to larger and better-positioned premises and undertook three (2001:three) refurbishments. The Group has also identified a number of premises in the UK and has applied for licences to open a small number of new outlets in 2002 and 2003. Telephone Betting The Group operates a telephone betting service 'Dial-a-Bet' available by freephone to Irish and UK based customers. We have continued to see strong growth in this channel with total active customers increasing to 19,085 from 9,227 at 31 December 2001. (Active customers are those that have bet with us in the previous three months). In January 2002, we commenced actively marketing this product in the UK, making our prices available via key mediums such as Channel 4 and ITV Text services, as well as undertaking a range of other promotional activities. Our UK customer base has grown to 13,178 from 2,665 at 31 December 2001. We are very pleased with the acceptance of the Paddy Power brand in the UK and will continue to invest in it as one of our key distribution channels in this market. On-line The On-line division, (paddypower.com) has shown very strong growth throughout the period and achieved its first €2million turnover week in June 2002, during the World Cup. The total number of active customers continues to grow each month, reaching 33,988 at 30 June 2002, compared to 14,758 at 31 December 2001. Sterling customers account for 59% of active customers. Management Following the appointment of John O'Reilly as Chief Executive, Ross Ivers has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director. In tandem with his responsibilities as Finance Director, he also assumes responsibility for managing strategic planning and development, investor relations, as well as undertaking a number of specific operational projects. Financial Review Turnover Turnover for the six months ended 30 June 2002 was €319.1m (2001: €206.4m) an increase of 55%. Total Betting Office turnover was €218.5m (2001: €170.4m) an increase of 28% while like for like turnover in the Betting Office estate was €208.7m an increase of 22.4%. Average slip value for the period was €14.55 (2001: €13.44) an increase of 8% while slip volumes for the period increased by 19%. Turnover in the Dial-a-Bet division increased from €22.0m to €59.2m an increase of 168% as a result of a significant increase in customer numbers, together with increase in average slip size. Average slip size increased from €81.86 to €101.15 compared to the same period in 2001. On-line turnover grew to €41.4m from €14.0m an increase of 196%. Average bet size was €22.9 compared to €30.75 in the same period in 2001. This should ensure that a long-term stable margin is achieved. The growth in turnover was significantly assisted by the return to a full sporting calendar following the disruption in 2001 due to the foot and mouth crisis. In addition, the World Cup generated additional revenues as well as providing many opportunities to build brand awareness. Gross Margin Gross margin, measured as bets placed (excluding betting duty and levies) less winnings returned to customers (including money back specials), increased by 38% from €28.1m to €38.9m for the same period in 2001. The following gross margin percentages were achieved. Gross Margins H1 2002 H1 2001 H2 2001 Betting Office 13.85% 14.9% 12.1% Dial-a-Bet 8.33% 9.8% 7.5% On-line 8.85% 4.5% 7.7% The gross margin percentages for the period must be judged in context of historical norms. The 2001 margin percentage for the Betting Offices and Dial-a-Bet were abnormally high due to the unusual trading circumstances surrounding the foot and mouth outbreak, while the On-line margin was poor, due to one-off issues associated with the start up of this division. The 2002 Betting Office margin percentage, while dropping from 2001, is at the high end of the normal trading range of 12% to 14%. The Telephone division gross margin decreased from 2001 as expected and is within the normal trading range. The On-line division margin improved to 8.85% as this division gains critical mass. The World Cup diluted average gross margins as it was used as a self-funding brand building exercise. The generally good results were used to finance a series of money back special offers to distinguish Paddy Power from its competitors. Operating Profit Operating profit grew from €4.0m to €9.1m an increase of 127%, broken down as follows: Operating Profit H1 2002 H1 2001 €'000 €'000 Increase/(decrease) Betting Offices 10,750 9,363 15% Dial-a-Bet 16 480 (96%) On-line (1,693) (5,833) 70% Total 9,073 4,010 127% Operating profit growth of 15% in the Betting Offices reflects the strong turnover growth offset by lower gross margins and higher general operating costs, as a result of inflation and longer opening hours. The Dial-a-Bet division has seen turnover growth of 168% while profits have reduced by 96%. This is due to the increased tax costs incurred as a consequence of providing tax-free telephone betting together with the increased cost base from the initial expansion into the UK in 2002. Performance in the On-line division has improved by 70% as turnover continues to grow with small incremental cost impact. Taxes and Levies With effect from 1 May 2002 the Irish betting tax rate was reduced to 2% from 5%. At the same date, the Irish Bookmakers agreed a new licensing regime for pre-race data with the British Horseracing Board, at a cost of 10% of gross profits on British Horseracing. Due to this new cost a 1% levy on all bets placed in the Betting Offices is now being charged by Paddy Power. This levy will not cover all of Paddy Power's additional costs for British racing. Corporation Tax charge for the six months ended 30 June amounted to €1.6m (2001: €0.8m) an effective rate of 17% (2001:19.3%). The reduction in the effective rate follows the reduction in the Irish Statutory tax rate from 20.0% to 16.0% in 2002. Cash Flow Net cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended 30 June 2002 increased by 226% to €16m from €4.9m. This cash was primarily used to acquire fixed assets of €2.7m, and to pay dividends and taxes of €1.6m and € 0.7m respectively. Cash balances at 30 June were €29.4m compared to €18.3m at 31 December 2001. This includes €3.7m of balances held on behalf of customers. Dividends The Board has approved an interim dividend of 3.4 cent per share (2001:1.7 cent) an increase of 100 %. It remains the Board's intention that the interim dividend be approximately one third of the total dividend. Shareholding On issuing this results announcement the lock-in deed, entered into on flotation of the company in December 2000, is unwound, with the exception of Mr Stewart Kenny's holding of 2,479,832 shares. Mr Kenny remains subject to the lock-in deed until 20 March 2003 under which he may not dispose of any of his shares without the permission of Goodbody Stockbrokers and ING Barings. Outlook The outlook for all business channels remains positive. The exceptional turnover growth rates for the six months to 30 June are unlikely to be sustained in the second half of 2002, as the prior year comparatives returned to normal levels following the end of the foot and mouth crisis in May 2001. The company will continue to actively market Paddy Power in the UK as it expands its Betting Offices, Telephone and On-line operations. Stewart Kenny Chairman Paddy Power plc Consolidated Profit and Loss Account Six Months Ended 30 June 2002 Six Months Ended Six Months Ended Year Ended 30 June 2002 30 June 2001 €'000 31 December €'000 2001 €'000 Turnover 319,142 206,416 461,075 Cost of winning bets paid (280,272) (178,340) (404,624) Gross Profit 38,870 28,076 56,451 Operating Expenses (29,797) (24,066) (47,944) Operating Profit 9,073 4,010 8,507 Interest payable and similar charges (75) - (71) Interest receivable and similar income 266 315 656 Profit on ordinary activities before 9,264 4,325 9,092 taxation Tax on profit on ordinary activities (1,575) (833) (1,763) Profit on ordinary activities after 7,689 3,492 7,329 taxation Dividends (1,603) (801) (2,404) Retained profit for the period 6,086 2,691 4,925 Retained profit brought forward 21,792 16,867 16,867 Retained profit carried forward 27,878 19,558 21,792 Earnings per Share Basic 16.3c 7.41c 1.55c Diluted 15.1c 6.90c 1.43c Dividend per share 3.4c 1.70c 5.10c Consolidated Balance Sheet 30 June 2002 30 June 2002 30 June 2001 31 Dec2001 €'000 €'000 €'000 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 22,516 22,565 22,749 Intangible Assets 1,085 1,206 1,146 23,601 23,771 23,895 Current Assets Debtors 1,425 1,168 1,110 Cash at bank in hand 29,436 14,318 18,307 30,861 15,486 19,417 Creditors (amounts falling due within one (16,326) (10,758) (10,755) year) Net Current Assets 14,535 4,728 8,662 Total assets less current liabilities 38,136 28,499 32,557 Creditors (amounts falling due after one (580) - (793) year) Provision for liabilities and charges (737) - (1,031) Net assets 36,819 28,499 30,733 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 4,714 4,714 4,714 Share premium 3,305 3,305 3,305 Capital redemption reserve fund 662 662 662 Capital conversion reserve fund 260 260 260 Profit and loss account 27,878 19,558 21,792 Shareholders' funds-all equity interests 36,819 28,499 30,733 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Six Months Ended 30 June 2002 Six Months Six Months Year Ended Ended Ended 31 December 2001 30 June 2002 30 June 2001 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 Net cash inflow from 16,035 4,897 11,461 operating activities Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 266 315 656 Interest element of (75) - (71) finance lease payments 191 315 585 Taxation Corporation tax paid (700) (2,556) (2,840) Capital expenditure and financial investments Acquisition of tangible (2,660) (3,632) (6,398) fixed assets Sale proceeds on disposal - 69 70 of fixed assets (2,660) (3,563) (6,328) Equity dividends paid (1,602) (550) (1,351) Net cash inflow before 11,264 (1,457) 1,527 financing Financing Capital element of (135) - 1,006 finance lease payments Issue of new shares - (279) (280) including share premium less cost of issue Net cash inflow/(outflow) 11,129 (1,736) 2,253 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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