Final Results

Stagecoach Theatre Arts PLC 15 August 2007 15 August 2007 Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc (STA.L) ('Stagecoach' or 'the Group') Final Results 2007 Preliminary Announcement of Final Results for the year ended 31 May 2007 Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc operates the UK's largest franchise network of part-time performing arts schools for children aged between 4 and 16. Highlights: • Profit before tax of £310,000 (2006: loss of £213,000) • Franchise network fees up 10% to £26.5m • The core Stagecoach UK business, which accounts for 91% of network fees, continues to grow strongly, with net profit up 120% to £1.1m (2006: £0.5m) • Vigorous cost cutting exercise undertaken, with further benefits to be realised next year • 318 franchisees at year-end (2006: 288) • Total students worldwide up 7% to 39,200 (2006: 36,700) • Net cash inflow from operating activities of £473,000 (2006: outflow £14,000) • Group net cash balance of £1.3 million as at 30 June 2007 David Sprigg and Stephanie Manuel, Joint Managing Directors, commented: 'With over 2,000 more students enrolling in our Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools in the UK this year, we see that the demand for performing arts tuition continues to grow strongly. We implemented a programme of cost cutting, and the financial benefits have started to take effect. The prospects for the future look encouraging.' Enquiries: Stagecoach Theatre Arts: Tel: 01932 254 333 Richard Dawson, Finance Director 0777 564 3939 and Investor Relations Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited: Tel: 020 7131 4000 Robert Kidson Siobhan Sergeant Public Relations, Adventis Financial PR Tel: 020 7034 4758 Tarquin Edwards 07789 458364 Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc Year ended 31 May 2007 Chairman's Statement Overview This year has been one of continuing growth in our core Stagecoach Theatre Arts business together with a substantial reduction in our overheads. I am delighted to report a return to profitability for the Group. The increase in number of schools and students was reflected in a ten per cent increase in network fees to £26.5 million (2006: £24.1 million). Network fees reflect total school fees earned over the year by our franchisees from the 39,200 students that now attend Stagecoach, SportsCoach and Mini Stages schools worldwide. Group turnover increased to £6.3 million (2006: £5.7 million). The growth in the UK Stagecoach network and the cost savings achieved during the year have returned the Group to profitability, reporting profit before tax of £310,000 compared to a prior year loss of £213,000. Since the year 2000, the Group has expanded considerably, increasing its annual network fees by over 250 per cent from £7.5 million to £26.5 million in 2007. The demand for private performing arts tuition continues to grow each year. I reported in last year's statement that we required each part of our business to either contribute a profit or to be restructured. We have continued with the implementation of this key strategy. The benefits of the Stagecoach USA restructuring and cost cutting in the prior year were realised in this financial year, with the US subsidiary breaking-even in cash flow terms. Your Board has restructured SportsCoach and Mini Stages in the final quarter, enabling further cost savings. The existing SportsCoach and Mini Stages franchisees are now being supported by the established Stagecoach UK franchise department, thus reducing the overheads incurred in running them as separate business units. In addition to the restructuring your Board has undertaken a cost cutting exercise over the year, reducing overheads where possible, including a reduction in premises and renegotiation of office equipment hire. Over the year, five senior manager positions that have been vacated have not been replaced. The financial benefits of the restructuring and cost cutting will be further realised in the year ahead. Earnings per share was 1.1 pence (2006: loss 2.4 pence). Your Board does not propose the payment of a final dividend (2006: nil). The Group continues to support the Stagecoach Charitable Trust, which runs InterAct Theatre Workshops, providing inclusive performing arts tuition to children of all abilities and needs. Employees On behalf of the Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their continued hard work throughout the year. Prospects Your Board anticipates further growth in the Stagecoach Theatre Arts UK network, with several new Stagecoach schools and Early Stages classes already contracted to open in September 2007. The extensive programme of cost cutting continues throughout the Group, and the benefits of this will be further realised in the year ahead. Graham Cole Chairman 15 August 2007 Joint Managing Directors' Operating Review We report on the operations and results of the Group for the year ended 31 May 2007. Operations Group Overview The Group reports a return to profitability, with profit before tax of £310,000 (2006: loss of £213,000). The Group comprises the core Stagecoach Theatre Arts franchise business in the UK, which represents over 90 per cent of the business in terms of student numbers and fees and is the clear market-leader for providing performing arts tuition to children in the UK. The other franchises within the Group are based upon the same business model as Stagecoach UK. The Group also runs a Montessori school at its Head Office in Walton-on-Thames. The principal indicator of the Group's growth is the number of schools opened during the year and the number of students attending those schools. In September 2006, at the start of this new academic year, we opened 30 new Stagecoach schools, the largest number of new openings in a term for nearly three years. Stagecoach Theatre Arts UK The core Stagecoach UK business continues to expand, with 34 new school openings and 59 new Early Stages classes, together with an increase in average student numbers from last year. The number of UK Stagecoach Theatre Arts main schools (for 6 to 16 year olds) and of students attending them has increased over the year to 607 schools with 26,032 students (2006: 573 schools and 24,471 students). Most franchisees run at least one Early Stages class, providing performing arts tuition to younger students aged 4 to 6 years, alongside the main school. Early Stages classes are an important feeder to the main schools. The number of Early Stages classes increased this year to 670 with 8,713 students attending (2006: 611 Early Stages classes and 8,000 students). We have seen enormous growth in this market over the past three years. The total number of students attending Stagecoach schools, including Early Stages classes, increased from 32,650 to 34,745 students. The average occupancy rate at the main Stagecoach schools has increased to 42.9 students per school, or 95.3 per cent (2006: 94.9 per cent) based on an optimum number of students per class of 45. The percentage occupancy rate throughout the core Stagecoach UK network remains strong. The number of franchisees increased over the period under review from 241 to 261, demonstrating that the growth in schools has come from both new franchisees joining the network and existing franchisees expanding their individual businesses. The number of Stagecoach schools per franchisee remains level at 2.3 schools. With several franchisees running five or six schools, this shows there is considerable scope for further growth from the existing network. Whilst continuing to grow the network, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of education throughout the network, including regular unannounced school inspections, regional meetings and franchisee and teacher training. Parents receive progress reports twice a year and students receive medals for longevity and participation. The skills students learn at Stagecoach help them perform better in life. Stagecoach are pleased to have expanded its partnership operations with First Choice, one of the UK's leading tour operators, to offer Stagecoach classes at six First Choice overseas holiday locations. The core Stagecoach UK business showed strong growth in all areas and reported an increase in network fees of 10 per cent to £24.2 million (2006: £22.1 million), and a 26 per cent increase in operating profit before overheads to £2.9 million (2006: £2.3 million). After attributing all the Group overheads, the net profit before tax of the core Stagecoach UK business was £1.1 million (2006: £0.5 million). Stagecoach Agency The Stagecoach Agency forms an integral part of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts offering to students. As the biggest children's agency in the UK the Stagecoach Agency has continued to expand its influence within the entertainment industry. In its second year the Agency secured over 3,000 professional auditions or work placements for Stagecoach school students. The Agency provides a comprehensive range of services to Casting Directors and Production Companies who in turn offer Stagecoach school students work opportunities within a wide range of entertainment platforms. These include TV and Film, Commercials and Corporate Videos, Theatre, Radio Dramas, Photo Shoots and Promotions, Musicals and Voice-Overs. Assignments won this year by the Agency include parts for students in most major television series and many other high-profile productions, both domestic and international. Such credits include TV roles in Eastenders, Dr Who, Torchwood, Grange Hill, The Bill, Casualty and Hollyoaks; film credits include Harry Potter and Hot Fuzz; and in theatre Billy Elliot, Annie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. The Agency's growing success offers excellent publicity opportunities for individual Stagecoach schools throughout the UK. On 1 June 2007, the outstanding 25 per cent. share capital of the Stagecoach Agency was purchased by the company, taking full control and ownership of the Agency business. Creative and Educational Department Your Board is dedicated to continuing to provide the highest standards of student education and opportunity throughout the Stagecoach network. The Creative and Educational Department is committed to being at the forefront of standards of education in the performing arts. One of the unique features of Stagecoach is that it provides its students with opportunities to participate in special performances and events including: • In June 2006, 400 students from all the UK regional choirs and Germany took part in the first Stagecoach choir festival at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. • Also in June, 550 students from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire performed at the New Theatre, Oxford in a production of dance, drama and singing raising over £20,000 for charity. • The annual 'Easy Stages' show-case production of Annie in August 2006 featured 70 Stagecoach students from schools across the UK and overseas. • In September more than 100 students from the South East performed at The Children's Society 125th Anniversary at Southwark Cathedral. • In December 2006, 300 Stagecoach students from all over the UK performed a selection of dance, drama and singing routines at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End. • Also in December students filled the house at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London for a performance of 'Wicked' especially staged for Stagecoach. The students also had the opportunity to meet several members of the cast after the performance. • In March 2007, 100 students of the Stagecoach Midlands Choir were invited to perform at Crufts at Birmingham's NEC, as part of the BBC televised 'Friends for Life'. • In April and May 2007, Stagecoach students attended a pre production workshop at The Blue Man Group where they met cast, crew and members of the creative team before watching an evening performance. • In May 2007, one of our regional Stagecoach choirs was invited to perform at Disneyland Paris as part of its fifteen year anniversary. The Stagecoach Foundation Course continues to be run twice yearly, with significant workshop input from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art ('R.A.D.A'). The course, designed with the particular needs of Stagecoach and part-time theatre arts schools in mind, is becoming recognized nationally. It has accreditation from Trinity/Guildhall as part of their A.T.C.L in Musical Theatre (Associate of Trinity College London). Regional teacher training workshops offer Stagecoach teachers and franchisees in-service development by top leaders in performing arts. Stagecoach's training, together with these extra-curricular performing opportunities, offers immense benefits to students in the growth of confidence and self-esteem as well as fostering enjoyment and well being. SportsCoach and Mini Stages franchises In the latter part of the year, your Board restructured the SportsCoach and Mini Stages activities. The purpose of these changes was to reduce the overheads and other operating costs of running these networks, whilst still providing full support to their franchisees. Network fees of SportsCoach, representing the total student fees, increased marginally to £997,000 (2006: £977,000). SportsCoach reported an operating loss, after provisions, for the year of £190,000 (2006: loss of £52,000). At year-end there were 29 schools, 8 Early Sporties and 1,191 students (2006: 34 schools, 8 Early Sporties and 1,360 students). Network fees of Mini Stages increased to £141,000 (2006: £123,000). Mini Stages reported an operating loss, after provisions, for the year of £210,000 (2006: loss of £125,000). At year-end there were 19 Mini Stages schools, from which 73 teaching sessions were held, and a total of 723 students attending (2006: 19 venues, 45 sessions and 442 students). Post year-end, the existing SportsCoach and Mini Stages franchisees are now being supported by the experienced UK Stagecoach franchise department. Two senior managers within these former divisions took voluntary redundancy at year-end, and together with the other cost savings in overheads, we expect the financial benefit of this restructuring to flow through next year. Overseas operations The Group's overseas operations include US and German subsidiary companies, each running Stagecoach Theatre Arts franchise networks, and Stagecoach schools operated under licence or direct franchise agreement in Australia, Canada, Gibraltar, Republic of Ireland, Malta and Spain. Significant restructuring of the overseas operations has been undertaken such that the Group no longer runs any managed schools overseas. All overseas schools are now operated under either a franchise or licence agreement. This allows the Group to significantly reduce its overheads overseas, and move towards making a profit from the overseas operations in the short term, whilst maintaining the potential upside for expansion in these markets for the medium to long term. The successful start of this strategy was evidenced this year following the restructuring of the US subsidiary operations in the prior year. The remaining three US managed schools were sold as franchises, and head office staff numbers and other overheads were significantly reduced. Stagecoach Germany expanded its network with three new school openings and two new Early Stages. During the year, the Group acquired the outstanding 10% of Stagecoach Germany share capital that it did not own. Taking full control of the business allowed the Group to undertake a restructuring of the German operations at the end of this year similar to that implemented in the USA. The German managed schools were all either sold as franchises or closed in April 2007, allowing a reduction in head office staff costs and other overheads. Stagecoach USA and Stagecoach Germany reported operating losses, after year-end provisions, of £75,000 and £153,000 respectively. Between these two overseas markets, at year end there were 18 franchisees, 29 Stagecoach schools, 28 Early Stages classes, 2 Further Stages classes and a total of 1,267 students (2006: 1,149 students). Financial Review Profitability Network fees increased 10 per cent to £26.5 million (2006: £24.1 million). Group turnover for the year increased to £6.3 million (2006: £5.7 million). The core Stagecoach UK business continues to support the other activities. However as the financial benefits of the restructuring takes effect the non-core activities should move towards operational profitability. Your Board's primary objective continues to be to bring each of these ancillary activities to profitability as soon as possible. Furthermore, your Board has taken steps to reduce Head Office overheads where possible, with cost savings in salaries, premises and equipment costs being achieved during the year. Consequently, the Group moved back into profitability this year, reporting profit before tax of £310,000 (2006: loss £213,000). The Group is prepared for the transition to report under IFRS next year. The Directors estimate that the profitability for this year under review would not be materially different if reported under IFRS. Cash balances The Group receives the majority of its cash in-flow three times a year, six weeks into each academic term, from franchise fees for that term. The Group's cash position significantly improved over the year, reporting year-end net cash inflow from operating activities of £473,000. The positive net cash balance for the Group at 30 June 2007 was £1.3 million. The restructuring of the USA subsidiary at the end of the prior year had a significant positive impact on reducing the cash outflow of the non-core activities. The US subsidiary reported break-even cash flow for the year. However, as the restructuring of the other non-core activities was not implemented until the end of this year, the full financial benefits will not start to flow through until next year. Employees The number of employees (full time equivalents) employed by the Group is 59 as at 31 May 2007 (2006: 65 full time equivalent employees). Stagecoach Charitable Trust The Group continues to support and provide management time to the Stagecoach Charitable Trust, which amongst other activities runs InterAct Theatre Workshops, providing inclusive performing arts tuition to children of all abilities and needs. The feedback from the children attending InterAct and their parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Current Trading and Prospects Post year-end we have continued with the cost cutting programme across all areas of the Group, and have seen further growth in the core UK Stagecoach franchise network. The prospects for the year ahead look encouraging. Stephanie Manuel David Sprigg Joint Managing Director Joint Managing Director 15 August 2007 Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc Consolidated Profit and Loss Account Year ended 31 May 2007 Notes 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Restated Network fees (see note) 26,544 24,125 ======= ======= Turnover 2 6,324 5,673 Cost of sales (3,654) (3,330) ------- ------- Gross profit 2,670 2,343 Administrative expenses (2,364) (2,560) Other operating income 22 17 ------- ------- Operating profit/(loss) 328 (200) Interest receivable 10 11 Interest payable and similar charges (28) (24) ------- ------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 310 (213) Taxation 3 (205) (22) ------- ------- Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 105 (235) Minority interest 10 3 ------- ------- Profit/(loss) for the year 115 (232) ======= ======= Earnings /(loss) per share, pence - Basic 5 1.1 (2.4) - Diluted 5 1.1 (2.4) All amounts relate to continuing operations. Note: Network fees reflect total school fees earned over the year by our franchisees from the 39,200 students that attended Stagecoach, SportsCoach and Mini Stages worldwide. Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc Consolidated Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses As at 31 May 2007 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Restated Profit/(loss) for the year 115 (232) Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (1) (1) ------- ------- Total recognised gains and losses relating to the year 114 (233) ======= ======= Total gains and losses recognised in the year is attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 124 (230) Minority interest (10) (3) ------- ------- 114 (233) ======= ======= Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc Consolidated Balance Sheet As at 31 May 2007 Notes 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Intangible fixed assets 775 735 Tangible fixed assets 614 673 ------- ------- 1,389 1,408 Current assets Stocks 298 279 Debtors 1,932 2,128 Cash at bank and in hand 341 304 ------- ------- 2,571 2,711 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year (1,380) (1,762) ------- ------- Net current assets 1,191 949 ------- ------- Total assets less current liabilities 2,580 2,357 Creditors Amounts falling due after one year (131) (57) ------- ------- Net assets 2,449 2,300 ======= ======= Capital and reserves Share capital 494 494 Share premium 1,601 1,601 Profit and loss account 354 220 ------- ------- 2,449 2,315 Minority interests - (15) ------- ------- Equity shareholders' funds 2,449 2,300 ======= ======= The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 15 August 2007. Stephanie Manuel David Sprigg Director Director Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Year ended 31 May 2006 Notes 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating 6 473 (14) activities Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 10 11 Interest paid (28) (24) ------- ------- (18) (13) Taxation Corporation tax paid - (59) Capital expenditure Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets 1 - Payments to acquire tangible fixed (205) (454) assets ------- ------- (204) (454) Acquisitions and disposals Purchase of additional shares in (51) - subsidiary ------- ------- Net cash inflow/(outflow) before 200 (540) financing Financing Proceeds from bank loan 150 100 Repayment of bank loans (54) (19) ------- ------- 96 81 ------- ------- Increase/(decrease) in cash 296 (459) ======= ======= Stagecoach Theatre Arts plc Year ended 31st May 2007 Notes to the Preliminary Results 1. Basis of preparation The preliminary results have been based on accounting policies which are disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts 2007. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and under the historical cost convention. FRS20 'share based payments' has also been adopted for the first time. The adoption of this standard represenrs a change in accounting policy and the comparative figures have been restated accordingly. The consolidated financial statements include the audited financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings. Subsidiary undertakings acquired are consolidated using the acquisition method of accounting from the effective date of acquisition. 2. Turnover by geographical location 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 UK 5,996 5,153 Europe 271 335 Rest of the world 57 185 ------- ------- Total turnover 6,324 5,673 ======= ======= Turnover is analysed on an origination basis and is all derived from external customers. 3. Taxation a) Analysis of the tax charge 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 UK corporation tax Current tax on income for the period 167 35 Adjustments in respect of prior periods (37) (14) ------- ------- Total current tax 130 21 Deferred tax Origination of timing differences 19 1 Adjustment in respect of previous years 56 - ------- ------- 75 1 ------- ------- Tax on profit on ordinary activities 205 22 ======= ======= Deferred tax arose principally due to timing differences between capital allowances and depreciation. b) Factors affecting the tax charge for the current period The current charge for the period is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 30% (2006: 30%). The differences are explained below: 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Current tax reconciliation Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax 310 (213) ------- ------- Current tax at 30% (2006: 30%) 93 (64) Effects of: Unrelieved losses of overseas subsidiaries 53 74 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 7 27 Depreciation in excess of capital allowances 8 - Share Options 6 5 Adjustment to tax charge in previous periods (37) (14) Marginal relief - (7) ------- ------- Total current tax charge for year 130 21 ======= ======= 4. Dividends Your Board does not propose the payment of a final dividend (2006: nil). 5. Earnings/(loss) per share Basic earnings per share, calculated in accordance with FRS 22 (Earnings per share) is 1.1 pence (2006: loss per share 2.4 pence). This is based on the profit on ordinary activities after tax of £105,313 (2006: loss after tax of £234,890) apportioned over the weighted average number of ordinary shares that were in issue for the period of 9,879,317 (2006: 9,879,317). Fully diluted profit per share is calculated at 1.1 pence (2006: loss per share 2.4 pence), based upon weighted average number of ordinary shares, including options granted to employees, of 9,931,213 (2006: 9,887,327). 6. Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss) to operating cashflows 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Operating profit/(loss) 328 (200) Depreciation and amortisation of goodwill 198 102 Employee share option scheme 20 18 Loss on disposal of fixed assets 15 - Increase in stocks (19) (16) Decrease in debtors 281 65 (Decrease)/increase in creditors (354) 13 Foreign exchange differences 4 4 ------- ------- Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 473 (14) ======= ======= 7. Analysis of changes in net funds At Cashflow At 1 June 2006 31 May 2007 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash at bank and in hand 304 37 341 Bank overdraft (259) 259 - ---------- ------- ---------- 45 296 341 Bank loans due within one year (24) (37) (61) Bank loans due after one year (57) (59) (116) ---------- ------- ---------- (36) 200 164 ========== ======= ========== 8. Extract from the Group's statutory accounts The financial information presented in this preliminary announcement does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of the Companies Act 1985. The information has however been extracted from the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 May 2007 which were approved by the Board on 15 August 2007 and on which the Group's auditors have given an unqualified opinion. 9. Annual Report & Accounts available on the website The Annual Report and Accounts, which will be posted to shareholders as soon as practicably possible, are available to download via the website, www.stagecoach.co.uk. A copy of the Annual Report and Accounts may be obtained upon application to the Company Secretary, subject to availability, at the Company's Registered Office, The Courthouse, Elm Grove, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1LZ. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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