TIDMBOOM
RNS Number : 0954V
Audioboom Group PLC
19 July 2018
This announcement contains inside information as stipulated
under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) no. 596/2014 ("MAR")
19 July 2018
Audioboom Group plc
("Audioboom", the "Group" or the "Company")
Half Yearly Report
Audioboom (AIM: BOOM), the leading spoken word audio on-demand
platform, announces its unaudited half yearly results for the six
months ended 31 May 2018.
Financial Highlights
-- Revenue increased by 43% to GBP2.6 million (H1 2017: GBP1.8 million)
-- Adjusted EBITDA loss reduced to GBP2.2 million (H1 2017: GBP2.6 million)
-- Net cash as at 31 May 2018 of GBP0.3 million, prior to receipt of placing funds in June
o Balance sheet at period end contains trade payables relating
to podcast partners and transaction costs associated with the
aborted acquisition of Triton Digital, which were fully paid as of
13 July 2018 from the proceeds of the June fundraising
-- Pre and post period end, received GBP5.6 million of funding
via new equity and convertible loan notes (now converted). A
further GBP0.4 million expected to be received subject, inter alia,
to VCT clearance being obtained from HMRC
Key Performance Indicators ("KPIs")
-- Further impressive growth demonstrated across all existing KPIs:
o Total H1 2018 unique file requests of 372 million (H1 2017:
325 million)
o Monthly unique users in May 2018 of 87 million, compared to 81
million for May 2017
o Total H1 2018 available ad impressions of 1,241 million (H1
2017: 789 million)
o Content partner channels increased to 14,566 (H1 2017:
11,843)
-- Additional metrics that provide useful indicators for future performance:
o 'Brand Advertiser' count has now grown to over 130, more than
twice the number 12 months ago, with new tier one advertisers
including Bose and TiVo
o Total subscribers to the recently launched US$9.99 monthly
subscription service now at 1,577, an increase of 43% vs the end of
Q1 2018
o US revenue per 1,000 listens (eCPM) now stands at US$19.02, an
increase of 33% from Q2 2018 over Q1 2018
Operational Highlights
-- Audioboom Original Network (AON) traction and growth
continues, generating higher margins than third party podcasts. In
H1 2018, Audioboom generated GBP0.1 million from AON content,
representing 5.6% of total revenue
-- Signed a multi-year contract for Casefile, a popular true crime podcast
-- Completed Spotify API integration
-- Sales agreement with Starburns Audio, a new podcasting
network created by Starburns Industries
-- International sales partnership agreements signed in
Australia (Placard Media) and Canada (The Podcast Exchange)
-- Signed a programmatic advertising agreement with DAX (UK, US, France and Germany)
-- Production, ad sales and distribution deal agreed with cable
and satellite television company, A+E Networks
Post-period Highlights
-- Fully funded through to expected cash break even following
the receipt of GBP5.6 million from the issue of convertible loan
notes and new equity between April and June 2018 for working
capital and revenue growth
-- Ongoing cost control continues through H2 2018 as the Company
recognises the reduction and repurposing of headcount costs and the
savings made from renegotiated hosting, band width and ad serving
costs
-- The first two episodes of recently launched 'Beyond the
Grid', a co-production with Formula 1, sponsored by Bose, has
received very encouraging early listening figures and industry
recognition
-- Re-signed commercial partnerships with 'No Such Thing As A
Fish' and 'The Totally Football Show', two of the UK's biggest
podcasts by listens
-- Net cash, as at 30 June 2018, of GBP2.6 million having
settled creditors and costs of aborted Triton Digital acquisition -
a further GBP0.4 million pending from June placing, subject to HMRC
approval of VCT investment eligibility
Rob Proctor, CEO of Audioboom, commented: "These results have
been achieved despite the considerable distraction of the aborted
Triton deal. It bodes well for the rest of 2018 and beyond that we
are now solely focused on turning Audioboom into the pre-eminent
podcasting platform.
Audioboom generated a 43% increase in revenue over the same
period last year and expects substantial further increases in H2
due to the rapid growth in Audioboom Original Network podcasts,
major new podcast signings and subscription fees. The underlying
EBITDA loss also decreased over the period. As we progress through
the second half of the year, we are confident that the combination
of increased revenues and our continued focus on tight cost control
will further benefit the Group.
The Board believes the recent GBP5.6 million of funding received
through convertible loan notes and a placing and subscription will
be sufficient to see the Company through to positive cash
generation.
Visibility for advertising campaigns for Q3 and Q4 is strong and
the Board believes revenue for the full year will be in line with
current market expectations, underpinned by a brand count that is
more than twice what it was this time last year and with greatly
increased available ad inventory."
Enquiries
Audioboom Group plc
Rob Proctor, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44(0)20 7403 6688
Allenby Capital Limited (Nominated adviser Tel: +44(0)20 3328 5656
and Joint Broker)
David Hart /Alex Brearley/Asha Chotai
Novum Securities (Joint Broker) Tel: +44(0)20 7399 9400
Colin Rowbury/Jon Belliss
Walbrook PR Limited (PR & IR Advisers) Tel: +44(0)20 7933 8780
Paul Cornelius / Sam Allen or audioboom@walbrookpr.com
About Audioboom
Audioboom is a global podcasting platform that consolidates the
business of on-demand audio, making content accessible,
wide-reaching and profitable for podcasters, advertisers and
brands. Audioboom operates internationally, with operations across
North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and addresses the issue
of disparate podcast services by putting all of the pieces of the
puzzle together under one umbrella, creating a user-friendly,
economical experience.
Audioboom hosts over 14,000 content channels, with key content
partners including A+E Networks (US), Associated Press (US), The
BBC (UK), "Casefile True Crime" (AUS), Edith Bowman (UK), "Felon
True Crime Podcast" (AUS), "F1: Beyond The Grid" (UK),
"Moneycontrol Podcast" (India), "News Roast" (UK), "No Such Thing
As A Fish" (UK), "Pound for Pound with Jake Wood and Spencer
Oliver" (UK), "Red FM" (India), Starburns Audio (US), "The Totally
Football Show" (UK), "The True Geordie Podcast" (UK) and
"Undisclosed" (US).
Original content produced by Audioboom includes "The 45th" (US),
"Covert" (US), "Dead Man Talking" (UK/US), "I Almost Knew That"
(India), "The Psychology Behind with Dr Linda Papadopoulos" (UK),
"Ctrl Alt Win Podcast" (India), "Deliberations" (US), "It's
Happening with Snooki & Joey" (US), "Mafia" (US), "Mission To
Zyxx" (US), "Night Call" (US) and "The Russell Brand Podcast"
(UK).
The platform receives over 60 million listens per month and
allows partners to share their content via Apple Podcasts,
BookMyShow, Deezer, Google Play, iHeartRadio, Saavn, Spotify,
Stitcher, Facebook and Twitter as well as their own websites and
mobile apps.
Chief Executive's Report
The Board and management are now fully focused on growing the
standalone Audioboom business, which already has a firm foundation
of growing advertising revenue and subscriptions.
Operational Review
Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) - Audio Advisory Group
In December last year, Audioboom became the first podcast
network to receive accredited membership to the IAB UK, a UK trade
association for digital advertising, representing the UK's leading
brands, media owners and agencies. Audioboom joined IAB USA in May
2017.
As a result, Audioboom gained access to and the ability to
consult with IAB UK's steering and advisory groups that create
industry best practices, educational guides and research.
The Company has been in discussions with partners within the IAB
Member Directory, which include: Spotify; Deezer; Soundcloud; Bauer
Media Group, a European-based media company; DAX, the digital audio
exchange; and RadioWorks, the independent radio advertising
specialist.
Key Performance Indicators
I am delighted to report that all our key performance indicators
have increased significantly compared to the same period last
year:
KPI 1H18 1H17 % +/-
Total unique file
requests
(cumulative for period) 372 million 325 million +14.5
-------------- ------------ ------
Monthly unique users
(final month of period) 87 million 81 million +7.4
-------------- ------------ ------
Available ad impressions
(cumulative for period) 1,241 million 789 million +57
-------------- ------------ ------
Content partner channels 14,566 11,843 +23
-------------- ------------ ------
Brand advertiser
count 130+ 55 +136
-------------- ------------ ------
Total subscribers 1,577 - N/A
-------------- ------------ ------
Audioboom Original Network ("AON")
Audioboom launched the Audioboom Originals Network in 2017 to
create its own content. The Board believes that the ability to
showcase AON podcasts in conjunction with some of the biggest
podcasts in the world may help drive audience adoption of
Audioboom's original content network.
AON comprises hit shows like "Mission To Zyxx" and
"Deliberations", with a slate of new shows due to launch in 2018.
The Board believes that the AON shows will generate higher returns
for the Company through stronger margins and own content.
AON shows continue to grow with listens up 33% to 2.13 million
from May 2018 to June 2018. These offer Audioboom a higher margin
and represent a key area of focus for the Company.
New and Extended Commercial Agreements
No Such Thing As A Fish and The Totally Football Show
The Company was delighted to have extended its commercial
partnerships with these two podcast partners during the period. As
two of the UK's biggest podcasts by listens, the extended
relationship should help further drive unique users and advertising
impressions as the Company builds on the strong momentum achieved
to date.
Casefile
In January 2018, Audioboom announced that it had signed a
multi-year contract to host Casefile, a true crime podcast which
was originally launched in January 2016, on its digital platform.
Casefile's 2017 mini-series on Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe
received 5.8 million downloads. Its most popular single episode
from January 2017 was on tourist Peter Falconio, who disappeared,
presumed murdered, in the Australian outback. That episode has had
more than 4.2 million downloads. This podcast has featured among
the top 50 shows on the Apple Podcast chart, rising as high as
fourth in July 2016.
The Board is hopeful that the contract will generate potentially
material incremental hosting, distribution and advertising revenues
from Casefile podcasts in the Company's current and future
financial years.
Proposed Triton Digital deal
In February 2018, the Company announced its intention to acquire
the entire issued share capital of Triton Digital Canada Inc
("Triton"), the parent company of Triton Digital, Inc., for a cash
consideration of US$185 million (approximately GBP134 million).
Triton is a leading technology provider to the online audio
industry, headquartered in the USA.
In May 2018, Audioboom announced that the Company's proposed
acquisition would not be proceeding as the Company was unable,
despite significant investor interest, to raise the necessary funds
required to complete the transaction.
Audioboom incurred circa GBP1.2 million of deal costs in
relation to this aborted transaction.
Spotify - integration of API
In June 2018, Audioboom announced a review of the first year of
its strategic partnership with Spotify Technology SA ('Spotify';
NYSE: SPOT).
Audioboom's listens and live read ad inventory via the Spotify
streaming service increased over the twelve-month period to 31 May
2018 by approximately 10%, following the successful implementation
of a distribution partnership with Spotify. This increase can be
attributed to just 1% of Audioboom's content being available on the
Spotify platform. The next stage of the Company's partnership with
Spotify, which is progressing well, will have the potential to make
all Audioboom content available through an automated API. As a
result, Spotify is now established as the Company's second biggest
distribution platform after Apple Podcasts, with Audioboom's
on-demand podcasts, such as "Mafia" and "Drink Champs", now
featured on the Spotify platform across multiple content
categories.
Importantly, the ability to deliver embedded Audioboom host read
advertising inside the Spotify platform should result in increased
revenue for Audioboom and its podcast partners as more listeners
are on-boarded. Increased listens and advertising revenues as a
result of partnerships are a key part of the Company's future
growth strategy, which involves utilising third-party relationships
and technology platforms to widen reach and the ability to grow
additional revenue streams.
Audioboom's podcast partners will also benefit from more
comprehensive analytics for podcasts hosted on Audioboom, with
Spotify's consumption data now integrated into Audioboom's
comprehensive analytics dashboard.
Formula 1(R) Podcast
In June 2018, the Company announced that it had signed an
agreement with Formula One Digital Media Limited for an official
weekly podcast. The podcast, titled "Beyond the Grid", is
co-produced and hosted by Audioboom. The agreement has a fixed term
until 31 December 2019, subject to performance hurdles in the first
six months of the contract.
The inaugural series of the podcast will run for an initial
52-week period and follow a topical audio magazine style format
comprising comment and exclusive and insightful interviews from
various global locations from the F1 Worldwide Grand Prix
season.
The first episode of "Beyond the Grid" featured Formula 1(R)
racing driver Lewis Hamilton MBE who races for Mercedes AMG
Petronas, and generated a significant number of listens causing it
to go in at number two in the Apple Podcast chart.
The show is scheduled for every Wednesday and will include
drivers and F1 leaders such as Robert Kubica, Mark Webber,
Christian Horner and Gerhard Berger.
The sponsorship opportunity for this podcast means that Bose
benefits from title sponsorship while other advertisers such as The
Economist can pay for episodic live reads throughout the podcast
series.
International Advertising Sales Partnerships
A&E Networks
Audioboom announced in June 2018 that it had finalised a
production, ad sales and distribution agreement with cable and
satellite television company, A+E Networks. Audioboom, which opened
production studios in New York City and Los Angeles to coincide
with the launch of AON in 2017, now produces podcasts based on
existing A+E Networks programs as well as new shows unique to
on-demand audio.
The A+E Network group, which has more than 500 million global
digital users, includes A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime. Audioboom
will work closely with this television company to develop a
pipeline of audio content which will be available from AON.
Starburns Audio ("SBA")
In June 2018, Audioboom also announced that Starburns Audio, a
new podcasting network created by Starburns Industries, the
production studio behind Rick and Morty, HBO's Animals, and the
Academy Award-nominated Anomalisa, had entered into an advertising
sales agreement with the Group.
SBA makes creator-driven comedy podcasts by providing a platform
to unique, exciting talent and amplifying their voices to create
high-quality comedic content. The launch line-up is a mix of Apple
Podcasts' comedy top 50 mainstays and exciting new shows,
including: "Harmontown", "Small Doses" with Amanda Seales, "Dumb
People Town", "Glowing Up", "The Duncan Trussell Family Hour" and
"Natch Beaut".
Placard Media, The Podcast Exchange "TPX" and DAX
Placard is a dedicated agency that connects advertisers from
Australia and New Zealand with engaged podcast listeners. Audioboom
has entered an agreement that gives Placard the exclusive right to
sell "Host Endorsements" and "Live Reads" on Audioboom's podcast
inventory to advertising agencies within these regions.
Placard Media uses its extensive sales expertise, show metrics
and geo-targeting to providing advertisers with a more targeted
approach to monetisation opportunities within Australia and New
Zealand.
An agreement with The Podcast Exchange ("TPX"), focuses on the
Canadian region and makes Audioboom the first podcast platform to
partner with this network. Launched in February 2018, TPX, which
does not make or sell its own content, combines research-driven
strategy, advanced metrics, sales expertise and geo-targeting,
providing advertisers with better monetisation opportunities within
the Canadian podcast audience.
DAX gives advertisers access to an audience of 160 million
people across premium audio publishers including Capital, Heart and
Radio X radio stations, as well as platforms like SoundCloud,
TuneIn and Audioboom.
Audioboom's agreement with DAX enhances cost per thousand
(eCPMs) and sell through rates compared to our previous
agreement.
Financial Review
Revenue increased by 43% to GBP2.6 million (H1 2017: GBP1.8
million) for the period with the adjusted EBITDA loss (adjusted for
interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, share based payments and
one-off transactional and legal costs) reduced to GBP2.2 million
from GBP2.6 million for the corresponding period last year. The
Company's financial performance during the period was underpinned
by enhanced revenue generation and the continued broadening of our
audience, while making original audio content and selling
advertising.
Cost control has remained tight which has resulted in a
reduction of overheads by GBP0.4 million in H1 2018 versus H1 2017.
We continue to align our cost base to operational demands and in H2
2018 and H1 2019 we will recognise the reduction and repurposing of
headcount costs and recognise savings negotiated on our annual
hosting band width and ad serving costs.
For H1 2018, 85% of Group revenue was generated out of the
United States, which is the largest and most developed market for
podcasting. Between Q1 and Q2 2018, US revenue per 1,000 downloads
(eCPM) increased by 33% to US$19.03. This reflects an improvement
in prices and fill rates and the introduction of our podcaster
subscription model for less commercial podcasts. The increase in
eCPM illustrates the fact that more advertisers are being drawn to
the podcasting medium. The podcasting market continues to enjoy
rapid growth and I welcome the arrival of Google's new podcast app
for Android devices to rival that of Apple Podcasts on iOS.
Outlook
These results have been achieved despite the considerable
distraction of the aborted Triton deal. It bodes well for the rest
of 2018 and beyond that we are now solely focused on turning
Audioboom into the pre-eminent podcasting platform.
Audioboom generated a 43% increase in revenue over the same
period last year and expects substantial further increases in H2
due to the rapid growth in Audioboom Original Network podcasts,
major new podcast signings and subscription fees. The underlying
EBITDA loss also decreased over the period. As we progress through
the second half of the year, we are confident that the combination
of increased revenues and our continued focus on tight cost control
will further benefit the Group.
The Board believes the recent funding of GBP5.6 million that has
been received through the issue of convertible loan notes and the
placing and subscription will be sufficient to see the Company
through to positive cash generation.
Visibility for advertising campaigns for Q3 and Q4 is strong and
the Board believes that revenue for the full year will be in line
with current market expectations, underpinned by a brand count that
is more than twice what it was this time last year and with greatly
increased available ad inventory.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management
team and staff for their continued hard work and commitment during
the first half and look forward to the second half with optimism.
The Company is in the strongest operational and financial position
in its history.
Rob Proctor
Chief Executive Officer
Audioboom Group plc
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
6 months 6 months 12 months
to 31 May to 31 May to 30 Nov
2018 2017 2017
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Continuing operations
Revenue 2,641 1,843 4,728
Cost of sales (2,002) (1,346) (3,278)
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 639 497 1,450
Administrative expenses (4,430) (3,431) (6,453)
Adjusted operating loss (2,206) (2,634) (4,437)
- Costs of acquisition - (118) (118)
- Amortisation of intangible
assets (196) (134) (327)
- Depreciation (32) - -
- Restructuring costs (82) - -
- Transaction costs (1,195) - -
- Share based payments (80) (48) (121)
------------------------------ ------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating loss (3,791) (2,934) (5,003)
Interest (43) 1 1
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before tax (3,834) (2,933) (5,002)
Taxation on continuing
operations 93 22 208
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss for the financial
period (3,741) (2,911) (4,794)
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation
difference (98) (165) (69)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total comprehensive loss
for the period (3,839) (3,076) (4,863)
=========== =========== ===========
Loss per share (pence)
From continuing operations
Basic and diluted 3 (0.40) (0.39) (0.57)
Audioboom Group plc
Consolidated statement of financial position
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
as at 31 as at 31 as at
May 2018 May 2017 30 Nov
2017
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Assets
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 5 2,160 2,123 2,356
Property, plant and equipment 112 126 91
2,272 2,249 2,447
---------- ---------- ---------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 6 2,720 1,682 2,453
Cash and cash equivalents 331 3,245 717
3,051 4,927 3,170
---------- ---------- ---------
Total assets 5,323 7,176 5,617
---------- ---------- ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 7 (4,030) (1,866) (1,981)
Borrowings and other financial
liabilities 8 (1,510) - -
Deferred taxation (190) (317) (284)
(5,730) (2,183) (2,265)
---------- ---------- ---------
Net current (liabilities)
/ assets (2,679) 2,744 905
---------- ---------- ---------
Net (liabilities) / assets (407) 4,993 3,352
========== ========== =========
Equity
Share capital - - -
Share premium 4 29,359 29,278 29,359
Issue cost reserve (1,309) (1,309) (1,309)
Foreign exchange translation
reserve (171) (170) (73)
Reverse acquisition reserve (2,159) (2,159) (2,159)
Retained earnings (26,127) (20,647) (22,466)
Total equity (407) 4,993 3,352
========== ========== =========
Audioboom Group plc
Consolidated cash flow statement
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months 12 months
to 31 May to 31 May to 30 Nov
2018 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Loss from continuing operations (3,741) (2,911) (4,794)
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Loss for the period (3,741) (2,911) (4,794)
Adjustments for:
Taxation (94) (22) (208)
Interest 43 (1) (1)
(Gain)/Loss on sale of fixed - (1) -
assets
Depreciation of fixed assets 32 9 42
Amortisation of intangible
assets 196 134 327
Share based payments 80 48 121
Increase in trade and other
receivables (266) (191) (921)
Increase in trade and other payables 2,061 309 543
Foreign exchange (gain) /
loss (100) (1) 72
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Cash flows from operating
activities (1,789) (2,627) (4,819)
Taxation received - - -
Net cash used in operating
activities (1,789) (2,627) (4,819)
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets - - (426)
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (54) (71) (96)
Cash on acquisition of subsidiary - - 13
Interest receivable - - 1
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (54) (71) (508)
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Financing activities
Proceeds from issue of convertible
loan instrument 1,500 800 -
Convertible loan interest (43) - -
and fee
Proceeds from issue of ordinary
share capital - 4,458 5,341
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Net cash generated from financing
activities 1,457 5,258 5,341
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash
and cash equivalents (386) 2,560 14
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 717 687 687
Effect of foreign exchange
rate changes - (2) 16
------------ ---------------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 331 3,245 717
============ ====================== ===========
Audioboom Group plc
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Share premium Other reserves Retained Total equity
earnings
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
At 30 November
2016 22,595 (3,472) (17,793) 1,330
-------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
Loss for
the period - - (2,911) (2,911)
Issue of
shares 6,683 - - 6,683
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - 48 48
Other comprehensive
income - (166) - (166)
Other movements - - 9 9
At 31 May
2017 29,278 (3,638) (20,647) 4,993
-------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
Loss for
the period - - (1,892) (1,892)
Issue of
shares 81 - - 81
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - 73 73
Other comprehensive
income - 97 - 97
At 30 November
2017 29,359 (3,541) (22,466) 3,352
-------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
Loss for
the period - - (3,741) (3,741)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - 80 80
Other comprehensive
income - (98) - (98)
At 31 May
2018 29,359 (3,639) (26,127) (407)
-------------- --------------- ---------- -------------
Other reserves relate to the following reserves: Issue Cost
Reserve, Foreign Exchange Translation Reserve and the Reverse
Acquisition Reserve. Full details are disclosed in the 2017 Annual
Report.
Audioboom Group plc
Notes to the financial statements
1. General information and basis of preparation
Audioboom Group plc is incorporated in Jersey under the
Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. The Company's shares are traded on the
AIM market operated by the London Stock Exchange ("AIM").
These consolidated interim financial statements, which are
unaudited, have been approved by the Board of Directors on 18 July
2018. They have been drawn up using accounting policies and
presentation expected to be adopted in the Group's full financial
statements for the year ending 30 November 2018, which are not
expected to be significantly different to those set out in note 1
to the Company's audited financial statements for the period ended
30 November 2017.
The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared
under the historical cost convention and in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and with IAS
34 "Interim financial reporting", as adopted by the EU.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS
requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on
management's best knowledge of current events and actions, actual
results may ultimately differ from those estimates.
Going concern
These interim financial statements have been prepared on the
going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will have
sufficient funds to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. The Company's forecasts for the combined Group,
including due consideration of the continued operating losses of
the Group, and projections, taking account of reasonably possible
changes in trading performance and available sources of funding,
indicate that the Group has sufficient cash available to continue
in operational existence for at least the next 12 months. The going
concern at 31 May 2018 was assessed with a view to the up to GBP4.5
million fundraise which was announced on 8 June 2018, further
details of which are disclosed in note 9. The Board has considered
various alternative operating strategies should these be necessary
and are satisfied that revised operating strategies could be
adopted if and when necessary. As a consequence, the Board believes
that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks, and
longer term strategic objectives, successfully. Therefore, the
Directors consider the going concern basis appropriate.
2. Revenue
The Group's operations are principally located in the UK and the
USA. The main assets of the Group, cash and cash equivalents, are
held in Jersey. The Group's revenue from external customers by
geographical location is detailed below:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
six months six months 12 months
to 31 May to 31 May to 30 Nov
2018 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
United Kingdom 368 139 297
Rest of World 22 2 156
USA 2,251 1,702 4,275
------------ ------------ -----------
Total 2,641 1,843 4,728
============ ============ ===========
3. Loss per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the loss
attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of
ordinary shares in issue during the period.
IAS33 requires presentation of diluted EPS when a company could
be called upon to issue shares that would decrease earnings per
share, or increase the loss per share. For a loss-making company
with outstanding share options, net loss per share would be
decreased by the exercise of share options. Therefore, as per
IAS33:36, the antidilutive potential ordinary shares are
disregarded on the calculation of diluted EPS.
Reconciliation of the loss and weighted average number of shares
used in the calculation are set out below:
31-May-18
Loss Weighted average Per share
number of shares amount
Basic and Diluted EPS GBP'000 Thousand Pence
Loss attributable to shareholders:
- Continuing and discontinued
operations (3,741) 930,650 (0.40)
31-May-17
Loss Weighted average Per share
number of shares amount
Basic and Diluted EPS GBP'000 Thousand Pence
Loss attributable to shareholders:
- Continuing and discontinued
operations (2,911) 744,445 (0.39)
30-Nov-17
Loss Weighted average Per share
number of shares amount
Basic and Diluted EPS GBP'000 Thousand Pence
Loss attributable to shareholders:
- Continuing and discontinued
operations (4,794) 837,547 (0.57)
4. Share Capital
Issued and fully paid - ordinary shares of no par value
At 30 November 2017 930,649,854
At 31 May 2018 930,649,854
The total number of instruments over equity (including both
share options and warrants) outstanding at the period end was
108,362,678.
5. Intangible assets
Cost Software Intellectual
development property Goodwill
(GBP'000s) (GBP'000s) (GBP'000s) Total (GBP'000s)
At 30 November 2017 and
31 May 2018 426 1,603 654 2,683
Amortisation charged in
the period (42) (154) - (196)
Carried forward at 31 May
2018 (42) (481) - (523)
Net book value 31 May 2018 384 1,122 654 2,160
-------------- -------------- ------------- -------------------
Net book value 30 November
2017 426 1,276 654 2,356
============== ============== ============= ===================
Software development and intellectual property are being
amortised over a period of five years and have economic useful
lives of between four and five years remaining.
6. Trade and other receivables
The trade and other receivables at the end of the period
comprised GBP1.9 million relating to trade debtors and accrued
sales income, GBP0.2 million relating to deposits and GBP0.6
million relating to prepaid expenses.
7. Trade and other payables
The trade and other payables at the end of the period comprised
GBP2.2 million relating to trade payables and accrued content
partner costs. The Company currently accrues all costs based on
contract terms. Due to a minimum payable value, some partners have
not attained the threshold level to receive a payment. Other
payables total GBP1.8 million, including GBP0.8 million relating to
Triton Digital Canada Inc ("Triton") transaction costs. On 13
February 2018, Audioboom announced the intention to acquire the
entire share capital of Triton for a cash consideration of US$185
million. On 15 May 2018, Audioboom announced that the transaction
would not proceed due to it not being possible to complete the
associated placing to raise the necessary funds. A total of GBP1.2
million of transaction and adviser fees were incurred in relation
to the proposed transaction and, subsequent to 31 May 2018, all
Triton transaction costs have been settled.
8. Borrowings and other financial liabilities
On 27 April 2018 and 25 May 2018, Candy Ventures SARL agreed to
subscribe for a total of up to GBP1.5 million of convertible loan
notes to assist with short term working capital purposes. The
convertible loan notes attracted an interest rate of 10 per cent.
per annum which was payable on the redemption, repayment or
conversion of the convertible loan notes. The principal amount of
the loan notes (and accrued interest) was converted into ordinary
shares at 2p per share in accordance with the terms of the loan
notes on completion of the fundraise, see note 9 for further
details. Candy Ventures SARL is an investment vehicle owned 90 per
cent. by Nick Candy, the Group's largest shareholder, and a former
non-executive Director. Steven Smith, a Director of the Company, is
a 10 per cent. shareholder of Candy Ventures SARL.
9. Post balance sheet events
On 8 June 2018, Audioboom Group plc announced that it had
conditionally raised a total of GBP4.5 million (excluding expenses)
via a proposed placing and subscription of a total of 150,000,000
new ordinary shares of no par value. The placing was to be
implemented in three tranches. Approximately GBP2.1m (before
expenses) was raised pursuant to the Company's existing share
authorities and a further GBP2.0m was raised subject to the
approval of shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM)
of the Company - such approval being provided at the EGM held on 25
June 2018. A third deferred placing tranche of approximately GBP0.4
million remains outstanding as at the date of this announcement,
having been raised subject to the Company having received by 9
September 2018 confirmation from HMRC that the Company is a
qualifying company for VCT purposes. All placing and subscription
shares have been or will be issued at a price of 3 pence per new
ordinary share.
On 14 June 2018, the Company's ordinary shares were restored to
trading on AIM. On 26 June 2018, the Company also converted in full
all amounts (including interest) that were drawn down by the
Company pursuant to the GBP1.5 million principal value of
convertible loan notes issued by the Company to Candy Ventures
SARL.
In June 2018, the Group terminated an invoice factoring
agreement with Fastpay Roundabout Limited. The agreement had
provided for a maximum credit line amount of GBP1.1 million and an
advance rate of 80 per cent. of the gross value of invoices and was
secured by a first ranking fixed and floating charge over the
Group's assets.
10. Related party transactions
Following the departure of the Company's former Chief Financial
Officer on 27 July 2017, various financial and accounting services
were provided under contract by an individual provided by Candy
Capital Limited ("Candy Capital"). Candy Capital is 100 per cent.
owned by Nick Candy, who is also a 90 per cent. shareholder of
Candy Ventures SARL, which is a substantial shareholder in the
Company. Steven Smith, a director of the Company, is also a
director and 10 per cent. shareholder of Candy Ventures SARL. The
aggregate fees invoiced to the Company by Candy Capital in respect
of the above for the six month period ended 31 May 2018 were
GBP55,800, excluding value added tax. This arrangement terminated
on 30 April 2018.
See also note 8 in respect of Candy Ventures SARL's interest in
the convertible loan notes.
ENDS
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
IR FVLLFVDFXBBV
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