TIDMPIER
RNS Number : 2453N
Brighton Pier Group PLC (The)
23 September 2019
The Brighton Pier Group PLC
(the "Group")
Final results for the 52 weeks to 30 June 2019
23 September 2019
The Brighton Pier Group PLC (the Group) owns and trades Brighton
Palace Pier, as well as seven indoor mini golf sites and twelve
premium bars nationwide including two ping-pong concept bars.
The results for this 52 week period contain the first full
year's trading of Paradise Island Adventure Golf (2018: 30
weeks).
Financial Highlights 52 weeks ended 53 weeks ended
30 June 2019 1 July 2018
GBPm GBPm
(unless otherwise (unless otherwise
stated stated)ed
Revenue 32.0 31.4
Group EBITDA before highlighted
items 5.3 5.2
Group EBITDA after highlighted
items 4.8 4.4
Profit before taxation and
highlighted items 3.2 3.2
Profit before taxation after
highlighted items 2.7 2.3
Adjusted earnings per share
- basic 7.3p 7.8p
Adjusted earnings per share
- diluted 7.3p 7.6p
Profit after tax and highlighted
items 2.2 1.8
Earnings per share - basic 6.1p 5.2p
Earnings per share - diluted 6.1p 5.0p
Pier division highlights
-- Celebrated the 120(th) anniversary of the opening of Brighton Palace Pier, in May 2019
-- First full year of trading since the upgrade of the
restaurant and bars last year - revenue up 17% year-on-year.
-- Conference and events business up 37% year-on-year
-- Upgrade by Network Rail of the London to Brighton mainline
railway complete by May 2019: this will benefit the current year
and beyond.
-- Recent structural surveys do not indicate any requirement for
exceptional repairs (this was also the case in FY 2018).
Bars division highlights
-- Putney site underwent a full refit and re-opened in November
2018 as 'Le Fez'. The site is trading ahead of expectations and won
a "Best in Putney customer service award for 2019".
-- Successful disposal of the freehold interest in Derby for gross proceeds of GBP800,000.
-- Successful sub-let of Reading Coalition, completing the bars rationalisation process.
Golf division highlights
-- First full year under the Group's ownership and trading in
line with expectations at the time of the acquisition.
-- One new Golf site was opened at Rushden Lakes in March 2019
and is trading ahead of expectations.
-- Further site due to open at Drake's Circus in Plymouth in October 2019.
--
Commenting on the results, Anne Ackord, Chief Executive Officer,
said:
"It was a pleasure to welcome the national tourist boards to the
pier to celebrate the 120(th) anniversary of its opening. The pier
has benefited hugely from the new investment in the transformed
Horatio's Bar and Palm Court restaurant-but of equal importance has
been the continued investment in the structure over the last 6
years. This continued investment will ensure that this landmark
venue will be there for future generations to enjoy for another 120
years.
The re-opening of our venue in Putney as 'Le Fez' in November
last year has been an outstanding success for the Bars Division and
the management team at the club.
Our new golf site opening at Rushden Lakes, the first since our
purchase of Paradise Island Adventure Golf last year, has performed
beyond expectations and we are looking forward to our next opening
at Drake's Circus in Plymouth later this year.
I am delighted that the Group has delivered growth in both sales
and earnings."
Trading for the Group during the important first two months of
the current financial year - July and August 2019 - met budget.
Consequently, we remain confident of our prospects."
All Group announcements and news can be found on
www.brightonpiergroup.com.
Enquiries:
The Brighton Pier Group Tel: 020 7376 6300
Luke Johnson, Chairman Tel: 020 7016 0700
Anne Ackord, Chief Executive Officer Tel: 01273 609361
John Smith, Chief Financial Officer Tel: 020 7376 6300
Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited (Nominated Adviser Tel: 020 7886 2500
and Joint Broker)
Corporate Finance
Atholl Tweedie
Corporate Broking
Charles Leigh-Pemberton
Arden Partners plc (Joint Broker) Tel: 020 7614 5900
Corporate Finance
John Llewellyn-Lloyd / Benjamin Cryer
Investor Relations
Sarah-Jane Woodcock / Charlotte Ridler
Chairman's statement
This financial year marks another milestone in the life of
Brighton Palace Pier with the celebration in May 2019 of its
120(th) anniversary. This iconic structure is part of Brighton's
heart and we at The Brighton Pier Group are proud to be its current
custodian. Since our acquisition of the pier in 2016, we have spent
nearly GBP2 million maintaining its substructure and this year's
annual structural report has confirmed that the steelwork under the
deck is in its best condition for many years. Our investment will
ensure the future of this landmark for many years to come.
Since the acquisition, we have invested a further GBP2.9 million
on capital projects such as the full refit of the bars and catering
facilities, soft play in the Dome, the new Dolphin Derby, new
machines for the arcades, new children's rides and new catering
offers such as pizza, rice & noodles, frozen yogurts and new
fish and chip takeaway shops for the busier periods.
This year's results show in particular the impact of last year's
investment in the upgrades to the Palm Court restaurant and
Horatio's Bar with sales up 17% versus the prior period. In
addition, we have seen significant growth in the conference and
events business with 27 additional events and GBP162,000 additional
revenue versus the prior year. This result is impressive given the
challenging weather last summer and train cancellations throughout
most of the 2019 financial year.
It was good to see the London to Brighton mainline upgrades
complete on time at the start of May 2019, but the 30 days of
closures, mostly over the weekends and key half term periods,
during the Group's 2019 financial year impacted the whole of
Brighton. This disruption, coupled with poor weather (including
over the key bank holiday weekend early in the last financial year)
was disappointing. The Pier Division increased sales in its
interior businesses (arcades and catering) by GBP0.6 million;
however, its exterior businesses (rides and retail) were disrupted
or closed by high winds and rain, reducing revenue from higher
margin offerings and resulting in a disproportionate effect on the
division's overall EBITDA (down GBP0.3 million versus last
year).
The Golf Division completed its first full year inside the
Group, delivering EBITDA of GBP1.5 million; these results are in
line with expectations at the time we acquired the business. It was
a pleasure to see the construction of our first new site at Rushden
Lakes opening on time and on budget. This venue is trading ahead of
expectations and reflects the impressive variety of indoor and
outdoor leisure activities at this location which is driving good
footfall to this new development. Work has now also started on our
second site at Drake's Circus in Plymouth, which is scheduled to
open in October 2019.
The highlight for the Bars Division this year was the successful
refit at Putney: although delayed by unexpected problems during the
construction period, this is now open and trading ahead of
expectations. The new 'Le Fez' is experimenting with activity-led
sessions such as bingo and comedy nights. On the weekends, we have
added live entertainment with singing waitresses, dancers and more:
adding content that gives Saturday nights a special party feel.
The Bars Division has also now completed its rationalisation
programme: our Derby freehold site was sold for GBP800,000 and we
have completed the sub-let of Reading Coalition. This brings the
total sites disposed from the Bars Division over the last three
years to nine. Although these disposals and closures have impacted
sales in the short term, they have improved profitability. The
Group does not envisage any further closures next year. The
remaining bars estate comprises twelve cash-generating sites, all
situated in prime locations.
The leisure and hospitality industry continues to have its
challenges-and this year has continued to see cost inflation,
additional taxes and intense competition. However, your board
continues to believe that The Brighton Pier Group remains well
placed to take advantage of opportunities throughout the sector. We
have a well-invested and diversified portfolio of experiential
attractions in good locations. Overall, the Group will continue to
generate cash and repay its borrowings.
It was especially pleasing therefore to see EBITDA and profit
before tax after highlighted items up 8% and 19% respectively since
the prior period.
Outlook for the current year will benefit from the completion of
the railway upgrades on the London mainline route to Brighton, as
well as the good weather on the August bank holiday weekend, which
both contributed to the Pier achieving a record week and meeting
expectations for the summer. FY 2020 will be enhanced by full the
year impact of Putney 'Le Fez' and the Golf course at Rushden Lake
together with the new opening in October 2019 of Plymouth Drake's
Circus.
As promised at the time of the publication of the 2018 full year
results in November 2018, I exercised my warrant in full at a cost
of 60 pence per share: this brought proceeds of almost GBP1 million
into the Group and increased my shareholding to 27% of the enlarged
share capital.
We have a strong team at The Brighton Pier Group and believe we
are well-placed to take advantage of growth opportunities as they
arise.
Directorate
Following the resignations during the year of Joe Tager (January
2019) and Leigh Nicolson (March 2019), I would like to express on
behalf of the whole Group our gratitude for all their valuable
efforts and contributions that helped to bring the Group to where
it is today.
Dividend
The Board does not propose to pay any dividend in respect of the
2019 financial year.
Luke Johnson
Chairman
22 September 2019
Our business model
The Brighton Pier Group PLC (the 'Group') owns and trades
Brighton Palace Pier, as well as twelve premium bars nationwide
(including two ping-pong concept bars) and seven indoor mini golf
sites.
The Group operates as three separate divisions under the
leadership of Anne Ackord, the Group's Chief Executive Officer.
Brighton Palace Pier offers a wide range of attractions
including two arcades (with over 300 machines) and eighteen funfair
rides, together with a variety of on-site hospitality and catering
facilities. The attractions, product offering and layout of the
pier are focused on creating a family-friendly atmosphere that aims
to draw a wide demographic of visitors. The pier is free to enter,
with revenue generated from the pay-as-you-go purchase of products
from the fairground rides, arcades, hospitality facilities and
retail catering kiosks. According to Visit Britain, it is the fifth
most popular free attraction in the UK, with over 4.9 million
visitors in 2018, making it the UK's most visited landmark outside
of London.
The bars trade under a variety of concepts including Embargo
Republica, Lola Lo, PoNaNa, Le Fez, Lowlander, Smash (two ping-pong
concept bars) and Coalition. The Group's Bars division
predominantly targets a customer base of sophisticated students
midweek and stylish over-21s and professionals at the weekend. This
division focuses on delivering added value to its customers through
premium product ranges, high quality music and entertainment, as
well as a commitment to exceptional service standards. The Bars
estate is nationwide, incorporating key university cities and towns
that provide a vibrant night-time economy and the demographics to
support premium bars.
The Golf division (Paradise Island Adventure Golf) operates
seven indoor mini-golf sites at high footfall retail and leisure
centres. The business capitalises on the increasing convergence
between retail and leisure, offering an accessible and traditional
activity for the whole family. The first unit was opened in
Glasgow, after which followed Manchester, Sheffield, Livingston,
Cheshire Oaks, Derby, and Rushden Lakes (2019). Each site offers
two unique 18-hole mini-golf courses.
Chief Executive Officer's report
This business review covers the trading results for the 52 weeks
ended 30 June 2019 (2018: 53 weeks ended 1 July 2018).
The Group acquired the Golf division on 8 December 2017 and, as
a result, the 2018 comparative period consists of only 30 weeks of
trade from this division.
Full-year results
The Group reports continuing profitability with profit before
tax and highlighted items of GBP3.2 million (2018: GBP3.2
million).
Total Group revenue for the period was GBP32.0 million (2018:
GBP31.4 million), up GBP0.6 million on the prior period,
benefitting from the acquisition of Paradise Island Adventure Golf,
which has contributed GBP4.5 million of sales in the 52 weeks of
trading (2018: GBP2.2 million). We are pleased to report the Golf
business continues to trade in line with expectations at the time
of purchase.
Revenue for the Pier division was GBP14.7 million (2018: GBP14.5
million), up on the prior period by GBP0.2 million. The newly
fitted bars and catering facilities combined have out-performed the
prior year, with sales for Palm Court and Horatio's Bar up 17%
versus the prior period, partly due to growth in the functions
business and partly due to the closures for the refits during the
prior period. The Arcades were also up 3% but across the rest of
the pier (primarily from rides and retail) sales were down 5.3%)
versus the like period, hindered by poor weather and reduced
numbers of visitors to Brighton resulting from a sustained period
of weekend closures of the mainline railway from London.
Revenue for the Bars division was GBP12.8 million (2018: GBP14.7
million), down GBP1.9 million for the period. GBP0.5 million of
this decrease related to the planned closure of Putney Fez for its
refit, GBP0.4 million from the closure of Reading Coalition, and
GBP0.3 million from the extra weeks trading from the 53 week
period. As reported in the Group's January 2019 trading update,
Christmas trading across the bars was broadly flat year-on-year but
conditions have otherwise been challenging in parts of the estate;
these factors have impacted sales by GBP0.7 million versus the 2018
period.
Group gross margin for the period has increased by 150 basis
points in comparison with the 2018 period, reflecting the
high-margin nature of the acquired Golf division, together with a
continued focus on pricing in order to mitigate pressure from
rising input costs across the rest of the Group.
Highlighted costs totalling GBP0.6 million were incurred during
the period (2018: GBP0.9 million), of which GBP0.4 million related
to occupation and other pre-opening expenses incurred during the
redevelopment of 'Le Fez' in Putney and the opening of a new golf
site at Rushden Lakes. A further GBP0.2 million was incurred in
connection with the closure of Reading Coalition, the disposal of
Derby and redundancy costs during the period.
The Group continues to be highly cash generative with EBITDA
before highlighted items at GBP5.3 million (2018: GBP5.2 million)
(see Note 3 for the segmental split by division).
The tax charge for the current period was GBP0.4 million (2018:
GBP0.5 million).
In summary, for the 52-week period ended 30 June 2018 (compared
to the equivalent 53-week period ended 1 July 2018):
-- Revenue for the period GBP32.0 million (2018: GBP31.4
million)
-- Group EBITDA before highlighted items GBP5.3 million (2018:
GBP5.2 million)
-- Group EBITDA after highlighted items GBP4.8 million (2018:
GBP4.4 million)
-- Profit before tax and highlighted items GBP3.2 million (2018:
GBP3.2 million)
-- Profit before tax and after highlighted items GBP2.7 million
(2018: GBP2.3 million)
-- Adjusted earnings per share (basic) 7.3 pence (2018: 7.8
pence)
-- Adjusted earnings per share (diluted) 7.3 pence (2018: 7.6
pence)
-- Profit after tax and highlighted items GBP2.2 million (2018:
GBP1.8 million)
-- Basic earnings per share 6.1 pence (2018: 5.2 pence)
-- Diluted earnings per share 6.1 pence (2018: 5.0 pence)
Principal developments during the period
As previously reported, the Group's Pier and Bars divisions have
experienced challenging trading conditions during the period.
-- Pier division - the trading performance during the period was
negatively impacted by disappointing weather over the August Bank
Holiday Weekend (August 2018) that continued into the following
months. Additionally, weekend railway services to and from Brighton
were disrupted by a major programme of engineering works, resulting
in recurrent line closures (with replacement bus services) on the
mainline service from London, affecting the stations between Three
Bridges and Brighton. This disruption continued through to the
beginning of May 2019 and significantly impacted the number of
visitors into Brighton and to the pier.
May 2019 saw the 120th Anniversary of the opening of the pier,
with a celebration held to mark this, attended by local dignitaries
and members of the National Tourist Boards, as the date
conveniently coincided with the start of English Tourism week. This
representation tied in with our stated objective to keep the pier
at the heart of Brighton Tourism and to utilise the services of the
National Boards to reach an ever-widening pool of potential
visitors. Campaigns reaching as far as China have featured our
iconic pier and we have witnessed a significant rise in the numbers
of visitors from Asia and further afield.
As part of our local campaign we have launched a residents'
discount card which enables us to capture data from the Brighton
community and help develop a stronger bond through providing our
exclusive offers.
The bad weather during key periods was to some degree mitigated
by the growth in our conference and corporate events business, and
the introduction of the new 'Sunset' cocktail bar at Palm
Court.
EBITDA for the combined Palm Court restaurant and Horatio's Bar
increased by GBP0.1 million to GBP1.2 million versus the prior
period. For the rest of the pier, EBITDA was down GBP0.4 million at
GBP1.9 million; with the arcades up GBP0.1 million, rides and
retail down GBP0.3 million, and overheads down GBP0.2 million. The
downward trends reflect the impact of weather, closures to the
railway and increased staffing costs due to statutory wages
increases.
Shareholders will be aware that each year we undertake an annual
substructure survey and this is now complete. We can report that no
additional maintenance issues have been identified other than the
usual budgeted maintenance requirements for the coming financial
year.
The Pier division EBITDA for the period was GBP3.1 million
(2018: GBP3.4 million) - see segmental information in note 4.
-- Bars division - the Company's Fez bar in Putney was closed
for a full refit at the end of July 2018. The refurbishment works
were prolonged due to unexpected structural issues at the venue,
which was re-launched at the beginning of December, having been
transformed into a new-look 'Le Fez'. Performance since the
half-year has exceeded management's expectations.
Christmas trading across the Bars division during the period was
broadly flat year-on-year, although trading conditions remain
challenging in parts of the estate outside of key event dates such
as Christmas and Halloween.
In February 2019 the freehold site in Derby was sold with gross
proceeds of GBP0.8 million.
Bars division EBITDA for the period was GBP1.4 million (2018:
GBP1.8 million). GBP0.2 million of this decrease relates to lost
EBITDA versus the prior year from the temporary closure of the
venue in Putney.
-- Golf division completed its first full year of trading,
generating EBITDA of GBP1.5 million, with only 30 weeks comparative
in the like period (2018: GBP0.6 million).
During the period the fit-out of our new site in Rushden
completed on budget, ahead of schedule, and opened at the end of
March 2019.This site features two improved 18- hole adventure golf
courses and is well situated at the entrance to the newly opened
cinema and leisure complex. Trading for the first three complete
months is ahead of expectations. Fit-out has started on our next
new site in Plymouth, which is expected to open towards the end of
October 2019.
The roll out to all our Golf locations of a new augmented
reality app for smartphones was completed during the period. The
app enables players to keep track of play with scorecards whilst at
the same time bringing the adventure to life with its
animations.
Results for the full year show that the Group continues to be
cash-generative, with EBITDA before highlighted items at GBP5.3
million (2018: GBP5.2 million) and EBITDA after highlighted items
of GBP4.7 million (2018: GBP4.4 million) see Note 26.
Group operating profit before highlighted items was GBP3.2
million (2018: GBP3.2 million) and Group operating profit for the
period after highlighted items was GBP2.7 million (2018) GBP2.3
million).
Strategy of the combined Group and outlook for the coming
period
We are confident of another year of progress.
The Group will continue to drive sales through new acquisitions
and developments in the existing businesses.
The pier continues to attract visitors to Brighton seafront in
substantial numbers. The 2019 summer weather arrived enabling the
pier to benefit from the sunny conditions for much of July and part
of August. The completion of the railway upgrades on the London
mainline route to Brighton, as well as the good weather on the
August bank holiday weekend, both contributed to achieving a record
week and meeting expectations for the summer.
The new catering and hospitality offering continues to be a big
focus of activity for the pier, with the refitted Palm Court and
Horatio's bar bringing valuable new conference and events
opportunities during quieter times of the year. For the coming
winter months the focus will be on marketing these spaces for
conferences, functions and weddings. The second area of focus
during the upcoming quiet period is the usual annual maintenance
work to the substructure of the pier. This important investment
each year ensures the pier will continue to exist for the pleasure
of visitors to Brighton for many years to come.
The Bars division will continue to promote quality service and
delivery in relation to the Group's existing sites, whilst also
pursuing opportunities for selective investment to improve the
estate. The current financial period will benefit from a full year
of trading at Putney Le Fez. Work started over the summer period on
a minor refit of Bath PoNaNa, which will open again for new and
returning students at the end of the summer.
With regard to the Golf division, the coming year will benefit
from a full year of trading at our new site at Rushden Lakes and a
part year for our latest new site at Plymouth Drake's Circus, when
it opens toward the end of October 2019. We continue to review
opportunities for new sites for FY 2021 onwards.
The strategy of the enlarged Group continues to capitalise on
the skills of the three existing divisions, creating a growth
company that operates across a diverse portfolio of leisure and
entertainment assets in the UK. The Group will achieve this
objective by way of organic revenue growth throughout the whole
estate, together with the active pursuit of future potential
strategic acquisitions of entertainment destinations, thus
enhancing the Group's portfolio in realising synergies by
leveraging scale. It is the Board's longer-term strategy to
position the Company as a consolidator within this sector.
Significant events that have taken place since the period
end
Since the period end a sub-let was completed of the Reading
Coalition site, which closed in July 2018. This concludes the
rationalisation of the Bars estate, leaving the Group with twelve
remaining cash generative sites all situated in prime
locations.
Financial review
Cash flow
Cash flow generated from operations (after interest and tax
payments) available for investment was GBP3.2 million (2018: GBP2.5
million).
Balance sheet
Fixed assets
The Group invested GBP2.5 million in capital expenditure during
the period (2018: GBP3.3 million):
-- GBP0.3 million (2018: GBP1.7 million) was spent on the Pier
division, which primarily related to the annual purchase of new
machines for the amusement arcades.
-- GBP1.2 million (2018: GBP0.1 million) was spent on the Golf
division, covering the full investment in fitting out our new site
at Rushden Lakes, new EPOS for the whole Golf estate, and deposits
for the construction of the new golf courses at Plymouth Drake's
Circus.
-- GBP0.9 million (2018: GBP1.3 million) was spent on the Bars
division, which primarily included the refit of Putney Le Fez,
together with other minor capital maintenance across the Bars
estate.
During the period the Group disposed of its freehold site in
Derby for gross proceeds of GBP0.8 million. Fixed assets with a net
book value of GBP0.6 million were disposed along with the site,
giving a book profit of GBP0.1 million. This income appears in
highlighted items (see Note 5).
Bank debt and cash
At the period end, the Group had:
-- an outstanding term facility of GBP13.3 million (2018:
GBP14.7 million), with repayments of GBP1.5 million due to be
repaid within the next 12 months (2018: GBP1.5 million);
-- an RCF facility of GBP1.75 million with GBP1.5 million drawn
at the period-end (2018: GBP2.5 million facility with GBP2.0m
drawn); and
-- cash balances of GBP2.7 million (2018: GBP2.8 million).
Key performance indicators
The Group's key performance indicators are focused on the
continued expansion of the Group to drive revenues, EBITDA and
earnings growth.
New acquisitions and developments
The long-term strategy of the enlarged Group continues to
capitalise on the skills of the Group to create a growth company
operating across a diverse portfolio of leisure and entertainment
assets in the UK. The Group will achieve this objective by way of
organic revenue growth across the whole estate, together with the
active pursuit of future potential strategic acquisitions of
leisure and entertainment destinations that could enhance the
Group's portfolio, realising synergies by leveraging scale. It is
the Board's longer-term strategy to position the Group as a
consolidator within this sector.
-- The successful acquisition of Lethington Leisure Limited in
December 2017 is the second example of the implementation of this
strategy and follows on from the acquisition of Brighton Marine and
Palace Pier Company in April 2016.
-- The EBITDA generated by the new Golf business in its first
full 52 weeks of trading amounted to GBP1.5 million (2018: GBP0.6
million - 30 weeks), bringing additional revenues and free cash
flow for potential utilisation by the enlarged Group. The Group has
also benefited from the significant redevelopment of the Palm Court
Restaurant and Horatio's Bar in the prior period offering
additional capacity during the peak summer season and the
opportunity to offer a much wider range of conference and event
facilities. The full-year impact of the Golf division, the growth
opportunities to roll out new Golf venues, as well as the potential
to further capitalise on the refitted catering facilities on the
pier, all fit well with the Group's growth strategy.
-- During the period the Group completed its re-development of
Putney 'Le Fez' and the opening of its first new Golf site at
Rushden lakes. Both of these developments have exceeded
expectations. The new financial year will benefit from the
full-year impact of this investment.
-- We are continuing to invest in the Bars estate with a minor
refit planned for Bath PoNaNA in July, as well as the fit-out of a
second new golf site at Plymouth Drake's Circus which is scheduled
to open towards the end of October 2019.
-- We will continue to focus on the long-term quality of
acquisitions, together with investment in our existing estate and
new site acquisitions
Group performance versus the prior period
The full benefit of the 52 weeks (2018: 30 weeks) trading in the
Golf division has contributed a further GBP2.3 million of sales and
GBP0.9 million of EBITDA to the Group.
Whilst the development of Putney has resulted in some short-term
impact on EBITDA from the closure period, we expect this venue to
bring significant gains in future years. Similarly, there are some
initial costs incurred in the fit-out period, by way of rent and
other overheads, for the new Golf sites but the performance of
these sites provides good growth opportunities for the Golf
division.
Trading performance at the pier has been impacted by the
disappointing summer weather of 2018 and the impact of rail
closures on the London to Brighton mainline rail service; this has
been offset, however, by good performances in the newly refitted
Palm Court and Horatio's Bar. The longer term benefit of the
growing conference and events business will help to grow trading
opportunities outside of the peak summer trading period.
The Group continues to review its operations and, where
appropriate, dispose of less profitable businesses. During the
period the group disposed of its Derby freehold site for GBP0.8
million. Over the last three years this brings the total sites
disposed of in the Bars division to nine sites. Since the
period-end we completed the sub-let of Reading Coalition which
completes the bars property rationalisation process that started in
2016. Although these disposals and closures have impacted sales in
the short term, they have improved profitability. No further
closures are envisaged by the Group next year.
-- Revenue was up 2% at GBP32.0 million (2018: GBP31.4million)
-- Group EBITDA before highlighted items was up 3% at GBP5.3 million (2018: GBP5.2 million)
-- Group EBITDA after highlighted items was up 8% at GBP4.8 million (2018: GBP4.4 million)
-- Group profit before tax and highlighted items was in line
with last year GBP3.2 million (2018: GBP3.2 million)
-- Group profit before tax and after highlighted items was up
19% at GBP2.7 million (2018: GBP2.3 million)
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the 52 week period ended 30 June 2019
52 weeks 53 weeks
ended 30 ended 1
June 2019 July 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 32,022 31,390
Cost of sales (4,995) (5,132)
Gross profit 27,027 26,258
Operating expenses - excluding
highlighted items (23,301) (22,656)
Highlighted items (557) (947)
----------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses (23,858) (23,603)
Operating profit - before highlighted
items 3,726 3,602
Highlighted items (557) (947)
----------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit 3,169 2,655
Finance cost (480) (387)
Profit before tax and highlighted
items 3,246 3,215
Highlighted items (557) (947)
----------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Profit on ordinary activities
before taxation 2,689 2,268
Taxation on ordinary activities (446) (507)
Profit and total comprehensive
income for the period 2,243 1,761
Earnings per share - basic* (pence) 6.1 5.2
Earnings per share - diluted
(pence) 6.1 5.0
* 2019 basic weighted average number of shares in issue is 36.64
million (2018: 33.91 million).
No other comprehensive income was earned during the period
(2018: GBPnil).
Consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 June 2019
As at As at
30 June 1 July
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 12,715 12,669
Property, plant and equipment 27,169 26,634
39,884 39,303
--------- --------
Current assets
Assets held for sale - 293
Inventories 624 599
Trade and other receivables 1,931 1,791
Cash and cash equivalents 2,725 2,812
5,280 5,495
--------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS 45,164 44,798
========= ========
EQUITY
Issued share capital 9,322 8,916
Share premium 15,993 15,426
Merger reserve (1,111) (1,111)
Other reserve 407 362
Retained deficit (167) (2,410)
Equity attributable to equity shareholders
of the Parent 24,444 21,183
--------- --------
TOTAL EQUITY 24,444 21,183
--------- --------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 5,022 5,732
Other financial liabilities 2,003 1,696
Income tax payable 393 840
Provisions 131 59
7,549 8,327
--------- --------
Non-current liabilities
Other financial liabilities 12,787 14,988
Deferred tax liability 384 300
13,171 15,288
--------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 20,720 23,615
--------- --------
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 45,164 44,798
========= ========
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the period ended 30 June 2019
52 weeks 53 weeks
to to
30 June 2019 1 July 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Operating activities
Profit before tax 2,689 2,268
Finance costs 480 387
Amortisation of intangible assets 62 39
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 1,493 1,432
Write off of property, plant and
equipment at closed or redeveloped
sites - 176
(Profit)/loss on disposal of property,
plant and equipment and assets held
for sale (96) 2
Share-based payment expense 45 102
Decrease in provisions and deferred
tax 72 (432)
Increase in inventories (25) (47)
Increase in trade and other receivables (140) (221)
Decrease in trade and other payables (119) (817)
Interest paid (439) (358)
Income tax paid (809) (65)
Net cash flow from operating activities 3,213 2,466
------------- ------------
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets (2,548) (3,336)
Acquisition of business, net of cash
acquired - (8,688)
Proceeds from disposal of property,
plant and equipment and assets held
for sale 801 13
Payment of deferred consideration (591) -
to former Lethington Limited Shareholders
Net cash flows used in investing
activities (2,338) (12,011)
------------- ------------
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings 1,300 6,800
Repayment of borrowings (3,235) (1,450)
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 973 3,051
Share issue costs recognised directly
in equity - (106)
Capital element on finance lease
rental payments - (11)
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing
activities (962) 8,284
------------- ------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (87) (1,261)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 2,812 4,073
Cash and cash equivalents end of
period 2,725 2,812
============= ============
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the period ended 30 June 2019
Issued Share Merger Other Retained Total shareholders'
share premium reserve reserves earnings/ equity
capital (deficit)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 25 June 2017 7,941 13,229 (1,575) 321 (4,171) 15,745
Profit and total
comprehensive income
for the period - - - - 1,761 1,761
------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------- ----------------------
Transactions with
owners:
Issue of shares 975 2,303 464 (61) - 3,681
Share issue costs
taken directly to
equity - (106) - - - (106)
Share-based payments
charge - - - 102 - 102
------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------- ----------------------
At 1 July 2018 8,916 15,426 (1,111) 362 (2,410) 21,183
Profit and total
comprehensive income
for the period - - - - 2,243 2,243
Transactions with
owners:
Issue of shares 406 567 - - - 973
Share issue costs - - - - - -
taken directly to
equity
Share-based payments
charge - - - 45 - 45
At 30 June 2019 9,322 15,993 (1,111) 407 (167) 24,444
------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------- ----------------------
The prior year reserves have been restated to transfer merger
relief of GBP464,210 out of share premium into merger reserves.
This merger relief arose from consideration shares issued at the
time of the purchase of Lethington Leisure Limited on 8 December
2017, as the total equity secured in the target company exceeded
90% this should be shown in merger relief. The figures previously
reported as at 1 July 2018 were share premium of GBP15,890,000 and
merger relief of GBP1,575,000.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
For the period ended 30 June 2019
1. Accounting policies
The Brighton Pier Group PLC is a public limited company
incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company's
ordinary shares are traded on AIM. Its registered address is 36
Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5RR. Both the immediate and ultimate
Parent of the Group is The Brighton Pier Group PLC. The Brighton
Pier Group PLC owns and operates Brighton Pier, one of the leading
tourist attractions in the UK. The Group also operates 13 premium
bars (2018: 12) and 7 (2018: 6) indoor adventure golf facilities
trading in major towns and cities across the UK.
Announcement
This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 23
September 2019. The preliminary results for the period ended 30
June 2019 are based on the audited financial statements for the
same period. The financial information set out in this announcement
does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years
ended 30 June 2017 or 1 July 2018. The financial information set
out in the announcement has been prepared on the basis of the
accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of Brighton
Pier Group PLC for the year ended 30 June 2019. This condensed
consolidated financial information does not constitute statutory
accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006. The auditor's reports on the financial statements for the
years ended 25 June 2017 and 26 June 2016 were unqualified and did
not contain a statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act
2006. The financial statements for the year ended 1 July 2018 have
been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
Basis of preparation
The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted
by the European Union as they apply to financial statements of the
Group for the period ended 30 June 2019 and in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006. The accounting policies which follow set out
those policies which apply in preparing the financial statements
for the period ended 30 June 2019. These accounting policies were
consistently applied for all the periods presented.
The financial statements are presented in sterling under the
historical cost convention. All values are rounded to the nearest
thousand pounds (GBP000) except when otherwise indicated.
The financial statements are prepared on a 52 or 53 week basis
up to the last Sunday in June or the first Sunday in July each year
(2019: 52 week period ended 30 June 2019; 2018: 53 week period
ended 1 July 2018). The notes to the consolidated financial
statements are on this basis.
2. Business combinations
On 8 December 2017 the Group acquired 100% of the issued share
capital of Lethington Leisure Limited (trading as Paradise Island
Adventure Golf), an unlisted company based in the UK. The Group
acquired this company in order to expand and diversify its
business.
The fair value of assets and liabilities assumed has been deemed
to be equal to their book value. Management also concluded that
there were no separately identifiable intangible assets to be
recognised as part of the acquisition.
There have been no further acquisitions in the period to 30 June
2019.
In the current year there was an adjustment to increase goodwill
on acquisition by GBP34,000 reflecting the fact the net assets on
purchase were GBP34,000 lower than expected. There was no
adjustment to consideration paid for this difference. The
additional goodwill has been recognised as an addition in the
current year.
3. Segmental information
The following tables' present revenue, profit and loss and
certain asset and liability information regarding the Group's
business segments for the 52 week period ended 30 June 2019, and
the 53 week period ended 1 July 2018.
52 week period ended Brighton Head
30 June 2019 Owned Palace Total office 2019 consolidated
Bars Pier Golf segments costs total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- ------------------
Revenue 12,845 14,695 4,482 32,022 - 32,022
Cost of sales (2,525) (2,423) (47) (4,995) - (4,995)
----------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- ------------------
Gross profit 10,320 12,272 4,435 27,027 - 27,027
Gross profit % 80.3% 83.5% 99.0% 84.4% 84.4%
Administrative expenses
(excluding depreciation
and amortisation) (8,959) (9,204) (2,855) (21,018) (728) (21,746)
----------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- ------------------
Divisional earnings 1,361 3,068 1,580 6,009 (728) 5,281
Highlighted items (557) (557)
Depreciation and
amortisation (1,555) (1,555)
Finance cost (480) (480)
Profit before tax (3,320) 2,689
Income tax (446) (446)
----------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- ------------------
Profit after tax (3,766) 2,243
EBITDA (before highlighted
items) 1,361 3,068 1,580 6,009 (683) 5,326
EBITDA (after highlighted
items) 1,361 3,068 1,580 6,009 (1,240) 4,769
----------------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- ------------------
Concession income from the pier is included within pier revenue
and amounted to GBP201,000 for the period ended 30 June 2019
(GBP232,000 - 2018).
53 week period ended Owned Brighton Golf Total Overhead 2018 consolidated
1 July 2018 Bars Palace (30 segments total
(53 Pier weeks)
weeks) (53 weeks)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------- --------- ------------ -------- ---------- --------- ------------------
Revenue 14,699 14,505 2,186 31,390 - 31,390
Cost of sales (2,879) (2,238) (15) (5,132) - (5,132)
----------------------------- --------- ------------ -------- ---------- --------- ------------------
Gross profit 11,820 12,267 2,171 26,258 - 26,258
Gross profit % 79% 85% 99% 83% - 83%
Administrative expenses
(excluding depreciation
and amortisation) (10,056) (8,828) (1,543) (20,427) (758) (21,185)
----------------------------- --------- ------------ -------- ---------- --------- ------------------
Divisional earnings 1,764 3,439 628 5,831 (758) 5,073
Highlighted items (947) (947)
Depreciation and
amortisation (1,471) (1,471)
Finance cost (387) (387)
Profit before tax (3,563) 2,268
Income tax (507) (507)
----------------------------- --------- ------------ -------- ---------- --------- ------------------
Profit after tax (4,070) 1,761
EBITDA (before highlighted
items) 1,764 3,439 628 5,831 (656) 5,175
EBITDA (after highlighted
items) 1,764 3,439 628 5,831 (1,427) 4,404
----------------------------- --------- ------------ -------- ---------- --------- ------------------
All segment assets and liabilities are located within the United
Kingdom and all revenues arose in the United Kingdom.
Segment revenues are generated from the sale of goods to
external customers. There was no inter-segment sales in the years
presented. No single customer contributed more than 10% of the
Group's revenues.
The accounting policies of the reportable segments have been
consistently applied. Overheads have been separated out to reflect
how management reviews the discrete financial information and uses
it to allocate resources.
The revenue and costs of sales figure for the bar's division has
been restated to allocate retrospective discounts as a reduction in
cost of sales, as opposed to revenue. The figures previously
reported were revenue of GBP14,991,000 and cost of sales of
GBP3,171,000. There was no overall impact on the gross profit as a
result of this amendment. Overall revenue reduced by GBP292,000 and
overall cost of sales reduced by the same amount.
4. Highlighted items
Period ended Period ended
30 June 1 July
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Acquisition and pre-opening costs
Acquisition costs - 312
Site pre-opening costs 356 338
------------- -------------
356 650
Impairment, closure and legal costs
Impairment of intangible non-current - -
assets
Profit on disposal of Derby freehold (133) -
(note 1)
Other closure costs & legal costs 334 297
------------- -------------
201 297
Total 557 947
The above items have been highlighted to give a better
understanding of non-comparable costs included in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income for this period.
Period ended 30 June 2019
Site pre-opening costs of GBP356,000 incurred during the period
ended 30 June 2019 relate to expenses incurred during the
redevelopment of 'Le Fez' in Putney and of two new sites at Rushden
Lakes and Plymouth.
Other closure and legal costs of GBP201,000 were incurred during
the period ended 30 June 2019. These arose from the closure of
Reading Coalition GBP236,000, a book profit of GBP133,000 from the
disposal of the Derby freehold site and a further GBP98,000 of
costs related to redundancies which will further contribute to
reductions in the overhead costs of the Bars division going
forward.
Period ended 1 July 2018
Acquisition costs of GBP312,000 relate to costs incurred as part
of the acquisition on 8 December 2017 of Lethington Leisure Limited
by The Brighton Pier Group PLC.
Site pre-opening costs of GBP338,000 relate to the pre-opening
costs of the redevelopment of the Palm Court restaurant, Victoria's
Bar and Horatio's Bar on Brighton Pier, as well as the
redevelopment of the Wimbledon Po Na Na bar into a Smash table
tennis bar.
Other closure and legal costs of GBP297,000 relate to the costs
incurred as a result of the closure of the Coalition bar in Reading
and the exiting of a lease on an unused site in Liverpool.
Period ended Period ended
30 June 1 July
2019 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Acquisition and pre-opening costs
Acquisition costs - 312
Site pre-opening costs 356 338
------------- -------------
356 650
Impairment, closure and legal costs
Impairment of intangible non-current - -
assets
Profit on disposal of Derby freehold (133) -
(note 1)
Other closure costs & legal costs 334 297
------------- -------------
201 297
Total 557 947
The above items have been highlighted to give a better
understanding of non-comparable costs included in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income for this period.
Period ended 30 June 2019
Site pre-opening costs of GBP356,000 incurred during the period
ended 30 June 2019 relate to expenses incurred during the
redevelopment of 'Le Fez' in Putney and of two new sites at Rushden
Lakes and Plymouth.
Other closure and legal costs of GBP201,000 were incurred during
the period ended 30 June 2019. These arose from the closure of
Reading Coalition GBP236,000, a book profit of GBP133,000 from the
disposal of the Derby freehold site and a further GBP98,000 of
costs related to redundancies which will further contribute to
reductions in the overhead costs of the Bars division going
forward.
Period ended 1 July 2018
Acquisition costs of GBP312,000 relate to costs incurred as part
of the acquisition on 8 December 2017 of Lethington Leisure Limited
by The Brighton Pier Group PLC.
Site pre-opening costs of GBP338,000 relate to the pre-opening
costs of the redevelopment of the Palm Court restaurant, Victoria's
Bar and Horatio's Bar on Brighton Pier, as well as the
redevelopment of the Wimbledon Po Na Na bar into a Smash table
tennis bar.
Other closure and legal costs of GBP297,000 relate to the costs
incurred as a result of the closure of the Coalition bar in Reading
and the exiting of a lease on an unused site in Liverpool.
5. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net
income for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders of The
Brighton Pier Group PLC by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing
the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the
Parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of
ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all the
dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated
based on the profit for the period adjusted for highlighted items
and their related tax effects.
The following reflects the income and share data used in the
basic and diluted earnings per share computations:
Basic earnings per share Period ended Period ended
30 June
2019 1 July 2018
Profit for the period (GBP'000) 2,243 1,761
Basic weighted number of shares (number) 36,641,819 33,914,684
Earnings per share - Basic (pence) 6.1 5.2
Basic adjusted earnings per share Period ended Period ended
30 June 2019 1 July 2018
Profit for the period before highlighted
items (GBP'000) 2,669 2,652
Basic adjusted weighted number of
shares (number) 36,641,819 33,914,684
Adjusted earnings per share - Basic
(pence) 7.3 7.8
Diluted basic earnings per share Period ended Period ended
30 June 2019 1 July 2018
Profit for the period (GBP'000) 2,243 1,761
Diluted weighted number of shares
(number) 36,779,103 34,914,600
Earnings per share - Diluted
(pence) 6.1 5.0
Adjusted diluted earnings per share Period ended Period ended
30 June
2019 1 July 2018
Profit for the period before highlighted
items (GBP'000) 2,669 2,652
Diluted weighted number of shares (number) 36,779,103 34,914,600
Adjusted earnings per share - Diluted
(pence) 7.3 7.6
Reconciliation of adjusted profit for the period
Adjusted profit is calculated as follows:
Period ended Period ended
30 June
2019 1 July 2018
GBP'000 GBP'000
Profit for the period 2,243 1,761
Highlighted items 557 947
Tax on highlighted items (131) (56)
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Adjusted profit for the period (GBP'000) 2,669 2,652
The impact of dilutive shares on the weighted average number of
shares is summarised below:
2019 2018
Number Number
Weighted average number of shares for
Basic EPS 36,641,819 33,914,684
Dilutive effect of share options and warrants 137,284 999,916
Weighted average number of shares for
Diluted EPS 36,779,103 34,914,600
Share options with exercise prices of 95p and 111p have not been
included in the calculation of weighted average number of shares
for diluted earnings per share as these options are
anti-dilutive.
6. Reconciliation to EBITDA
Group profit before tax can be reconciled to Group EBITDA as
follows:
EBITDA Reconciliation 2019 2018
--------------------------------------- ------- ------
Profit before tax for the year 2,689 2,268
Add back depreciation 1,493 1,432
Add back amortisation 62 39
Add back finance costs 480 387
Add back share-based payment charge 45 102
Add back highlighted items 557 947
--------------------------------------- ------- ------
Group EBITDA before highlighted items 5,326 5,175
Group EBITDA after highlighted items was GBP 4,769,000 (2018:
GBP4,404,000), which excludes those highlighted items that do not
impact EBITDA, namely the write-off of property, plant and
equipment at closed and refurbished sites of GBPnil (2018:
GBP176,000).
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
FR CKNDQPBKKNCB
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 23, 2019 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)
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