TIDMBOWL
RNS Number : 8345J
Hollywood Bowl Group plc
10 December 2018
10 December 2018
Hollywood Bowl Group plc
Final Results for the year ended 30 September 2018
CONTINUED STRONG REVENUE AND PROFIT GROWTH ENABLING ENHANCED
CASH RETURNS,
ALL DELIVERED THROUGH THE SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION OF OUR
STRATEGY
Hollywood Bowl Group plc, ("Hollywood Bowl" or the "Group"), the
UK's market leading ten-pin bowling operator, is pleased to
announce its audited results for the year ended 30 September 2018
("FY2018").
Financial Highlights
12 months ended 12 months ended % Movement
30 September 2018 30 September
2017
("FY2017")
Total revenues GBP120.5m GBP114.0m +5.8%
Like for like (LFL(1)
) revenues +1.8% +3.5%
Group adjusted(2) EBITDA GBP36.2m GBP33.4m +8.3%
Group adjusted(2) EBITDA
margin 30.0% 29.3% +70bps
Operating profit GBP24.9m GBP22.2m +12.1%
Profit before tax GBP23.9m GBP21.1m +13.4%
Basic earnings per
share 12.52p 12.17p +2.9%
Net debt GBP2.5m GBP8.1m -69.1%
--------------------------- ------------------- ---------------- -----------
Interim ordinary dividend
paid per share 2.03p 1.80p
Final ordinary dividend
per share 4.23p 3.95p +7.1%
Special dividend per
share 4.33p 3.33p +30.0%
--------------------------- ------------------- ---------------- -----------
Total dividend per
share 10.59p 9.08p +16.6%
Operational Highlights
-- Strong returns on investment across the existing estate - on
track to outperform 33% ROI target
o Four Bowlplex rebrands completed in the period and delivering
improved returns since completion: all 11 former Bowlplex sites now
rebranded as Hollywood Bowl centres and fully integrated into the
estate
o Two further rebrands of the AMF estate completed
o Three other refurbishments completed
-- New centre pipeline committed to the end of FY2022, on track
to open two new centres per annum
o Opened two new centres in prime locations in Dagenham and
Yeovil; both performing in line with expectations
o Two new centres will open in the financial year ending 30
September 2019 ("FY2019"); intu Watford and at the intu Lakeside
leisure extension
o Agreed new leases in York, Swindon and Southend, securing our
pipeline to FY2022
-- Customer-led strategy and new initiatives driving increased average spend per game
o Average spend per game increased 6.1% to GBP9.22 (FY2017:
GBP8.70)
o Successful roll out of new Hollywood Diner menu underpinned an
increase in food spend per game of 5.4%, boosted by new i-Serve
lane ordering system which was introduced in the last quarter of
the year and is now in all centres
o All revenue lines in LFL growth year on year
-- Strong cash generation underpinning GBP15.9m of cash return to shareholders
o Total ordinary dividend for FY2018 of 6.26 pence per share
(FY2017: 5.75p)
o Special dividend of 4.33 pence per share (FY2017: 3.33p)
o Total dividend for the year of 10.59 pence per share (FY2017:
9.08p)
o Since IPO in September 2016, the Company will have returned a
total of GBP29.8m to shareholders, including for the year FY2018,
representing 12.4% of the Company's market capitalisation at
IPO
Stephen Burns, Chief Executive of Hollywood Bowl Group,
commented:
"I am very pleased with the Group's full year performance.
Operating our business in line with our customer led strategy has
delivered another strong revenue performance which, combined with
our continued focus on cost management, has resulted in a year of
record profits and significant operating cash generation. The
investment into our high quality portfolio of 58 profitable centres
continues to deliver significant, above target, returns. Our new
centres are performing very well and we have secured a strong
pipeline of new openings that will further enhance the quality of
our portfolio.
We will continue to invest in the overall quality of our estate,
in technology initiatives that enhance our industry-leading
proposition and in initiatives to attract and retain only the very
best talent, all with a view to continually improving the
experience for our customers.
In line with our capital allocation policy outlined in our
FY2017 results, we are pleased to announce a special dividend for
the second consecutive year. Together with the total ordinary
dividend, this equals a proposed GBP15.9m return to shareholders
for the year, all funded through internally-generated cash flow.
This will mean that since IPO, we will have returned a total of
GBP29.8m to shareholder in the form of dividends."
1 LFL revenue is defined as total revenue excluding any new
centre openings from the current financial year until they are LFL
(FY2018: GBP4.9m) and closed centres from the current or prior year
and is used as a key measure of constant centre growth.
2 Group adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation) reflects the underlying trade of the
overall business. It is calculated as operating profit plus
depreciation, amortisation and any exceptional costs, and is
considered by Management to be a measure investors look at to
reflect the underlying business. The reconciliation to statutory
operating profit is set out in the Finance Review section of this
announcement.
Enquiries:
Hollywood Bowl Group via Tulchan Communications
Steve Burns, Chief Executive
Laurence Keen, Chief Financial Officer
Mat Hart, Chief Marketing and Technology
Officer
Tulchan Communications
James Macey White
Elizabeth Snow
Amber Ahluwalia +44 (0) 207 353 4200
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Relentless focus on our purpose
I am very pleased to say that this has been a year of strong
delivery against our strategy. In FY2018, the Group continued to
focus relentlessly on its purpose of growing the business
organically and driving growth through the effective deployment of
capital, resulting in Group adjusted EBITDA2 growth of 8.3 per cent
and like-for-like (LFL)1 revenue growth of 1.8 per cent.
The high-quality family-friendly experience, underpinned by our
simple customer-led strategy, has resulted in revenues growing to
GBP120.5m, an increase of 5.8 per cent. This was driven by LFL
sales growth1 in the core estate, continued investment in
refurbishments and rebrands, as well as the opening of two new
centres, Dagenham and Yeovil. Our strong balance sheet has been
further strengthened on the back of positive trading, and net debt
has reduced to GBP2.5m, with the net debt to Group adjusted EBITDA2
ratio at 0.07 times.
This year's performance reinforces our position as the market
leader, and is particularly impressive given the more challenging
trading backdrop caused by extreme weather conditions and consumer
uncertainty. The significant cash generation from our core business
and returns from our ongoing investment programme, combined with
our excellence in operations, has enabled the Board to recommend a
special dividend for the second year running. In line with our
progressive dividend policy we have announced an increase in the
final ordinary dividend to 4.23 pence per share (FY2017: 3.95 pence
per share) and, I am delighted to say, a special dividend of 4.33
pence per share, resulting in a total of GBP15.9m returned to
shareholders in respect of FY2018.
The business continues to invest in its existing centres and we
have completed nine transformational refurbishments and rebrands
during the year. Our centre in Cribbs Causeway in Bristol is a
great example of some of the success we are enjoying. Following a
GBP277,000 refurbishment, completed within five weeks, the centre
has delivered one of the highest rates of centre EBITDA growth in
the Company. We will continue to invest in our refurbishment
programme in FY2019.
We have now fully completed the Bowlplex rebrand programme, the
success of which reinforces what an excellent investment Bowlplex
was. We will continue to enjoy the benefits of that in the next
financial year and beyond. Additional innovation, and investment in
'Pins on strings' and our scoring system are delivering customer
experience improvements.
Alongside these capital investments, and in line with our stated
capital structure and cash allocation policy, we continue to seek
selective opportunities for profit enhancing acquisitions.
Good corporate governance remains a focus for the Board. We are
ably supported by a full complement of outstanding Non-Executive
Directors (NEDs); Nick, Claire and Ivan, who have all been in
office for at least 12 months and who have each established
themselves as important members of the Board.
Key to the success of the Group is our incredible team and on
behalf of the Board, I thank them for the exceptional job they have
done in FY2018. The Company has remained committed to delivering
against our strategy throughout some difficult weather conditions,
and every team member has remained focused on providing an
outstanding customer experience. I derive enormous pride from the
fact that our financial and customer satisfaction measures clearly
indicate that the strength of our team and our customer-focused
culture, achieve industry-leading performance.
One of the great benefits of my role is the opportunity to go
out and have fun at our centres! I am delighted to say that this
'perk' is fully enjoyed by my NED colleagues too. Bowling scores
are much discussed when we compete but, importantly, our visits
ensure that the Board 'lives the product', stays in touch with our
centres and their teams, and fully understands the results of our
decisions and the impact they have on our customers.
Whilst Brexit continues to create an uncertain market backdrop,
we are confident that Hollywood Bowl Group is particularly well
positioned to face the future. The nature of our business means
that we will continue to thrive, given our wide customer appeal,
attractive price point and quality customer experience.
I look forward to the year ahead with enthusiasm and confidence.
We are well placed to create more value for all our stakeholders,
with the whole team working every day to deliver the best possible
experience for our customers. I am very grateful to those members
of the team I work most closely with and would like to express my
thanks to Stephen, Laurence, Melanie and Mathew, all of whom lead
with distinction and are the embodiment of our culture and
relentless desire to succeed.
Peter Boddy
Chairman
10 December 2018
1 LFL revenue is defined as total revenue excluding any new
centre openings from the current financial year until they are LFL
(FY2018: GBP4.9m) and closed centres from the current or prior year
and is used as a key measure of constant centre growth.
2 Group adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation) reflects the underlying trade of the
overall business. It is calculated as operating profit plus
depreciation, amortisation and any exceptional costs, and is
considered by Management to be a measure investors look at to
reflect the underlying business. The reconciliation to statutory
operating profit is set out in the Finance Review section of this
announcement.
chief executive's review
I am delighted to report FY2018 has been another very successful
year for Hollywood Bowl Group. Revenues of GBP120.5m are 5.8 per
cent higher than FY2017, and 1.8 per cent higher on an LFL1 basis.
Our simple, customer-led strategy to drive revenue, whilst managing
our cost base to improve margin and profit, enabled us to grow
Group adjusted EBITDA2 by 8.3 per cent, to GBP36.2m. Profit before
tax also grew, to a record GBP23.9m, an increase of 13.4 per cent
over the prior year.
Hollywood Bowl Group remains the UK ten-pin bowling market
leader. We have a national presence, operating out of 58
high-quality, leasehold centres. We lead the market not just in
size, but also profitability and margin. The shift in customer
spending towards experiential leisure continues to play to our
advantage, thanks to our all-inclusive, family-focused offer, which
delivers an experience that cannot be matched at home. We continue
to enhance our offer and develop our brand to strengthen our appeal
to our core family customer group, who, as a consequence, are
spending more in our centres. We also continue to enhance our
relationship with our property partners, delivering best-in-class
refurbishments, rebrands and new centres that enhance the quality
of the leisure parks from which we operate, making the Group the
bowling operator of choice, with the strongest covenant and most
innovative product offering.
Strategic progress
Our simple and effective strategy remains unchanged. Our
strategy is to focus on growing the business organically and drive
growth through the effective deployment of capital. We are very
pleased with the progress made on this during FY2018.
Like-for-like growth
We are very pleased with our LFL revenue growth of 1.8 per cent
given that LFL revenues were impacted, to some degree in FY2018, by
factors outside of our control, such as the extreme weather and
England's World Cup performance.
Underpinning the positive LFL numbers is the 5.5 per cent growth
in spend per game, with total spend per game up from GBP8.70 to
GBP9.22 in FY2018. The full-year effect of the dynamic pricing
initiative that was rolled out in July 2017, coupled with new
pricing trials, helped mitigate the impact of the year-on-year drop
in LFL bowling games sold whilst maintaining our competitive price
point, still the lowest of the branded bowling operators. Game
volumes in the year were marginally down as a result of the
snow-affected weeks in the early part of the year as well as the
May to July heatwave. The continued investment in our digital
marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities
enabled us to effectively deploy tactical offers during the
weather-affected trading periods, delivering over GBP2m of
incremental revenue.
We continually look for ways to enhance the customer experience
and this year, in addition to the rollout of proven initiatives, we
have introduced new trials and concepts. The Hollywood Diner menu
has been successfully rolled out across the Group, underpinning an
increased food spend per game of 5.4 per cent. A new drinks menu
was launched, adopting learnings and customer feedback from earlier
trials, which helped us grow bar spend per game by 7.0 per cent.
New product, exciting game formats and a focus on merchandising
standards saw amusement spend per game grow by 8.3 per cent in the
year. The amusement 'Play for prizes' redemption offer, now in 47
centres, new virtual reality (VR) game formats, and some
encouraging results from the cashless hybrid trials have all helped
deliver a very credible performance in this revenue category.
Refurbishments and rebrand programme
Nine full refurbishments were completed in FY2018, including the
rebranding of four Bowlplex centres and two further rebrands of the
AMF estate to the Hollywood Bowl brand. The final Bowlplex centre
was rebranded as Hollywood Bowl at the end of the financial year,
meaning the estate now consists of 50 Hollywood Bowl and 8 AMF
centres. We continue to push the design brief with our
refurbishments and rebrands, taking into account customer feedback
and resulting in impressive returns from the capital deployed. The
nine refurbishments are on track to outperform the 33 per cent
targeted return on investment.
Property portfolio
We successfully opened two new prime location centres in FY2018.
Hollywood Bowl Dagenham, previously trading as Namco Funscape which
was an acquisition brought to us by the landlord at nil cost,
opened in October 2017. After a net capital spend of GBP391,000,
the centre is trading in line with management expectations.
Hollywood Bowl Yeovil, a 23,000 square feet centre, also brought to
us for nil cost by the landlord, is co-located with cinema on a
high footfall leisure park. It opened its doors in March, and after
a net capex spend of GBP630,000 is on track to pay back this
investment in under 18 months.
AMF Gravesend closed in July following an end of lease
redevelopment plan, but our new centre in Lakeside, scheduled for a
second half FY2019 opening, should attract customers from this
catchment area. Our rent per centre continues to be a focus for the
Group, ensuring we are maintaining our position of having no
loss-making centres in the portfolio. The average rent per centre
reduced to GBP245,701 from GBP247,785.
Property pipeline
We have a strong pipeline of new centres secured to the end of
FY2022 and a delivery plan of an average of two new openings per
annum. We are opening two centres during FY2019 including at the
intu scheme in Watford, where we are creating a 14 lane, 20,000
square feet centre scheduled to open pre-Christmas 2018. We are
also on site at the intu Lakeside leisure extension. At 34,000
square feet and 24 lanes, Lakeside will be the largest bowling
centre to be opened in the UK in the last ten years. It is
scheduled for completion early in the second half of FY2019.
This year we have agreed leases for new bowling centres in York,
Swindon and Southend, all of which are in locations which meet our
investment criteria for a successful centre: ample parking;
co-location with the area's number one cinema; limited competition;
and a strong local demographic to attract through our doors. In
line with our medium to long term growth strategy, we have agreed a
lease on a first floor unit above the new centre in York, where we
will trial our new indoor putting concept. Both York sites will
open in FY2020.
Our people
We have continued to invest in training to ensure that we can
provide an even higher level of service to all of our valued
customers. We are delighted that our Net Promoter Scores have been
maintained, and our overall satisfaction scores have improved
during FY2018. Our team continues to be an integral part of the
success of our business, and to that end we have implemented Long
Term Incentive Plans for centre managers, assistant managers and
senior support centre team members. As a result of our strategy to
support our team members in developing a rewarding career, 103 team
members successfully completed our internal management training
programmes during the financial year.
I am incredibly fortunate to be supported by such a
hard-working, entrepreneurial team. They are growth leaders who are
proud of our culture and pleased to serve our customers. I thank
them for all their efforts this year.
Technology-driven growth
Developing our technology platforms and our consumer marketing
capability are both key drivers for further sustainable growth.
Our online channels continue to perform well as revenue
increased by 27 per cent year-on-year, with 37 per cent revenue
gains from mobile. This performance has been supported by strong
sales growth from our performance digital advertising channels, the
returns from which recovered quickly after a temporary downturn
following the introduction of the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) in May.
Our contactable marketing database has increased above its
pre-GDPR levels. It remains a key revenue driver for us,
facilitating tactical and automated email campaigns to our closed
user groups.
At the start of the year, we centralised all of our social media
activity and have seen followers and engagement levels increase as
a result. We are working with a number of social influencers to
extend the reach of our public relations activity through social
media channels and I am pleased to report signs of success from
these initiatives.
Our technology team and partners have been working hard on
exciting key initiatives that will be introduced next year,
including a new website and upgraded booking engine, the next
iteration of our dynamic pricing functionality, as well as our next
generation scoring system which will be rolled out to the whole
estate over the next two years.
Brexit
Given the nature of our activities, which have huge customer
appeal throughout the country and through all economic cycles, we
do not believe the exit of the UK from the EU will have an impact
on the underlying performance of the business.
Outlook
We have a well thought out, and proven, capital investment plan
to continue the refurbishment of our estate, opening of new centres
that will enhance the quality of our portfolio and investment in
technology to further boost our industry-leading proposition. I am
confident that our plan for the coming year will continue our
strong growth trajectory, strengthen the business and deliver value
for our shareholders.
Stephen Burns
Chief Executive Officer
10 December 2018
1 LFL revenue is defined as total revenue excluding any new
centre openings from the current financial year until they are LFL
(FY2018: GBP4.9m) and closed centres from the current or prior year
and is used as a key measure of constant centre growth.
2 Group adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation) reflects the underlying trade of the
overall business. It is calculated as operating profit plus
depreciation, amortisation and any exceptional costs, and is
considered by Management to be a measure investors look at to
reflect the underlying business. The reconciliation to statutory
operating profit is set out in the Finance Review section of this
announcement.
FINANCE REVIEW
30 September 30 September Movement
2018 2017
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Number of centres 58 57 +1
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Average spend per game GBP9.22 GBP8.70 +6.1%
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Revenue1 GBP120.5m GBP114.0m +5.8%
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Gross profit margin 86.1% 86.5% -0.4%pts
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Group adjusted EBITDA2 GBP36.2m GBP33.4m +8.3%
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Group profit before tax margin 19.9% 18.5% +1.3%pts
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Group profit before tax GBP23.9m GBP21.1m +13.4%
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Net debt GBP2.5m GBP8.1m -69.1%
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Group adjusted operating cash flow3 GBP24.7m GBP26.7m -7.2%
---------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------
Group expansionary capital expenditure GBP4.3m GBP6.9m -37.4%
1 FY2017 excludes Dagenham which was acquired on 18 September
2017 but did not open until 4 October 2017.
2 Group adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation) reflects the underlying trade of the
overall business. It is calculated as operating profit plus
depreciation, amortisation and any exceptional costs, and is
considered by Management to be a measure investors look at to
reflect the underlying business. A reconciliation between Group
adjusted EBITDA and statutory operating profit is provided in note
3 to the financial statements
3 Group adjusted operating cash flow is calculated as Group
adjusted EBITDA less working capital movements and maintenance
capital expenditure.
We are pleased to have delivered a strong set of financial
results with total revenue growth of 5.8 per cent and Group
adjusted EBITDA2 growth of 8.3 per cent.
The growth in Group adjusted EBITDA2 has been achieved as we
continued to focus on delivering an exceptional customer
experience, which led to increased spend per game and LFL revenue
growth in all areas of the business, despite the closure of our AMF
centre in Gravesend and the periods of extreme weather experienced
in the year.
This, alongside managing our cost base effectively without
negatively impacting on the customer experience, has contributed to
record profits before tax of GBP23.9m, an increase of GBP2.8m (13.4
per cent) on FY2017. Group adjusted operating cash flow3 was
GBP24.7m in FY2018, a slight decrease on FY2017. The decrease was
driven by a lower working capital movement in FY2018 than the prior
year, and an incremental GBP2.1m in corporation tax paid in the
financial year given the increased profitability of the Group,
partially offset by an increase in Group adjusted EBITDA2 of
GBP2.8m.
Revenue growth
The 5.8 per cent increase in revenue has been driven through LFL
revenues growing at 1.8 per cent as well as 4.3 per cent from new
centre openings, offset by the closure of our centre in AMF
Gravesend (0.3 per cent). This resulted in record revenues of
GBP120.5m, over the 12 months to 30 September 2018.
Game volumes were marginally down year-on-year, with LFL games
slightly impacted by the snow-affected weeks earlier in the year,
as well as the summer heatwave experienced across the country. We
are pleased to see average spend per game grow by 6.1 per cent as
customers continued to spend more across all areas of the business
and consequently, all areas saw LFL revenue growth in FY2018.
Over the past year, we have continued on our investment
strategy, completing the final four Bowlplex rebrands, rebranding
two further AMFs to Hollywood Bowls and refurbishing three further
centres. These investments are transformational for the customer
experience and are leading to increased average spend as well as
higher overall revenue. The average returns continue to be above
our 33 per cent hurdle rate.
LFL revenue is defined as total revenue excluding any new centre
openings (FY2018: GBP4.9m) and closed centres (FY2018: GBP1.1m)
from the current or prior year and is used as a key measure of
constant centre growth.
Gross margin
Gross profit margin for FY2018 was 86.1 per cent, in line with
management expectations. Gross profit margin reduced slightly
year-on-year, in part due to a slightly higher amusement revenue
mix, as well as customers trading up into more premium drink
products within our packages. Our focus on gross profit has seen it
grow to GBP103.8m (+5.3 per cent) from GBP98.6m in FY2017. Cost of
sales includes the cost of food and drink, as well as
amusements.
Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses increased by GBP2.4m, up 3.2 per cent on
the prior year.
The increase is primarily due to new centres at GBP2.8m and
depreciation of GBP0.5m. These increases were netted off by a
decrease in constant centre costs of GBP0.3m, a smaller loss on
disposal of property, plant and equipment against the prior year,
of GBP0.5m, and the closure of AMF Gravesend which resulted in
lower administrative costs in that centre, of GBP0.1m.
The largest cost within administrative expenses is property
costs, of which rent accounts for GBP14.1m (FY2017: GBP13.5m).
Total property costs increased by GBP1.7m, with new centres
accounting for GBP1.5m of this increase year-on-year. Centre
employee costs form a significant part of administrative costs and
increased from GBP21.6m to GBP22.3m for the 12-month period to 30
September 2018. On a constant centre basis, the centre employee
costs decreased by GBP0.4m (1.7 per cent), through the tight
controls exhibited in centres through the second half, offset by
the increase in National Living / Minimum wage (NL/NMW) increases,
where we have continued to maintain the differential for our team
members. With the recent announcement of the April 2019 NL/NMW
increases, we expect constant centre employee costs in FY2019 to
increase by 3.8 per cent on a normalised weather basis.
Corporate costs were in line with FY2017, at GBP10.9m, with cost
increases offset by lower bonus payments for the year. As a
percentage of total sales, corporate costs reduced to 9.0 per cent
in FY2018, against 9.5 per cent in FY2017.
Group adjusted EBITDA and operating profit
Group adjusted EBITDA2 increased by 8.3 per cent during the
year, mainly due to revenue growth, tight cost control and the
solid performance of the two new centres opened. Constant centre
EBITDA continued to grow and increased by 2.9 per cent compared
with the prior period. Depreciation increased by GBP0.5m to
GBP10.5m, largely as a result of the new centres. As a percentage
of total sales, depreciation represented 8.7 per cent in FY2018,
against 8.8 per cent in FY2017. Operating profit margin increased
by 1.2 percentage points, to a record 20.6 per cent of total sales
in FY2018. The new openings in the year, Dagenham and Yeovil,
continued to perform well.
Management use EBITDA adjusted for exceptional items (Group
adjusted EBITDA) as a key performance measure of the business.
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Operating profit 24,892 22,201
Depreciation 10,494 9,990
Amortisation 504 540
Loss on property, plant and equipment and software 148 640
EBITDA 36,038 33,371
Exceptional items 118 3
Group adjusted EBITDA 36,156 33,374
---------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Exceptional costs
Exceptional costs continue to be low in FY2018. The Group has a
clear policy that exceptional costs should be one-off costs which
are not forecast to continue, will not affect future years and are
not a trend, and therefore should not be included in the underlying
trade of the business.
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
VAT rebate1 - 80
IPO related expenses2 - (102)
Non-recurring expenditure on strategic projects3 (118) (100)
Bank charges4 - (116)
Dilapidations provision5 - 235
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
(118) (3)
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
1 The Group was able to make a one-off retrospective reclaim in
respect of overpaid VAT relating to customers who were 'no-shows'
and childrens' shoe hire. This was classified as other income in
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year
ended 30 September 2017. The amount recognised in FY2017 relates to
a historic claim for no shows from FY2015 to FY2016.
2 Costs associated with the IPO of Hollywood Bowl Group plc on
the London Stock Exchange on 21 September 2016. Costs include legal
and accounting transaction fees along with corporate banking
costs.
3 Costs (comprising legal and professional fees) relating to an aborted acquisition.
4 Card payment processing fees relating to prior periods that were not previously invoiced.
5 The release of a dilapidation provision for a site that was
exited in FY2018 with no associated costs expected.
Share-based payments
During the year, the Group granted further Long Term Incentive
Plan (LTIP) shares to the senior leadership team, including the CEO
and CFO. These awards vest in three years providing continuous
employment during this period and certain performance conditions
are attained relating to earnings per share (EPS). The Group
recognised a charge of GBP403,537 (FY2017: GBP139,408) in relation
to these non-cash share-based payments.
We opened our first Sharesave scheme to all team members in
February 2018. We had over 200 employees join the scheme. The
scheme will vest in three years subject to continued employment and
the Group recognised a charge of GBP15,498 (FY2017: nil) in
relation to the Sharesave scheme.
None of the above costs are classified as exceptional costs.
Finance costs
Finance costs decreased from GBP1.1m to GBP1.0m as a result of
margin reductions in line with the bank quarterly covenant tests.
The Group currently has gross debt of GBP28.5m with the next debt
repayment of GBP0.75m due in December 2018. The Group has an
undrawn revolving credit facility of GBP5.0m and capital
expenditure facility of GBP5.0m.
Taxation
The Group has incurred a tax charge of GBP5.1m for the year
which represents an effective tax rate on statutory profit before
tax of 21.5 per cent. Within this charge is an amount of GBP0.6m,
which is an adjustment in respect of prior years and relates to an
Advance Thin Capitalisation Agreement tax liability. This is still
being finalised with HMRC. The normalised tax charge would be
GBP4.6m, which represents an effective tax rate on statutory profit
before tax of 19.1 per cent.
Earnings
Profit before tax for the year was GBP23.9m, which was higher
than the comparable period in the prior year by GBP2.8m (13.4 per
cent) as a result of the factors discussed above.
The Group delivered an increased profit after tax of GBP18.8m
(FY2017: GBP18.3m) and basic earnings per share was 12.52 pence
(FY2017: 12.17 pence).
Dividend and special dividend
For the year ended 30 September 2018, the Board is recommending
a final ordinary dividend of 4.23 pence per share, giving a total
ordinary dividend for the year of 6.26 pence per share.
The final dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder approval
at the Company's AGM on 31 January 2019, on 27 February 2019 to
shareholders on the register on 1 February 2019.
As outlined in our capital and cash allocation policy in our
FY2017 results, our top priority is to maintain a strong balance
sheet. As at 30 September 2018, net debt stood at GBP2.5m (0.07
times Group adjusted EBITDA).
Our priorities for use of cash continue to be:
-- capital investment in existing centres as well as new centre opportunities;
-- appropriate acquisition opportunities;
-- to pay and grow the ordinary dividend every year within a
cover ratio of approximately 2 times; and
-- thereafter, any excess cash will be available for additional
distribution to shareholders as the Board deems appropriate.
To the extent that there is surplus cash within the business,
the Board continues to expect to return the surplus to
shareholders.
In line with this strategy, this year the Board has proposed a
special dividend of 4.33 pence per share be paid to shareholders
alongside the ordinary dividend. This will mean that the Group has
returned a total of GBP15.9m in cash to shareholders for the year,
equating to 10.59 pence per share. All of the dividend will be paid
using cash on the balance sheet. Since IPO we will have returned a
total of GBP29.8m to shareholders, including for the year
FY2018.
Cash flow
The Group continues to deliver strong cash generation with Group
adjusted operating cash flow at GBP24.7m with an increase in EBITDA
and small working capital movement in FY2018, offset by GBP5.0m in
corporation tax payments in the financial year and maintenance
capital spend of GBP6.7m.
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Group adjusted EBITDA 36,156 33,374
Movement in working capital 278 2,052
Maintenance capital expenditure1 (6,660) (5,856)
Taxation (5,030) (2,905)
--------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted operating cash flow (OCF)(2) 24,744 26,665
Adjusted OCF conversion 68.4% 79.9%
--------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Expansionary capital expenditure (4,316) (6,896)
Disposal proceeds 24 -
Exceptional items (234) (3,153)
Net interest paid (606) (961)
Cash flows from financing activities (1,500) -
Dividends paid (13,964) (2,985)
--------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash flow 4,148 12,670
--------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
1 In this table, maintenance capital expenditure includes amusements capital.
2 Adjusted operating cash flow is calculated as Group adjusted
EBITDA less working capital, maintenance capital expenditure and
taxation. This represents a good measure for the cash generated by
the business after taking into account all necessary maintenance
capital expenditure to ensure the routine running of the business.
This excludes one-off exceptional items and net interest paid.
3 Working capital excludes any exceptional items. These are
noted separately above. Working capital includes an amount relating
to share based payments for LTIPs of GBP0.4m in FY2018 (FY2017:
GBP0.1m).
Strong cash generation in the past 12 months has resulted in a
decrease in net debt to GBP2.5m.
Capital expenditure
Total net capital expenditure was down 5.6 per cent
year-on-year, to GBP12.4m. The largest decrease was in respect of
new centres, where during FY2017 we spent GBP4.0m (net of landlord
contributions) compared with GBP1.0m (net of landlord
contributions) in FY2018. FY2018 includes capital for the two new
centres opened in the year, plus GBP0.5m for the new Watford centre
which will open pre-Christmas 2018. As we continued on our
refurbishment and rebrand programme, this expenditure increased
year-on-year, by GBP0.3m, to GBP3.3m.
Laurence Keen
Chief Financial Officer
10 December 2018
Consolidated statement
of comprehensive income
Year ending 30 September 2018
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Revenue 120,548 113,968
Cost of sales (16,748) (15,349)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Gross profit 103,800 98,619
Administrative expenses 5 (78,908) (76,498)
Other income - 80
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Operating profit 24,892 22,201
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Underlying operating profit 25,010 22,204
Exceptional items 4 (118) (3)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Finance income 7 18 12
Finance expenses 7 (976) (1,158)
Movement in derivative financial instrument - 55
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Profit before tax 23,934 21,110
Tax expense 8 (5,150) (2,848)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Profit for the year attributable to equity
shareholders 18,784 18,262
Other comprehensive income - -
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Total comprehensive income for the year
attributable to
equity shareholders 18,784 18,262
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Basic earnings per share (pence) 9 12.52 12.17
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 9 12.49 12.17
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Consolidated statement
of financial position
As at 30 September 2018
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 10 41,077 39,709
Intangible assets 11 78,648 78,867
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
119,725 118,576
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 26,042 21,894
Trade and other receivables 6,563 7,144
Inventories 1,254 1,189
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
33,859 30,227
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Total assets 153,584 148,803
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 12 16,626 16,857
Loans and borrowings 13 1,380 1,380
Corporation tax payable 2,840 2,461
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
20,846 20,698
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Non-current liabilities
Other payables 12 7,616 6,145
Loans and borrowings 13 26,763 28,143
Deferred tax liabilities 487 746
Accruals and provisions 2,934 3,308
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
37,800 38,342
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Total liabilities 58,646 59,040
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
NET ASSETS 94,938 89,763
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Equity attributable to shareholders
Share capital 1,500 1,500
Merger reserve (49,897) (49,897)
Retained earnings 143,335 138,160
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
TOTAL EQUITY 94,938 89,763
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- -------------
Consolidated statement
of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2018
Capital
Share Share Merger redemption Retained
capital premium reserve reserve earnings Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------
Equity at 30 September
2016 71,512 51,832 (49,897) 99 817 74,363
Share capital reorganisation (70,012) (51,832) - (99) 121,943 -
Dividends paid - - - - (2,985) (2,985)
Share-based payments - - - - 123 123
Profit for the period - - - - 18,262 18,262
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------
Equity at 30 September
2017 1,500 - (49,897) - 138,160 89,763
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------
Dividends paid - - - - (13,964) (13,964)
Share-based payments - - - - 355 355
Profit for the period - - - - 18,784 18,784
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------
Equity at 30 September
2018 1,500 - (49,897) - 143,335 94,938
------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 September 2018
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
Note GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- ----------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax 23,934 21,110
Adjusted by:
Depreciation 10 10,494 9,990
Amortisation of intangible assets 11 504 540
Net interest expense 958 1,145
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
and software 148 640
Movement on derivative financial instrument - (55)
Share-based payments 355 123
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Operating profit before working capital changes 36,393 33,493
Increase in inventories (65) (171)
Decrease in trade and other receivables 581 2,490
Decrease in payables and provisions (709) (3,035)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Cash inflow generated from operations 36,200 32,777
Interest received 19 12
Income tax paid - corporation tax (5,030) (2,905)
Interest paid (625) (975)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Net cash inflow from operating activities 30,564 28,909
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (10,687) (13,551)
Purchase of intangible assets (289) (196)
Sale of assets 24 493
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Net cash used in investing activities (10,952) (13,254)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of bank loan (1,500) -
Dividends paid (13,964) (2,985)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Net cash flows used in financing activities (15,464) (2,985)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents for
the period 4,148 12,670
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the period 21,894 9,224
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
period 26,042 21,894
--------------------------------------------------- ----- -------------- --------------
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General information
The financial information set out above does not constitute the
company's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 September 2018
or 2017, but is derived from these accounts. Statutory accounts for
2017 have been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those
for 2018 will be delivered in due course. The auditor has reported
on those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified, (ii) did not
include a reference to any matters which the auditor drew attention
by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and (iii) did
not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the
Companies Act 2006.
Hollywood Bowl Group plc (together with its subsidiaries, the
Group) is a public limited company whose shares are publicly traded
on the London Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in
England and Wales. The registered office of the Parent Company is
Focus 31, West Wing, Cleveland Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7BW,
United Kingdom. The registered Company number is 10229630.
The Group's principal activities are that of the operation of
ten-pin bowling centres as well as the development of new centres
and other associated activities.
The Directors of the Group are responsible for the consolidated
Financial Statements.
2. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a
going concern basis under the historical cost convention as
modified by the recognition of certain financial assets/liabilities
(including derivative instruments) at fair value through the
statement of comprehensive income.
Judgements made by the Directors, in the application of these
accounting policies, that have significant effect on the Financial
Statements and estimates with a significant risk of material
adjustment in the next year are discussed below..
Critical accounting judgements
Critical judgements are discussed below:
Accounting for the acquisition of amusement machines
The Group, on an ongoing basis, obtains control over amusement
machines using extended credit terms over 4 years. Management has
concluded that these arrangements should be accounted for as the
purchase of property, plant and equipment under IAS 16, with an
associated creditor with respect to the extended credit, although
the machines return to the supplier at the end of 4 years.
The risk with the amusement machine passes to the Group on
completion of delivery and over the predominant useful life of the
asset of 4 years. The contract grants rights that include the
ability to select the make and model of the machines as well as
control the location and use. These machines are therefore
recognised as an asset within property, plant and equipment, and
not as a finance lease under IAS17, even though the machines are
returned to the supplier at the end of the predominant useful life.
The associated amount due to the supplier is recognised within
current and non-current liabilities.
The total amount included within non-current liabilities at 30
September 2018 has been discounted during the current year
resulting in a credit to property, plant and equipment of
GBP219,000. The creditor balance of GBP3,366,000 at 30 September
2017 was not discounted and the effect of GBP139,000 is not
considered material. Within the consolidated Group Statement of
Cash Flows, cash repayments of the capital are included within
purchases of property, plant and equipment in investing
activities.
Accounting for this contract under IAS 17 Leases would result in
the disclosure of a finance lease liability under debt within the
consolidated balance sheet. The total cost recognised would not be
materially different compared to the existing policy, as the impact
of accounting for this contract as a finance lease would primarily
affect balance sheet reclassifications as explained above. Within
the consolidated Group Statement of Cash Flows, the cash repayments
included within property, plant and equipment would be included as
finance lease principal payments within financing activities rather
than in the investing activities. The total cash payments would be
the same under IAS 17.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key estimates about the future at the reporting period end
that may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment
to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next
financial year are discussed below:
Impairment of lanes and pinspotters
The Group determines whether the lanes and pinspotters are
impaired, based on the annual impairment assessment, or when there
are specific indicators. The pinspotter machines have been in
existence for over 40 years and form an integral part of the
bowling activity. Whilst there have been technological
advancements, in particular 'Pins on strings', management do not
intend to replace all existing pinspotters with 'Pins on strings'.
This is due to a number of factors including the fact that the
'Pins on strings' technology has not been proved financially or
operationally to provide significant benefits in an existing centre
where the skills to utilise and maintain the current pinspotters
exist. However, should this view change in the future, this could
result in an impairment charge being recorded in the financial
statements, on account of pinspotters.
'Pins on strings' will be installed for all new builds given the
space restrictions that tend to exist, the cost per square foot of
space required for the older pinspotters, as well as the lower
capital cost of these machines.
3. Reconciliation of operating profit to Group adjusted
EBITDA
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Operating profit 24,892 22,201
Depreciation (note 10) 10,494 9,990
Amortisation (note 11) 504 540
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
and software
(notes 10 and 11) 148 640
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
EBITDA 36,038 33,371
Exceptional items (note 4) 118 3
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Group adjusted EBITDA 36,156 33,374
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Group adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation) reflects the underlying trade of the
overall business. It is calculated as operating profit plus
depreciation, amortisation and any exceptional costs.
Management use Group adjusted EBITDA as a key performance
measure of the business and it is considered by management to be a
measure investor's look at to reflect the underlying business.
4. Exceptional items
Exceptional items are disclosed separately in the Financial
Statements where the Directors consider it necessary to do so to
provide further understanding of the financial performance of the
Group. They are material items or expenses that have been shown
separately due to the significance of their nature or amount:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
VAT rebate(1) - 80
IPO related expenses(2) - (102)
Non-recurring expenditure on strategic projects(3) (118) (100)
Bank charges(4) - (116)
Dilapidations provision(5) - 235
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
(118) (3)
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
1 The Group was able to make a one-off retrospective reclaim in
respect of overpaid VAT relating to customers who were 'no-shows'
and children's shoe hire. This has been classified as other income
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year
ended 30 September 2017. The amount recognised in FY2017 relates to
a historic claim for 'no shows' from FY2015 to FY2016.
2 Costs associated with the IPO of Hollywood Bowl Group plc on
the London Stock Exchange on 21 September 2016. Costs include legal
and accounting transaction fees along with corporate banking
costs.
3 Costs (comprising legal and professional fees) relating to an aborted acquisition.
4 Card payment processing fees relating to prior periods that were not previously invoiced.
5 The release of a dilapidations provision for a site that was
exited in FY2018 with no associated costs.
5. Profit from operations
Profit from operations includes the following:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Amortisation of intangible assets 504 540
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 10,494 9,990
Operating leases:
- Property 14,229 13,648
- Other 50 46
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
and software 148 640
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Auditor's remuneration:
- Fees payable for audit of these financial statements 79 75
Fees payable for other services
- Audit of subsidiaries 30 30
- Review of interim financial statements 25 22
- Other services 3 2
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
137 129
-------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
6. Staff numbers and costs
The average number of employees (including Directors) during the
period was as follows:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
---------------- ------------- -------------
Directors 6 6
Administration 70 62
Operations 1,968 1,887
---------------- ------------- -------------
Total staff 2,044 1,955
---------------- ------------- -------------
The cost of employees (including Directors) during the period
was as follows:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------- ------------- -------------
Wages and salaries 25,435 24,651
Social security costs 1,780 1,736
Pension costs 261 180
Shared-based payments 355 123
----------------------- ------------- -------------
Total staff cost 27,831 26,690
----------------------- ------------- -------------
7. Finance income and expenses
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Interest on bank deposits 15 9
Other interest 3 3
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Finance income 18 12
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Interest on bank borrowings 910 1,091
Unwinding of discount on provisions 66 67
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Finance expense 976 1,158
------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
8. Taxation
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The tax expense is as follows:
- UK corporation tax 4,766 4,667
- Adjustment in respect of prior years 643 (335)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total current tax 5,409 4,332
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (253) (820)
Effect of changes in tax rates 27 22
Adjustment in respect of prior years (33) (686)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total deferred tax (259) (1,484)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total tax expense 5,150 2,848
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Factors affecting current tax charge/(credit):
The tax assessed on the profit for the period is different to
the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19 per cent (30
September 2017: 19.5 per cent). The differences are explained
below:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Profit excluding taxation 23,934 21,110
Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2017:
19.5%) 4,547 4,116
Change in tax rate on deferred tax balances 27 22
Non-deductible expenses 13 (235)
Tax exempt revenues (47) (34)
Adjustment in respect of prior years 610 (1,021)
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total tax expense included in profit or loss 5,150 2,848
----------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The Group's standard tax rate for the year ended 30 September
2018 was 19 per cent (30 September 2017: 19.5 per cent).
GBP577,000 of the adjustment in respect of prior years for
current taxation relates to an expected Advance Thin Capitalisation
Agreement tax liability. This is still being finalised with
HMRC.
Factors that may affect future current and total tax charges
A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 19 per cent to
17 per cent (effective from 1 April 2020) was substantively enacted
on 15 September 2016. This will reduce the Group's future current
tax charge accordingly and the deferred tax liability at 30
September 2018 has been calculated based on these rates.
9. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to equity holders of Hollywood Bowl Group plc by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year,
excluding invested shares held pursuant to Long Term Incentive
Plans.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. During the
years ended 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2017, the Group had
potentially dilutive shares in the form of unvested shares pursuant
to Long Term Incentive Plans.
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Basic and diluted
Profit for the year after tax (GBP'000) 18,784 18,262
Basic weighted average number of shares in issue
for the period (number) 150,000,000 150,000,000
Adjustment for share awards 384,101 104,367
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Diluted weighted average number of shares 150,384,101 150,104,367
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Basic earnings per share (pence) 12.52 12.17
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 12.49 12.17
-------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted underlying earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing adjusted
underlying earnings after tax by the weighted average number of
shares issued during the year.
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Adjusted underlying earnings after tax (before
exceptional costs) (GBP'000) 18,902 18,256
Basic adjusted earnings per share (pence) 12.60 12.17
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (pence) 12.57 12.16
------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Adjusted underlying earnings after tax is calculated as
follows:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Profit before taxation 23,934 21,110
Exceptional items (note 4) 118 3
-------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted underlying profit before taxation 24,052 21,113
Less taxation (5,150) (2,857)
-------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted underlying earnings after tax 18,902 18,256
-------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
10. Property, plant and equipment
Plant
Long Short & machinery,
leasehold leasehold Lanes Amusement fixtures
property property and pinspotters machines and Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 fittings GBP'000
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
Cost
At 1 October 2016 1,224 10,349 7,390 11,439 20,938 51,340
Additions 27 5,921 512 2,716 4,375 13,551
Disposals - (950) - (1,286) (3,139) (5,375)
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
At 30 September 2017 1,251 15,320 7,902 12,869 22,174 59,516
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
Discounting of creditors arising
on assets purchased in prior
years
on extended credit terms (note
12) - - - (68) - (68)
Additions - 3,035 742 4,810 4,008 12,595
Disposals - (44) (83) (2,699) (483) (3,309)
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
At 30 September 2018 1,251 18,311 8,561 14,912 25,699 68,734
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 October 2016 110 3,311 3,442 6,050 1,163 14,076
Depreciation charge 49 1,969 144 2,217 5,611 9,990
Disposals - (697) - (793) (2,769) (4,259)
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
At 30 September 2017 159 4,583 3,586 7,474 4,005 19,807
Depreciation charge 48 1,945 165 2,903 5,433 10,494
Disposals - (36) (83) (2,204) (321) (2,644)
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
At 30 September 2018 207 6,492 3,668 8,173 9,117 27,657
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
Net book value
At 30 September 2018 1,044 11,819 4,893 6,739 16,582 41,077
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
At 30 September 2017 1,092 10,737 4,316 5,395 18,169 39,709
At 30 September 2016 1,114 7,038 3,948 5,389 19,775 37,264
--------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- -------------- ---------
Lanes and pinspotters have been disclosed as a separate item of
property, plant and equipment in the comparative and current year
to enable an improved understanding of what the property, plant and
equipment comprises of. This disclosure enhancement has been done
to enable an improved understanding of a key estimation uncertainty
(note 2).
Impairment
Impairment testing is carried out at the cash-generating unit
(CGU) level on an annual basis. A CGU is the smallest identifiable
group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of
assets. Each individual centre is considered to be a CGU.
The Group determines whether property, plant and equipment are
impaired when indicators of impairments exist or based on the
annual impairment assessment. The annual assessment requires an
estimate of the value in use of the CGU to which the property,
plant and equipment are allocated.
11. Intangible assets
Goodwill Brand(1) Trademark(1) Software Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
Cost
At 1 October 2016 75,034 3,360 802 1,040 80,236
Additions - - - 196 196
Disposals - - - (65) (65)
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2017 75,034 3,360 802 1,171 80,367
Additions - - - 289 289
Disposals - - (4) (5) (9)
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2018 75,034 3,360 798 1,455 80,647
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 October 2016 - 348 116 544 1,008
Amortisation charge - 168 51 321 540
Disposals - - - (48) (48)
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2017 - 516 167 817 1,500
Amortisation charge - 168 50 286 504
Disposals - - (1) (4) (5)
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2018 - 684 216 1,099 1,999
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
Net book value
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2018 75,034 2,676 582 356 78,648
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2017 75,034 2,844 635 354 78,867
At 30 September 2016 75,034 3,012 686 496 79,228
-------------------------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------
1 This relates to the Hollywood Bowl brand and trademark only.
Impairment testing is carried out at the cash-generating unit
(CGU) level on an annual basis. A CGU is the smallest identifiable
group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of
assets. Each individual centre is considered to be a CGU. However,
for the purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, it is
acceptable under IAS36 to group CGUs, in order to reflect the level
at which goodwill is monitored by management. The whole Group is
considered to be one CGU, for the purposes of goodwill impairment
test, on the basis of the level at which goodwill is monitored by
management and historical allocation of goodwill upon
acquisition.
The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined based on a
value-in-use calculation using cash flow projections based on
financial budgets approved by the Board covering a three-year
period. Cash flows beyond this period are extrapolated using the
estimated growth rates stated in the key assumptions. The key
assumptions used in the value-in-use calculations are:
2018 2017
------------------------- ----- -----
Discount rate (pre-tax) 8.7% 8.9%
Growth rate 2.0% 2.0%
------------------------- ----- -----
Discount rates reflect management's estimate of return on
capital employed required and assessment of the current market
risks. This is the benchmark used by management to assess operating
performance and to evaluate future capital investment proposals.
These discount rates are derived from the Group's weighted average
cost of capital. Changes in the discount rates over the years are
calculated with reference to latest market assumptions for the risk
free rate, equity market risk premium and the cost of debt. Other
assumptions also include the number of games and spend per
game.
Based on these assumptions there is no impairment required.
Goodwill is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis,
or more frequently if events or changes in circumstance indicate
that the carrying value may be impaired. In the years under review
management's value-in-use calculations have indicated no
requirement to impair.
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The estimates of the recoverable amounts associated with the CGU
affords reasonable headroom over the carrying value.
Management have sensitised the key assumptions in the goodwill
impairment tests and under both the base case and sensitised cases
no impairment exists. The key assumptions used and sensitised were
forecast growth rates and the discount rate, which were selected as
they are the key variable elements of the value in use
calculation.
A reduction of 1% or 2% in growth rates for each CGU or an
increase in the discount rate applied to the cashflows of each CGU
of 1% would not cause the carrying value to exceed its recoverable
amount. Therefore, management believe that any reasonably possible
change in the key assumptions would not result in an impairment
charge.
12. Trade and other payables
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Current
Trade payables 3,548 3,534
Other payables 3,364 3,225
Accruals and deferred income 7,091 7,298
Taxation and social security 2,623 2,800
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total trade and other payables 16,626 16,857
-------------------------------- ------------- -------------
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------- ------------- -------------
Non-current
Other payables 7,616 6,145
---------------- ------------- -------------
Accruals and deferred income includes a staff bonus provision of
GBP2,312,000 (2017: GBP2,730,000).
Non-current other payables include lease incentives received of
GBP2,560,000 (30 September 2017: GBP2,780,000) which are expected
to be released to the statement of comprehensive income on a
straight-line basis over the remaining term of each lease, which
range from 1 to 25 years, and extended credit of GBP5,056,000 (30
September 2017: GBP3,365,000) from an amusement machine supplier.
The total amount outstanding due to the amusement machine supplier
as at 30 September 2018 is GBP8,133,000 (30 September 2017:
GBP6,369,000), out of which GBP3,077,000 (30 September 2017:
GBP3,003,000) is disclosed within the current liabilities. The
balance as at 30 September 2017 was not discounted but the effect
of discounting would not have been material.
13. Loans and borrowings
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Current
Bank loan 1,380 1,380
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Borrowings (less than 1 year) 1,380 1,380
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Non-current
Bank loan 26,763 28,143
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Borrowings (greater than 1 year) 26,763 28,143
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total borrowings 28,143 29,523
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Bank borrowings have the following maturity profile:
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- ------------- -------------
Due in less than 1 year 1,500 1,500
Less issue costs (120) (120)
------------------------- ------------- -------------
1,380 1,380
Due 2 to 5 years 27,000 28,500
Due over 5 years - -
Less issue costs (237) (357)
------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total borrowings 28,143 29,523
------------------------- ------------- -------------
The bank loans are secured by a fixed and floating charge over
all assets. The loans carry interest at LIBOR plus a variable
margin.
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Loans and borrowings brought forward 29,523 29,643
Repayment during the year 1,500 -
Amortisation of issue costs (120) (120)
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Loans and borrowings carried forward 28,143 29,523
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
On 21 September 2016, the Group entered into a GBP30m facility
with Lloyds Bank plc. This facility is due for repayment in
instalments over a five-year period up to the expiry date of 20
September 2021. The first repayment of GBP0.75m was due 31 December
2017, and every six months up to 31 December 2020. The remaining
balance of GBP24.75m will be repayable at the expiry date of 20
September 2021. As at 30 September 2018, the outstanding loan
balance, excluding the amortisation of issue costs, was
GBP28,500,000 (30 September 2017: GBP30,000,000). In addition, the
Group had an undrawn GBP5m revolving credit facility and undrawn
GBP5m capex facility at 30 September 2018 and 30 September 2017.
All loans carry interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which varies in
accordance with the ratio of net debt divided by EBITDA and cash
flow cover. The margin at 30 September 2018 was 1.75 per cent and
at 30 September 2017 was 2.25 per cent.
14. Related party transactions
30 September 2018
During the period here were no transactions with related
parties.
30 September 2017
During the period Epiris Managers LLP charged a management fee
of GBP25,000 to the Group.
15. Dividends paid and proposed
30 September 30 September
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
The following dividends were declared and paid
by the Group
Final dividend year ended 30 September 2016 -
0.19p per Ordinary share - 285
Interim dividend year ended 30 September 2017
- 1.8p per Ordinary share - 2,700
Final dividend year ended 30 September 2017 - 5,925 -
3.95p per Ordinary share
Special dividend year ended 30 September 2017 4,995 -
- 3.33p per Ordinary share
Interim dividend year ended 30 September 2018 3,044 -
- 2.03p per Ordinary share
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
13,964 2,985
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Proposed for approval by shareholders at AGM (not
recognised as a liability at 30 September 2018)
Final dividend year ended 30 September 2018 -
4.23 p per Ordinary share (2017: 3.95p) 6,347 5,925
Special dividend year ended 30 September 2018
- 4.33 p per Ordinary share (2017: 3.33p) 6,495 4,995
--------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Responsibility statement of the Directors
The following statement will be contained in the 2018 Annual
Report and Accounts
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss
of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole; and
the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development
and performance of the business and the position of the issuer and
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole,
together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that they face.
We consider the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, is
fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group's position and
performance, business model and strategy.
On behalf of the Board
Stephen Burns Laurence Keen
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
10 December 2018 10 December 2018
PRINCIPAL RISKS
Effective risk management
Our approach to risk
When we look at risk, we specifically consider the effects it
could have on our business model, our culture and therefore our
ability to deliver our long--term strategic purposes.
We consider both short- and long-term risks within a timeframe
of up to three years. We consider social, governance and
environmental risks as well as financial risks.
Risk appetite
This describes the amount of risk we are willing to tolerate as
a business. We have a higher appetite for risks around a clear
opportunity to deliver on the strategy of the business.
We have a very low appetite for, and tolerance of, risks that
have a downside only, particularly when they could adversely impact
health and safety or our value, culture or business model.
Our risk management process
The Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring that a robust
risk management process is in place and that it is being adhered
to. The main steps in this process are:
-- Department heads formally review their risks on a six-monthly
basis to compile their department risk register. They consider the
impact each risk they are managing could have on the department and
overall business, as well as the mitigating controls in place. They
assess the likelihood and impact of each risk.
-- The Executive team reviews each departmental risk register.
Any risks which are deemed to have a level above our appetite are
added to/retained on the Group Risk Register (GRR). The GRR
provides an overview of these risks and how they are being managed.
The GRR also includes any risks the Executive team is managing at a
Group level. The Executive team determines mitigation plans for the
Board to review.
-- The Board challenges and agrees the Group's key risk,
appetite and mitigation actions twice yearly and uses its findings
to finalise the Group's principal risks.
-- The principal risks are taken into account in the Board's
consideration of long-term viability as outlined in the viability
statement.
-- Risks and uncertainties of which we are unaware, or which we
currently believe are immaterial, may have an adverse effect on the
Group.
Risk management activities
Risks are identified via operational reviews by senior
management; internal audits; control environments; our
whistleblowing helpline; and independent project analysis.
The internal audit team provides independent assessment of the
operation and effectiveness of the risk framework and process in
centres, including the effectiveness of the controls, reporting of
risks and reliability of checks by management.
We have undertaken an extensive review of the organisation's
risk profile to verify that all risks have been identified and
considered by management.
Trend Increasing ^
change Unchanged -
Decreasing v
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Risk type Risk and Impact Mitigating factors
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Financial
1 * Adverse economic conditions may affect Group results. * The Board is comfortable that the majority of
- locations are based in high-footfall areas which
should stand up to a recessionary decline. This
* A decline in spend on discretionary leisure activity continues to be a focus as can be seen by the new
could lead to a reduction in profits. centre openings and their performance. Both
Southampton and Derby have EBITDA performance in
excess of GBP600,000 in year one and continue to
provide strong returns.
* A focus on opening new centres only with appropriate
property costs remains high on the new-opening
agenda.
* The implementation of dynamic pricing has resulted in
higher spend per game and a small increase in people
booking early.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Financial
2 * Adversely impacted by a failure to review funding * The Group has considerable headroom on the current
v arrangements when they become due, or a failure to facility with net debt and cash flow cover
meet banking covenants. significantly below its covenant levels, as shown in
the monthly Board packs. We prepare short-term and
long-term cash flow, EBITDA and covenant forecasts to
* Covenant breach would result in a review of banking ensure risks are identified early. Tight controls
arrangements and potential liquidity issues. exist over the approval for capex and expenses.
* The special dividends for FY2017 and proposed special
dividend for FY2018 are excluded from the covenant
test for cash flow cover, as agreed with the Group's
lender.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Operational
1 * Failure in the stability or availability of * All core systems are backed up to our Disaster
- information through IT systems could affect Group Recovery Centre.
business and operations.
* The reservation/CRM systems, provided by a third
* Customers not being able to book through website. party, are hosted by Microsoft Azure Cloud for added
Inaccuracy of data could lead to incorrect business resilience and performance. This also has full
decisions being made. business continuity provision.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Operational
2 * Operational business failures from key suppliers * The Group has key suppliers in food and drink under
- (non-IT). contract to tight service level agreements (SLAs).
Other suppliers that know our business could be
introduced, if needed, at short notice. Centres hold
* Unable to provide customers with a full experience. between 14 and 21 days of food, drink and amusement
product. Regular reviews and updates are held with
external partners to identify any perceived risk and
its resolution.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Operational
3 * Any disruption which affects Group relationship with * Regular key supplier meetings between our Product
- amusement suppliers. Director, and Namco and Gamestech. There are biannual
meetings between the CEO, CFO and Namco.
* Customers would be unable to utilise a core offer in
the centres. * New Gamestec and Namco contracts, with an expiry date
of September 2022, have been signed.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Operational
4 * Loss of key personnel - centre managers. * The Group runs centre manager in training (CMIT) and
- assistant manager in training (AMIT) programmes
annually, which identify potential centre talent and
* Lack of direction at centre level with effect on develop staff ready for these roles. CMITs run
customers. centres, with assistance from the regional support
manager as well as experienced centre managers from
across the region, when a vacancy needs to be filled
at short notice.
* The centre manager bonus scheme has been reviewed
this year to ensure it is still a strong recruitment
and retention tool. Small amends to make it more
attractive include a long-term retention plan.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL
5 * Major food incident including allergen or fresh food * Enhanced centre audits for FY2019 based upon
NEW issues. learnings of prior year and food incidents seen in
other companies. STRIKES training, which includes
allergen and intolerance issues, to be reviewed,
* Loss of trade and reputation, potential closure and understood and complied with. An updated nutrition
litigation. project in Q1 FY2019 will further increase awareness
in this area.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Technical
1 * Data protection or GDPR breach. * The Group's IT networks are protected by firewalls
- and secure passwords. Vulnerability scans are
frequently run on firewalls to ensure their
* Obtaining all customer email addresses and impact on integrity. The Group plans to move to a new analytics
reputation with customer database. The Group does not system allowing the IT team to see real-time or
hold any customer payment information. historical threat analytics.
* A GDPR steering group was established in FY2017 and
monthly steering group meetings are held to ensure
that the programme and data related queries/issues
are addressed as part of GDPR governance.
* A data protection officer has been appointed. All
team members have been briefed via online
presentations. A training course on GDPR awareness
was created on STRIKES and all team members have
completed an online training course.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory
1 * Failure to adhere to regulatory requirements such as * Expert opinion is sought where relevant. We run
- listing rules, taxation, health and safety, planning continuous training and development for appropriately
regulations and other laws. qualified staff.
* Potential financial penalties and reputational * The Board has oversight of the management of
damage. regulatory risk and ensures that each member of the
Board is aware of their responsibilities.
* Compliance documentation for centres to complete for
health and safety and food safety are updated and
circulated twice per year. Adherence to company/legal
standards is audited by the internal audit team.
----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
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 FDLFBVLFFFBF
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