ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for monitor Customisable watchlists with full streaming quotes from leading exchanges, such as LSE, NASDAQ, NYSE, AMEX, Bovespa, BIT and more.

FDEV Frontier Developments Plc

195.00
-1.60 (-0.81%)
20 Dec 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Frontier Developments Plc LSE:FDEV London Ordinary Share GB00BBT32N39 ORD 0.5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -1.60 -0.81% 195.00 190.20 193.80 200.00 190.00 200.00 78,587 16:35:05
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Manufacturing Industries,nec 89.27M -21.47M -0.5447 -3.49 77.51M

Frontier Developments PLC FY24 Interim Results (9066Z)

17/01/2024 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Frontier Developments (LSE:FDEV)
Historical Stock Chart


From Dec 2023 to Dec 2024

Click Here for more Frontier Developments Charts.

TIDMFDEV

RNS Number : 9066Z

Frontier Developments PLC

17 January 2024

17 January 2024

Frontier Developments plc

FY24 Interim Results

Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, 'Frontier', the 'Company', or the 'Group'), a leading developer and publisher of video games based in Cambridge, UK, publishes its unaudited interim results for the 6 months to 30 November 2023 ('H1 FY24').

H1 FY24 Financial Headlines

 
                                                 H1 FY24        H1 FY23 
                                            (6 months to   (6 months to 
                                       30 November 2023)    30 November 
                                                                  2022) 
 Revenue                                        GBP47.7m       GBP57.1m 
                                 -----------------------  ------------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA loss*                         (GBP4.9m)      (GBP0.6m) 
                                 -----------------------  ------------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit before               (GBP30.8m)        GBP6.9m 
  restructuring 
                                 -----------------------  ------------- 
 Cash balance at period end                     GBP17.1m       GBP42.6m 
                                 -----------------------  ------------- 
 

*Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation charges related to game developments and Frontier's game technology, less investments in game developments and Frontier's game technology, and excluding restructuring costs, share-based payment charges and other non-cash items.

-- Good back-catalogue performance, with games which released before the start of the period delivering 72% of total revenue in H1 FY24

-- Within the back-catalogue, creative management simulation ('CMS') games achieved GBP26.3 million of revenue (55% of total revenue), representing a sustain rate of 81% versus the comparative period (H1 FY23: GBP32.6 million)

   --   The revenue contribution from new games launching during the period was lower than expected 

-- Adjusted EBITDA loss of GBP4.9 million (H1 FY23: loss of GBP0.6 million) reflected the lower level of total revenue and a 3% increase in cash operating costs, partially offset by a higher gross profit margin

-- The Organisational Review announced in October is on-track, including the planned 20% reduction in annual operating costs to support a return to profitability in FY25

-- Non-cash amortisation and impairment charges resulted in an operating loss before restructuring of GBP30.8 million in H1 FY24 (H1 FY23: profit of GBP6.9 million)

   --   Cash balance of GBP17.1 million at 30 November 2023 (31 May 2023: GBP28.3 million) 

Operational & Strategic Update

As explained in the Business Update in November, Frontier's move to diversify its game portfolio, including through third-party publishing and entering new genres, has not delivered the anticipated success. As a result, the Company has refocussed on CMS games which have delivered more predictable and recurring returns through Frontier's expertise and leadership in that genre.

Frontier has confirmed three future CMS games with one releasing in each of the next three financial years - FY25, FY26 and FY27. Whilst developing those three future CMS games the Company will continue to support and nurture its existing portfolio.

Alongside the strategic refocus to CMS games, in the last three months the Company has undertaken an Organisational Review to reshape Frontier to deliver on the updated strategic plan more efficiently, return the Company to profit, and create a sustainable foundation for the future. The cost reduction elements of the review are now largely complete, and the targeted savings of 20% of annual operating costs will be fully in place from the start of FY25.

Current Trading and Outlook

Total sales during the important trading period of late November to early January were in-line with the revised expectations set in November, with strong sales performances across Frontier's CMS portfolio offsetting lower sales from some other games.

Frontier has two successful PC games coming to consoles before the end of this financial year. The first of these was confirmed on 16 January, with Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters announced for release on PlayStation(R)5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation(R)4 and Xbox One on 20 February 2024. The second PC game coming to consoles will be announced in the next few weeks.

The Board continues to expect FY24 revenue to be within the guidance range of GBP80-95 million, and the guidance on Adjusted EBITDA is also unchanged from the Business Update provided in November.

Jonny Watts, Frontier's CEO, said

"2023 was a challenging year for Frontier and for many companies across the games industry. The last few months have been a tough period of change for everyone at Frontier, and of course it's been particularly difficult for those people in teams who have suffered redundancies. I'd like to thank everyone for their hard work and patience while we make the necessary changes.

We are confident that our renewed focus on our world-class CMS games is getting us back on track, and it's pleasing to see the strong ongoing performance of our established portfolio of games, led by Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Planet Zoo. I'd like to thank our players across our whole portfolio for their ongoing engagement and support.

We have two exciting console releases coming in the next few months, including Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate- Daemonhunters, and we are making great progress on our new own-IP CMS game for release in FY25.

I look forward to providing further updates during 2024."

There will be a call for analysts and institutional investors at 9:30a.m. today. To register please contact Frontier@teneo.com.

Enquiries :

Frontier Developments +44 (0)1223 394 300

Jonny Watts, CEO

Alex Bevis, CFO

   Peel Hunt - Nomad and Joint Corporate Broker   +44 (0)20 7418 8900 

Neil Patel / Paul Gillam / Richard Chambers / Kate Bannatyne

   Liberum - Joint Corporate Broker   +44 (0)20 3100 2000 

Max Jones / Matt Hogg / Nikhil Varghese

   Teneo   +44 (0)20 7353 4200 

Matt Low / Arthur Rogers

About Frontier Developments plc

Frontier is a leading independent developer and publisher of videogames founded in 1994 by David Braben, co-author of the iconic Elite game. Based in Cambridge, Frontier uses its proprietary COBRA game development technology to create innovative genre-leading games, primarily for personal computers and videogame consoles.

Frontier's LEI number: 213800B9LGPWUAZ9GX18.

www.frontier.co.uk

Interim Results Statement

REVENUE AND GROSS PROFIT

Revenue in H1 FY24 of GBP47.7 million was 17% lower than the comparative period (H1 FY23: GBP57.1 million).

The back-catalogue of games which released before the start of the financial year performed well in H1 FY24, generating 72% of total revenue. The largest contribution came from Frontier's established portfolio of CMS games - RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, Jurassic World Evolution and Jurassic World Evolution 2 - which together recorded GBP26.3 million of revenue in H1 FY24 (55% of total revenue), representing a sustain rate of 81% versus the comparative period (H1 FY23: GBP32.6 million).

The ongoing revenue contribution from those genre-leading CMS games shows the strength of Frontier's select, develop, launch and nurture strategy. As expected, the strongest performers in the period were Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Planet Zoo, which were both supported with free updates and multiple PDLC packs. Across the whole portfolio, PDLC accounted for 29% of total revenue in H1 FY24 (H1 FY23: 30%).

Revenue from new game releases in the period was lower than expected. Revenue from F1 (R) Manager reduced 34% from H1 FY23 to H1 FY24 through lower sales of F1 (R) Manager 2023 compared with F1 (R) Manager 2022. Launch sales of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin ('Realms of Ruin'), which released in November 2023, were lower than expected.

Although revenue reduced by GBP9.4 million (17%) against the comparative period, gross profit only decreased by GBP3.1 million (9%) to GBP33.0 million (H1 FY23: GBP36.1 million) through the positive impact of subscription fees and product mix, which boosted the gross profit margin percentage to 69% (H1 FY23: 63%). Frontier's gross margin percentage tends to vary between periods based on the revenue mix of own-IP games, licenced-IP games and subscription deals.

COSTS

In October 2023 Frontier announced an Organisational Review to reshape the Company to deliver more efficiently on its updated strategy. The cost-saving element of the Organisational Review is on-track to deliver against the targeted 20% reduction in annual operating expenditure. The timing of the cost reductions meant limited financial benefits in H1 FY24, with the impact of reductions starting in November and building during December and January. Costs will continue to reduce during H2 FY24 and it's expected that all cost reductions will be in place for the start of the next financial year on 1 June 2024. The Company recorded a GBP2.5 million provision for restructuring costs in H1 FY24.

Gross research and development expenses (before capitalisation and amortisation under IAS 38) in H1 FY24 reduced slightly to GBP25.5 million (H1 FY23: GBP25.9 million), with a rise in people costs being more than offset by a significant reduction in outsourced development costs and funding for Foundry games. Of the total gross spend 59% (GBP15.1 million) was capitalised (H1 FY23: 71%, GBP18.4 million) with the development costs for F1(R) Manager 2023 and F1(R) Manager 2024 being expensed as incurred instead of being capitalised, following the lower than expected financial performance of F1(R) Manager 2022 in 2023.

R&D amortisation and impairment charges related to previously capitalised game developments and Frontier's game technology increased to GBP37.6 million (H1 FY23: GBP8.6 million). The total charge in the period included a non-cash accounting full impairment for Realms of Ruin of GBP16.9 million following the lower than expected sale performance of the game at launch in November 2023. Amortisation charges accounted for the remaining GBP20.7 million of the total (H1 FY23: GBP8.6 million), with the increase over the comparative period the result of the updated approach to amortisation profiles as highlighted in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts. Intangible assets are now amortised more rapidly in the first 12 months following their release, through the adoption of a steeper amortisation charge profile than the previous default method of straight-line amortisation. The impairment charge and the updated approach to amortisation has not impacted Adjusted EBITDA, which is a measure of cash profitability, but has resulted in a short-term adverse impact on the reported IFRS operating result.

As a result of the lower level of development cost capitalisation, the increased amortisation charges and the impairment charge for Realms of Ruin, net research and development expenses as recorded in the consolidated income statement increased to GBP48.1 million (H1 FY23: GBP16.1 million), being gross spend of GBP25.5 million, less capitalised costs of GBP15.1 million, plus amortisation and impairment charges of GBP37.6 million.

Sales and marketing expenses in the period increased to GBP8.4 million (H1 FY23: GBP6.9 million) through two Frontier game launches in the period (F1 (R) Manager 2023 and Realms of Ruin) versus one launch in H1 FY23 (F1 (R) Manager 2022).

Administrative expenses of GBP7.4 million were higher than the comparative period (H1 FY23: GBP6.3 million), largely due to foreign exchange differences, with a foreign exchange gain of GBP1.0 million having been recorded in H1 FY23.

A restructuring charge of GBP2.5 million was recorded in the period following the announcement of the Organisational Review in October 2023. The charge included a full provision for all costs expected to be incurred through the review, which will conclude by the end of FY24.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Although gross profit in H1 FY24 only reduced by GBP3.1 million against the comparative period, operating performance as reported under IFRS fell by GBP37.7 million from an operating profit of GBP6.9 million in H1 FY23 to an operating loss before restructuring of GBP30.8 million in H1 FY24. This was primarily due to three factors; the Realms of Ruin impairment charge; a higher level of amortisation from the adoption of steeper amortisation charge profiles; and a lower level of development cost capitalisation.

In comparison to the IFRS result, performance as measured by Adjusted EBITDA, a measure of cash profitability, only reduced by GBP4.3 million to a loss of GBP4.9 million (H1 FY23: loss of GBP0.6 million), with gross profit reducing GBP3.1 million and cash operating costs increasing by GBP1.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation charges related to game developments and Frontier's game technology, less investments in game developments and Frontier's game technology, and excluding restructuring costs, share-based payment charges and other non-cash items.

Consistent with H1 FY23, a nil corporation tax amount was posted in H1 FY24. A net credit is expected to be posted in the full year FY24 results for the anticipated Video Games Tax Relief cash claim for qualifying development activity in the financial year. The Group will provide additional corporation tax disclosures in the FY24 financial statements.

A loss after tax of GBP33.1 million was recorded in the period (H1 FY23: profit of GBP6.7 million). Basic loss per share was 85.7 pence (H1 FY23: earnings per share of 17.2 pence).

BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW

The Group continues to be well capitalised, with a cash balance of GBP17.1 million at 30 November 2023 (31 May 2023: GBP28.3 million). Microsoft Game Pass subscription fees for F1 (R) Manager 2023 and Jurassic World Evolution 2 were received in December 2023, with cash at 31 December 2023 growing to GBP19.9 million. Cash from the sales recorded in December will be received from platform and channel partners in January and February.

 
 CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 
 FOR THE PERIODED 30 NOVEMBER 2023 
                                        Notes    6 months to    6 months to    12 months 
                                                  30 November    30 November    to 31 May 
                                                         2023           2022         2023 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    Revenue                                5           47,677         57,118      104,575 
    Cost of sales                                    (14,714)       (20,984)     (37,230) 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    Gross profit                                       32,963         36,134       67,345 
    Research and development expenses      8         (48,060)       (16,052)     (67,857) 
    Sales and marketing expenses                      (8,350)        (6,893)     (12,012) 
    Administrative expenses                           (7,369)        (6,333)     (14,056) 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    Operating (loss)/pro fit before 
     restructuring                                   (30,816)          6,856     (26,580) 
    Restructuring costs                               (2,500)              -            - 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    Operating (loss)/profit                          (33,316)          6,856     (26,580) 
    Net finance income/(costs)                            217          (137)           71 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    (Loss)/profit before tax                         (33,099)          6,719     (26,509) 
    Income tax                                              -              -        5,604 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    (Loss)/profit for the period 
     attributable to shareholders                    (33,099)          6,719     (20,905) 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
    Earnings per share 
    Basic (loss)/earnings per share        6          (85.7p)          17.2p      (53.6p) 
    Diluted (loss)/earnings per share      6          (85.7p)          16.5p      (53.6p) 
   -----------------------------------  ------  -------------  -------------  ----------- 
 
 All the activities of the Group are classified as continuing. 
 
   The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of this financial information. 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
  FOR THE PERIODED 30 NOVEMBER 2023 
 
 
                                                  6 months to   6 months to     12 months 
                                                                                        to 
                                                   30 November   30 November   31 May 2023 
                                                          2023          2022 
                                                       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
  ----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
   (Loss)/profit for the period                       (33,099)         6,719      (20,905) 
   Other comprehensive income 
   Items that will be reclassified subsequently 
    to profit or loss: 
   Exchange differences on translation 
    of foreign operations                                (146)            23         (578) 
  ----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
   Total comprehensive (loss)/income for 
    the period attributable to the equity 
    holders of the parent                             (33,245)         6,742      (21,483) 
  ----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of this financial information.

 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL 
  POSITION 
 AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2023 
 (REGISTERED COMPANY NO: 02892559) 
 
                                               30 November     30 November     31 May 2023 
                                    Notes             2023            2022         GBP'000 
                                                   GBP'000         GBP'000 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                            7,027          10,385           7,160 
 Other intangible assets             7              33,746          79,012          56,987 
 Property, plant and equipment                       5,415           6,171           5,696 
 Right-of-use assets                                17,506          18,673          17,860 
 Deferred tax assets                                     -           1,349               - 
 Total non-current assets                           63,694         115,590          87,703 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                        19,132          11,191          15,558 
 Current tax assets                                  5,805           4,094           9,438 
 Cash and cash equivalents                          17,134          42,639          28,311 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total current assets                               42,071          57,924          53,307 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total assets                                      105,765         173,514         141,010 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                         (13,929)        (18,430)        (16,521) 
 Provisions                                        (1,758)               -               - 
 Lease liabilities                                 (1,597)         (1,483)         (1,505) 
 Deferred income                                   (2,457)         (2,769)         (4,355) 
 Total current liabilities                        (19,741)        (22,682)        (22,381) 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Net current assets                                 22,330          35,242          30,926 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Provisions                                           (78)            (63)            (71) 
 Lease liabilities                                (17,416)        (18,525)        (17,773) 
 Other payables                                    (3,836)         (5,547)         (4,235) 
 Deferred income                                         -               -           (163) 
 Deferred tax liabilities                            (411)               -           (419) 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total non-current liabilities                    (21,741)        (24,135)        (22,661) 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total liabilities                                (41,482)        (46,817)        (45,042) 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Net assets                                         64,283         126,697          95,968 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                                         197             197             197 
 Share premium account                              36,547          36,468          36,547 
 Equity reserve                                   (13,953)        (11,998)        (14,553) 
 Foreign exchange reserve                            (742)               5           (596) 
 Retained earnings                                  42,234         102,025          74,373 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 Total equity                                       64,283         126,697          95,968 
-------------------------------  --------  ---------------  --------------  -------------- 
 
 

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of this financial information.

 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
  FOR THE PERIODED 30 NOVEMBER 2023 
 
                                   Share    Share premium           Equity          Foreign        Retained      Total 
                                 capital          account          reserve         exchange        earnings     equity 
                                 GBP'000          GBP'000          GBP'000          reserve         GBP'000    GBP'000 
                                                                                    GBP'000 
 At 31 May 2022                      197           36,468         (12,769)             (18)          94,492    118,370 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Profit for the period                 -                -                -                -           6,719      6,719 
 Other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Exchange differences on 
  translation 
  of foreign operations                -                -                -               23               -         23 
 Total comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period                       -                -                -               23           6,719      6,742 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Share-based payment 
  charges                              -                -            1,305                -               -      1,305 
 Share-based payment 
  transfer 
  relating to option 
  exercises 
  and lapses                           -                -            (814)                -             814          - 
 Employee Benefit Trust 
  net 
  cash inflows from 
  option exercises                     -                -              280                -               -        280 
 Transactions with 
  owners                               -                -              771                -             814      1,585 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 At 30 November 2022                 197           36,468         (11,998)                5         102,025    126,697 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Loss for the period                   -                -                -                -        (27,624)   (27,624) 
 Other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Exchange differences on 
  translation 
  of foreign operations                -                -                -            (601)               -      (601) 
 Total comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period                       -                -                -            (601)        (27,624)   (28,225) 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Issue of share capital 
  net 
  of expenses                          -               79                -                -               -         79 
 Share-based payment 
  charges                              -                -            2,035                -               -      2,035 
 Share-based payment 
  transfer 
  relating to option 
  exercises 
  and lapses                           -                -          (1,543)                -           1,543          - 
 Employee Benefit Trust 
  cash 
  outflows from share 
  purchases                            -                -          (3,000)                -               -    (3,000) 
 Employee Benefit Trust 
  net 
  cash inflows from 
  option exercises                     -                -             (47)                -               -       (47) 
 Deferred tax movements 
  posted 
  directly to reserves                 -                -                -                -         (1,571)    (1,571) 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Transactions with 
  owners                               -               79          (2,555)                -            (28)    (2,504) 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 At 31 May 2023                      197           36,547         (14,553)            (596)          74,373     95,968 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Loss for the period                   -                -                -                -        (33,099)   (33,099) 
 Other comprehensive 
 income: 
 Exchange differences on 
  translation 
  of foreign operations                -                -                -            (146)               -      (146) 
 Total comprehensive 
  income 
  for the period                       -                -                -            (146)        (33,099)   (33,245) 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 Share-based payment 
  charges                              -                -            1,559                -               -      1,559 
 Share-based payment 
  transfer 
  relating to option 
  exercises 
  and lapses                           -                -            (960)                -             960          - 
 Employee Benefit Trust 
  net 
  cash inflows from 
  option exercises                     -                -                1                -               -          1 
 Transactions with 
  owners                               -                -              600                -             960      1,560 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 At 30 November 2023                 197           36,547         (13,953)            (742)          42,234     64,283 
------------------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------  --------- 
 

The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of this financial information.

 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS 
  FOR THE PERIODED 30 NOVEMBER 2023 
                                         6 months to      6 months to     12 months to 
                                         30 November      30 November      31 May 2023 
                                                2023             2022          GBP'000 
                                             GBP'000          GBP'000 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 (Loss)/profit before taxation              (33,099)            6,719         (26,509) 
 Adjustments for : 
  Depreciation and amortisation               24,467           12,289           41,438 
  Impairment of other intangible 
   assets                                     16,930                -           18,117 
  Movement in unrealised exchange 
   losses 
   on forward contracts                        (114)            (817)            (239) 
  Share-based payment expenses                 1,559            1,305            3,340 
  Interest received                            (504)            (166)            (677) 
  Payment of interest element of 
   lease 
   liabilities                                   287              303              607 
  Research and Development 
   Expenditure 
   Credits                                     (236)                -          (4 81 ) 
 Working capital changes: 
  Change in trade and other 
   receivables                               (3,460)           15,451           11,084 
  Change in trade and other payables         (6,150)          (6,228)          (3,114) 
  Change in provisions                         1,765                7               15 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Cash generated from operations                1,445           28,863           43,581 
 Taxes received                                3,919            4,021            4,294 
 Net cash flows from operating 
  activities                                   5,364           32,884           47,875 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Investing activities 
 Purchase of property, plant and 
  equipment                                    (787)            (645)          (1,335) 
 Expenditure on other intangible 
  assets                                    (15,227)         (18,895)         (42,046) 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of 
  cash acquired)                                   -          (8,847)          (9,606) 
 Interest received                               504              166              677 
 Net cash flows used in investing 
  activities                                (15,510)         (28,221)         (52,310) 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from issue of share capital              -                -               79 
 Employee Benefit Trust cash outflows 
  from share purchases                             -                -          (3,000) 
 Employee Benefit Trust cash inflows 
  from option exercises                            1              280              233 
 Repayment of loans                                -                -          (1,260) 
 Payment of principal element of 
  lease 
  liabilities                                  (747)            (731)          (1,461) 
 Payment of interest element of lease 
  liabilities                                  (287)            (303)            (607) 
 Net cash flows used in financing 
  activities                                 (1,033)            (754)          (6,016) 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Net change in cash and cash 
  equivalents 
  from continuing operations                (11,179)            3,909         (10,451) 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  beginning 
  of period                                   28,311           38,699           38,699 
 Exchange differences on cash and 
  cash 
  equivalents                                      2               31               63 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of period                                   17,134           42,639           28,311 
-------------------------------------  -------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 
 The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of this financial 
  information. 
 
 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   1.    CORPORATE INFORMATION 

Frontier Developments plc (the 'Group' or the 'Company') develops and publishes video games for the interactive entertainment sector. The Company is a public limited company and is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom.

The address of its registered office is 26 Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0FP.

The Group's operations are based and headquartered in the UK, with subsidiaries based in Canada and the US.

   2.     BASIS OF PREPARATION AND STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 

Basis of preparation

The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' (IAS 34), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the UK, and the disclosure requirements of the Listing Rules.

The consolidated interim financial statements do not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors.

The consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023.

Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 May 2023 were approved by the Board of Directors on 12 September 2023 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditor's Report was unqualified, did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial information has been prepared under the historical cost convention except for financial instruments held at fair value. The financial information is presented in Sterling, the presentation and functional currency for the Group and Company. All values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds (GBP'000) except when otherwise indicated.

Going concern basis

The Group's and Company's forecasts and projections, taking account of current cash resources and reasonably possible changes in trading performance, support the conclusion that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group and Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of not less than 12 months from the date of the consolidated interim financial statements. The Group and Company therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing their financial statements.

   3.    ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the Group's most recent annual financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023.

   4.    ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND KEY JUDGEMENTS 

When preparing the consolidated interim financial statements, management undertakes a number of judgements, estimates and assumptions about recognition and measurements of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The actual results may differ from these estimates.

The judgements, estimates and assumptions applied in the interim financial statements, including the key sources of estimation uncertainty, were the same as those applied in the Group's last annual financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023.

   5.      SEGMENT INFORMATION 

The Group identifies operating segments based on internal management reporting that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker and reported to the Board. The chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer.

Management information is reported as one operating segment, being revenue from publishing games and revenue from other streams such as royalties and licensing.

The Group does not provide any information on the geographical location of sales as the majority of revenue is through third-party distribution platforms which are responsible for the sales data of consumers. The cost to develop this information internally would be excessive.

The majority of the Group's non-current assets are held within the UK.

All material revenue is categorised as either publishing revenue or other revenue.

The Group typically satisfies its performance obligations at the point that the product becomes available to the customer and payment is received upfront by the distributors.

Other revenue mainly related to royalty income in all periods.

 
                                                     6 months    6 months to    12 months 
                                               to 30 November    30 November    to 31 May 
                                                         2023           2022         2023 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000      GBP'000 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Publishing revenue                                    46,654         56,971      104,084 
 Other revenue                                          1,023            147          491 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Total revenue                                         47,677         57,118      104,575 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Cost of sales                                       (14,714)       (20,984)     (37,230) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Gross profit                                          32,963         36,134       67,345 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Research and development expenses                   (48,060)       (16,052)     (67,857) 
 Sales and marketing expenses                         (8,350)        (6,893)     (12,012) 
 Administrative expenses                              (7,369)        (6,333)     (14,056) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit before 
  restructuring                                      (30,816)          6,856     (26,580) 
 Restructuring costs                                  (2,500)              -            - 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit                             (33,316)          6,856     (26,580) 
 Net finance income/(costs)                               217          (137)           71 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 (Loss)/profit before tax                            (33,099)          6,719     (26,509) 
 Income tax                                                 -              -        5,604 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 (Loss)/profit for the period attributable 
  to shareholders                                    (33,099)          6,719     (20,905) 
-------------------------------------------  ----------------  -------------  ----------- 
 

6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the profit/(loss) attributable to the shareholders of Frontier Developments plc divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.

 
 
                                                      6 months       6 months to         12 months 
                                                to 30 November       30 November         to 31 May 
                                                          2023              2022              2023 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders 
  (GBP'000)                                           (33,099)             6,719          (20,905) 
 Weighted average number of shares                  38,601,286        39,018,948        39,025,746 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 Basic (loss)/earnings per share 
  (p)                                                   (85.7)              17.2            (53.6) 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 The calculation of the diluted earnings per share is based on the profit/(loss) 
  attributable to the shareholders of Frontier Developments plc divided 
  by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period 
  as adjusted for the dilutive effect of share options. 
 
                                                      6 months          6 months       12 months 
                                                to 30 November    to 30 November       to 31 May 
                                                          2023              2022            2023 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 (Loss)/profit attributable to shareholders 
  (GBP'000)                                           (33,099)             6,719        (20,905) 
 Diluted weighted average number of 
  shares                                            38,601,286        40,598,671      39,025,746 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 Diluted (loss)/earnings per share 
  (p)                                                   (85.7)              16.5          (53.6) 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 
 The reconciliation of the average number of Ordinary Shares used for 
  basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                                      6 months          6 months       12 months 
                                                to 30 November    to 30 November              to 
                                                          2023              2022     31 May 2023 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 Weighted average number of shares                  38,601,286        39,018,948      39,025,746 
 Dilutive effect of share options                            -         1,579,723               - 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 Diluted average number of shares                   38,601,286        40,598,671      39,025,746 
--------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  -------------- 
 
 

The dilutive effect of share options is nil for the 6 months to 30 November 2023 because a loss was recorded for the period.

7. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 
                                  Game technology   Game developments   Third-party 
                                          GBP'000             GBP'000      software     IP licences       Total 
                                                                            GBP'000         GBP'000     GBP'000 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Cost 
 At 31 May 2022                            19,733             129,393         2,390          11,185     162,701 
 Additions                                  1,643              16,786           106               -      18,535 
 Acquisition of a subsidiary                    -                   -            62               -          62 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 At 30 November 2022                       21,376             146,179         2,558          11,185     181,298 
 Additions                                  1,806              17,396           323               -      19,525 
 Acquisition of a subsidiary                    -               3,910           (4)               -       3,906 
 Exchange rate movement                         -               (300)             -               -       (300) 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 At 31 May 2023                            23,182             167,185         2,877          11,185     204,429 
 Additions                                  2,218              12,835           174           1,047      16,274 
 Exchange rate movement                         -                (86)             -               -        (86) 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 At 30 November 2023                       25,400             179,934         3,051          12,232     220,617 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
 Amortisation and impairment 
 At 31 May 2022                             9,173              77,970         1,651           3,074      91,868 
 Amortisation charges                       1,512               7,293           210           1,341      10,356 
 Acquisition of a subsidiary                    -                   -            62               -          62 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 At 30 November 2022                       10,685              85,263         1,923           4,415     102,286 
 Amortisation charges                       2,357              24,605           211               -      27,173 
 Acquisition of a subsidiary                    -                   -           (4)               -         (4) 
 Impairment charges                         3,919              12,474             -           1,724      18,117 
 Exchange rate movement                         -               (130)             -               -       (130) 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 At 31 May 2023                            16,961             122,212         2,130           6,139     147,442 
 Amortisation charges                       1,542              19,124           211           1,686      22,563 
 Impairment charges                             -              15,502             -           1,428      16,930 
 Exchange rate movement                         -                (64)             -               -        (64) 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 At 30 November 2023                       18,503             156,774         2,341           9,253     186,871 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 
 Net book value 
 Net book value at 30 November 
  2023                                      6,897              23,160           710           2,979      33,746 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Net book value at 31 May 
  2023                                      6,221              44,973           747           5,046      56,987 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Net book value at 30 November 
  2022                                     10,691              60,916           635           6,770      79,012 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 Net book value at 31 May 
  2022                                     10,560              51,423           739           8,111      70,833 
-------------------------------  ----------------  ------------------  ------------  --------------  ---------- 
 

8. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - NON-STATUTORY MEASURES

In addition to measures of financial performance derived from IFRS reported results - revenue, operating profit, operating profit margin percentage, earnings per share and net cash balance - Frontier publishes, and provides commentary on, financial performance measurements derived from non-statutory calculations. Frontier believes these supplementary measures, when read in conjunction with the measures derived directly from statutory financial reporting, provide a better understanding of Frontier's overall financial performance.

EBITDA

EBITDA, being earnings before tax, interest, depreciation, and amortisation, is commonly used by investors when assessing the financial performance of companies. It attempts to arrive at a 'cash profit' figure by adjusting operating profit for non-cash depreciation and amortisation charges. In Frontier's case, EBITDA does not provide a clear picture of the Group's cash profitability, as it adds back amortisation charges relating to game developments, but without deducting the investment costs for those developments, resulting in a profit measure which does not take into account any of the costs associated with developing games. Since EBITDA is a commonly used financial performance measure, it has been included below for the benefit of readers of the accounts who may value that measure of performance.

 
                                    6 months to    6 months to      12 months 
                                    30 November    30 November             to 
                                           2023           2022    31 May 2023 
                                        GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Operating (loss)/profit before 
  restructuring                        (30,816)          6,856       (26,580) 
 Depreciation and amortisation           24,467         12,291         41,438 
 Impairment of other intangible 
  assets                                 16,930              -         18,117 
 EBITDA                                  10,581         19,147         32,975 
--------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

Adjusted EBITDA

Frontier also discloses an Adjusted EBITDA measure which, in the Group's view, provides a better representation of 'cash profit' than EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for Frontier is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation charges related to game developments and Frontier's game technology, less investments in game developments and Frontier's game technology, and excluding impairment charges, share-based payment charges and other non-cash items. This effectively provides the cash profit figure that would have been achieved if Frontier expensed all game development investment as it was incurred, rather than capitalising those costs and amortising them over several years.

 
                                                     6 months       6 months     12 months 
                                                           to             to     to 31 May 
                                                  30 November    30 November          2023 
                                                         2023           2022       GBP'000 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 Operating (loss)/profit before restructuring        (30,816)          6,856      (26,580) 
 Add back non-cash intangible asset 
  amortisation charges for game developments 
  and Frontier's game technology                       20,666          8,589        34,490 
 Add back non-cash intangible asset 
  impairment charges                                   16,930              -        18,117 
 Deduct capitalised investment costs 
  in game developments and Frontier's 
  game technology                                    (15,054)       (18,429)      (37,632) 
 Add back non-cash depreciation charges                 1,904          1,934         3,909 
 Add back non-cash movements in unrealised 
  exchange (gains)/losses on forward 
  contracts                                             (114)          (817)         (239) 
 Add back non-cash share-based payment 
  expenses                                              1,559          1,305         3,340 
 Adjusted EBITDA loss                                 (4,925)          (562)       (4,595) 
----------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  ------------ 
 

Research and development (R&D) expenses

Research and development (R&D) expenses recorded in Frontier's consolidated income statement are arrived at after capitalising game development costs and after recording amortisation charges for games which have been released. Similar to the principles of the Adjusted EBITDA measure showing financial performance as if all game development investments were expensed as incurred, Frontier provides commentary on the difference between gross R&D expenses (before capitalisation/amortisation) and net R&D expenses (after capitalisation/ amortisation). The net R&D expenses figure aligns with the R&D expenses recorded in the consolidated income statement, whereas the gross R&D expenses figure provides a better representation of 'cash spend' on R&D activities.

 
                                                     6 months       6 months      12 months 
                                                           to             to             to 
                                                  30 November    30 November    31 May 2023 
                                                         2023           2022        GBP'000 
                                                      GBP'000        GBP'000 
--------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------  ------------- 
 Gross R&D expenses                                    25,518         25,892         52,882 
 Capitalised investment costs in 
  game developments and Frontier's 
  game technology                                    (15,054)       (18,429)       (37,632) 
 Amortisation charges for game developments 
  and Frontier's game technology                       20,666          8,589         34,490 
 Impairments of other intangible 
  assets                                               16,930              -         18,117 
 Net R&D expenses                                      48,060         16,052         67,857 
--------------------------------------------  ---------------  -------------  ------------- 
 

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.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

IR BFMRTMTABBAI

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 17, 2024 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

1 Year Frontier Developments Chart

1 Year Frontier Developments Chart

1 Month Frontier Developments Chart

1 Month Frontier Developments Chart