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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merlin Entertainments Plc | LSE:MERL | London | Ordinary Share | GB00BDZT6P94 | ORD 1P |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 454.60 | 454.60 | 454.70 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMMERL
RNS Number : 0866N
Merlin Entertainments plc
04 August 2017
Merlin Entertainments plc - 2017 Interim Results
Diversified portfolio drives underlying growth
Continued progress against strategic growth drivers
2017 profit outlook in line with expectations
4 August 2017
Merlin Entertainments, Europe's leading and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, today reports results for the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017.
Key trading highlights
Hot Features
Premium
26 weeks 26 weeks Total Total
ended ended growth growth Like
1 July 25 June at actual at constant for like
2017 2016 FX FX(2) growth(3)
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Visitors(1) (m) 29.7 28.0 6.2%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Revenue (GBPm) 685 573 19.4% 9.6% 3.7%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
EBITDA (GBPm) 144 126 14.6% 2.4%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Operating profit
(GBPm) 73 70 5.1% (8.3)%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Profit before tax
(GBPm) 50 50 0.7%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Profit for the
period (GBPm) 37 37 1.1%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Earnings per share
(p) 3.7 3.6 0.6%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Dividend per share
(p) 2.4 2.2 9.1%
-------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Summary
-- Group revenue grew by 19.4% (9.6% on a constant currency basis), reflecting a strong contribution from new accommodation and attractions, and continued like for like revenue growth;
-- LEGOLAND Parks revenue increased by 34.6% at actual FX rates. On a constant currency basis, revenue grew by 20.8% due to the opening of LEGOLAND Japan, a strong Easter trading period driving 8.0% like for like growth and the positive contribution from new accommodation including the new 'Beach Retreat' in LEGOLAND Florida;
-- Midway Attractions delivered 11.3% revenue growth or 2.3% on a constant currency basis. The opening of new Midway attractions offset a decline in like for like revenue of 0.4%, which reflected a more subdued London market as well as the expected phasing of growth;
-- Resort Theme Parks revenue grew by 12.7%. Revenue growth of 7.7% at constant currency was driven by a 6.2% growth in like for like revenue, due to a strong Easter and a soft comparative period;
-- Profit before tax was stable in part due to a number of adverse timing effects which will normalise in the second half of 2017;
-- Good progress towards the 2020 strategic milestones:
- Five new Midway attractions opened in the period, including our new brand 'Little BIG City' in Berlin;
- 381 new accommodation rooms opened to date across four of our theme parks (including 305 during the period);
- LEGOLAND Japan opened on 1 April 2017, ahead of schedule and on budget.
Nick Varney, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"We have delivered revenue growth of 9.6% in the first half of 2017 as we continue to execute against our six strategic growth drivers. This reflects growth in both our existing estate and the contribution of our New Business Development programme - in particular, the opening of our new LEGOLAND park in Japan which has already welcomed over half a million visitors.
We continue to be excited by the long term underlying growth prospects in our market and have the strategy in place to exploit these. We remain on track to meet our 2020 milestone targets, supported not only by the attractions and accommodation opened to date, but also by the progress we have made on the pipeline, in particular the ongoing development of new brands which will underpin the longer term roll out."
Outlook
As we approach the peak trading period, we are making good progress across most of our businesses, although we remain cautious on the near term outlook for our UK attractions, reflecting the recent terror attacks.
Despite this trading uncertainty, due to the increasing diversification of the portfolio, the ongoing roll out of new attractions and accommodation, and our continued focus on productivity and efficiencies, we anticipate delivering full year profits in line with current expectations.
An update on our peak season performance will be provided in the Summer trading statement on 5 October.
Delivering on the strategy
The Group has made good progress against its strategic growth drivers so far in 2017, notably in the following areas:
Growing the existing estate through planned investment cycles
-- Compelling new propositions opened across the estate, including:
o Midway Attractions - New product including 'Ocean Invaders' at SEA LIFE London Aquarium and 'Fashion Week Experience' at Madame Tussauds Sydney.
o LEGOLAND Parks - 'NINJAGO World' now open at six of our parks.
o Resort Theme Parks - 'The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure' at Chessington World of Adventures and 'Ghostbusters: 5D' at Heide Park.
Transforming our theme parks into destination resorts
-- Further progress towards 2020 milestone of adding 2,000 new rooms across the estate:
o 80 room expansion of the Holiday Village in LEGOLAND Billund.
o 166 room Holiday Village at LEGOLAND Florida.
o 61 room Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND Windsor.
o Additionally, the 76 room CBeebies Land Hotel at Alton Towers opened after the end of the period.
Rolling out new Midway attractions
-- Openings in 2017 have comprised LEGOLAND Discovery Centres in Melbourne and Philadelphia, Madame Tussauds in Nashville, SEA LIFE Centre in Chongqing, and the launch of a new brand - 'Little BIG City' in Berlin on 1 July.
-- Madame Tussauds Delhi expected to open in the second half of the year. -- Continued development of new brands to support the longer term roll out.
New LEGOLAND park developments
-- LEGOLAND Japan opened under an operated and leased model in April 2017. -- Progress on LEGOLAND Korea infrastructure. -- Currently seeking the required consents to open a LEGOLAND park in New York. -- Continue to explore further potential sites in China.
Dividend
The Board announces its intention to pay an interim dividend of 2.4 pence per share representing a 9.1% increase year on year. This is set to equal one third of the 2016 dividend, in accordance with guidance previously provided.
Information regarding the proposed interim dividend
The timetable for the interim dividend payment of 2.4 pence per share is as follows:
Ex-dividend 17 August Date 2017 ------------ ------------- Record 18 August Date 2017 ------------ ------------- Payment 25 September Date 2017 ------------ -------------
The Company will also provide a Dividend Re-Investment Plan (DRIP). The last day for electing for the DRIP will be 4 September 2017.
References to dividend per share are quoted gross of tax.
Footnotes to key trading highlights table:
(1) Visitors represents all individual visits to Merlin owned or operated attractions.
(2) Constant currency basis, using 2017 year to date exchange rates.
(3) Like for like growth refers to the growth between 2016 and 2017 on a constant currency basis using 2017 exchange rates and includes all businesses owned and operated before the start of 2016.
Audio webcast
An audio webcast for analysts will be held this morning at 08:30 and can be accessed via Merlin's corporate website, www.merlinentertainments.biz.
Participant Dial in: +44 (0) 2071 928000
Conference ID: 53771977
Contact details:
For further information please contact:
Investors
Simon Whittington +44 (0)1202 493 011
Media
James Crampton +44 (0)1932 481 676 Brunswick Fiona Micallef-Eynaud / Imran Jina +44 (0)20 7404 5959
Merlin Entertainments plc is a global leader in location based, family entertainment. As Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 100 attractions, 15 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable experiences to its more than 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its c.27,000 employees (peak season).
About our attractions:
Merlin operates two distinct products, managed in three Operating Groups.
Midway
'Midway' attractions are high quality, branded, indoor attractions, with a typical 1-2 hour dwell time, located in city centres or resorts. There are over 100 Midway attractions across 21 countries, with five established chainable brands: SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, The Eye (observation attractions), The Dungeons and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres. Midway also incorporates our newest brand 'Little BIG City'.
Theme Parks
Merlin's theme parks are larger multi-day outdoor destination venues, incorporating on-site themed accommodation. These are organised into two specific Operating Groups, based on the brands.
-- LEGOLAND Parks - Eight LEGO themed interactive theme parks appealing to younger families with children aged 2-12. The LEGOLAND Parks estate spans seven countries across three continents, with plans already announced for a further park in South Korea, having most recently opened LEGOLAND Japan in April 2017.
-- Resort Theme Parks - Six nationally recognised destination theme parks arranged around a central theme. The parks offering includes Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, Gardaland (Italy), Heide Park (Northern Germany), THORPE PARK and Warwick Castle.
Milestones:
In February 2016, Merlin announced the introduction of three New Business Development milestones, comprising:
-- 2,000 new rooms by the end of 2020 -- 40 new Midway attractions by the end of 2020 -- Four new LEGOLAND parks by the end of 2020
Visit http://www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
Number of attractions
Movement in the number of attractions between 31 December 2016 and 1 July 2017:
UK Cont. Americas Asia Pacific Total
Europe
----------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
31 Mov't 1 31 Mov't 1 31 Mov't 1 31 Mov't 1 31 Mov't 1
Dec Jul Dec Jul Dec Jul Dec Jul Dec Jul
2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017
SEA
LIFE 13 - 13 18 - 18 8 - 8 8 1 9 47 1 48
MT(1) 2 - 2 4 - 4 6 1 7 9 - 9 21 1 22
Dungeons 5 - 5 3 - 3 1 - 1 - - - 9 - 9
LDC(2) 1 - 1 3 - 3 9 1 10 3 1 4 16 2 18
Eye 2 - 2 - - - 1 - 1 1 - 1 4 - 4
Shrek(3) 1 - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - 1
Other - - - - 1 1 - - - 6 - 6 6 1 7
Midway(4) 24 - 24 28 1 29 25 2 27 27 2 29 104 5 109
LLP(5) 1 - 1 2 - 2 2 - 2 2 1 3 7 1 8
RTP(6) 4 - 4 2 - 2 - - - - - - 6 - 6
Group 29 - 29 32 1 33 27 2 29 29 3 32 117 6 123
------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ----- ------ ------
Note:
(1) Madame Tussauds
(2) LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
(3) DreamWorks Tours - Shrek's Adventure!
(4) Midway Attractions Operating Group
(5) LEGOLAND Parks Operating Group
(6) Resort Theme Parks Operating Group
Attractions opened to date in 2017 comprise: LDC Philadelphia, LDC Melbourne, SLC Chongqing, MT Nashville, Little BIG City Berlin and LEGOLAND Japan.
Number of rooms
Movement in the number of accommodation rooms between 31 December 2016 and 1 July 2017:
31-Dec-16 Mov't 1-Jul-17
Billund (Denmark) 356 80 436
Windsor (UK) 150 59 209
California 250 - 250
Deutschland 319 - 319
Florida 152 166 318
Malaysia 249 - 249
Dubai - - -
Japan - - -
LEGOLAND Parks 1,476 305 1,781
Alton Towers (UK)
(1) 516 - 516
Chessington World
of Adventures (UK) 254 - 254
Gardaland (Italy) 347 - 347
Heide Park (Germany) 329 - 329
THORPE PARK (UK) 90 - 90
Warwick Castle
(UK) 71 - 71
Resort Theme Parks 1,607 - 1,607
Group 3,083 305 3,388
------------------------ ---------- ------ ---------
Note:
Table shows movement in room count net of any closures in the period.
Excludes campsite pitches at LEGOLAND Deutschland and LEGOLAND Billund.
(1) The 76 room hotel at Alton Towers opened on 8 July, after the end of the period under review.
Chief Executive Officer's review
Overview
Merlin operates in a structurally attractive marketplace, with increasing demand for leisure activities. We anticipate long term growth in international visitation to 'gateway' cities, driven by the increased propensity of resident populations to 'short break' and the desire and ability of emerging market consumers to travel. Our theme parks also benefit from the shift in demand towards more short breaks, given our increased focus on themed accommodation. We further believe that, across the Group, an increasingly digital world means that consumers place greater value on spending high-quality time with family and friends.
With our iconic brands and assets, we continue to pursue a set of clear strategies - our six strategic growth drivers - to exploit these attractive market trends. We seek to deliver growth in the existing estate through continued investment and leverage of our increasing scale; we will open accommodation alongside our theme parks, developing them into multi-day, resort destinations; we will open new Midway attractions in new and existing geographies, and we will also continue our global roll out of LEGOLAND parks. Finally, we operate in a fragmented market where strategic acquisitions and partnerships can offer further opportunities, often to support our other strategic growth drivers.
Merlin made good progress against these strategic growth drivers in the first half of 2017, with performance again reflecting the increasingly diversified nature of the Group. Despite a difficult backdrop in some markets and ongoing cost pressures, we have reported continued growth, driven by the contribution from New Business Development and growth in the existing estate, underpinned by our focus on cost efficiency and productivity. Foreign exchange further supported our reported results due to the weakening of Sterling following the Brexit vote of June 2016, due to more than 70% of profits being generated outside of the UK.
The diversity of the portfolio across geographies and brands, coupled with the combination of existing estate and New Business Development growth, allow us to weather short term volatility and provide us with confidence in the long term prospects for the business.
Operating Group Review
Midway Attractions
GBPmillion Total Total
26 weeks 26 weeks growth growth Like for
ended ended at at like
1 July 2017 25 June Actual Constant Growth
2016 FX FX
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Revenue 300 270 11.3% 2.3% (0.4)%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
EBITDA 89 91 (1.6)% (8.8)%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Operating
profit 57 64 (11.1)% (16.9)%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
The Midway Attractions Operating Group grew revenues by 2.3% on a constant currency basis. A decline in revenues of 0.4% on a like for like basis was in part due to the adverse effect of the 53(rd) week in 2016, resulting in fewer peak days trading at the beginning of 2017. This effect will normalise in the second half of the year. New Business Development, combined with the benefit of a positive, translational impact of foreign exchange movements resulted in reported growth of 11.3%.
Trading in London, which is the Operating Group's largest Division, improved markedly at the beginning of the year, reflecting good growth in international visitation to the city following favourable movements in foreign exchange rates. The series of terror attacks in the UK however immediately and significantly reduced domestic demand, and we remain cautious on international visitation over the key summer trading period given the lag between international bookings and visitation.
In North America, we have experienced softer trading, in particular in our LEGOLAND Discovery Centres where trading is more closely linked to the performance of the LEGO Group.
Elsewhere, trading has continued to be positive overall.
Our Midway roll out programme, which has seen attractions open towards the end of the period, included LEGOLAND Discovery Centres in Philadelphia and Melbourne, Madame Tussauds in Nashville, SEA LIFE Centre in Chongqing and the first of our new brand 'Little BIG City' in Berlin.
EBITDA declined by 1.6% (8.8% on a constant currency basis) as a result of the revenue performance and the GBP5 million sales tax rebate recognised in the comparative period (GBP2 million recognised during the first half of 2017). We retain our focus on driving productivity improvements and efficiencies which during the period have partly mitigated the softer trading.
Operating profit declined by 11.1% (16.9% on a constant currency basis) as a result of the lower EBITDA, and an increase in depreciation, reflecting continued investment in the estate.
LEGOLAND Parks
GBPmillion Total Total
26 weeks 26 weeks growth growth Like for
ended ended at at like
1 July 2017 25 June Actual Constant Growth
2016 FX FX
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Revenue 267 198 34.6% 20.8% 8.0%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
EBITDA 85 66 29.0% 15.4%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Operating
profit 67 53 26.7% 13.2%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
The LEGOLAND Parks Operating Group grew revenues by 20.8% on a constant currency basis. Growth in like for like revenues of 8.0% benefited from the phasing effect from the 53(rd) week in 2016, and was augmented by New Business Development, in particular the opening of LEGOLAND Japan. Reported growth of 34.6% reflects the positive, translational impact of foreign exchange movements.
In the existing estate, we have seen an improvement in trading driven by an increase in visitation across each of our parks. The Operating Group benefited from a strong Easter, continued compelling product offerings and, to a lesser extent, the promotional activity around 'The LEGO Batman Movie', launched in February.
In April, we opened LEGOLAND Japan as part of our target of opening four new parks over the period 2016-2020. The project was opened ahead of schedule and on budget, with trading to date in line with expectations.
A further positive contribution was made through the accommodation opened in 2016 and so far in 2017, including the new 'Beach Retreat' in Florida and expansion of the Holiday Village at LEGOLAND Billund.
As a result of strong revenue growth, including the opening of LEGOLAND Japan and the related pre-opening costs, EBITDA grew by 29.0% (15.4% on a constant currency basis), and operating profit grew by 26.7% (13.2% on a constant currency basis).
Resort Theme Parks
GBPmillion Total Total
26 weeks 26 weeks growth growth Like for
ended ended at at like
1 July 2017 25 June Actual Constant Growth
2016 FX FX
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Revenue 118 104 12.7% 7.7% 6.2%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
EBITDA (4) (8) 46.8% 46.2%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Operating
loss (21) (22) 4.5% 6.5%
------------ ------------ --------- -------- --------- ---------
Resort Theme Parks Operating Group (RTP) revenue grew by 7.7% on a constant currency basis, including like for like revenue growth of 6.2% which benefited from the phasing effect from the 53(rd) week in 2016. Accommodation opened in 2016 contributed approximately 1.5 percentage points to growth. Reported growth of 12.7% further reflects the positive, translational impact of foreign exchange movements.
Trading in Resort Theme Parks started the year well, enjoying a strong Easter period and benefiting from a soft comparative period. The series of terror attacks in the UK however resulted in a softer UK theme park market towards the end of the period and RTP growth rates are expected to moderate in the second half of the year. Alton Towers continues to show positive momentum in leisure visitation and we remain confident in its full recovery.
Continuing our strategy of investing in the existing estate according to a pre-determined capex cycle, Chessington World of Adventures enjoyed a significant uplift in visitation following its major product investment of 'The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure', and Heide Park also successfully used Intellectual Property, launching 'Ghostbusters: 5D' in partnership with Sony Pictures.
An EBITDA and operating loss of GBP4 million and GBP21 million respectively was recognised in the period, primarily as a result of the seasonality of the Operating Group.
Chief Financial Officer's review
Revenue
Reported revenue grew by 19.4%, or GBP112 million to GBP685 million. On a constant currency basis, total revenue grew by 9.6%.
On a like for like basis, revenues grew by 3.7%. The 53(rd) week included in 2016 resulted in the 2017 financial year starting on 1 January, compared to 27 December 2015 in the 2016 financial year. This had an adverse effect on the Midway Operating Group's performance in the first half of 2017 as fewer peak days were included than in the comparative period. Conversely, the theme parks Operating Groups saw some benefit due to the seasonality of their businesses which benefit from trade in the period from 25 June to 1 July more so than the New Year period. This impact is expected to normalise by the end of the year.
We made good progress towards our 2020 milestones. The opening of five new Midway attractions in the period, together with the full year effect of the five 2016 openings, contributed GBP8 million to revenue growth, whilst new accommodation added GBP5 million.
The openings of LEGOLAND Dubai on 31 October and LEGOLAND Japan on 1 April 2017 added GBP25 million to revenue.
EBITDA
EBITDA grew by 14.6% at reported foreign exchange rates, and by 2.4% on a constant currency basis. The margin decline from 22.0% to 21.1% is due in part to a number of timing effects, including the opening of LEGOLAND Japan which made significant revenue, but limited EBITDA, contribution in the period, the phasing of the Midway roll out, and the softer Midway trading performance. Furthermore, Midway recognised a GBP5 million sales tax rebate in the prior period, compared to GBP2 million in the first half of 2017. We continue to focus on cost efficiencies and productivity as we seek to offset ongoing cost pressures.
Operating profit
Operating profit grew by 5.1% (decline of 8.3% at constant currency) reflecting the expected seasonality of the business, and that growth in depreciation is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year. We continue to expect a depreciation charge of approximately GBP150 million in 2017.
Interest
Net finance costs of GBP23 million were GBP3 million higher than the prior period, reflecting predominantly the effect of foreign exchange movements. We continue to expect an interest charge of approximately GBP45 million in 2017.
Taxation
A tax charge of GBP13 million represents an effective tax rate of 26.0%, in line with our expectation for the full year.
Foreign exchange rate sensitivity
Merlin's income statement is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates principally on the translation of our non-Sterling earnings. The tables below show the impact on 2016 revenues and EBITDA of re-translating them at 2017 foreign exchange (FX) rates. The seasonality of the Group results in a bias towards non-European earnings, with a higher margin, in the first half of the year.
%age
H1 2017 H1 2016 movement Revenue
average average in FX impact
Currency FX rates FX rates rates GBPm
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
USD 1.26 1.44 12.6% 27
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
EUR 1.16 1.29 10.0% 11
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
AUD 1.68 1.98 15.4% 5
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Other 9
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Change in 2016 revenues
at 2017 FX rates 52
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Note: Weighted-average FX rates
%age
H1 2017 H1 2016 movement EBITDA
average average in FX impact
Currency FX rates FX rates rates GBPm
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
USD 1.26 1.44 12.6% 10
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
EUR 1.16 1.28 9.3% 1
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
AUD 1.67 2.01 17.0% 1
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Other 3
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Change in 2016 EBITDA at
2017 FX rates 15
-------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Note: Weighted-average FX rates
Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic earnings per share was 3.7p (2016: 3.6p).
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Profit attributable to shareholders 37 37
--------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Weighted average number of shares (million) 1,018 1,014
--------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Basic earnings per share (p) 3.7p 3.6p
--------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Dividend
Merlin is today declaring a 2.4 pence per share interim dividend (2016: 2.2p). This will be paid on 25 September 2017 to shareholders on the register on 18 August 2017.
Cash flow
26 weeks
26 weeks ended
ended 25 June
1 July 2016
2017GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
EBITDA 144 126
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Working capital and other movements 70 47
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Tax paid (34) (24)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net cash inflow from operating activities 180 149
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Capital expenditure (202) (120)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Investments (12) (25)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net increase in borrowings 134 -
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Interest paid, net of interest received (21) (20)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Refinancing and other costs (2) -
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Dividend paid (50) (45)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Other 6 4
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) for the period 33 (57)
------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net cash flow from operating activities of GBP180 million was GBP31 million higher than the prior year, due to higher EBITDA and increased working capital inflow more than offsetting higher cash tax payments.
The Group invested GBP202 million (2016: GBP120 million) in capital projects during the period, including GBP93 million in the existing estate and GBP109 million on New Business Development. Guidance of GBP360-390 million for the full year 2017 remains unchanged.
Cash financing costs were GBP21 million (2016: GBP20 million).
The payment of the 2016 final dividend was GBP50 million which compares to GBP45 million paid in the comparative period.
Net debt
1 July 31 Dec 25 June
2017 2016 2016
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 1,283 1,152 1,087
--------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------
Less: cash and cash equivalents (250) (215) (101)
--------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------
Finance lease obligations 203 88 86
--------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------
Net debt 1,236 1,025 1,072
--------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------
Net debt increased by GBP211 million in the 26 week period, reflecting the movement in foreign exchange rates, the cash movements described above, and the accounting judgements in respect of finance leases related to LEGOLAND Japan.
In March, we successfully increased the issuance of our existing notes by EUR200 million at 103.5% of their nominal value (GBP178 million), using EUR50 million (GBP43 million) of the proceeds to repay bank facilities. This has allowed us to further extend and diversify our sources of financing.
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July 2017 were GBP250 million. Further liquidity was provided by an undrawn GBP300 million revolving credit facility.
Risks and uncertainties
The Directors consider that the principal risks and uncertainties which could have a material effect on the Group's performance in the remaining 26 weeks of 2017 are the same as described on pages 47-52 of the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts. These are summarised as:
-- Health, safety and security risks including those related to international terrorism; and
-- Commercial and strategic risks including those over innovation; brand development and customer satisfaction; people availability and expertise; competition and Intellectual Property (IP); foreign exchange rates impacting international tourism; animal welfare; availability and delivery of new sites and attractions; IT robustness; technological developments and cyber security; and
-- Financial process risks including those over anti-bribery and corruption; liquidity and cash flow risk; and foreign exchange translation risk.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 (2016: 26 weeks
ended 25 June 2016)
====================================================
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
Note GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Revenue 2.1 685 573
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cost of sales (111) (88)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Gross profit 574 485
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Staff expenses 2.1 (206) (174)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Marketing (48) (40)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Rent (51) (44)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Other operating expenses (125) (101)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
EBITDA (1) 2.1 144 126
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
3.1,
Depreciation and amortisation 3.2 (71) (56)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Operating profit 73 70
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Finance income 2.2 2 2
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Finance costs 2.2 (25) (22)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Profit before tax 50 50
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Taxation 2.3 (13) (13)
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Profit for the period (2) 37 37
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Earnings per share
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Basic earnings per share (p) 2.4 3.7 3.6
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Diluted earnings per share (p) 2.4 3.6 3.6
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Dividend per share (3) 4.2 2.4 2.2
-------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
(1) EBITDA - this is defined as profit before finance
income and costs, taxation, depreciation and amortisation
and is after taking account of attributable profit
after tax of jointly controlled entities.
(2) Profit for the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 and the
26 weeks ended 25 June 2016 is wholly attributable
to the owners of the Company.
(3) Dividend per share represents the interim proposed
dividend for the year.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 (2016: 26 weeks
ended 25 June 2016)
=========================================================
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Profit for the period 37 37
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Other comprehensive income
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Items that may be reclassified to the
income statement
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Exchange differences on the retranslation
of net assets of foreign operations 9 102
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Exchange differences relating to the
net investment in foreign operations (10) (25)
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Cash flow hedges - effective portion
of changes in fair value (1) (11)
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Other comprehensive income for the period
net of income tax (2) 66
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Total comprehensive income for the period
(1) 35 103
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
(1) Total comprehensive income for the 26 weeks ended
1 July 2017 and the 26 weeks ended 25 June 2016
is wholly attributable to the owners of the Company.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 1 July 2017 (2016: 31 December 2016, 25 June 2016)
=======================================================
1 31 25
July December June
2017 2016 2016
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Non-current assets
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Property, plant and equipment 3.1 2,065 1,841 1,668
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Goodwill and intangible assets 3.2 1,022 1,017 977
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Investments 5.1 60 49 37
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Other receivables 12 13 14
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Deferred tax assets 37 38 37
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
3,196 2,958 2,733
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Current assets
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Inventories 52 36 47
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Trade and other receivables 119 86 117
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Derivative financial assets - 3 6
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Cash and cash equivalents 4.1 250 215 101
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
421 340 271
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Total assets 3,617 3,298 3,004
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Current liabilities
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 4.1 7 5 5
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Derivative financial liabilities 3 5 14
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Trade and other payables 402 300 336
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Tax payable 19 39 10
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Provisions 3 3 4
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
434 352 369
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Non-current liabilities
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 4.1 1,276 1,147 1,082
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Finance leases 4.1 203 88 86
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Other payables 29 28 26
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Provisions 67 65 56
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Employee benefits 9 11 5
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Deferred tax liabilities 176 179 168
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
1,760 1,518 1,423
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Total liabilities 2,194 1,870 1,792
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Net assets 1,423 1,428 1,212
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Issued capital and reserves attributable
to owners of the Company 1,419 1,424 1,208
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Non-controlling interest 4 4 4
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
Total equity 1,423 1,428 1,212
------------------------------------------ ----- ------ --------- ------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 (2016: 26 weeks
ended 25 June 2016)
======================================================
Total Non-
Share Share Translation Hedging Retained parent controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve earnings equity interest equity
Note GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
At 27 December
2015 10 - (135) - 1,270 1,145 4 1,149
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Profit for
the period - - - - 37 37 - 37
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Other comprehensive
income for
the period
net of income
tax - - 77 (11) - 66 - 66
Total comprehensive
income for
the period - - 77 (11) 37 103 - 103
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Shares issued - 1 - - - 1 - 1
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Equity dividends 4.2 - - - - (45) (45) - (45)
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Equity-settled
share-based
payments 4.3 - - - - 4 4 - 4
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
At 25 June
2016 10 1 (58) (11) 1,266 1,208 4 1,212
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Profit for
the period - - - - 174 174 - 174
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Other comprehensive
income for
the period
net of income
tax - - 53 8 (5) 56 - 56
Total comprehensive
income for
the period - - 53 8 169 230 - 230
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Shares issued - 1 - - - 1 - 1
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Equity dividends - - - - (22) (22) - (22)
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - - - 7 7 - 7
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
At 31 December
2016 10 2 (5) (3) 1,420 1,424 4 1,428
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Profit for
the period - - - - 37 37 - 37
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Other comprehensive
income for
the period
net of income
tax - - (1) (1) - (2) - (2)
Total comprehensive
income for
the period - - (1) (1) 37 35 - 35
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Shares issued 4.2 - 6 - - - 6 - 6
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Equity dividends 4.2 - - - - (50) (50) - (50)
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
Equity-settled
share-based
payments 4.3 - - - - 4 4 - 4
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
At 1 July
2017 10 8 (6) (4) 1,411 1,419 4 1,423
--------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------------ -------- --------- ------- ------------ -------
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 (2016: 26 weeks
ended 25 June 2016)
====================================================
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
Note GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Profit for the period 37 37
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Adjustments for:
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
3.1,
Depreciation and amortisation 3.2 71 56
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Finance income 2.2 (2) (2)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Finance costs 2.2 25 22
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Taxation 2.3 13 13
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
144 126
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Working capital changes 68 44
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Changes in provisions and other non-current
liabilities 2 3
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
214 173
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Tax paid (34) (24)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net cash inflow from operating activities 180 149
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Acquisition of remaining share of joint
venture - (1)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Acquisition of investments 5.1 (12) (24)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (202) (120)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Disposal of property, plant and equipment - 3
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net cash outflow from investing activities (214) (142)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Proceeds from issue of share capital 4.2 6 1
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Equity dividends paid 4.2 (50) (45)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Proceeds from borrowings 4.1 178 -
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Repayment of borrowings 4.1 (43) -
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Capital repayment of finance leases (1) -
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Interest paid (21) (20)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Financing costs (2) -
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing
activities 67 (64)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 33 (57)
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 4.1 215 152
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Effect of movements in foreign exchange 2 6
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 4.1 250 101
---------------------------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
SECTION 1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
26 weeks ended 1 July 2017
===============================
1.1 Basis of preparation
Merlin Entertainments plc (the Company) is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at and for the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 (2016: 26 weeks ended 25 June 2016) comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and the Group's interests in jointly controlled entities.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the 53 weeks ended 31 December 2016 are available on request from the Company's registered office at 3 Market Close, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1NQ.
All values are stated in GBP million (GBPm) except where otherwise indicated.
Statement of compliance
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and with IAS 34 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the EU. They do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the 53 weeks ended 31 December 2016.
These interim financial statements are not statutory accounts. The statutory accounts for the 53 weeks ended 31 December 2016 have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors 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.
Going concern
The Group continues to trade profitably, reporting a profit for the period of GBP37 million (26 weeks ended 25 June 2016: GBP37 million) and continues to generate cash with net operating cash inflows of GBP180 million. In the equivalent period for 2016, the Group generated net operating cash inflows of GBP149 million, and went on to generate GBP433 million for the full year. The Group is funded by senior unsecured bank facilities due for repayment in 2020 and senior unsecured notes due for repayment in 2022. During the period an additional EUR200 million of the Group's notes were issued with the proceeds partly used to repay EUR50 million of the term debt. The Group's forecasts show that it is expected to be able to operate within the terms of these facilities. Further details of these facilities are provided in note 4.1.
After reviewing the Group's statement of financial position, available facilities, cash flow forecasts and trading budgets, the Directors believe the Group to be operationally and financially robust and have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next twelve months. Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with the policies applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the 53 weeks ended 31 December 2016, except for the adoption as of 1 January 2017 of the following new standards and interpretations. These have been adopted by the Group with no significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
-- IAS 7 'Statement of cash flows' - disclosure initiative. -- IAS 12 'Income taxes' - recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses. SECTION 2 RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 ================================= 2.1 Profit before tax
Segmental information
An operating segment, as defined by IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses. The Group is managed through its three Operating Groups, which form the operating segments on which the information shown below is prepared. The Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is provided internally to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is the Group's chief operating decision maker, and the Board. An operating segment's operating results are reviewed regularly by the CEO to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. Performance is measured based on segment EBITDA, as included in internal management reports. Segment operating profit is included below for information purposes.
Information regarding the results of each segment is included below:
Resort
Midway LEGOLAND Theme Segment Other
items
Attractions Parks Parks results (1) Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
26 weeks ended 1
July 2017
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment revenue 300 267 118 685 - 685
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment profit/(loss),
being segment EBITDA 89 85 (4) 170 (26) 144
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment depreciation
and amortisation (32) (18) (17) (67) (4) (71)
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment operating
profit/(loss) 57 67 (21) 103 (30) 73
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
26 weeks ended 25
June 2016
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment revenue 270 198 104 572 1 573
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment profit/(loss),
being segment EBITDA 91 66 (8) 149 (23) 126
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment depreciation
and amortisation (27) (13) (14) (54) (2) (56)
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
Segment operating
profit/(loss) 64 53 (22) 95 (25) 70
------------------------ ------------ --------- -------- -------- ------ ------
(1) Other items include Merlin Magic Making, head office
costs and various other costs, which cannot be directly
attributable to the reportable segments.
Staff expenses
The aggregate payroll costs of the persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the period were as follows:
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------- --------- ---------
Wages and salaries 174 147
---------------------------------- --------- ---------
Share-based payments (note 4.3) 4 4
---------------------------------- --------- ---------
Social security costs 22 18
---------------------------------- --------- ---------
Other pension costs 6 5
---------------------------------- --------- ---------
206 174
--------------------------------- --------- ---------
SECTION 2 RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD (continued)
26 weeks ended 1 July 2017
=============================================
2.1 Profit before tax (continued)
Seasonality of operations
The Group's portfolio of attractions operates on different trading cycles and across different geographies. Being predominantly indoor attractions, Midway attractions are generally open throughout the year with high points around public holidays and vacation periods. In contrast, as outdoor attractions, the Group's theme parks are predominantly closed or operate reduced opening times during the winter. The operations of these attractions are also weighted towards vacation periods, normally around June to September.
Information regarding the results for the 53 weeks to 1 July 2017 is included below:
53 weeks 52 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
------------------- --------- ---------
Revenue 1,569 1,307
-------------------- --------- ---------
EBITDA 469 405
-------------------- --------- ---------
Operating profit 323 290
-------------------- --------- ---------
Profit before tax 277 251
-------------------- --------- ---------
2.2 Finance income and costs
Finance income
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
In respect of assets not held at fair
value
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Interest income 2 1
---------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Other
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Net foreign exchange gain - 1
---------------------------------------- --------- ---------
2 2
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Finance costs
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
In respect of liabilities not held at
fair value
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Interest expense on financial liabilities
measured at amortised cost 22 21
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Other interest expense 1 1
-------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Other
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Net foreign exchange loss 2 -
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
25 22
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
SECTION 2 RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD (continued)
26 weeks ended 1 July 2017
=============================================
2.3 Taxation
The tax charge on profit before taxation for the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 is based on management's best estimate of the full year effective tax rate of 26.0% (26 weeks ended 25 June 2016: 26.2%; 53 weeks ended 31 December 2016: 23.8%).
2.4 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 37 37
----------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
----------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Basic weighted average number of shares 1,017,649,504 1,013,822,268
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Dilutive potential ordinary shares 2,312,202 1,593,369
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Diluted weighted average number of
shares 1,019,961,706 1,015,415,637
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Share incentive schemes (see note 4.3) are treated as dilutive to earnings per share when, at the reporting date, the awards are both 'in the money' and would be issuable had the performance period ended at that date.
For the 26 week periods ended 1 July 2017 and 25 June 2016, the PSP is not dilutive as the performance measures have not been achieved, whereas the DBP, CSOP and AESP are dilutive as certain option tranches are 'in the money', after accounting for the value of services rendered in addition to the option price.
Earnings per share
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
Pence Pence
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Earnings per share
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Basic earnings per share on profit
for the period (1) 3.7 3.6
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Diluted earnings per share
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Diluted earnings per share on profit
for the period (1) 3.6 3.6
--------------------------------------- --------- ---------
(1) Earnings per share is calculated based on figures
before rounding and is then rounded to one decimal
place.
SECTION 3 OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
26 weeks ended 1 July 2017
===========================================
3.1 Property, plant and equipment
Land Plant
and and Under
buildings equipment construction Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Balance at 1 January 2017 905 746 190 1,841
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Additions - owned assets 5 28 158 191
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Additions - leased assets 103 14 - 117
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Movements in asset retirement
provisions 1 - - 1
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Transfers 36 131 (167) -
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Depreciation for the period
- owned assets (18) (49) - (67)
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Depreciation for the period
- leased assets (1) (2) - (3)
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Effect of movements in foreign
exchange (7) (6) (2) (15)
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Balance at 1 July 2017 1,024 862 179 2,065
-------------------------------- ----------- ----------- -------------- ------
Additions
Additions of leased assets in the period of GBP117 million are in respect of the LEGOLAND Japan finance lease entered into on the opening of the park in April 2017 (note 4.1).
Capital commitments
At the period end the Group has a number of outstanding capital commitments in respect of capital expenditure at its existing attractions including accommodation, and for Midway attractions that are under construction. These are expected to be settled within two financial years of the reporting date. These amount to GBP69 million (25 June 2016: GBP42 million and 31 December 2016: GBP82 million) for which no provision has been made.
At period end foreign exchange rates, the Group is expecting to invest a further GBP36 million in the LEGOLAND Japan Resort in relation to the hotel and SEA LIFE Centre due to open in 2018 (25 June 2016: GBP42 million and 31 December 2016: GBP62 million). In addition, at period end foreign exchange rates, the Group is intending to invest GBP72 million in LEGOLAND Korea (25 June 2016: GBP62 million and 31 December 2016: GBP72 million).
3.2 Goodwill and intangible assets
Intangible
assets
-------------------------------- --------- --------------- ------
Goodwill Brands Other Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- --------- ------- ------ ------
Balance at 1 January 2017 816 183 18 1,017
-------------------------------- --------- ------- ------ ------
Additions - - 2 2
-------------------------------- --------- ------- ------ ------
Amortisation for the period - - (1) (1)
-------------------------------- --------- ------- ------ ------
Effect of movements in foreign
exchange 2 2 - 4
-------------------------------- --------- ------- ------ ------
Balance at 1 July 2017 818 185 19 1,022
-------------------------------- --------- ------- ------ ------
In the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, disclosure was provided regarding the valuation at 31 December 2016 of the goodwill associated with the Resort Theme Parks Operating Group of GBP202 million. Having reviewed the development of trading performance and prospects over the interim period, the market conditions which inform the discount rate and long term growth rate used in these valuations, and the areas of sensitivity disclosed in the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, the Directors remain satisfied that no impairment has arisen in the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017.
SECTION 4 CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 ========================================== 4.1 Net debt
Net debt is the total amount of cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing loans and borrowings and finance lease liabilities. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits and other short term liquid investments such as money market funds which are subject to an insignificant risk of a change in value.
Effect
of
1 movements 1
January Net Non-cash in foreign July
cash
2017 flows movement exchange 2017
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- -------- ------- --------- ----------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents 215 33 - 2 250
---------------------------- -------- ------- --------- ----------- --------
Interest-bearing loans and
borrowings (1,152) (133) (3) 5 (1,283)
---------------------------- -------- ------- --------- ----------- --------
Finance leases (88) 1 (118) 2 (203)
---------------------------- -------- ------- --------- ----------- --------
Net debt (1,025) (99) (121) 9 (1,236)
---------------------------- -------- ------- --------- ----------- --------
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
During the period an additional EUR200 million of the Group's March 2022 2.75% coupon notes were issued at 103.5% of their nominal value to yield 2.01% (GBP178 million). The proceeds were partly used to repay EUR50 million (GBP43 million) of the floating rate term debt due to mature in March 2020.
The Group's facilities are:
-- Bank facilities comprising GBP250 million and $540 million floating rate term debt to mature in March 2020. The relevant floating interest rates are LIBOR and the USD benchmark rate, which were 0.30% (31 December 2016: 0.37%), and 1.27% (31 December 2016: 0.99%) respectively at 1 July 2017. The margin on the bank facilities is dependent on the Group's adjusted leverage ratio and at 1 July 2017 was 1.75% (31 December 2016: 2.0%).
-- A GBP300 million multi-currency revolving credit facility of which GBPnil had been drawn down at 1 July 2017 (31 December 2016: GBPnil). The margin on this facility is also dependent on the Group's adjusted leverage ratio and at 1 July 2017 was at a margin of 1.50% (31 December 2016: 1.75%) over the same floating interest rates when drawn.
-- A bond in the form of EUR700 million (31 December 2016: EUR500 million) seven year notes with a coupon rate of 2.75% to mature in March 2022.
The fees related to the facilities are being amortised to the maturity of the debt as the debt is currently expected to be held for its full term. The borrowings (including the revolving credit facility) and the EUR700 million bonds are unsecured but guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
Finance leases
Finance lease movements substantially relate to LEGOLAND Japan, which opened in the period. This park was developed under the Group's 'operated and leased' model whereby the Group's local operating company leases the site and park infrastructure from a development partner. The development partners are related parties, being KIRKBI Invest A/S and LLJ Investco K.K, a subsidiary of KIRKBI A/S; with KIRKBI A/S being a shareholder of the Group.
The lease is for a period of 50 years and is accounted for partly as a finance lease and partly as an operating lease depending on the nature of the underlying assets concerned. Longer life assets, for example core infrastructure, are accounted for as operating leases. Finance lease assets are those elements that will be substantially or entirely consumed over the lease term. This accounting judgement is underpinned by a review of the cost of construction by asset type together with estimates of the lives of the assets concerned.
The Group's obligations come in the form of fixed rental payments of GBP6 million per year in addition to turnover rent and ongoing repair obligations under the terms of the lease.
SECTION 4 CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING (continued) 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 ====================================================== 4.2 Equity
Share capital
Ordinary shares
of GBP0.01 each
Number GBPm
---------------------------------------- -------------- -----
On issue and fully paid at 1 January
2017 1,015,809,266 10
----------------------------------------- -------------- -----
Issued in the period 3,763,183 -
---------------------------------------- -------------- -----
On issue and fully paid at 1 July 2017 1,019,572,449 10
----------------------------------------- -------------- -----
During the period the Company issued 3,763,183 ordinary shares for consideration of GBPnil in connection with the Group's employee share incentive schemes (note 4.3).
The Company also received GBP6 million in relation to the exercise of options under the Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) and the All Employee Sharesave Plan (AESP). This was taken to the share premium account.
Dividends
The following dividends were declared and paid by the Company:
26 weeks 26 weeks
ended ended
1 July 25 June
2017 2016
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Final dividend for the 52 weeks ended
26 December 2015 of 4.4 pence per share - 45
------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Final dividend for the 53 weeks ended
31 December 2016 of 4.9 pence per share 50 -
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
50 45
------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
On 4 August 2017 the Directors declared an interim dividend of 2.4 pence per share (2016: 2.2 pence per share), amounting to GBP24 million (2016: GBP22 million), which will be paid on 25 September 2017 to ordinary shareholders on the Register at the close of business on 18 August 2017.
SECTION 4 CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING (continued) 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 ====================================================== 4.3 Share-based payment transactions
Equity-settled schemes
The Group operates four employee share incentive schemes: the Performance Share Plan (PSP), the Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP), the Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) and the All Employee Sharesave Plan (AESP). The movements in the period, together with the weighted average exercise prices (WAEP) over the period, are set out in the tables below.
PSP DBP
(1) (1) CSOP AESP
WAEP WAEP
Number Number Number (GBP) Number (GBP)
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
At 1 January 2017 7,430,215 308,272 3,893,704 3.93 6,311,715 3.12
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
Granted during the period 2,212,575 5,262 1,356,600 4.74 2,125,664 3.97
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
Forfeited during the
period (191,650) (6,436) (223,303) 4.30 (431,746) 3.19
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
Exercised during the
period (1,483,692) (5,167) (563,905) 3.21 (1,645,470) 2.99
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
Lapsed during the period (1,597,759) - - - (607) 2.96
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
At 1 July 2017 6,369,689 301,931 4,463,096 4.25 6,359,556 3.43
--------------------------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
(1) Nil cost options
The fair value per award granted and the assumptions used in the calculations for the significant grants during the period are as follows:
Share Fair
price value
Exercise at grant per Expected Award Risk
Date of price date award dividend Expected life free
Scheme grant (GBP) (GBP) (GBP) yield volatility (years) rate
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------
30 March
PSP 2017 - 4.72 4.72 n/a n/a 3.0 n/a
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------
30 March
CSOP 2017 4.74 4.72 0.85 1.5% 21% 4.6 0.4%
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------
2 March
AESP 2017 4.10 4.82 0.88 1.5% 21% 2.2 0.1%
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------
3 April
AESP 2017 3.96 4.76 0.98 1.5% 21% 3.2 0.2%
-------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------
The total charge for the period relating to employee share-based payment plans was GBP4 million (26 weeks ended 25 June 2016: GBP4 million) which was charged to staff expenses.
SECTION 5 OTHER NOTES
26 weeks ended 1 July 2017
============================
5.1 Investments
Big LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND LEGOLAND Bus Dubai
Malaysia Korea Tours Hotel Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
Balance at 1 January
2017 9 3 37 - 49
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
Additions - - - 12 12
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
Interest income receivable - - 2 - 2
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
Movements in fair value - - - - -
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
Effect of movements in
foreign exchange (1) - (2) - (3)
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
Balance at 1 July 2017 8 3 37 12 60
---------------------------- ---------- --------- ------- --------- ------
LEGOLAND Dubai Hotel
During the period the Group invested GBP12 million in LEGOLAND Dubai Hotel LLC, which is the company developing the hotel at LEGOLAND Dubai. The Group holds a 40% equity interest.
Financial instruments
There have been no changes to the valuation techniques used for financial assets or liabilities held at fair value and no transfers in the hierarchy of financial assets or liabilities. There has been no effect of fair value movements on assets classified as level 3 and the valuations are not highly sensitive to changes in unobservable inputs.
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE DIRECTORS IN RESPECT
OF THE HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
=====================================================
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
* the condensed set of consolidated financial
statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS
34 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the
EU;
* the interim management report includes a fair review
of the information required by:
(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules, being an indication of important events that
have occurred during the first 26 weeks of the current
financial period and their impact on the condensed
set of consolidated financial statements; and a description
of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining
26 weeks of the financial period; and
(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency
Rules, being related party transactions that have
taken place in the first 26 weeks of the current financial
period and that have materially affected the financial
position or the performance of the entity during that
period; and any changes in the related party transactions
described in the last Annual Report and Accounts that
could do so.
The Directors of Merlin Entertainments plc are listed
in the Annual Report and Accounts 2016. There have
been no changes since the date of publication. A list
of current Directors is maintained on the website
(www.merlinentertainments.biz).
By order of the Board
Nick Varney Anne-Francoise
Nesmes
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial
Officer
3 August 2017 3 August 2017
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS
PLC
===================================================
Introduction
We have been engaged by the Company to review the
condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report for the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017,
which comprises the condensed consolidated income
statement, condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive
income, condensed consolidated statement of financial
position, condensed consolidated statement of changes
in equity, condensed consolidated statement of cash
flows and the related explanatory notes. We have read
the other information contained in the half-yearly
financial report and considered whether it contains
any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies
with the information in the condensed set of financial
statements.
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance
with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company
in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules (the DTR) of the UK's Financial
Conduct Authority (the UK FCA). Our review has been
undertaken so that we might state to the Company those
matters we are required to state to it in this report
and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the company for our review work,
for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility
of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors
are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial
report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.
As disclosed in note 1.1, the annual financial statements
of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRSs
as adopted by the EU. The condensed set of financial
statements included in this half-yearly financial
report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34
Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a
conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements
in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410
Review of Interim Financial Information Performed
by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by
the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A
review of interim financial information consists of
making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible
for financial and accounting matters, and applying
analytical and other review procedures. A review is
substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable
us to obtain assurance that we would become aware
of all significant matters that might be identified
in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention
that causes us to believe that the condensed set of
financial statements in the half-yearly financial
report for the 26 weeks ended 1 July 2017 is not prepared,
in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34
as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the UK FCA.
Hugh Green
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Gateway House, Tollgate
Chandlers Ford
Southampton
SO53 3TG
3 August 2017
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR OKNDNOBKDCFK
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 04, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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