TIDMSTR
RNS Number : 4729G
Stride Gaming PLC
30 May 2017
30 May 2017
Stride Gaming plc
("Stride Gaming" or the "Company" or the "Group")
Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2017
Strong organic growth from Real Money Gaming, strengthened by
the FY2016 acquisitions
Stride Gaming plc (AIM: STR), the multi-branded online soft
gaming operator, announces its interim results for the six months
ended 28 February 2017 (the "period").
In order to show the Group's results in a meaningful way for all
stakeholders, the financial information shown below for the prior
year is shown on a pro-forma basis so as to show both periods on a
like-for-like basis. That is, as if the acquisitions of 8Ball,
Netboost Media and Tarco Assets on 31 August 2016 had taken place
at the start of the six-month comparative period.
Key Financials
Unaudited Unaudited
Pro-forma
Six months Six months
ended ended
28 Feb 29 Feb 2016
2017
Change
GBP'000 GBP'000 %
Net Gaming Revenue 44,007 36,498 21%
Adjusted EBITDA* 9,644 8,025 20%
Adjusted earnings* 8,951 7,209 24%
Adjusted basic earnings
per share (in pence)* 13.3 10.7 24%
Basic earnings per
share (in pence) (15.3) (0.1) (N/A)
Interim dividend per
share (in pence) 1.2 1.1 9%
Financial highlights:
-- Net Gaming Revenue ("NGR") up 21% to GBP44.0 million (H1
2016: pro-forma GBP36.5 million and reported GBP21.6 million)
-- Adjusted EBITDA* up 20% to GBP9.6 million (H1 2016: pro-forma
GBP8.0 million and reported GBP5.6 million)
-- Adjusted earnings* up 24% to GBP8.9 million (H1 2016: pro-forma GBP7.2 million)
-- Strong balance sheet with gross cash at period end of GBP19.2
million (31 August 2016: GBP21.1 million)
-- Real Money Gaming NGR from in-house proprietary platform up
55% to GBP23.8 million (H1 2016: reported GBP15.4 million)
-- Real Money Gaming NGR from third-party non-proprietary
platform up 4% to GBP15.5 million (H1 2016: pro-forma GBP14.9
million)
-- Social gaming NGR down 24% to GBP4.7 million (H1 2016: reported GBP6.2 million)
-- An impairment of GBP10.2 million (H1 2016: GBPNil) has been
recognised in the period in light of the weaker outlook of the
Social Gaming vertical resulting in a loss for the period of
GBP10.3 million (2016: reported loss of GBP0.1 million)
-- An interim dividend of 1.2 pence per share (H1 2016: 1.1
pence per share) declared, an increase of 9% from the prior
period
Operational highlights:
Real Money Gaming:
-- Strong organic growth in the Real Money Gaming vertical
-- Real Money Gaming funded players** up 21% to 162,000 (H1 2016: pro-forma 134,000)
-- Yield per player*** up 8.5% to GBP127 (H1 2016: pro-forma
GBP117) demonstrating a continued improvement in engagement and
monetisation of players
-- Group gross gaming revenue^^ ("GGR") through mobile and touch
devices grew by 34.9% and now represents 58% (H1 2016: pro-forma
43%) of the total Real Money Gaming GGR
-- Continued progress in the integration of 8Ball, Netboost
Media and the Tarco Assets acquired in August 2016
Social Gaming:
-- Weaker than expected performance in this vertical
-- An improvement plan is in place; early signs are encouraging
-- The Board is also undertaking a review of this non-material vertical
B2B:
-- Post period end, the Group established Stride Together, which
was launched in May 2017, a new B2B vertical to licence its
proprietary platform to gaming operators, media partners and
retailers both in the UK and globally
-- First Joint Venture signed in May 2017 with Aspers Group
Limited, a leading gaming operator in the UK
* Adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA excludes
income or expenses that relate to exceptional
items and non-cash charges relating to share-based
payments
** Funded player means an active player who has made a deposit
with his own funds within the last three months
*** Yield per player means the total net cash in the last three
months of the period divided by the number of funded players at the
end of the period
^^ GGR means gross gaming revenue, being total bets placed by
players less winnings paid to them.
Enquiries:
Stride Gaming plc
Nigel Payne (Non-Executive Chairman)
Eitan Boyd (Chief Executive Officer) + 44 (0) 20
Ronen Kannor (Chief Financial Officer) 7284 6080
Shore Capital
(Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)
Mark Percy +44 (0) 20
Toby Gibbs 7408 4090
Canaccord Genuity Limited +44 (0) 20
(Joint Broker) 7523 8000
Bruce Garrow
Emma Gabriel
Richard Andrews
+44 (0) 7825
Yellow Jersey PR 916 715
Alistair de Kare-Silver +44 (0) 7748
Felicity Winkles 843 871
About Stride Gaming:
Stride Gaming is a leading online gaming operator in the soft
gaming verticals of online bingo and the global social gaming
market. In the real money UK bingo-led business, Stride Gaming
operates a multi-branded strategy and uses its own proprietary and
purchased software to provide online bingo and slot gaming for its
players, and social gaming mobile applications. Following the
acquisitions of 8Ball, Netboost Media and the Tarco Assets on 31
August 2016, Stride Gaming has a 10% market share of the UK bingo
market and is the fourth largest online bingo operator in the UK.
The Company now has 105 brands and its share of the UK online bingo
market is 25% (as measured by number of bingo sites).
Stride Gaming is focused on the UK online bingo market, where it
is licensed and only operates from the regulated jurisdictions of
the UK and Alderney, and in the mobile social gaming market, where
its players' reach is international with a focus on the North
American market.
Further information on the Group is available at:
www.stridegaming.com
The information contained within this announcement is deemed to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse
Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this
announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in
the public domain.
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to report that trading in the first half of the
year has been encouraging. Our strong overall financial results in
the first half have been driven by the accelerated organic growth
of our Real Money Gaming vertical, which accounts for 89% of total
Group revenues offsetting a disappointing performance in our social
gaming vertical. Overall, we have made considerable progress
against our strategic objectives and targets by focusing on
strengthening our foundations and proprietary platform.
During the first half of the year we have invested in our Real
Money Gaming vertical and focused on the successful integration of
the transformational acquisitions of 8Ball, Netboost Media and the
Tarco Assets, which propelled Stride Gaming to be the fourth
largest online bingo operator in the UK. A key target in the first
half was to embed these acquisitions into the enlarged Group and to
maximise synergies. I am pleased to report that the integration has
progressed well and our objectives are being achieved. What is
particularly pleasing is the performance of our in-house platform
and how it continues to facilitate above market growth. I am
excited to see how we can leverage additional benefit from our
acquired businesses as we focus, post earn-out, more of our brands
in this direction.
Trading in our Social Gaming vertical, which accounts for 11% of
total Group revenue, has been weaker than expected. The
disappointing performance is in part we believe as a result of
changing dynamics in the social gaming markets which are maturing
and are leading to higher acquisition costs and lower lifetime
values of players (LTV). The Board continues to work hard on
improving the performance of this vertical and is working both on
an improvement plan as well as reassessing the relevance of the
Social Gaming vertical. Early signs with regard to the improvement
plan are encouraging. Overall, the ongoing robust performance of
the Real Money Gaming vertical has more than offset the weaker than
expected performance in the Social Gaming vertical.
Post-period end, we have launched an exciting new B2B vertical,
Stride Together, which will see the Company licence its proprietary
platform to gaming operators, media partners and retailers both in
the UK and globally. Stride Together will enable its clients to
create an online presence for their customers and to enter the
omni-channel gaming space using Stride Gaming's technology and
capability in the online gaming space. To this end, we have already
established our first joint venture with Aspers Group Limited, a
leading gaming operator in the UK. Aspers online business through
Stride Together is targeted to launch in Q4 2017. We are excited
about the prospects of Stride Together, which enables us to open up
new and high-quality revenue opportunities for the Group.
Dividend
The strong underlying performance of the Real Money Gaming
vertical has enabled the Group to declare a 9% increase in the
interim dividend to 1.2 pence per share. The interim dividend will
become payable on 1 August 2017 to those shareholders on the
Company's register as at the record date of 7 July 2017. The
ex-dividend date is 6 July 2017.
Current Trading and Outlook
I am pleased to report that current trading is strong and the
Board is confident of meeting its expectations for the full year.
We remain committed to creating value for our shareholders and are
pleased to be increasing our dividend by 9% in line with our
progressive dividend policy. Our strategy for the remainder of the
year and beyond is focused on growing the Real Money Gaming
vertical. This will be supported through further integration and
development of 8Ball, Netboost Media and the Tarco Assets; more
investment in key platforms and brands; strengthening our product
offering and driving improvements in customer monetisation.
With our strong position in the UK online bingo sector, we feel
the market remains highly attractive for us and we remain committed
to increasing our market share. Further regulatory pressures as a
result of changes to the Point of Consumption Tax ("POCT"), which
at the earliest will come into effect in August 2017, will continue
to adversely impact our competitors. This presents further
opportunities for Stride Gaming to gain market share from a
position of strength built around our scale, multi-brand offering,
an in-house proprietary platform and the underlying robustness of
our Real Money Gaming vertical. Whilst our principal focus will be
on driving organic growth, we will continue to consider attractive,
complementary and earning enhancing acquisitions in the Real Money
Gaming space.
This year we celebrate being listed on AIM for two years. We
have come a long way from owning a few select brands to now owning
over 100 brands and being the fourth largest listed online bingo
operator in the UK. Our goal is to be a leading international soft
gaming company, underpinned by best in class talent and our
proprietary platform. As Stride Gaming continues to go from
strength to strength I would like to take this opportunity to thank
the rest of my Board, shareholders and staff for all their
continued support.
Nigel Payne
Non-Executive Chairman
30 May 2017
Chief Executive Officer's Review
I am delighted to present our results to our shareholders. The
first half of this year has been focused on embedding the
transformational acquisitions of 8Ball, Netboost Media and the
Tarco Assets into the business and on strengthening our
foundations. We are a markedly larger business than when we listed
on AIM only two years ago. Now with material scale, over 100 brands
and being the fourth largest online bingo operator in the UK
following these acquisitions, we firmly believe that the organic
growth opportunity for the enlarged Group is substantial. Our
strategic focus for the remainder of 2017 is on fully exploiting
the potential of our core Real Money Gaming vertical.
Update on integration of 8Ball, Netboost Media and the Tarco
Assets
These acquisitions transformed the Group and added significant
scale and increased the number of brands we currently operate. Our
market share of the UK bingo market increased from 5% to 10% and
Stride Gaming became the fourth largest online bingo operator in
the UK. I am delighted by the way the integration of these
acquisitions has progressed. Importantly, we have now begun to make
significant improvements, leveraging off Stride's leading in-house
proprietary platform and marketing expertise and have delivered
synergies through cross-marketing, lowering of customer cost per
acquisition ("CPA"), increasing customer LTVs and reducing player
churn.
Operational progress
Real Money Gaming vertical
Trading in our Real Money Gaming vertical has performed
strongly. The number of funded players has now reached 162,000 (H1
pro-forma 2016: 134,000), representing a 21% year-on-year increase,
and with software enhancements and continuous improvements to the
backend of our platform we have shown an 8.5 % growth in yield per
player at GBP127 (H1 pro-forma 2016: GBP117).
Social Gaming vertical
The performance of this vertical has been weaker than expected.
We believe the two principal markets which we currently operate in,
namely, North America and Australia, are reaching maturity
resulting in higher acquisition costs and lower LTV. Consequently,
we reduced our marketing spend in this vertical which led to a
reduced number of depositing players and subsequently the expected
reduction in revenues with NGR down 24% to GBP4.7 million (H1 2016:
reported GBP6.2 million).
Nonetheless, we have begun making significant changes to the
pricing models and adding further personalisation to our content.
Early signs have been encouraging with average rate per daily
active user ("ARPDAU") up 10% increasing to $0.22 (H1 2016: $0.20)
and our ability to maintain a 3.7% conversion rate from installs to
deposits, being substantially above the industry average of 2%.
Continuous improvements are being made in the user acquisition
process to achieve a better return on investment, which will enable
us to further increase our marketing spend and subsequently
increase daily and monthly active users. Unique content and
diversification of our product offering will continue to be our
focus in 2017 in order to maximise the potential of our social
gaming vertical. We will undertake a review of this vertical to
monitor our progress.
Launch of our B2B vertical
One of the Group's fundamental strengths is owning its own
proprietary platform, which has long presented us with
opportunities to licence the platform to third parties. Post period
end, on 26 May 2017, we were pleased to announce that we have
launched a new B2B vertical, Stride Together, which will see the
Company licence its proprietary platform to gaming operators, media
partners and retailers in the UK and globally, to enable them to
create an online presence for their customers and to enter the
omni-channel gaming space. This opens up not only a new
high-quality revenue stream for Stride Gaming in different
verticals but also a diversification of our geographical reach.
We have already established our first Stride Together joint
venture with Aspers Group Limited, a leading national gaming
operator in the UK, announced on 26 May 2017, which is targeted to
launch in Q4 2017. Our aim is to grow this vertical and launch
similar partnerships.
Mobile
Mobile devices continue to shape the online gaming industry and
operators constantly have to innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
The Group continues to focus on enhancing the gaming experience for
its mobile centric customer base. Mobile and touch in the Real
Money Gaming vertical represents 58% of gross gaming revenue (H1
pro-forma 2016: 43%).
Regulation
The regulatory environment continues to tighten and, in August
2017, the UK government is expected to commence levying the Point
of Consumption Tax ("POCT") on gross gaming revenue on all online
gaming products, previously just betting, as opposed to net gaming
revenue. Additionally, the Competition and Markets Authority
("CMA") is undertaking a review into the advertising of gaming and
operators' terms and conditions, particularly in the area of
promotions to customers.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is conducting a
review into the perceived harm caused by fixed odds betting
terminals ("FOBTs") and is also examining proposals to include
stricter rules about television advertising. Whilst this is
creating a degree of uncertainty in the gambling sector, Stride
Gaming does not operate these terminals and any advertising changes
are expected to have little to no impact on the Group. Prior to The
Department of Culture, Media and Sport launching its review into
the gambling industry last October, a wave of consolidation rippled
through the industry. Since then companies have put on hold any
further mergers or deal making until the outcome of the review and
there is clarity on the regulatory landscape. Further consolidation
is expected following this review, particularly if the proposals
have a punitive financial impact on those companies operating FOBTs
or heavily reliant on advertising.
As a soft gaming operator, we are unaffected by the Government's
review. Whilst larger and smaller operators continue to struggle in
this tough regulatory environment, we view these regulatory changes
to the sector as an opportunity to grow the Company's market share
given our scale and our focus on soft gaming.
Brexit
As previously stated, the Group has seen no visible impact as a
result of Brexit. With our scale as well as the strength of our
brands and product offering we feel we are well placed to meet
these macroeconomic challenges.
Whilst several of our offices are based outside of the UK we
have seen a minor impact on our administration costs from
fluctuations in the value of sterling. In addition, the Group has
maintained a constant administration cost as a proportion to NGR of
21% (H1 pro-forma 2016: 20%) despite an increase in head count.
Growth strategy
As the fourth largest online bingo operator in the UK, we remain
focused on penetrating further the UK bingo market and increasing
our market share. We believe the organic growth opportunity of the
Group is substantial and we are focused on strengthening our
foundations in order to fully exploit the potential of our Real
Money Gaming vertical.
We aim to accelerate the organic growth of the business through
improved levels of engagement, marketing and functionality of the
existing platform as well as adding exceptional and unique content
to our portfolio of brands. The Company is focused on enhancing the
user experience through providing rich and engaging content,
loyalty and competitions, thereby creating a high level of
stickiness. The Company will continue to invest in product
development and in enhancing its bingo IP, instant game IP and also
mobile development.
The Company's marketing strategy is focused on increasing the
customer base through optimising conversion rates and CPA levels.
Stride Gaming uses an effective marketing mix of online and offline
channels including natural search (SEO), digital and social media,
affiliate marketing, e-mail, SMS and direct mails. We aim to
maintain a steady and efficient marketing spend to NGR on a group
level.
We will look to develop and grow our new B2B vertical through
further partnerships with gaming operators, media partners and
retailers in the UK and globally.
Overseas territories
We are actively examining entry of our existing products into
new regulated territories, particularly in Europe where we see
significant growth opportunities.
Acquisitions
We maintain our soft gaming focus and will look for further
highly selective acquisitions that could be transformational for
the Group, earnings enhancing and allow us to move into
complementary, soft gaming verticals such as lottery and scratch
cards.
Outlook
We are extremely pleased with the financial results from the
first half. Our key focus for the second half is to maximise the
potential of the Real Money Gaming vertical through strengthening
our core business; integrating the acquisitions of 8ball, Netboost
Media and Tarco assets; and increasing our market share of the UK
bingo market. The second half will see the launch of the joint
venture with Aspers and we will look to build our B2B vertical into
a substantial revenue generating operation. We will also examine
entry into other soft gaming verticals and territories.
Stride Gaming is in an excellent position to exploit the
opportunities in the market. These strong results once again
vindicate our strategy and business model and we remain committed
to achieving our goal of becoming a leading international soft
gaming company and to creating shareholder value.
Eitan Boyd
Chief Executive Officer
30 May 2017
Chief Financial Officer's Review
In order to show the Group's results in the most meaningful way
for all stakeholders, the financial information presented below for
the prior year is shown on a pro-forma basis to show both periods
on a like-for-like basis. The prior year comparatives have been
adjusted to show the results as if the acquisition of 8Ball,
Netboost Media and the Tarco Assets, all acquired on 31 August
2016, had in fact taken place at the start of the six-month
comparative period.
Stride Gaming continued to deliver strong organic growth in the
first half of 2017 driven by the Real Money Gaming vertical. The
Group delivered pro-forma NGR growth of 21% or GBP44.0 million (H1
2016: pro-forma GBP36.5 million and reported GBP21.6 million) for
the first half of this year. This growth was driven by the scale of
the enlarged Group supported by the multi-brand strategy that was
enhanced by the acquisition 8Ball, Netboost Media and the Tarco
Assets in August 2016, as well as significant improvements in
player engagement and monetisation across all brands.
Adjusted EBITDA increased on a pro-forma basis by 20% to GBP9.6
million (H1 2016: pro-forma GBP8.0 million and reported GBP5.6
million) whilst maintaining stable Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.0%
(H1 2016: pro-forma 22.0%). We anticipate some margin improvement
once the acquisition earn-out periods have concluded, later this
year.
Stride Gaming remains highly cash generative due to a strong
financial performance with net cash generated from operational
activities at GBP4.2 million (H1 2016: reported GBP4.5 million) and
a high cash conversion from Adjusted EBITDA. During the year, the
Group completed the refinancing of an existing GBP8 million
shareholder loan facility with Barclays PLC without impacting our
cash position.
Stride Gaming has a strong balance sheet with cash and cash
equivalents of GBP19.2 million (31 August 2016: GBP21.1 million),
which includes customer liabilities of GBP1.8 million (31 August
2016: GBP1.8 million).
Revenues
NGR from Real Money Gaming, which represent 89% of Group NGR (H1
2016: pro-forma 83%) was up 30% to GBP39.3 million (H1 2016
pro-forma: GBP30.3 million). This strong operational momentum can
be seen throughout all key performance indicators and reflects the
strength of our proprietary platform, along with the quality of our
diversified brands, business intelligence and customer
engagement.
Real Money Gaming funded players were up 21% to 162,000 (H1
2016: pro-forma 134,000). Yield per player from Real Money Gaming
was up 8.5% to GBP127 (H1 2016: pro-forma GBP117); a result of
successful player engagement and monetisation. Mobile has been a
key driver of growth and GGR through mobile and touch devices was
up by 34.9% and now represents 58% (H1 2016: pro-forma 43%) of the
total Group Real Money Gaming GGR. The Group continued to develop
new content and Business Intelligence capabilities during the
period, which supported our natural growth and has positioned us
favourably for the remainder of this financial year.
Revenues from the Social Gaming vertical, which represent 11% of
Group NGR (H1 2016: pro-forma 17%), were down 24% (on a constant
currency basis down 34%) to GBP4.7 million (H1 2016: reported
GBP6.2 million). The Group continued to focus on its leading
strategy, to invest in product development and enhancement of
player experience to mitigate the challenges in player acquisition
in the social gaming market. In light of such market changes,
marketing resources have been allocated to our RMG vertical where
we can achieve a higher return, although this strategy is under
review.
Distribution costs
Distribution costs of GBP19.6 million (H1 2016: pro-forma
GBP17.1 million and reported GBP8.7 million), which include
licencing, processing, royalties (third party games and platforms),
hosting (social gaming) and marketing, have reduced to 45% (H1
2016: pro-forma 47%) as a proportion of NGR. This reflects the
benefits of scale on processing costs and leveraging our
proprietary software and content across our brands, thereby
reducing third party royalty payments. We have also continued to
strategically invest in marketing to support our online brands in
the real money gaming vertical. Marketing expenses therefore
increased by 42% to GBP11.7 million (H1 2016: pro-forma GBP8.2
million), which is 27% as a proportion of NGR (H1 2016: pro-forma
23%).
Administration costs
Administration costs, which totalled GBP9.2 million (H1 2016:
pro-forma GBP7.3 million and reported GBP5.0 million), make up 21%
(H1 2016: pro-forma 20%) as a proportion of NGR. The Group has
continued to invest in talent, software development, business
intelligence and product in line with its strategy to build a
solid, profitable and broad based real money gaming business and so
it is pleasing that administrative costs have remained well
controlled during the period.
Capitalisation of proprietary software development costs
totalled GBP0.6 million (H1 2016: reported GBP0.5 million) and
represents 1.4% of NGR (H1 2016: reported 1.4%). During the period,
the Group continued to invest in its proprietary software to
support its mobile offering, rich content and regulatory
requirements.
Adjusted EBITDA and margin
Adjusted EBITDA on a pro-forma basis is up 20% to GBP9.6 million
(H1 2016: pro-forma GBP8.0 million and reported GBP5.6 million)
reflecting the strength of the RMG vertical and control over costs,
with a solid Adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% (H1 2016: pro-forma
22%). The Adjusted EBITDA for the real money gaming vertical in the
period increased by 53% along with an increase in margins to 22.3%
(H1 2016: pro-forma 18.9%). As we conclude the earn-out periods for
the acquisitions of 8Ball (August 2017), Netboost Media and Tarco
Assets (both December 2017), we expect further margin improvement.
The Adjusted EBITDA for the social gaming vertical decreased by 63%
to GBP0.9 million (H1 2016: reported GBP2.3 million) as a direct
result of the decline in revenue arising from a reduced marketing
spend together with the increase in our product development and
administration costs in this vertical.
Exceptional costs
During the period, an impairment review was undertaken in
respect of the Social Gaming cash generating unit ("CGU") to
determine if the carrying value of assets was supported by the net
present value of future cash flows derived from those assets. As a
result of the review, together with a more challenging and
competitive social gaming market, the Board approved an impairment
of GBP10.2 million (H1 2016: reported GBPNil) charged against the
goodwill and acquired intangibles.
Finance expenses and Tax
Finance expenses for the period totalled GBP0.9 million (H1
2016: reported GBP0.3 million) and are largely attributable to the
GBP8 million facility provided by Barclays PLC during the period on
a 3.6 per cent plus LIBOR annual floating rate basis. Also included
in the finance cost is GBP0.5 million (H1 2016: reported GBPnil)
relating to the unwinding of the discounted contingent
consideration that arose on the Tarco Asset acquisition.
Taxation income in the period was GBP0.8 million (H1 2016:
reported expense of GBP0.3 million). After adjusting for the
deferred tax credits of GBP0.8 million relating to the impairment
of the social gaming CGU and GBP0.5 million relating to deferred
tax on acquired intangibles the current taxation charge in the
period is GBP0.5 million (H1 2016: expense of GBP0.4 million).
Cash flow and Balance Sheet
Stride Gaming continues to be highly cash generative, delivering
another period of solid operating performance with cash flow from
operating activities totalling GBP4.2 million (H1 2016: GBP4.5
million). Cash outflow mainly related to the Infiapps first year
earn-out payment of GBP3.9 million (H1 2016: Nil) as well as the
payment of a final dividend for the 2016 financial year of GBP0.9
million (2016: Nil)
As at 28 February 2017 the Group has a strong balance sheet with
cash and cash equivalents amounting to GBP19.2 million (31 August
2016: GBP21.0 million), which includes ring-fenced customer
liability balances of GBP1.8 million (31 August 2016: GBP1.8
million). Contingent remuneration included within current
liabilities of GBP5.6 million (31 August 2016: GBP3.8 million)
relates to the 8Ball and Infiapps acquisitions. Contingent
consideration of GBP6.1 million (31 August 2016: GBP5.6 million)
included in non-current liabilities relates to the acquisition of
the Tarco Assets, with the increase in the period representing the
unwinding of the discount.
Adjusted earnings, EPS and dividend
Basic loss per share was 15.3 pence (H1 2016: loss per share of
0.1 pence). Adjusted basic earnings per share was up 24% to 13.3
pence (H1 2016: Pro-forma 10.7 pence). The Board believes that
adjusted basic earnings per share (excluding exceptional items such
as impairment, contingent remuneration, acquisition costs,
amortisation of intangible assets excluding those arising from
internal development and share based payments) enables a better
understanding of the underlying business performance.
Unaudited Unaudited
Pro-forma
6 months to 6 months
to
28-Feb-17 29-Feb-16
GBP'000 GBP'000
(Loss)/profit after
tax (10,272) 64
Amortisation of
intangible assets* 4,012 4,039
Depreciation 121 57
Acquisition and Listing costs (104) 77
Contingent remuneration 4,747 1,996
Share-based payments (including
associated taxes) 640 976
Unwinding of Tarco Assets contingent 500 -
consideration discount
Impairment, net of movement in 9,307 -
deferred taxation
------------ -----------
Adjusted earnings 8,951 7,209
Adjusted earnings
per share 13.3 10.7
Adjusted diluted
earnings per share 12.9 10.4
Basic loss per
share (15.3) (0.1)
------------ -----------
* Excluding amortisation of internally generated development
costs.
** Adjusted diluted earnings per share is calculated using the
effect of share options and LTIP's.
In respect of the period ended on the 28 February 2017 the Board
has declared an interim dividend of 1.2 pence per share, an
increase of 9% over the prior period (29 February 2016: 1.1 pence
per share) and in line with the Group's progressive dividend
policy.
The dividend timetable:
Ex-dividend 06 July
date 2017
Record Date 07 July
for dividend 2017
Payment Date 01 August
2017
Ronen Kannor
Chief Financial Officer
30 May 2017
STRIDE GAMING PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
For the period ended 28 February 2017
6 months 6 months
to 28 to 29
Note February February
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 3 44,007 21,584
Cost of sales (5,594) (2,272)
Gross profit 38,413 19,312
Distribution costs (19,599) (8,702)
Administrative expenses (9,170) (4,990)
------------------------------------------ ------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted EBITDA 9,644 5,620
Share based payments and associated
taxes (640) (976)
Acquisition costs 104 (77)
Contingent remuneration 7 (4,747) (1,996)
Impairment 5 (10,160) -
Amortisation of intangible assets 5 (4,263) (1,966)
Depreciation (121) (57)
Operating (loss)/profit (10,183) 548
Finance expense (906) (345)
Finance income 25 25
(Loss) / profit before tax (11,064) 228
Tax credit / (expense) 10 792 (273)
Loss after tax (10,272) (45)
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will or may be reclassified
to profit or loss
Exchange gains arising on translation
of foreign operations 878 1,671
Total comprehensive income for
the period attributable to the
equity holders of the parent entity (9,394) 1,626
Loss per Share (p) 4
------------------------------------------ ------- ---------- ----------
Basic (15.3) (0.1)
Diluted (15.3) (0.1)
------------------------------------------ ------- ---------- ----------
STRIDE GAMING PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 28 February 2017
Note Unaudited Audited
At 28 At 31
February August
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property plant and equipment 648 662
Intangible assets 5 61,011 73,566
Other receivables 6 3,360 3,416
Deferred tax asset 199 217
Available for sale investments 810 810
_______ _______
66,028 78,671
_______ _______
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 6 6,260 5,827
Income tax receivable 205 168
Cash and cash equivalents 19,196 21,080
_______ _______
25,661 27,075
_______ _______
Total assets 91,689 105,746
_______ _______
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 7 6,154 6,772
Loans and borrowings 8 5,405 -
Deferred tax liability 2,692 3,708
_______ _______
14,251 10,480
_______ _______
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 7 14,745 17,352
Income tax payable 626 728
Loans and borrowings 8 2,500 8,000
_______ _______
17,871 26,080
_______ _______
Total liabilities 32,122 36,560
_______ _______
Net assets 59,567 69,186
_______ _______
Note Unaudited Audited
At 28 At 31
February August
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Issued capital and reserves attributable
to
owners of the parent
Share capital 674 666
Share premium 40,641 38,975
Merger reserve - 11,253
Shares to be issued - 1,674
Available-for-sale reserve 810 810
Capital contribution - 13,707
Share option reserve - 1,911
Foreign currency translation reserve 3,450 2,572
Retained earnings 13,992 (2,382)
_______ _______
59,567 69,186
TOTAL EQUITY _______ _______
STRIDE GAMING PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the period ended 28 February 2017
Shares Foreign
to be Capital Share currency
Share Share Merger issued Available-for-sale contribution option translation Retained Total
capital Premium Reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 31 August 2015 502 10,608 3,013 4,132 - 14,271 266 7 (1,996) 30,803
Loss for the
period (45) (45)
Total
Comprehensive
income - - - - - - - 1,671 - 1,671
Share based
payment - - - - - - 897 - - 897
Issue of shares 11 2,447 - (2,458) - - - - - -
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
At 29 February
2016 513 13,055 3,013 1,674 - 14,271 1,163 1,678 (2,041) 33,326
Loss for the
period - - - - - - - - (341) (341)
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - 810 - - 894 - 1,704
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Total
comprehensive
expense for the
period - - - - 810 - - 894 (341) 1,363
Dividends - - - - - (564) - - - (564)
Acquisition of
business
through issue of
shares 33 - 8,240 - - - - - - 8,273
Share based
payment - - - - - - 748 - - 748
Issue of shares,
net of share
issue
costs 120 25,920 - - - - - - - 26,040
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
At 31 August 2016 666 38,975 11,253 1,674 810 13,707 1,911 2,572 (2,382) 69,186
Loss for the
period - - - - - - - - (10,272) (10,272)
Other
comprehensive
income - - - - - - - 878 - 878
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
Total
comprehensive
income for the
period - - - - - - - 878 (10,272) (9,394)
Dividends - - - - - (943) - - - (943)
Share based
payment - - - - - - - - 718 718
Issue of shares 8 1,666 - (1,674) - - - - - -
Reserves transfer - - (11,253) - - (12,764) (1,911) - 25,928 -
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
At 28 February
2017 674 40,641 - - 810 - - 3,450 13,992 59,567
______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______
STRIDE GAMING PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(continued)
The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve
within equity:
Share premium Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of
nominal value.
Merger reserve Represents the difference between the nominal
value of shares acquired by the Company in the share-for-share
exchange with Daub Alderney Limited and the nominal value of shares
issued to acquire them as well as the satisfaction of the initial
consideration in respect of the acquisition of the trade and assets
of Table Top Entertainment Limited and Tarco Limited.
Shares to be issued Represents the shares to be issued in
respect of the acquisition of certain intangibles assets.
Available for sale reserve Gains/losses arising on fair value
movement of financial assets classified as available for sale.
Capital contribution Represents the release of the Group's
obligation to repay borrowings of GBP6,999,000, the contribution by
a shareholder of the entire share capital of Baldo Line SRL, the
cash contribution by a shareholder to acquire Spacebar Media
Limited and the GBP8,454,786 payment made in the form of shares by
the shareholders to settle obligations following the acquisition of
Table Top Entertainment Limited.
Share options Represents the fair value of awards made under the
Group's share option schemes.
Foreign currency translation reserve Gains/losses arising on
retranslating the net assets of overseas operations into Sterling
as well as inter-company loan balances treated as investment in
subsidiaries that the directors believe will not be repaid for the
foreseeable future.
Retained earnings The account includes cumulative profits and
losses less any distributions made to shareholders. In addition,
during the year ending 31 August 2017 the total balance in the
merger, share option and capital contribution reserves were
transferred to this account and are available for distribution
under Jersey Company Law subject to meeting other Companies Act
requirements.
STRIDE GAMING PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the period ended 28 February Note 6 months 6 months
2017 to 28 to 29
February February
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the period (10,272) (45)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant
and equipment 121 57
Amortisation of intangible assets 4,263 1,966
Impairment of intangible assets 10,160 -
Finance expense 906 345
Share-based payment expense 640 897
Finance income (25) (25)
Income tax (credit) / expense (792) 273
_______ _______
5,001 3,468
(Increase)/decrease in trade and
other receivables (542) 763
Decrease in trade and other payables 404 587
_______ _______
Cash generated from operations 4,863 4,818
Income taxes paid (635) (315)
_______ _______
Net cash flows from operating
activities 4,228 4,503
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (100) (50)
Purchase of intangibles (262) (217)
Capitalised development costs (582) (476)
Finance income 25 25
_______ _______
Net cash used in investing activities (919) (718)
Financing activities
Bank borrowings, net of fees 7,905 -
Interest paid (369) (292)
Contingent remuneration (3,953) -
Repayment of related party borrowings (8,000) (1,083)
Dividend (943) -
_______ _______
Net cash used in financing activities (5,360) (1,375)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash
and cash equivalents (2,051) 2,410
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 21,080 7,388
Exchange gains on cash and cash
equivalents 167 86
_______ _______
19,196 9,884
Cash and cash equivalents at end _______ ________
of period
STRIDE GAMING PLC
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 28 February 2017
1 General information
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial
statements for the six months ended 28 February 2017, which were
approved by the Board of Directors on 30 May 2017, do not comprise
statutory accounts and should be read in conjunction with the
Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2016. Those accounts
have been reported upon by the Group's auditors and delivered to
Companies House in Jersey. The report of the auditors on those
accounts was unqualified. The Annual Report is published in the
Investors section of the Group website at www.stridegaming.com and
is available from the Company on request.
2 Basis of preparation
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial
statements are prepared on the basis of the accounting policies
stated in the Group's 2016 Annual Report, which is available on the
Group's website at www.stridegaming.com. In the current reporting
period, the Group has adopted a number of revised Standards and
Interpretations. However, none of these have had a material impact on the Group's reporting.
The IASB has issued a number of IFRS and IFRIC amendments or
interpretations since the last annual report was published. It is
not expected that any of these will have a material impact on the
Group.
In addition, the following standards are in issue but not yet
effective:
-- IFRS 9 'Financial instruments' will supersede IAS 39 in its
entirety, and is effective for accounting periods commencing on or
after 1 January 2018. The potential impacts of the new standard
include new classification and measurement criteria that will
require financial instruments to be classified into one of three
categories being amortised cost, fair value through other
comprehensive income or fair value. Classification will be
determined by the business model and contractual cash flow
characteristics of the instruments. Furthermore, the general hedge
accounting mechanisms of IAS 39 have been retained, however greater
flexibility has been introduced over the instruments eligible for
hedge accounting and effectiveness testing has been more closely
aligned with the underlying risk management practices of the
entity. The Group is reviewing the requirements of the new standard
to fully determine its impact.
-- IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers' establishes a
single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for
revenue arising from contracts with customers, with an effective
date for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.
Early assessment of the requirements of the new standard suggest it
will not have a material impact upon the Group's reported
performance and the Group will continue to assess the full impact
to ensure it is ready to implement the new standard in advance of
its effective date.
-- IFRS 16 'Leases' will replace IAS 17 in its entirety and is
effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January
2019. It will result in most leases being recognised on the
Statement of Financial Position. The Group continues to assess the
full impact of IFRS 16.
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the interim condensed consolidated financial
statements.
3 Segment information
For management purposes the Group's operations are allocated
into the following reporting segments:
-- Real money gaming which is its UK focused, bingo-led online
operation, using its proprietary and purchased software to provide
online bingo and related gaming activities to players. This segment
only operates in regulated markets, principally the UK; and
-- Social gaming which internationally provides players with
entertaining applications and games.
Each of these operating segments generates independent revenues,
and the risks and rewards associated with generating these revenues
are considered to be different to each other.
Segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal
reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief
operating decision maker has been identified as the management team
including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and
the Chief Financial Officer.
The Group evaluates segmental performance on the basis of
Adjusted EBITDA from operations excluding certain costs and income
which is not allocated to a segment. There are no inter-segment
sales.
Real money Social
gaming gaming Total
6 months 6 months 6 months
to to to
28 February 28 February 28 February
2017 2017 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Total revenue
from external
customers 39,328 4,679 44,007
_______ _______ _______
8,790 854 9,644
Adjusted EBITDA
_______ _______
Impairment - (10,160) (10,160)
Depreciation (107) (14) (121)
Amortisation (3,302) (961) (4,263)
_______ _______
Acquisition costs 104
Finance income 25
Share-based payments and associated taxes (640)
Finance expense (906)
Contingent remuneration (4,747)
_______
Group loss before tax (11,064)
_______
Real money Social
gaming gaming Total
6 months 6 months 6 months
to to to
29 February 29 February 29 February
2016 2016 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Total revenue
from external
customers 15,422 6,162 21,584
_______ _______ _______
Adjusted EBITDA 3,340 2,280 5,620
_______ _______
Depreciation (33) (24) (57)
Amortisation (1,304) (662) (1,966)
_______ _______
Acquisition costs (77)
Finance income 25
Share-based payments and associated taxes (976)
Finance expense (345)
Contingent remuneration (1,996)
_______
Group profit before tax 228
_______
4 Earnings per share
6 months 6 months
to 28 to 29
February February
2017 2016
Numerator '000 '000
Loss for the period (10,272) (45)
_______ _______
Denominator '000 '000
Weighted average
number of shares
used in basic
EPS 67,207 51,085
Effects of:
Employee share
options 2,044 1,333
Contingent share
consideration
on acquisition
of intangible
and business combination - 407
_______ _______
Weighted
average number
of shares
used in diluted
EPS 69,251 52,825
_______ _______
Potential ordinary shares are not dilutive due to the loss in
the period to 28 February 2017.
5 Intangible assets
Customer
and
contractual
relationships
Software
and Development Brand
Licenses costs Names Goodwill Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cost
At 1 September
2015 13,585 246 2,265 14,866 7,925 38,887
Acquired
through
business
combination 282 - 5,855 20,446 10,730 37,313
Additions 377 - - - - 377
Internally
generated
development
costs - 1,028 - - - 1,028
Foreign
exchange
rate movements 1,464 - 206 926 452 3,048
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
At 31
August
2016 15,708 1,274 8,326 36,238 19,107 80,653
Additions 274 - 48 - - 322
Internally
generated
development
costs - 582 - - - 582
Foreign
exchange
rate movements 508 26 70 314 153 1,071
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
At 28
February
2017 16,490 1,882 8,444 36,552 19,260 82,628
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Accumulated
amortisation
and impairment
At 1 September
2015 1,051 18 317 - 1,134 2,520
Charge
for the
period 2,129 224 521 - 1,515 4,389
Foreign
exchange
rate movements 97 6 27 - 48 178
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
At 31
August
2016 3,277 248 865 - 2,697 7,087
Charge
for the
period 1,232 251 892 - 1,888 4,263
Impairment 2,372 - 271 6,162 1,355 10,160
Foreign
exchange
rate movements 58 4 17 - 28 107
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
At 28
February
2017 6,939 503 2,045 6,162 5,968 21,617
_______ _______ _______ _______ _______ _______
NBV
At 1 September
2015 12,534 228 1,948 14,866 6,791 36,367
At 31
August
2016 12,431 1,026 7,461 36,238 16,410 73,566
At 28
February
2017 9,551 1,379 6,399 30,390 13,292 61,011
_______ ______ _______ _______ _______ _______
Goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to the following cash generating units
28 31
February August
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Spacebar Media 5,936 5,936
Table Top Entertainment 4,008 4,008
8Ball Games 6,473 6,473
Tarco Assets 13,973 13,973
Social Gaming - 5,848
_______ _______
30,390 36,238
_______ _______
In accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets, the Group
regularly monitors the carrying value of its intangible assets. A
review for indicators of impairment was undertaken at 28 February
2017 to assess whether any potential indicators were apparent and
following this review a detailed impairment review was completed in
respect of the Social Gaming cash generating unit to determine if
the carrying value of assets was supported by the net present value
of future cash flows derived from those assets.
The recoverable amount has been determined from value in use
calculations based on cash flow projections from formally approved
budgets and long-term forecasts. These budgets and forecasts assume
the underlying business models will continue to operate on a
comparable basis under the current regulatory and taxation regimes,
adjusted for any known changes. As a result of this review the
Group determined that the weaker than expected social gaming market
had an adverse effect on the projected value in use and
consequently the intangible assets have been written down to their
value in use. An impairment of GBP6,162,000 has been charged
against goodwill and GBP3,998,000 against acquired intangibles.
6 Trade and other receivables
28 31
February August
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current
Trade receivables 4,892 4,352
Other receivables 840 950
Prepayments 528 525
_______ _______
6,260 5,827
_______ _______
Non-current
Funds held in escrow 3,000 3,000
Other receivables 360 416
_______ _______
3,360 3,416
_______ _______
7 Trade and other payables
28 31
February August
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current
Trade payables 2,762 2,857
Other payables 551 2,482
Other taxation and social security 1,179 1,941
Client liabilities and progressive
prize pools 1,802 1,828
Contingent remuneration (a) 5,564 3,805
Amounts due to related parties 584 783
Accruals and deferred income 2,303 3,656
_______ _______
14,745 17,352
_______ _______
Non-current
Contingent remuneration (a) - 820
Contingent consideration (b) 6,120 5,620
Other payables 34 332
_______ _______
6,154 6,772
_______ _______
(a) The contingent remuneration represents the following:
- GBP764,000 being the second of a two-part annual earn-out
payable to the sellers of InfiApps Limited if they remain employed
by the Group for a two-year period post-acquisition. In accordance
with the terms of the purchase agreement the total earn-out cannot
exceed $18 million; and
- GBP4,800,000 being the one year earn-out payable to the
sellers of 8ball Games Limited if they remain employed by the Group
for a one year period post-acquisition. The total earn-out cannot
exceed GBP18 million.
Contingent remuneration has been calculated based on the Group's
expectation of final payment in relation to each of the earn-out
agreements. This is being charged to the income statement over the
earn-out period due to the former owners having to continue to
provide service. The earn-out targets are based on the EBITDA
multiple of the annual results of the acquired businesses. The fair
value of the earn-out considerations are calculated by weighting
the probability of achieving these targets to give an estimate of
the final obligations. The income statement effect is shown below,
noting that the InfiApps second year earn-out has been adjusted to
reflect the decrease in expected EBITDA (note 5).
28 29
February February
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
InfiApps contingent remuneration (98) 1,996
8Ball contingent remuneration 4,845 -
_______ _______
4,747 1,996
_______ _______
(b) The contingent consideration relates to the acquisition of
certain assets from Tarco Limited which was recorded as a liability
on 31 August 2016, being the acquisition date. It is being unwound
from this date until the consideration is due to be paid and was
calculated based on the Group's expectation of what it will pay in
accordance to the sale and purchase agreement. The earn-out targets
are based on the EBITDA multiple of the annual results of the year
ending 31 December 2017.
8 Loans and borrowings
28 31
February August
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current
Bank borrowings 2,500 -
Related party borrowings - 8,000
_______ _______
2,500 8,000
_______ _______
Non-current
Bank borrowings 5,405 -
_______ _______
During the period, GBP8.0 million of related party borrowings
were repaid (note 9). In November 2016, the Group entered into a
loan facility with Barclays Bank Plc for GBP8.0 million. This
facility matures four years from the date of the initial drawdown
on a 3.6 per cent plus LIBOR annual floating rate basis payable
quarterly, with the principal sum outstanding amortising on a
quarterly basis over the term of the facility. Daub Alderney
Limited, Spacebar Media Limited, S.T.R. Financials Ltd and InfiApps
Limited (all 100% subsidiaries of the Group) have provided
unlimited guarantee on the borrowings.
9 Related party transactions
The Group previously received payment processing services from a
company related by common significant shareholders. Fees charged
during the period were GBPnil (H1 2016: GBP443,000). The amount due
to the Group at 28 February 2017 is GBPnil (31 August 2016:
GBP228,000 due to the payment processing company by the Group).
This relationship was terminated on 1 May 2016, whereby the Group
incurred a termination fee of GBP300,000.
The acquisition of the Tarco Assets and Netboost Media on 31
August 2016 constituted a related party transaction due to the
acquired businesses being under common control. As at 28 February
2017 the contingent consideration in relation to this acquisition
was GBP6.12 million (31 August 2016: GBP5.62 million) of which
GBP5.33 million is due to related parties (31 August 2016: GBP4.90
million). The movement is the unwinding of the discount. Refer to
note 7.
In the year ended 31 August 2015 the ultimate controlling party
prior to the IPO contributed its 100% investment in the equity
share capital of Baldo by way of a capital contribution to the
Group. Following this contribution, a total of GBP170,000 was due
to this ultimate controlling party (which remains a significant
shareholder) on 28 February 2017 and 31 August 2016. The balance is
interest free and repayable on demand.
The Group entered into related party transactions with certain
other companies under control of shareholders for the provision of
software platform, marketing and other back office services. The
total purchases in the period ended 28 February 2017 were
GBP3,033,000 (H1 2016: GBP1,674,000). The total amount due by the
Group at 28 February 2017 is GBP414,000 (31 August 2016:
GBP383,000).
On 30 July 2015, the Group entered into a loan agreement with a
shareholder for a total amount of GBP8,000,000. The amount, which
was due for full repayment in July 2017, was incurring interest of
7.5% per annum paid monthly in arrears. The full amount of
GBP8,000,000 plus one month of accrued interest of GBP51,000 was
outstanding as at 31 August 2016. On 9 December 2016 the loan was
repaid in full following the refinancing agreed with Barclays in
November 2016. Total interest expense in the period ended 28
February 2017 was GBP158,000 (H1 2016: GBP298,000) plus an early
termination fee of GBP100,000.
In October 2015 a total of GBP1,083,000 of short term, interest
free borrowings were repaid to the previous owners of the InfiApps
Ltd business, in accordance with the terms of the sale and purchase
agreement.
10 Taxation
28 29
February February
2017 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current tax expense (367) (408)
Release of deferred tax liability
on acquired intangibles 306 135
Release of deferred tax liability 853 -
on impairment of acquired intangibles
_______ _______
Total tax credit / (charge) 792 (273)
_______ _______
11 Events after the reporting
date
In May 2017 a new B2B division was launched, Stride Together,
which will enable the Group to licence its proprietary platform to
gaming operators, media partners and retailers in the UK and
globally. This will assist in creating an online presence for the
B2B division's customers and to enter the omni-channel gaming
space.
On 26 May 2017, the Group established its first Stride Together
Joint Venture ("JV") with a leading gaming operator in the UK,
Aspers Group Limited ("Aspers"). Aspers online business is targeted
to launch in Q4 2017.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR OKCDNCBKDDPB
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