CELTIC PLC — Earnings Release 2015

Sep 11, 2015

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RNS Number : 8756Y

Celtic PLC

11 September 2015

Celtic PLC

Announcement of Results for the year ended 30 June 2015

SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS

Operational Highlights

·       Winner of the SPFL Premiership

·       Winner of the Scottish League Cup

·       Participated in the UEFA Europa League, qualifying for the round of 32 stage, playing 7 home European matches (2014: 6)

·       29 home matches played at Celtic Park (2014: 28)

·       Successful hosting of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and SFA International matches

·       New commercial sponsorship agreements with New Balance and Dafabet

·       Completion of the highly acclaimed Celtic Way and Stadium Branding

Financial Highlights

·    Group revenue decreased by 21.1% to £51.08m

·    Operating expenses decreased by 11.1% to £53.27m

·    Exceptional costs of £0.74m (2014: £4.66m)

·    Gain on sale of player registrations of £6.77m (2014: £17.05m)

·    Loss before taxation of £3.95m (2014: profit of £11.17m)

·    Year-end net cash at bank of £4.72m (2014: £3.83m)

·    Investment in football personnel of £9.42m (2014: £8.07m).

For further information contact:

Company

Ian Bankier, Celtic plc                          Tel: 0141 551 4235

Peter Lawwell, Celtic plc                      Tel: 0141 551 4235

Iain Jamieson, Celtic plc                        Tel: 0141 551 4235

Canaccord Genuity Limited, Nominated Adviser

Bruce Garrow                                      Tel: 020 7523 8350

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

These results, which show an operating loss of £3.6m compared to a profit of £11.8m last year, reflect two key factors.  First, lower contribution from the sale of player registrations, and second, diminished income from competing in the UEFA Europa League competition.    The lower contribution from the disposal of player registrations was as a result of the Board deciding to retain certain registrations to aid and enhance value for the football operations.

The Board remains committed to ensuring that the medium and long-term future of the Club, and the Company, is secured.  Having regard to the environment in which we continue to operate, the Board's belief in a self- sustaining financial model has not waivered.  We believe that there is no other sensible way to operate.  The model is designed to protect the Club from the inherent unpredictability of football.   Although the Board is very disappointed not to have secured qualification for the Group Stages of the UEFA Champions League for season 2015/16, that failure does not put at risk the continued operation of the Club.  We are confident that our model provides a platform for improved financial performance in the year to 30 June 2016.

The Club's strength and stability off the pitch allows us to give full support to the Football Manager in securing his transfer targets, whilst at the same time continuing to invest in the Youth Academy that will develop our young players for the first team.  Disappointed at the outcome of the Champions League qualifier, we look forward with optimism to the season ahead.  We wholeheartedly support Ronny Deila and his support staff as they strive to make Celtic stronger on the pitch. 

Meanwhile, the Club remains engaged and represented in the Scottish and European game.  Peter Lawwell, our Chief Executive, has recently been re-elected on to the board of the European Club Association.  In addition, for the forthcoming season Peter remains a member of the board of the Scottish FA and the Association's Professional Game Board.  Our Financial Director, Eric Riley, remains a member of the board of the Scottish Professional Football League for the season ahead.  Our representation at these levels gives us the facility to continue to explore ways in which the football environment in which we operate can be enhanced. 

It is important in the context of this short statement that I should note the achievements of Celtic FC Foundation, which upholds and promotes the charitable principles and heritage of Celtic Football Club.  The Foundation is now involved in more educational, community and charitable work than at any time in the Club's history.  The Foundation assists those who face challenges, both at home and abroad, in Health, Equality, Learning and Poverty (HELP) and, on behalf of the Board, I congratulate all those involved, whether it be by giving their time or their money, or both, to support the Foundation.

The success of Celtic is dependent on the ongoing support of our colleagues, fans, sponsors, partners and shareholders; the Board is grateful for that support and is committed to promoting and maintaining that success for future generations. 

Ian P Bankier                                                                                                         

11 September 2015

Chairman

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

The year to 30 June 2015 was a period of transition for Celtic. Ronny Deila's first season as manager had successes, with Celtic winning the double of the Scottish Premiership and League Cup and progressing to the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League, as well as disappointments, most notably in failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League Group Stages and losing in the semi final of the Scottish Cup. 

Off the pitch, it was also a challenging year.  Our decision not to transfer certain players registration during the period, together with failure to progress in the UEFA Champions League, have had a significant impact on revenues and profits. 

Our core strategy remains focussed on a football operation with a self sustaining financial model and relies upon: the youth academy; player development; player recruitment; management of the player pool; and sports science and performance analysis, to deliver long term sustainable football success. The Board reviews our strategy on an ongoing basis and, having regard to the environment in which we play, considers that it will continue to deliver stability, growth and success for Celtic.  Notwithstanding the decline in revenues and profits, at the end of the financial year our cash at bank position had increased slightly to £4.72m (2013:£3.83m).  This is essential given the challenges of operating in the Scottish football environment and our fluctuating cash requirements during the year to come.  Celtic has strong foundations upon which to build.

Last season, the Club won the SPFL Premiership, finishing 17 points ahead of closest rivals Aberdeen, and beat Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup Final. But for losing in the semi-final against Inverness, we may also have gone on to compete in the Scottish Cup Final, coming close to a domestic treble in Ronny Deila's first season in charge.  The margins in football are very thin and games can turn on a single incident.  Initial results in Europe were disappointing, exiting the UEFA Champions League before the group stage against NK Maribor. In the UEFA Europa League, however, our performances and results improved, leading to qualification from our group.  Our performances against Inter Milan were very promising.

It is particularly pleasing to note that our Youth Academy, which is so important to the ethos of the Club, enjoyed another successful year.  Our teams experienced domestic successes, including the U17's League and winning both the Youth Cup and the Glasgow Cup against Rangers.   Our Development Squad also participated in the inaugural Premier League International Cup, gaining vital experience against the best academies in the English Premiership and Europe.  Although the development of the players is paramount, the team performed very well and were unlucky to lose to Manchester City in the quarter finals. 

During the year we were delighted to see the continued emergence of first team players from the Academy squads, like Callum McGregor, Eoghan O'Connell, Liam Henderson and Kieran Tierney, which is vital to the future success of the Club.  The development of the partnership between the Academy and St. Ninian's High School is a cornerstone of the Youth Academy as we combine the development of talent on the pitch and in the classroom with the target of producing Champions League players with the skills to progress in football and in life. 

The redevelopment of Celtic Park and surrounding areas was completed in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.  I am sure that all Celtic supporters shared my pride as Celtic and our great stadium were broadcast around the world.   We are continuing to build on that exposure and the addition of the new Paradise wrap around Celtic Park over the summer has raised the stadium to a new level, creating a truly iconic structure.

The Board and I shared the disappointment of our supporters, football management team, players and all involved with the Club at the poor result in Malmo.  Ronny and his coaching team are continuing to build their team and the Board will continue to support them in the transfer market and in the development of the football operation generally. The Board's commitment remains to re-invest every penny received back into the Club for the longer term. Ronny is delighted with the development of the squad in the January and summer transfer windows, with his primary signing targets acquired.  Our squad mixes exciting young players, both from our Academy and from across Scotland and Europe, with experienced internationals.  As Ronny develops his players and creates our team, we look forward to the forthcoming season with confidence. 

My colleagues at the Club and I are dedicated to creating a world class football club.  Everything that we do, we do to achieve the best for Celtic.  Charity forms a fundamental aspect of the club that we aspire to create.  Charity lies at the very heart of Celtic; it is part of our DNA.  I am delighted to say that the Club and its supporters does more now than we ever have done for charitable purposes, most notably Celtic FC Foundation, which continues to grow from strength to strength and to inspire all those involved with it.   The continued commitment of our supporters, shareholders and partners is crucial; I thank you for that commitment, which we will do all that we can to repay.  

Our objectives this year remain success in all three domestic competitions and in the UEFA Europa League, playing creative and exciting football. We will continue to build on the foundations that have been laid and focus on qualification for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, which is where this great club belongs. 

Peter Lawwell                                                                                                                                                             

11 September 2015

Chief Executive

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

			2015			2014
	Note	Operations excluding intangible asset trading £000	Intangible asset trading £000	Total £000	Operations excluding intangible asset trading £000	Intangible asset trading £000	Total £000
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
Revenue	2	51,080	-	51,080	64,736	-	64,736
Operating Expenses (excluding exceptional operating expenses)	2	(53,268)	-	(53,268)	(59,885)	-	(59,885)
		_________	_________	_________	_________	_________	_________
(Loss) / profit from trading before asset transactions and exceptional items		(2,188)	-	(2,188)	4,851	-	4,851
		_________	_________	_________	_________	_________	_________
Exceptional operating (expenses) / credit	3	(1,001)	261	(740)	(575)	(4,089)	(4,664)
Amortisation of intangible assets		-	(7,313)	(7,313)	-	(5,300)	(5,300)
Profit on disposal of intangible assets		-	6,773	6,773	-	17,052	17,052
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		(102)	-	(102)	(101)	-	(101)
		_________	_________	_________	_________	_________	_________
Operating (loss) / profit		(3,291)	(279)	(3,570)	4,175	7,663	11,838
		________	________		________	________
Finance Income				185			53
Finance Expense				(562)			(721)
				_________			_________
(Loss) / profit before tax				(3,947)			11,170
Income tax expense	5			-			-
				_________			_________
(Loss) / profit and total comprehensive (loss) / profit for the year				(3,947) _________			11,170 _________
(Loss) / profit attributable to equity holders of the parent				(3,947)			11,170
				________			________
Total comprehensive (loss) / income attributable to equity holders of the parent				(3,947)			11,170
				________			________
Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing operations and for the year	6			(4.25p)			12.21p
				________			________
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and for the year	6			(4.25p)			8.60p
				________			________

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

		2015		2014
		£000		£000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		55,452		55,594
Intangible assets		8,356		7,197
		63,808		62,791
### Current assets
Inventories		2,098		1,696
Trade and other receivables		14,740		17,258
Cash and cash equivalents		11,770		14,739
		28,608		33,693
Total assets		92,416		96,484
Equity
Issued share capital		24,294		24,357
Share premium		14,573		14,529
Other reserve		21,222		21,222
Capital reserve		2,781		2,695
Accumulated losses		(12,919)		(8,972)
Total equity		49,951		53,831
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities/bank loans		6,850		9,844
Debt element of Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares		4,262		4,284
Provisions		907		1,047
Deferred income		2,600		59
		14,619		15,234
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		14,579		16,937
Current borrowings		308		485
Provisions		251		265
Deferred income		12,708		9,732
		27,846		27,419
Total liabilities		42,465		42,653
Total equity and liabilities		92,416		96,484

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Group	Share capital	Share premium	Other reserve	Capital reserve	Retained earnings	Total
	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
Equity shareholders' funds as at 1 July 2013	24,341	14,486	21,222	2,650	(20,142)	42,557
Share capital issued	1	43	-	-	-	44
Transfer to capital reserve	(45)	-	-	45	-	-
Reduction in debt element of convertible cumulative preference shares	60	-	-	-	-	60
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year	-	-	-	-	11,170	11,170
Equity shareholders' funds as at 30 June 2014	24,357	14,529	21,222	2,695	(8,972)	53,831
Share capital issued	1	44	-	-	-	45
Transfer to capital reserve	(86)	-	-	86	-	-
Reduction in debt element of convertible cumulative preference shares	22	-	-	-	-	22
Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year	-	-	-	-	(3,947)	(3,947)
Equity shareholders' funds as at 30 June 2015	24,294	14,573	21,222	2,781	(12,919)	49,951

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

		2015		2014
		£000		£000
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss) / profit for the year		(3,947)		11,170
Depreciation		1,577		1,747
Amortisation of intangible assets		7,313		5,300
Impairment of intangible assets		378		4,089
Reversal of prior period impairment charge		(639)		-
Profit on disposal of intangible assets		(6,773)		(17,052)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		102		101
Net finance costs		377		668
		(1,612)		6,023
(Increase) / decrease in inventories		(402)		38
Decrease / (increase) in receivables		540		(819)
Increase in payables and deferred income		1,553		2,734
Cash generated from operations		79		7,976
Net interest paid		(75)		(153)
Net cash flow from operating activities - A		4		7,823
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(2,656)		(3,000)
Purchase of intangible assets		(11,239)		(9,880)
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets		12,861		5,620
Net cash used in investing activities - B		(1,034)		(7,260)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of debt		(3,169)		(379)
Dividends paid		(481)		(482)
Net cash used in financing activities - C		(3,650)		(861)
Net decrease in cash equivalents A+B+C		(4,680)		(298)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July 2014		14,050		14,348
Cash and cash equivalents including overdraft at 30 June 2015		9,370		14,050

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.         BASIS OF PREPARATION

These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement principles of IFRS as adopted by the European Union.  The accounting policies have been consistently applied to both years presented.

2.         REVENUE AND TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

REVENUE		2015 £000		2014 £000
The Group's revenue comprised:
Football and Stadium Operations		27,969		28,273
Merchandising		11,679		13,520
Multimedia and Other Commercial Activities		11,432		22,943
		51,080		64,736
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES		2015 £000		2014 £000
The Group's operating expenses comprised:
Football and Stadium Operations (excluding exceptional items and asset transactions)		43,951		48,938
Exceptional items excluding impairment of intangible assets		1,001		575
Impairment of intangible assets		378		4,089
Reversal of prior period impairment charge		(639)		-
Amortisation of intangible assets		7,313		5,300
Profit on disposal of intangible assets		(6,773)		(17,052)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		102		101
Total Football and Stadium Operations		45,333		41,951
Merchandising		6,996		8,667
Multimedia and Other Commercial Activities		2,321		2,280
		54,650		52,898

3.         EXCEPTIONAL OPERATING EXPENSES

The exceptional operating expenses of £0.74m (2014: £4.66m) can be analysed as follows:

Exceptional operating expenses comprised	2015 £000		2014 £000
Impairment of intangible assets	378		4,089
Reversal of prior period impairment charges	(639)		-
Onerous employment contracts	650		-
Compromise payments on contract termination	351		575
	740		4,664

4.         DIVIDENDS PAYABLE

A 6% (before tax credit deduction) non-equity dividend of £0.52m (2014: £0.53m) was paid on 1 September 2015 to those holders of Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares on the share register at 29 July 2015.  A number of shareholders elected to participate in the Company's scrip dividend reinvestment scheme for the financial year to 30 June 2015.  Those shareholders have received new Ordinary Shares in lieu of cash.  No dividends were payable or proposed to be payable on the Company's Ordinary Shares.

During the year, the Company reclaimed £0.09m (2014: nil) in respect of statute barred preference dividends in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association.

5.         TAX ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

No provision for corporation tax or deferred tax is required in respect of the year ended 30 June 2015.  Estimated tax losses available for set-off against future trading profits amount to approximately £16.40m (2014: £13.30m) and, in addition, the available capital allowances pool is approximately £11.25m (2014: £10.74m).  These estimates are subject to the agreement of the current and prior years' corporation tax computations with H M Revenue and Customs. 

6.         EARNINGS PER SHARE

	2015		2014
	£000		£000
Reconciliation of earnings to basic earnings:
Net (loss) / earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent	(3,947)		11,170
Basic (loss) / earnings	(3,947)		11,170
Reconciliation of basic (loss) / earnings to diluted  earnings:
Basic (loss) / earnings	(3,947)		11,170
Non-equity share dividend	523		526
Reclaim of statue barred non-equity share dividends	(91)		-
Diluted (loss) / earnings	(3,515)		11,696
	No.'000		No.'000
Reconciliation of basic weighted average number of ordinary shares to diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares:
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares	92,774		91,485
Dilutive effect of convertible shares	43,554		44,573
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares	136,328		136,058

Earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the loss for the period of £3.95m (2014: profit of £11.17m) by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares of 92.8m (2014:  91.5m) in issue during the year.  Diluted earnings per share as at 30 June 2015 has been calculated by dividing the loss for the period by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares, Preference Shares and Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares in issue, assuming conversion at the balance sheet date, and the full exercise of outstanding share purchase options, if dilutive, in accordance with IAS33 Earnings Per Share. 

7.         ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS

Copies of the Annual Report & Accounts together with the Notice and Notes of the 2015 AGM will be issued to all shareholders in due course.

The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 June 2015 or 30 June 2014. The Independent Auditors' Reports on the statutory accounts for 2015 and 2014 were unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory accounts for 2014 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies and those for 2015 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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