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RNS Number : 9355L  Sportech PLC  11 September 2023

 

11 September 2023

Sportech PLC

("Sportech" or the "Group" or the "Company")

 

Interim Results & Proposed Delisting

 

Sportech (AIM:SPO), an international betting technology business, is pleased
to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023 ("H1
2023" or the "period").

 

Summary

 

The Group has continued to deliver solid operational performance, marked by
stable revenue growth and a renewed emphasis on margin enhancement. This
strategic approach has led to a 7.2% increase in gross profit and a notably
improved Adjusted EBITDA performance, in comparison to the same period of the
previous year.

 

The Group's Adjusted EBITDA demonstrated positive momentum, reaching £0.9
million (£0.4 million in H1 2022). This improvement was fuelled by several
key factors, most notably growth in contributions from US gaming and a
sustained focus on optimizing operational and corporate costs.

 

In July 2023, the Group completed a share capital restructuring that helped to
provide approximately 3,600 smaller shareholders with a cost effective exit.
Additionally, the Company announced a meaningful return of capital to
shareholders totalling £3.5 million, paid in August 2023, bringing the
cumulative shareholder repayments to c.£46 million over the past two years
and c.£121 million since 2017.  Group cash (excluding customer balances) at
the end of H1 2023 was £7.8 million and at the end of August 2023 was £3.6
million.

 

However, it is important to acknowledge the significant financial burden
associated with maintaining a listing on the public markets, particularly
given the Company's reduced size, following the successful implementation of
the strategic drive to return capital to investors. In light of this, the
Board will today also announce, subject to shareholder approval, a proposed
cancellation of its ordinary shares to trading on AIM (the "Proposed
Cancellation"). The background to and reasons for the Proposed Cancellation
will be set out in a separate announcement, and if approved by shareholders,
is expected to deliver significant future cost savings and strengthen the
Company's financial position.

 

 Key Financials   (£ million)                    H1 2023             Actual

                                                          Constant   Reported

                                                          Currency   H1 2022

                                                          H1 2022
 Revenue                                         13.5     13.4       12.6
 Gross Profit                                    7.4      6.9        6.5
 Contribution(1)                                 7.1      6.7        6.3
 Adjusted EBITDA(2)                              0.9      0.4        0.3
 Loss before tax from continuing operations      (0.3)    (0.9)      (0.8)
 Adjusted loss before tax(3)                     (0.3)    (0.4)      (0.4)
 Distributions to shareholders                   -        7.0        7.0

 

 

1.        Contribution is defined as gross profit, less marketing and
distribution costs.

2.        Adjusted EBITDA is earnings from continuing operations before
interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, share option charges,
impairments and separately disclosed items as reported in note 1 of the
Interim Financial Statements.

3.        Adjusted loss is the aggregate of Adjusted EBITDA, share
option charges, depreciation, amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired
intangibles) and certain finance charges.

 

 

Richard McGuire, Executive Chairman of Sportech, said:  "Despite delivering
improving operational results announced today, the substantial financial cost
associated with maintaining a public listing, given our current scale, and the
increasing volatility in the market valuation is adversely impacting net
returns and future prospects. Regrettably, in light of these circumstances, we
find it necessary to take the difficult but pragmatic step of proposing
delisting from the AIM market today."

 

 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Sportech
PLC
enquiries@sportechplc.com

Richard McGuire, Executive Chairman

Clive Whiley, Senior Independent Director

 

Peel
Hunt
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

(NOMAD and Corporate Broker to Sportech)

George Sellar / Andrew Clark / Lalit Bose

 

 

 

 

 

Group Operational Overview

 

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities: A Solid Performance in H1
2023

 

Amidst the intricacies of a predominantly physical retail business within a
heavily regulated industry, the Group's performance in H1 2023 stands as a
testament to resilience and strategic prowess. Overcoming the challenges
inherent to delivering scalable growth in such an environment, the Company
managed to deliver enhanced results in H1.

 

The Board has remained proactive in charting the path forward. Management
continue to address the operational cost structure of the Group and expand
operations beyond its historic major dependence on pari-mutuel wagering. In
January 2023 the Company unveiled the divestiture of certain non-core assets.
This strategic move coupled with the receipt of contingent proceeds resulting
from a prior year disposal, resulted in both streamlining future operating
costs and bolstering Group cash by a net amount of £1.5 million.

 

The dedication to positive initiatives, coupled with the cultivation of an
efficient operational cost base, yielded a commendable outcome. Despite a
modest yet steady revenue growth, the Group was pleased to achieve positive
Adjusted EBITDA, a testament to the Group's prudent financial management.

 

Looking ahead to the latter half of 2023, operational focus remains resolute.
Strengthening Company affiliations with betting partners, seizing scalable
growth opportunities, and realigning non-operational costs to harmonize with
the Group's scale stand out as pivotal objectives for the management team. We
are committed to capitalizing on our strengths, adjusting the operational cost
to manage growth prospects, and optimizing our performance within this
intricate and opportunistic landscape.

 

 

                             Revenue                  EBITDA(1)
 £'000                       H1 2023  H1 2022(1)      H1 2023  H1 2022(2)

 Continuing operations
 Venues                      12,651   12,442          1,923    1,612
 Digital                     894      912             (24)     (101)
 Corporate costs             -        -               (1,030)  (1,125)
 Total at constant currency  13,544   13,354          869      386
 Exchange rate impact        -        (783)           -        (75)
 Total reported              13,544   12,571          869      311

 

1.Adjusted EBITDA

2. 2022 numbers are at constant currency.

 

Sportech Digital

 

Following the 2021 sale of the core lottery contract and delivery of the
contractual obligations the decision was taken to sell the remaining non-core
lottery related assets in January 2023.

 

 Digital                         H1 2023      Constant Currency      Reported

 £'000                                        H1 2022                Currency

                                                                     H1 2022
 Service revenue                 857          912                    857

 Contribution                    354          378                    355
 Contribution margin             41.4%        41.5%                  41.4%

 Adjusted operating expenses(1)  (379)        (479)                  (462)
 Adjusted EBITDA                 (24)         (101)                  (107)

 Intangible assets capex         -            97                     97
 Tangible assets capex           -            22                     22
 Total capex                     -            119                    119

 

1.               Adjusted operating expenses exclude
depreciation and amortisation, impairments and separately disclosed items as
reported in note 1 of the Interim Financial Statements.

 

 

Sportech Venues

 

Sportech Venues operates nine gaming locations/venues in the State of
Connecticut under an exclusive and in-perpetuity license for pari-mutuel
betting and under agreement with the state lottery for sports betting. This
section outlines the company's performance in key areas and highlights its
strategies for growth.

 

Financial Performance:

 

Food and Beverage (F&B) Revenue:

In H1 2023, F&B revenue increased +10%, reaching £1.85 million, (H1 2022
£1.68m) demonstrating stability, until the anticipated return to normal
office occupancy occurs.

 

Betting Handle:

The overall betting handle within venues increased by 2.2% to $101.8 million.
This growth was primarily driven by a $5.1 million increase in gross sports
betting handle, effectively offsetting the $2.9 million decline in
pari-mutuel.

 

Betting handle represents the gross wagering by the Group retail customers in
Pari-Mutuel (Tote) and Sports Betting. It is an essential Key Performance
Indicator, however is not recorded as revenue within the Group. The Revenue
recorded from pari-mutuel (pool betting) handle is the gross take out.
Essentially the 'take out' is removed from the pool, and the remaining money
returned to winning wagers.  For Sports Betting the revenue contribution is
precisely the 'commission' received from our sports betting arrangement with
the Connecticut Lottery Corporation.  Sports Betting handle is a core KPI,
there is no direct relationship to profitability however as its risk-based
fixed odds and the clear KPI remains the hold on the handle or simply the
gross profit (Gross Gaming Revenue) which ultimately defines the Group sports
betting commission/revenue.

 

Sports Betting:

Sportech offers sports betting in collaboration with the Connecticut Lottery
Corporation (CLC). The net commission generated  supports the Group's
operational cost base. H1 2023 saw significant growth in retail sports betting
handle (+10.6%) and gross profit (+39.5%). This achievement is notable,
especially in the face of competition from neighbouring Massachusetts.

 

Risk Management:

Sportech reminds investors of the inherent risk in fixed odds sports betting
compared to traditional pool betting (pari-mutuel). During the period, the
Group managed approximately $50.1 million in retail sports betting handle,
with a Sportech risk exposure of around $12.5 million. Despite challenges and
a tough June when customers certainly enjoyed better Baseball results, the
gross profit ('hold') stood at an impressive 10.2% of handle. The American
Football season, which is the Group's busiest season, has now commenced
bringing additional opportunity and risks to the Group.

 

Pari-Mutuel Betting:

While pari-mutuel betting across the estate handled $51.7 million, there was a
decline of 5.3% compared to H1 2022. Physical locations remained stable, but
Telebetting and online products faced increased competition from iCasino
gaming and sports betting for the consumer discretionary betting dollar.

 

Strategic Outlook:

 

1. Contribution Margin:  The contribution margin improved to 53.4% (compared
to 50.8% in H1 2022). This positive trajectory is commendable, considering the
costs associated with meeting sports betting requirements and enhancing
infrastructure.

 

2. Operational Footprint:  Sportech operates across eight leasehold premises
and one freehold property in Connecticut, USA. The company is actively
exploring opportunities to expand its product range and enhance promotion
efforts.

 

Conclusion:

Sportech Venues' performance in H1 2023 demonstrates resilience and growth
potential. The company's focus on sports betting, despite its inherent risks,
has yielded support to date, offsetting the higher cost of operating a
physical retail business. As the gaming landscape in Connecticut evolves with
changes in sportsbook providers and competitive pressures, the Group remains
committed to managing relationships and optimizing its operational and
financial performance.

 

 

 

  Venues                         H1 2023      Constant       Reported

 £'000                                        Currency       Currency

                                              H1 2022        H1 2022
 Wagering revenue                9,786        9,997          9,412
 F&B                             1,852        1,682          1,584
 Sports betting commission       1,012        763            718
 Total revenue                   12,651       12,442         11,714

 Contribution                    6,751        6,315          5,939
 Contribution margin             53.4%        50.8%          50.7%

 Adjusted operating expenses(1)  (4,827)      (4,703)        (4,414)
 Adjusted EBITDA                 1,923        1,612          1,525

 Total capex                     120          15             15

 

1.        Adjusted operating expenses exclude depreciation and
amortisation and separately disclosed items as reported in note 1 of the
Interim Financial Statements.

 

Corporate Costs

 

Corporate costs reduced a further £0.1 million during the period. However the
Board is acutely aware of the cost of maintaining a public company listing and
has proposed today a delisting from AIM, which would significantly reduce
corporate costs going forward if approved by shareholders and align costs as
close as possible to the reduced size of the Group.

 

Separately Disclosed Items

 

The Group incurred costs of £0.1 million (H1 2022: £0.5 million) during the
period, which are shown as separately disclosed items. H1 2023 items are
associated with corporate activity, as the Group continues to assess and
explore its strategic options.

 

Net Finance Costs

 

The Group has no debt. The Group had a net finance expense in continuing
operations of £(0.2) million (H1 2022: £0.1 million), this was primarily the
interest payable on lease liabilities.

 

Taxation

 

Taxation is provided based on management's best estimate of the expected
weighted average annual taxation rate for the full year. The estimated
weighted average annual tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2023 is (10)%
(2022: (8.5%)). The movement is a result of a change in mix of
profits/(losses) in jurisdictions with varying tax rates, the non-recognition
of deferred tax on losses in the UK due to uncertainty of non-recovery as well
as the utilization of previously unprovided tax assets in the US.

 

The Group has submitted an appeal to HMRC to contest the treatment of £4.6
million of taxation potentially due on the 2016 Spot the Ball refund. This
amount was paid to HMRC, however in the event the Company is unsuccessful in
its appeal there remains a potential c £0.7 million interest due. There is
nothing held on the balance sheet in respect of the tax itself, the interest
is accrued and if payable will be a cash outflow.

 

Net Cash

 

The Group held cash balances of £7.8 million, excluding customer balances (31
December 2022: £7.4 million) as of 30(th) June 2023. Post the period end the
Group has repurchased c.£0.5 million of shares as part of the share
restructuring and returned £3.5 million to shareholders in August 2023 via a
capital return distribution.  The updated cash balance at the end of August
2023 was c £3.6 million

 

Capital Expenditure

 

Capital expenditure ("Capex"), was controlled again in the period and amounted
to £0.1 million (H1 2022: £0.1 million), whilst management anticipate higher
Capex in H2 2023 due to upgrading security recording equipment and general
heating and ventilation system improvements.

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' Funds

 

Shareholders' funds decreased by £0.8 million from 31 December 2022 to £13.2
million (31 December 2021: £14.0 million). The loss made in the period of
£0.3 million is coupled with a reduction in reserves due to foreign exchange
loss on translation of net assets denominated in Sterling over the period.

 

 

 

Going Concern

 

After making reasonable enquiries and forecasting the Group's cash flows with
reasonable downside assumptions applied, the Directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Group has 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim consolidated income statement
For the six months ended 30 June 2023

                                                                                                 Six months ended

30 June

                                                                              Six months ended
2022             Year

30 June
(Unaudited)

2023                                ended

(Unaudited)

                                                                                                                   31 December 2022

(Audited)
                                                                        Note  £000               £000              £000
 Revenue                                                                      13,544             12,571            26,004
 Cost of sales                                                          6     (6,183)            (6,043)           (11,847)
 Gross profit                                                                 7,361              6,528             14,157
 Marketing and distribution costs                                       6     (256)              (234)             (386)
 Contribution                                                                 7,105              6,294             13,771
 Other income                                                                 -                  155               (14,803)
 Operating costs                                                        6     (7,231)            (7,390)           120
 Operating loss                                                               (126)              (941)             (912)
 Finance costs                                                          8     (178)              (93)              (254)
 Finance income                                                         8     -                  232               232
 Loss before taxation from continuing operations                              (304)              (802)             (934)
 Taxation - continuing operations                                             (30)               (29)              (79)
 Loss for the period from continuing operations                               (334)              (831)             (1,013)
 Profit after taxation from discontinued operations                           -                  -                 1,183
 (Loss)/ profit for the period                                                (334)              (831)             170

 Attributable to:
 Owners of the Company                                                        (334)              (831)             170

 Basic (loss)/profit per share attributable to owners of the Company
 Total                                                                  10    (0.3)p             (0.8)p            0.2p

 Diluted (loss)/profit per share attributable to owners of the Company
 Total                                                                  10    (0.3)p             (0.8)p            0.2p

 Adjusted loss per share attributable to owners of the Company
 Basic                                                                  10    (0.2)p             (0.4)p            0.2p
 Diluted                                                                10    (0.2)p             (0.4)p            0.2p

See note 4 for a reconciliation of the above interim consolidated income
statement to the adjusted performance measures used by the Board of Directors
to assess divisional performance.

 

Interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the six months ended 30 June 2023

                                                                                                              Year ended

                                                                        Six months ended   Six months ended   31 December 2022

30 June
30 June
(Audited)

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                                                        £000               £000               £000
 (Loss)/profit for the period                                           (334)              (831)              170
 Other comprehensive expense:
 Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss
 Actuarial gain on retirement benefit liability                         -                  -                  -
                                                                        (334)              (831)              170
 Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit and loss
 Currency translation differences - continuing operations               (529)              983                1,047

 Total other comprehensive income/(expense) for the period, net of tax  (529)              983                1,047
 Total comprehensive income for the period                              (863)              152                1,217

 Attributable to:
 Owners of the Company                                                  (863)              152                1,217

                                                    Other reserves
                                   Ordinary shares                       Other reserve                             Retained earnings  Total

                                                    Capital                             Foreign exchange reserve

                                                    redemption reserve
 Six months ended 30 June 2023     £000             £000                 £000           £000                       £000               £000
 At 1 January 2023 (audited)       1,000            888                  314            3,372                      8,465              14,039
 Comprehensive income/(expense)
 Loss for the period                -               -                    -              -                          (334)              (334)
 Other comprehensive items
 Currency translation differences   -                -                    -             (529)                      -                  (529)
 Total other comprehensive items    -                -                    -             (529)                      -                  (529)
 Total comprehensive items          -                -                    -             (529)                      (334)              (863)
 Transactions with owners
 Dividend paid                     -                -                    -              -                          -                  -
 Total changes in equity           -                -                    -              (526)                      (334)              (863)
 At 30 June 2023 (unaudited)       1,000            888                  314            2,823                      8,151              13,176

Interim consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the six months ended 30 June 2023

 

                                                    Other reserves
                                   Ordinary shares                       Other reserve                             Retained earnings/ accumulated losses  Total

                                                    Capital                             Foreign exchange reserve

                                                    redemption reserve
 Six months ended 30 June 2022     £000             £000                 £000           £000                       £000                                   £000
 At 1 January 2022 (audited)       1,000            888                  314            2,325                      15,295                                 19,822
 Comprehensive expense
 Loss for the period               -                -                    -              -                          (831)                                  (831)
 Other comprehensive items
 Currency translation differences  -                -                    -              983                        -                                      983
 Total other comprehensive items   -                -                    -              983                        -                                      983
 Total comprehensive items         -                -                    -              983                        (831)                                  152
 Transactions with owners
 Dividend paid                     -                -                    -              -                          (7,000)                                (7,000)
 Total transactions with owners    -                -                    -              -                          (7,000)                                (7,000)
 Total changes in equity           -                -                    -              983                        (7,831)                                (6,848)
 At 30 June 2022 (unaudited)       1,000            888                  314            3,308                      7,464                                  12,974

 

 

* Net of deferred tax.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    Other reserves
                                   Ordinary shares                       Other reserve                             Retained earnings/ accumulated losses  Total

                                                    Capital                             Foreign exchange reserve

                                                    redemption reserve
 Year ended 31 December 2022       £000             £000                 £000           £000                       £000                                   £000
 At 1 January 2022 (audited)       1,000            888                  314            2,325                      15,295                                 19,822
 Comprehensive expense
 Loss for the period               -                -                    -              -                          170                                    170
 Other comprehensive items
 Currency translation differences  -                -                    -              1,047                      -                                      1,047
 Total other comprehensive items   -                -                    -              1,047                      -                                      1,047
 Total comprehensive items         -                -                    -              1,047                      170                                    1,047
 Transactions with owners
 Dividend paid                     -                -                    -              -                          (7,000)                                (7,000)
 Total transactions with owners    -                -                    -              -                          (7,000)                                (7,000)
 Total changes in equity           -                -                    -              1,047                      (6,830)                                (5,783)
 At 31 December 2022 (audited)     1,000            888                  314            3,372                      8,465                                  14,039

 

 

* Net of deferred tax

 

 

Interim consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 June 2023

                                                    As at              As at         As at

                                                    30 June            30 June       31 December

2023 (Unaudited)
2022
2022

(Unaudited)
(Audited)
                                              Note  £000               £000          £000
 ASSETS
 Non-current assets
 Goodwill                                           -                  604           87
 Intangible fixed assets                      11    6,166              6,939         6,939
 Property, plant and equipment                12    4,165              4,409         4,522
 Right-of-use assets                          13    4,315              4,813         5,042
 Trade and other receivables                  14    167                176           177
 Deferred tax asset                                 15                 -             15
 Total non-current assets                           14,829             16,941        16,782
 Current assets
 Trade and other receivables                  14    1,685              1,393         1,978
 Inventories                                        146                140           146
 Current tax receivable                             2                  54            228
 Contingent consideration (gross receivable)        -                  -             1,229
 Cash and cash equivalents                    15    8,240              8,588         7,811
 Total current assets                               10,073             10,175        11,392
 TOTAL ASSETS                                       24,902             27,116        28,174
 LIABILITIES
 Current liabilities
 Trade and other payables                     16    (5,243)            (6,959)       (6,564)
 Provisions                                   17    -                  (17)          -
 Lease liabilities                            19    (927)              (678)         (1,155)
 Current tax liabilities                            43                 -             -
 Deferred tax liabilities                           -                  -             -
 Total current liabilities                          (6,127)            (7,654)       (7,935)
 Net current assets                                 3.946              2,521         3,457
 Non-current liabilities
 Lease liabilities                            19    (5,620)            (6,477)       (6,200)
 Deferred tax liabilities                           21                 (11)          -
                                                    (5,559)            (6,488)       (6.200)
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                                  (11,276)           (14,142)      (14,135)
 NET ASSETS                                         13,176             12,974        14,039

 EQUITY
 Ordinary shares                                    1,000              1,000         1,000
 Other reserves                                     4,022              4,510         4,574
 Retained earnings                                  8,154              7,464         8,465
 TOTAL EQUITY                                       13,176             12,974        14,039

Interim consolidated statement of cash flows
For the six months ended 30 June 2023

                                                                                     Six months           Six months ended      Year

30 June

                                                                                     ended
2022                 ended

30 June
(Unaudited)

2023                                      31 December 2022

(Unaudited)
(Audited)
                                                                               Note  £000                 £000                  £000
 From operating activities
 Cash (used in)/generated from operations, before separately disclosed items   18    (141)                (544)                 119
 Interest received                                                                   -                    -                     -
 Interest paid                                                                       -                    -                     -
 Tax refund received                                                                 150                  -                     -
 Tax paid                                                                            (43)                 (4,843)               (5,083)
 Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities before separately            (34)                 (5,387)               (4,964)
 disclosed items
 Cash inflows - other income                                                         -                    100                   -
 Cash outflows - separately disclosed items                                    7     (99)                 (1,219)               (1,457)
 Cash used in operations                                                             (133)                (6,506)               (6,421)
 From investing activities
 Disposal of LEIDSA contract (net of cash disposed of and transactions costs)        -                    26                    -
 Contingent consideration in relation to sale of Bump 50:50                          1,012                -                     -
 Proceeds from sale of other intangible assets                                       500                  -                     -
 Investment in intangible fixed assets                                         11    -                    (97)                  (196)
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                     12    (120)                (38)                  (147)
 Cash generated from/(used in) investing activities                                  1,392                (109)                 (343)
 From financing activities
 Principal paid on lease liabilities                                           19    (579)                (622)                 (1,127)
 Interest paid on lease liabilities                                            19    (162)                (69)                  (230)
 Dividend paid                                                                       -                    (7,000)               (7,000)
 Cash used in financing activities                                                   (741)                (7,691)               (8,357)

 Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                               519                  (14,306)              (15,121)
 Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents                             (90)                 527                   565
 Cash and Cash equivalents at beginning of year                                      7,811                22,367                22,367
 Group cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period                      15    8,240                8,588                 7,811

 Represented by:
 Cash and cash equivalents                                                     15    8,240                8,588                 7,811
 Less customer funds                                                           15    (448)                (450)                 (391)
 Group cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period                      15    7,792                8,138                 7,420

Notes to the consolidated interim financial statements
For the six months ended 30 June 2023

 

1.      General information

Sportech PLC (the "Company") is a company domiciled in the UK and listed on
the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market ("AIM"). The
Company's registered office is Collins House, Rutland Square, Edinburgh,
Midlothian, Scotland EH1 2AA. The condensed consolidated interim financial
statements of the Company as at and for the period ended 30 June 2023 comprise
the Company, its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (together
referred to as the "Group"). The Company's accounting interim reference date
is 30 June 2023. The principal activities of the Group were the provision of
pari-mutuel betting (B2C), the Group now operates nine retail venues and
MyWinners.com offering pari-mutuel betting (and also betting through an
arrangement with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation) as well as a pari-mutuel
betting site, 123Bet.com.

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements were approved for
issue on 9(th) September 2023.

 

This condensed consolidated interim financial information does not comprise
statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 were approved by
the Board of Directors on 17 April 2023 and delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The Report of the Auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did
not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph and did not contain any statement
under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

2.      Basis of preparation

a.      These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and also
in accordance with the measurement and recognition principles of UK adopted
international accounting standards. They do not include all the information
and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read
in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended
31 December 2022 which have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted
international accounting standards.

 

b.      After making reasonable enquiries and forecasting the Group's
cash flows with reasonable downside assumptions applied, 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 condensed
consolidated interim financial statements. The forecasts used in the analysis
of the Group's ability to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future include both the base plan and downside scenarios which
although Sportech has no connections with Russia or Ukraine through its
operations (no employees located there nor any customers or suppliers in the
region), include assumptions taking into account macro-economic potential
indirect impacts of the events unfolding including impacts of prices rising
globally.

 

c.      The preparation of condensed consolidated interim financial
statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions
that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from
these estimates. In preparing these condensed consolidated interim financial
statements, significant judgements have been made by management with respect
to the assumptions underpinning the Group's tax liabilities, the valuation of
contingent consideration receivable and the carrying value of intangible fixed
assets.

d.      The principal risks and uncertainties for the Group remain the
same as those detailed on pages 15 to 18 of the 2022 Sportech PLC Annual
Report and Accounts, where descriptions of mitigating activities carried out
by the Group are also outlined. Those risks are regulation, product
popularity, third party technology, foreign exchange, political
marginalisation in Connecticut and global pandemics.

 

3.      Accounting policies

 

There are no new standards or amendments to standards or interpretations that
are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January
2023 that would impact the Group financial statements. Therefore, all
accounting policies applied in these condensed consolidated interim financial
statements are consistent with those of the annual financial statements for
the year ended 31 December 2022, as described in those annual financial
statements.

 

The standards, amendments and interpretations that are not yet effective and
have not been adopted early by the Group are listed in the 2022 Annual Report
and accounts.

 

4.      Adjusted performance measures

 

The Board of Directors assesses the performance of the operating segments
based on a measure of Adjusted EBITDA which excludes the effects of
expenditure that management believes should be added back (separately
disclosed items) and other income. The share option expense is also excluded
given it is not directly linked to operating performance of the divisions.
Interest is not allocated to segments as the Group's cash position is
controlled by the central finance team. This measure provides the most
reliable indicator of underlying performance of each of the trading divisions
as it is the closest approximation to cash generated by underlying trade,
excluding the impact of separately disclosed items and working capital
movements.

 

Adjusted EBITDA is not an IFRS measure, nevertheless although it may not be
comparable to adjusted figures used elsewhere, it is widely used by both the
analyst community to compare with other gaming companies and by management to
assess underlying performance.

 

A reconciliation of the adjusted operating expenses used for statutory
reporting and the adjusted performance measures is shown below:

                                                                 Six months ended   Six months ended   Year

30 June
30 June

                                                          Note
2023
2022              ended

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)

                                                                                                       31 December 2022

(Audited)
                                                                 £000               £000               £000
 Operating costs per income statement                            (7,231)            (7,390)            (14,803)
 Add back:
 Depreciation                                             12,13  862                537                1,216
 Amortisation, excluding acquired intangible assets       11     48                 132                252
 Amortisation of acquired intangible assets               11     -                  29                 29
 Impairment of goodwill                                          88                 -                  517
 Reversal of impairment of property, plant and equipment  12     -                  -                  (190)
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment        12     (103)              131                150
 Separately disclosed items                               7      99                 578                657
 Total adjusted net operating costs                              (6,236)            (5,983)            (12,172)

 

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as follows:

                                   Six months ended   Six months ended   Year

30 June
30 June

2023
2022              ended

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)

                                                                         31 December 2022

(Audited)
                                   £000               £000               £000
 Revenue                           13,544             12,571             26,004
 Cost of sales                     (6,183)            (6,043)            (11,847)
 Gross profit                      7,361              6,528              14,157
 Marketing and distribution costs  (256)              (234)              (386)
 Contribution                      7,105              6,294              13,771
 Adjusted net operating costs      (6,236)            (5,983)            (12,172)
 Adjusted EBITDA                   869                311                1,599

 

Prior year comparatives for the period ended 30 June 2023 have been adjusted
for discontinued operations related to the LEIDSA contract (prior full year
comparatives were adjusted in the 2022 financial statements to exclude results
of the Global Tote, Bump 50:50 business and LEIDSA).

Adjusted profit is also an adjusted performance measure used by the Group.
This uses adjusted EBITDA, as defined above as management's view of the
closest proxy to cash generation for underlying divisional performance, and
deducting share option charges, depreciation, amortisation of intangible
assets (other than those which arise in the acquisition of businesses) and
certain finance charges. This provides an adjusted profit before tax measure,
which is then taxed by applying an estimated adjusted tax measure. The
adjusted tax charge excludes the tax impact of income statement items not
included in adjusted profit before tax.

                                                                Six months ended   Six months ended   Year ended

                                                                30 June 2023       30 June 2022       31 December 2022

                                                                (Unaudited)        (Unaudited)        (Audited)
 From continuing operations:                                    £000               £000               £000
 Adjusted EBITDA                                                869                311                1,599
 Depreciation                                                   (862)              (537)              (1,216)
 Amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles)  (48)               (132)              (252)
 Net finance costs (excluding certain finance costs - note 8)   (162)              (69)               (230)
 Adjusted loss before tax                                       (203)              (427)              (99)
 Taxation                                                       (30)               26                 (79)
 Adjusted loss after tax                                        (233)              (401)              (178)

 

 

                                                                Six months ended   Six months ended   Year ended

                                                                30 June 2023       30 June 2022       31 December 2022

                                                                (Unaudited)        (Unaudited)        (Audited)
 From discontinued operations:                                  £000               £000               £000
 Adjusted EBITDA                                                -                  5,590              1,183
 Depreciation                                                   -                  (100)              -
 Amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles)  -                  (75)               -
 Net finance costs (excluding certain finance costs - note 8)   -                  (24)               -
 Adjusted profit before tax                                     -                  5,391              1,183
 Taxation                                                       -                  (1,234)            -
 Adjusted profit after tax                                      -                  4,157              1,183

 

5.      Segmental reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal
reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating
decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing
performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board of
Directors, which makes strategic and operational decisions.

 

The Group has identified its operating segments as outlined below:

 

-     Sportech Venues - off-track betting venue management; and

-     Sportech Digital - a pari-mutuel betting website and provision of
lottery software and services;

-     Corporate costs - central costs relating to the overall management
of the Group and listing costs

 

The Board of Directors assesses the performance of the operating segments
based on a measure of adjusted EBITDA as defined in note 4. The share option
expense is also excluded. Interest is not allocated to segments as the Group's
cash position is controlled by the central finance team. Sales between
segments are at arm's length.

 

                                                                      Six months ended 30 June 2023 (Unaudited)
                                                                                                                        Group

                                                                      Sportech Digital   Sportech     Corporate costs

                                                                                         Venues
                                                                      £000               £000         £000              £000
 Revenue from rendering of services                                   894                9,786        -                 10,680
 Revenue from food and beverage sales                                 -                  1,852        -                 1,852
 Revenue from sports betting services                                 -                  1,012        -                 1,012
 Total revenue                                                        894                12,651       -                 13,544
 Cost of sales                                                        (486)              (5,697)      -                 (6,183)
 Gross profit                                                         407                6,954        -                 7,361
 Marketing and distribution costs                                     (53)               (203)        -                 (256)
 Contribution                                                         354                6,751        -                 7,105
 Adjusted operating costs                                             (379)              (4,787)      (1,071)           (6,236)
 Adjusted EBITDA                                                      (24)               1,964        (1,071)           869
 Depreciation                                                         -                  (862)        -                 (862)
 Amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles)        (15)               -            (33)              (48)
 Segment result                                                       (39)               1,102        (1,105)           (42)
 Loss on disposal of Property, plant and equipment                    103                -            -                 103
 Amortisation of goodwill                                             (88)               -            -                 (88)
 Separately disclosed items                                           -                  (10)         (89)              (99)
 Operating (loss)/profit                                              (24)               1,093        (1,194)           (126)
 Net finance income                                                                                                     (178)
 Loss before taxation from continuing operations                                                                        (304)
 Taxation - continuing operations                                                                                       (30)
 Loss for the period                                                                                                    (334)
 Other segment items - capital expenditure
 Property, plant and equipment                                        -                  120          -                 120

                                                                      Six months ended 30 June 2022 (Unaudited)
                                                                                                                        Group

                                                                      Sportech Digital   Sportech     Corporate costs

                                                                                         Venues
                                                                      £000               £000         £000              £000
 Revenue from rendering of services                                   857                9,412        -                 10,269
 Revenue from food and beverage sales                                 -                  1,584        -                 1,584
 Revenue from sports betting services                                 -                  718          -                 718
 Total revenue                                                        857                11,714       -                 12,571
 Cost of sales                                                        (452)              (5,591)      -                 (6,043)
 Gross profit                                                         405                6,123        -                 6,528
 Marketing and distribution costs                                     (50)               (184)        -                 (234)
 Contribution                                                         355                5,939        -                 6,294
 Adjusted operating costs                                             (462)              (4,414)      (1,107)           (5,983)
 Adjusted EBITDA                                                      (107)              1,525        (1,107)           311
 Depreciation                                                         (6)                (518)        (13)              (537)
 Amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles)        (69)               (1)          (62)              (132)
 Segment result                                                       (182)              1,006        (1,182)           (358)
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles                                 (29)               -            -                 (29)
 Loss on disposal of Property, plant and equipment                    -                  (131)        -                 (131)
 Separately disclosed items                                           -                  (307)        (271)             (578)
 Other income                                                         -                  155          -                 155
 Operating (loss)/profit                                              (211)              723          (1,453)           (941)
 Net finance income                                                                                                     139
 Loss before taxation from continuing operations                                                                        (802)
 Taxation - continuing operations                                                                                       (29)
 Loss for the period                                                                                                    (831)
 Other segment items - capital expenditure
 Intangible fixed assets                                              97                 -            -                 97
 Property, plant and equipment                                        22                 15           1                 38

 

 

                                                                      Year ended 31 December 2022 (Audited)
                                                                      Sportech                             Sportech      Corporate costs     Group

                                                                      Digital                              Venues
                                                                      £000                                 £000          £000                £000
 Revenue from rendering of services                                   -                                    1,974         -                   1,974
 Revenue from food and beverage sales                                 -                                    3,443         -                   3,443
 Revenue from sports betting services                                 1,471                                19,116        -                   20,587
 Total revenue                                                        1,471                                24,533        -                   26,004
 Cost of sales                                                        (944)                                (10,903)      -                   (11,847)
 Gross profit                                                         527                                  13,630        -                   14,157
 Marketing and distribution costs                                     4                                    (390)         -                   (386)
 Contribution                                                         531                                  13,240        -                   13,771
 Adjusted net operating costs (note 1)                                (838)                                (9,194)       (2,140)             (12,172)
 Adjusted EBITDA                                                      (307)                                4,046         (2,140)             1,599
 Depreciation                                                         (10)                                 (1,192)       (14)                (1,216)
 Amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired intangible assets)  (162)                                -             (90)                (252)
 Segment result before amortisation of acquired intangibles           (479)                                2,854         (2,244)             131
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles                                 (29)                                 -             -                   (29)
 Reversal of impairment of property, plant and equipment              -                                    190           -                   190
 Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                        -                                    (133)         (17)                (150)
 Impairment of goodwill                                               (517)                                -             -                   (517)
 Separately disclosed items                                           -                                    (307)         (350)               (657)
 Other income                                                         -                                    120           -                   120
 Operating (loss)/profit                                              (1,025)                              2,724         (2,611)             (912)
 Net finance costs                                                                                                                           (22)
 Loss before taxation from continuing operations                                                                                             (934)
 Taxation                                                                                                                                    (79)
 Loss for the year from continuing operations                                                                                                (1,013)
 Profit after tax from discontinued operations                                                                                               1,183
 Profit for the year                                                                                                                         170
 Other segment items - capital expenditure
 Intangible fixed assets (continuing operations)                                                    951           27,055           168              28,174
 Intangible fixed assets (discontinued operations)                                                  (50)          (12,831)         (1,254)          (14,135)
 Property, plant and equipment (continuing operations)                                              196           -                -                196
 Property, plant and equipment (discontinued operations)                                            5             142              -                147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.      Expenses by nature

 

                                                                   Six months ended   Six months ended   Year

30 June
30 June
ended

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)       31 December 2022

(Audited)
                                                                   £000               £000               £000
 Cost of sales
 Tote and track fees                                               5,248              5,266              10,208
 F&B consumables                                                   586                536                1,144
 Betting and gaming duties                                         48                 54                 125
 Repairs and maintenance cost of sales                             6                  15                 28
 Programs                                                          121                127                256
 Cost of sales                                                     174                45                 86
 Total cost of sales                                               6,183              6,043              11,847

 Marketing and distribution costs
 Marketing                                                         250                224                368
 Vehicle costs                                                     6                  10                 18
 Total marketing and distribution costs                            256                234                386

 Operating costs
 Staff costs - gross, excluding share option charges               3,210              3,161              6,323
 Less amounts capitalised                                          -                  (89)               (171)
 Staff costs - net                                                 3,210              3,072              6,152
 Property costs                                                    1,420              1,201              2,688
 IT & communications                                               240                301                628
 Professional fees and licences                                    860                765                1,524
 Insurance                                                         451                500                913
 Travel and entertaining                                           32                 41                 94
 Banking transaction costs and FX                                  38                 48                 107
 Other costs                                                       (15)               55                 66
 Adjusted operating costs                                          6,236              5,983              12,172
 Depreciation                                                      862                537                1,216
 Amortisation, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles      48                 132                252
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles                              -                  29                 29
 Impairment of goodwill                                            88                 -                  517
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                 -                  131                150
 Reversal of impairment of property, plant and equipment           (103)              -                  (190)
 Separately disclosed items                                        99                 578                657
 Total operating costs                                             7,231              7,390              14,803

 

 

7.      Separately disclosed items

                                                                                    Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)      31 December 2022

(Audited)
                                                                              Note  £000              £000              £000
 Continuing operations
 Included in operating costs:
 Onerous contract provisions and other losses resulting from
 exit from California operations                                              17    -                 (69)              (120)
 Redundancy and restructuring costs                                                 -                 330               414
 Corporate activity                                                                 86                8                 57
 Settlement of a contract                                                           -                 304               304
 Costs in relation to exiting the Group's interests in India                        13                5                 2
 Total included in operating costs                                                  99                578               657

 Included in finance costs:
 Interest accrued on corporate tax potentially due and unpaid at the balance  8     -                 24                24
 sheet date on STB refund received in 2016

 Total Separately disclosed items                                                   99                602               681

 

 

 Below is a summary of cash outflows from separately disclosed items:

                                                                                Six months ended   Six months ended   Year

30 June
30 June
ended

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)       31 December 2022

(Audited)
                                                                                £000               £000               £000
 Cash outflows from separately disclosed items:
 Redundancy and restructuring costs                                             -                  (242)              (414)
 Costs in relation to corporate activity                                        (86)               (8)                (49)
 Costs in relation to the Group's onerous leases in California                  -                  (660)              (688)
 Costs in relation to exiting the Group's interests in India                    (13)               (5)                (2)

 Settlement of a contract                                                       -                  (304)              (304)
 Cash outflows from separately disclosed items (all Continuing operations)      (99)               (1,219)            (1,457)
                                                                                                   -

 

8.      Net finance costs

                                                                                 Six months ended

30 June

2023             Six months ended   Year

(Unaudited)
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
                                                                           Note  £000              £000               £000
 Continuing operations:
 Finance costs:
 Interest accrued and paid on tax liabilities                                    -                 (24)               (24)
 Interest on lease liabilities                                             19    (162)             (69)               (230)
 Total finance costs                                                             (162)             (93)               (254)
 Finance income:
 Foreign exchange gain on financial assets and liabilities denominated in        (16)              232                232
 foreign currency
 Total finance income                                                            (16)              232                232

 Net finance income                                                              (178)             139                (22)

 

Of the above amounts the following have been excluded for the purposes of
deriving the alternative performance measures in note 4.

 

                                                                           Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 Continuing operations                                                     £000              £000              £000
 Foreign exchange gain on financial assets and liabilities denominated in  (16)              232               232
 foreign currency
 Interest accrued and paid on tax liabilities                              -                 (24)              (24)
                                                                           (16)              208               208

 

9.      Taxation

 

Taxation is provided based on management's best estimate of the expected
weighted average annual taxation rate for the full year. The estimated
weighted average annual tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2023 is (10)%
(2022: (8.5%)). The movement is a result of a change in mix of
profits/(losses) in jurisdictions with varying tax rates, the non-recognition
of deferred tax on losses in the UK due to uncertainty of non-recovery as well
as the utilization of previously unprovided tax assets in the US.

 

The Group has submitted an appeal to HMRC to contest the treatment of £4.6
million of taxation potentially due on the 2016 Spot the Ball refund. This
amount was paid to HMRC, however in the event the Company is unsuccessful in
its appeal there remains a potential c £0.7 million interest due. There is
nothing held on the balance sheet in respect of the tax itself, the interest
is accrued and if payable will be a cash outflow.

 

10.  Earnings per share

 

                                         2023                               2022
 Six months ended 30 June  (Unaudited)   Continuing  Discontinued  Total    Continuing  Discontinued  Total
 Basic EPS
 (Loss)/profit for the period (£000)     (334)       -             (334)    (831)       -             (831)
 Weighted average no of shares ('000)    100,000     100,000       100,000  100,000     100,000       100,000
 Basic EPS                               (0.3)p      -             (0.3)p   (0.8)p      -             (0.8)p

 

                                                              2022
 Year ended 31 December 2022 (Audited)                        Continuing  Discontinued  Total
 Basic EPS
 (Loss)/profit attributable to owners of the Company (£000)   (1,014)     1,183         169
 Weighted average no of shares ('000)                         100,000     100,000       100,000
 Basic EPS                                                    (1.0)p      1.2p          0.2p

 

                                            2023                               2022 ()
 Six months ended 30 June (Unaudited)       Continuing  Discontinued  Total    Continuing  Discontinued  Total
 Diluted EPS
 (Loss)/profit for the period (£000)        (334)       -             (334)    (831)       -             (831)
 Weighted average no of shares ('000)       100,000     100,000       100,000  100,000     100,000       100,000
 Dilutive potential ordinary shares ('000)  N/A         N/A           N/A      N/A         N/A           N/A
 Total potential ordinary shares ('000)     100,000     100,000       100,000  100,000     100,000       100,000
 Diluted EPS                                (0.3)p      -             (0.3)p   (0.8)p      -             (0.8)p

 

                                                        2022
 Year ended 31 December 2022 (Audited)                  Continuing  Discontinued  Total
 Diluted EPS
 (Loss)/profit for the year (£000)                      (1,014)     1,183         169
 Weighted average no of shares ('000)                   100,000     100,000       100,000
 Dilutive potential ordinary shares ('000)              N/A         N/A           N/A
 Total potential ordinary shares ('000)                 100,000     100,000       100,000
 Diluted EPS                                            (1.0)p      1.2p          0.2p

 

Adjusted EPS

 

Adjusted EPS is calculated by dividing the adjusted profit after tax
attributable to owners of the Company, as defined in note 4, by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

 

 Continuing operations                   Six months ended

30 June

2023             Six months ended   Year ended

(Unaudited)
30 June
31 December

2022

(Unaudited)       2022

(Audited)

                                  Note
 Adjusted loss after tax (£000)   4      (233)             (401)                       (143)
 Basic Adjusted EPS (pence)              (0.2)p            (0.4)p                      (0.1)p
 Diluted Adjusted EPS (pence)            (0.2)p            (0.4)p                      (0.1)p

 

 

 

 

11.  Intangible fixed assets

                                               Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                               £000              £000              £000
 At 1 January                                  6,943             6,357             6,357
 Additions                                     -                 97                196
 Amortisation charge for period                (48)              (161)             (281)
 Disposal                                      (393)             -                 (5)
 Movement as a result of foreign exchange      (335)             646               671
 Net book amount at end of period              6,166             6,939             6,939

 

12.  Property, plant and equipment

                                           Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                           £000              £000              £000
 At 1 January                              4,521             4,261             4,261
 Additions                                 120               38                147
 Disposal                                  (4)               -                 -
 Depreciation charge for period            (239)             (215)             (433)
 Loss on disposal                          -                 (131)             (133)
 Reversal of impairment                    -                 -                 190
 Movement as a result of foreign exchange  (233)             456               490
 Net book amount at end of period          4,165             4,409             4,522

 

13.  Right-of-use assets

                                                 Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                           Note  £000              £000              £000
 At 1 January                                    5,041             4,657             4,657
 Additions                                       134               -                 652
 Depreciation charge for period                  (623)             (322)             (782)
 Disposed of - exited lease early                -                 (17)              (17)
 Movement as a result of foreign exchange        (237)             495               533
 Net book amount at end of period                4,315             4,813             5,042

 

14.  Trade and other receivables

                                    As at         As at         As at 31 December 2022

30 June
30 June
(Audited)

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                    £000          £000          £000
 Non-current
 Trade and other receivables        167           176           177
 Current
 Trade and other receivables        1,685         1,393         1,978
 Total trade and other receivables  1,852         1,569         2,155

 

 

 

15.  Cash and cash equivalents

                                        As at         As at         As at 31 December 2022

30 June
30 June
(Audited)

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                  Note  £000          £000          £000
 Cash and short-term deposits           7,792         8,138         7,421
 Customer funds                   16    448           450           391
 Total cash and cash equivalents        8,240         8,588         7,811

 

Customer funds are matched by liabilities of an equal value within trade and
other payables (see note 16).

 

16.  Trade and other payables

                                              As at         As at         As at 31 December 2022

30 June
30 June
(Audited)

2023
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                        Note  £000          £000          £000
 Trade payables                               3,203         3,769         4,588
 Other taxes and social security costs        187           307           148
 Accruals and other payables                  956           2,433         1,437
 Player liability                       15    448           450           391
 Total trade and other payables               4,795         6,959         6,564

 

 

17.  Provisions

                                       Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                       £000              £000              £000
 At beginning of period                -                 736               736
 Utilised during the period            -                 (660)             (677)
 Released to the income statement      -                 (69)              (69)
 Currency movements                    -                 10                11
 Total provisions                      -                 17                -
 Provisions are in relation to:
 Current provisions                    -                 -                 -
 Onerous contracts                     -                 17                -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.  Cash flow from operating activities before separately disclosed items

Reconciliation of (loss)/profit before taxation to cash flows from operating
activities before separately disclosed items:

 

                                                                                  Six months ended   Six months ended   Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                                                        Note      £000               £000               £000
 Total (loss)/profit before tax                                                   (304)              (802)              249
 Adjustments for:
 Net Separately disclosed items (included in operating costs)           7         99                 578                657
 Other income (excluding profit on disposal of Sports Haven)                      -                  -                  (120)
 Depreciation and amortisation                                          11,12,13  910                698                1,497
 (Profit)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment             12        (103)              131                150
 Impairment/ (reversal of impairment) of assets                         12,13     88                 -                  327
 Net finance charges                                                    8         162                (139)              22
 Changes in working capital:
 Increase in trade and other receivables                                          205                (180)              (1,476)
 Increase in inventories                                                          (8)                (16)               (22)
 Decrease in trade and other payables, excluding player liabilities               (1,274)            (809)              (1,101)
 Increase/(decrease in player liabilities                               15        83                 (5)                (64)
 Cash (used in)/generated from operating activities, before separately            (141)              (544)              119
 disclosed items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.  Lease liabilities

                                                         As at         As at         As at

                                                         30 June       30 June       31 December

2023
2022
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
 Maturity analysis - contractual undiscounted cashflows  £000          £000          £000
 Less than one year                                      1,168         810           1,211
 Between 2 and 5 years                                   2,660         3,000         2,615
 More than 5 years                                       4,201         5,093         4,824
 Total                                                   8,030         8,903         8,650

 

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease
liabilities was 4.16%, lowest rate being 4.00% and the highest being 5.75%.

                                                  As at         As at         As at

                                                  30 June       30 June       31 December

2023
2022
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
 Lease liabilities included in the balance sheet  £000          £000          £000
 Current                                          927           678           923
 Non-current                                      5,620         6,477         6,091
 Total                                            6,547         7,155         7,014

 

                                                      Six months ended  Six months ended  Year ended

                                                      30 June           30 June           31 December

2023
2022
2022

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
 Movement in lease liability during the period  Note  £000              £000              £000
 At 1 January                                         7,355             7,014             7,014
 Interest charged to the income statement       8     162               69                230
 New leases entered into                        13    134               -                 652
 Lease rentals paid                                   (741)             (691)             (1,357)
 Disposed of on settlement of lease dispute           -                 -                 -
 Disposal - early exit of lease                       -                 (23)              -
 Movement as a result of foreign exchange             (363)             786               816
 At period end                                        6,547             7,155             7,355

 

 

 

20.  Related party transactions

 

The extent of transactions with related parties of the Group and the nature of
the relationship with them are summarised below.

 

a.   Key management compensation is disclosed below:

                                   Six months ended  Six months ended  Year

30 June
30 June
ended 31 December 2022

2023
2022
(Audited)

(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
                                   £000              £000              £000
 Short-term employee benefits      110               294               365
 Pay in lieu of notice             -                 245               266
 Post-employment benefits          -                 11                -
 Total                             110               550               631

 

 

 

21.  Contingencies

 

Contingent items

 

Tax

The Group's activities in recent periods have resulted in material tax
liabilities crystallising. The ultimate tax liability due, in all instances,
is subject to a degree of management judgement. The judgements which are made
are done so in good faith, with the aim of always paying the correct amount of
tax at the appropriate time. Management work diligently with the Group's
external financial advisors in quantifying the anticipated accurate and fair
tax liability which arises from material one-off events such as the Spot the
Ball legal case and the disposal of the Football Pools. Management has an
open, transparent and constructive relationship with tax regulators, and
engage positively when discussing any difference in legal interpretation
between that of the Group and the regulators.

 

Penalties could potentially be imposed on the Group's corporation tax filing
position for the STB VAT refund, however Management consider this possibility
to be remote and therefore are not disclosing a contingent liability in
relation to this item. The Group has paid on account £4.6m into its corporate
tax account in order to cease the accruing of interest, which would be payable
if the Group were to accept a restatement of the Sportech Pool's Limited 2016
tax return to tax £23.0m of the STB VAT refund as income not capital.
Management believes that the filing position taken was the correct one. Post
the period end, the Group appealed a 'closure notice' and lodged an appeal
with HMRC.

 

Other contingent items are summarised as follows:

 

M&A activity

Both the 2017 sale of the Football Pools division, the 2018 sale of the
Group's Venues business in The Netherlands, the 2021 sale of the Bump 50:50
and the 2021 sale of the Global Tote business have customary seller tax
warranties under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreements. The
possibility of material claims being made under the seller tax warranties in
any of the deals is considered by management to be remote. In addition, the
sale of Sportech Lotteries, LLC on 31 December 2021 has customary seller
warranties under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreements. Those
warranties have been provided in good faith by management in light of the
probability of certain events occurring. The possibility of material claims
being made under the seller warranties in the deal is considered by management
to be remote.

 

Legal

The Group has been engaged in certain disputes in the ordinary course of
business which could have potentially led to outflows greater than those
provided for on the balance sheet. Management was of the view that the risk of
those outflows arising was not probable and accordingly they were considered
contingent items.

 

22.  Statement on Rounding

 

The financial information presented in this report has been rounded to either
whole numbers or the nearest decimal place. Rounding is employed for the
purpose of simplifying complex numerical data and enhancing readability, while
ensuring consistency and adherence to generally accepted accounting
principles.

 

We believe that the rounded figures accurately represent the financial
position and performance the Group and subsidiaries in accordance with
applicable accounting standards. Materiality considerations have been taken
into account, and rounding has not been used to obscure any significant
financial information. It is important to note that the use of rounded figures
may result in minor discrepancies when summing subtotals or totals.

 

For a complete understanding of the financial data presented herein, including
the exact unrounded figures, interested parties are encouraged to refer to the
underlying financial records and detailed notes to the financial statements.

 

Sportech is committed to maintaining transparency and compliance with relevant
accounting standards, and we are available to provide additional information
or clarification upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.   END  IR GPUQCBUPWGRU

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