REG - Webis Holdings PLC - Half Yearly Report <Origin Href="QuoteRef">WEBH.L</Origin>

Webis HoldingsAnnouncement

29/02/2016 07:10

RNS Number : 3795Q
Webis Holdings PLC
29 February 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 February 2016
WEBIS HOLDINGS PLC
("Webis" or the "Group")
Interim results for the period ended 30 November 2015
Webis Holdings plc, the global gaming and racetrack operations group, today announces its interim results for the period ended 30 November 2015, extracts from which are set out below.
The Accounts are expected to be available from 29 February 2015 on the Group's website www.webisholdingsplc.com and at the Group's Registered Office: Viking House, Nelson Street, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2AH.
ENDS
For further information:
Webis Holdings plc
Tel: 01624 639396
Denham Eke
Beaumont Cornish Limited
Tel: 020 7628 3396
Roland Cornish / James Biddle
Chairman's Statement
Introduction
This period reflects the performance of our principal subsidiary, WatchandWager.com Limited ("WatchandWager"), which is engaged in fully licensed pari-mutuel and racetrack operations within the USA. It should be noted that the same period last year contained trading figures for our sportsbook, betinternet.com. This operation was subsequently closed in March 2015 for previously reported commercial reasons. As a result, comparisons versus prior year are based on continuing operations only, namely that of WatchandWager operations.
I am pleased to report further top-line growth for WatchandWager compared to the same period in the previous financial year. However, during the period, our United States operations in particular have continued to experience an increasing cost base. Also, a number of one-off expenditure items have impacted our immediate performance, but are designed to increase the strength of the operation on a long-term basis. These costs, combined with a further tightening of our gross margin due to increased licensing, track fees and regulatory costs, combined to result in a loss from continuing operations of US$ 0.71 million (2014: loss of US$ 0.68 million).
Half Year Results Review
Group turnover increased by 38.7% to US $67.88 million (2014: US$ 48.93 million) but Group gross profit declined by 15.4% to US$ 1.43 million (2014: US$ 1.69 million).
Operating expenses, including one-off items, were US$ 2.12 million (2014: US $2.15 million) reflecting some significant expenditure in the USA as we continue to expand our operational base in Lexington, Kentucky. These included the recruitment of an experienced Chief Operating Officer, plus the relocation of two senior staff from our head office in the Isle of Man, and recruitment of further Customer Services staff to Lexington. Additionally, there were significant restructuring costs in setting up the Lexington operation, plus expenditure on compliance and licensing matters.
We incurred one-off reorganizational costs and non-recurring costs of US$ 0.18 million over the period, primarily as a result of the relocation and establishment of operations in the United States.
In summary, whilst the operations have seen a welcome further growth in turnover, we are experiencing a contraction in margin. This is primarily due to increases in track host fees, source market fees and the cost of being licensed in regulated states. Additionally, there are pressures on margin as the high volume wagering sector becomes more competitive. We are countering this by adding yet more unique product for our players, as well as actively recruiting new players. This is of course the major focus for the second half year and beyond.
In respect of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, our net assets have decreased to US$ 2.46 million (year end 31 May 2015: US$ 3.17 million). Cash stands at US$ 7.9 million (year end 31 May 2015: US$ 6.1 million).
WatchandWager ADW
WatchandWager ("WAW") grew its Advanced Deposit Wagering ("ADW") turnover by 56.9% to US$ 59.27 million (2014: US$ 37.78 million) during the period, primarily once again due to an increase in high-roller wagering into international jurisdictions.This increase has largely come from wagering activity into Hong Kong Jockey Club ("HKJC") pools; despite no racing taking place during the mid season break of mid July to mid September. In addition, we have seen promising increases in wagering activity into selected USA domestic pools, plus international activity on Australian, French, UK and Irish pools. Our commitment to providing the widest range of betting content of any ADW operation in the world appears to be having a positive impact with the recruitment of several new high volume bettors to our service over the period.
As previously reported, we took the decision to refocus marketing activity through the WatchandWager.com website and mobile product during the period. The sales and marketing team are concentrating on enhancing the website and mobile offering, and offering an attractive sales promotion strategy and hands-on customer service. Encouragingly, initial results are positive, and this area of the business is a significant part of our growth strategy for the future.
We integrated two important payment processing options for the website/mobile, namely Paynearmeand Neteller. These have seen a good take up from USA based players and have greatly increased our payments-in processing ability for USA based players, something that has been difficult in the past.
During the period WAW was awarded with a licence to accept wagers within Washington State. WAW also successfully renewed its North Dakota Racing Commission multi-jurisdictional licence for 2016, and its California Horse Racing Board Hub Agreements and Labor Agreements in order to ensure its ADW license remains current for 2016. WAW also continues to be in good standing in relation to its non-USA domestic license with the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
During the period, WAW invested in various compliance items considered vital to conduct business in USA regulated markets. These included a Systems Audit by a leading Auditor in Nevada and a fully updated Federal and State by State legal opinion into our operations within the USA. In both cases WAW was found to be fully compliant in its operations in the USA, and these pieces of work will be assets to future growth.
Cal Expo
In October, WAW re-commenced harness racing at the Cal Expo racetrack in Sacramento for the fourth successive season. Our position as the operator of this 'bricks and mortar' facility continues to provide us with meaningful leverage in the wider gambling sector both within and outside of the US. Expected one-off costs relating to preparing the racetrack for the upcoming meeting have resulted in racetrack operations reporting a small loss during the period. Once again we expect stronger performance in the second half of the year.
Summary and Outlook
It is clear that the first half of the year has been challenging for WAW, with tightened margins and many exceptional costs during the period impacting on the overall Group results.
More positively the Board is pleased to report that the start of the second period of the year (December 2015/January 2016) has seen a gradual improvement in performance. Over both months we have seen record levels of turnover (based on continuing operations), and improvements in margin and cost reductions. We are expecting this trend to continue to the year end.
Specifically, the Board remains positive over its three core areas of the business, namely:
Business to Business High volume wagering - as recently announced, WAW has now signed an extended three-year contract with the HKJC. Since this announcement we have seen an increase in betting activity into this channel. The reputational importance of this contract should not be underestimated, and we have recently seen increased activity into other of our betting markets, notably the USA, Australia, France, UK and Ireland. We have a good sales pipeline in this area both in terms of content and players and are projecting further growth in this area. We are focusing on growing betting activity in this area, whilst mindful of the need to improve our margins.
WAW website/mobile/call centre betting - following the review of operations, WAW is pleased with the implementation of its new Operations Centre in Lexington. This already appears to be paying dividends with an approximate 25% increase in player numbers on the website and mobile in the early part of the second half of the year. In addition, we have now opened a fully operational telephone betting operation in Lexington. This has been in soft launch stage but we expect revenue to increase in this area during 2016. As a result of these positive signs - the Board has recently agreed to increase its marketing spend in this area over a six-month period from March 2016 to August 2016, with the anticipation of further growth.
Cal Expo - racing operations have continued successfully over the first half of the year. Credit is due to the track team in continuing to facilitate race operations during the recent El Nino storms. We remain confident of a small profit from operations at year end.
WAW continues to monitor developments in both the US racetrack and gaming market, and the progress on federal and state online gaming legislation insofar as it may impact our current or future operations. It should be noted that WAW has recently publicly supported the recent GRAY bill regarding online poker in California, but is realistic to its prospects of success during an election year. Due to much publicised legal complications, WAW has deliberately avoided entering the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) market, and this currently appears to be a decision well made.
The Board is very aware that consolidation and the increasing benefits of economies of scale have become paramount success factors for online gambling operators worldwide, given current market and regulatory conditions. As a result, the Board continues to assess all strategic opportunities for the Group's future for the benefit of shareholders.
Denham Eke, Non-executive Chairman
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the period ended 30 November 2015
Note
Period to 30 November 2015 (unaudited)
US$000
Restated
(see notes
1 and 5) Period to 30 November 2014 (unaudited)
US$000
Continuing operations
Turnover
2
67,877
48,930
Cost of sales
(66,312)
(47,169)
Betting duty paid
(136)
(71)
Gross profit
1,429
1,690
Operating costs
(1,948)
(2,134)
Operating loss
(519)
(444)
Other gains/(losses) - net
3
(195)
Re-organisational costs, impairments and one-off costs
(175)
(18)
Finance income
-
5
Finance costs
(23)
(31)
Finance income/(costs) - net
3
(23)
(26)
Loss before income tax
(714)
(683)
Income tax expense
4
-
-
Loss from continuing operations
(714)
(683)
Discontinued operations
(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations
5
(1)
384
Loss for the period
(715)
(299)
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Currency translation differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries
-
11
Other comprehensive income for the period
-
11
Total comprehensive income for the period
(715)
(288)
Basic and diluted earnings per share for loss attributable to the equity holders of the Company during the period (cents) - all operations
6
(0.18)
(0.08)
Basic and diluted earnings per share for loss attributable to the equity holders of the Company during the period (cents) - continuing operations
6
(0.18)
(0.17)
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 November 2015
Note
As at
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
As at
31 May
2015
(audited)
US$000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
7
132
170
Property, equipment and motor vehicles
204
118
Bonds and deposits
106
204
Total non-current assets
442
492
Current assets
Bonds and deposits
2,501
2,441
Trade and other receivables
2,935
2,579
Cash and cash equivalents
8
7,866
6,103
Total current assets
13,302
11,123
Total assets
13,744
11,615
Equity
Called up share capital
6,334
6,334
Retained losses
(3,875)
(3,160)
Total equity
2,459
3,174
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
11,285
8,441
Total current liabilities
11,285
8,441
Total liabilities
11,285
8,441
Total equity and liabilities
13,744
11,615
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the period ended 30 November 2015
Called up share capital US$000
Share premium
US$000
Share option reserve
US$000
Foreign currency translation reserve US$000
Retained earnings
US$000
Total
equity
US$000
Balance as at 31 May 2014 (audited)
6,334
16,978
156
(4)
(18,295)
5,169
Total comprehensive income for the period:
Loss for the period
-
-
-
-
(299)
(299)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
11
-
11
Balance as at 30 November 2014 (unaudited)
6,334
16,978
156
7
(18,594)
4,881
Balance as at 31 May 2015 (audited)
6,334
-
-
-
(3,160)
3,174
Total comprehensive income for the period:
Loss for the period
-
-
-
-
(715)
(715)
Balance as at 30 November 2015 (unaudited)
6,334
-
-
-
(3,875)
2,459
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the period ended 30 November 2015
Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss before income tax
(715)
(299)
Adjustments for:


- Depreciation of property, equipment and motor vehicles
29
47
- Amortisation of intangible assets
57
78
- Finance (income)/costs - net
23
38
- Foreign exchange losses on revaluation 
12
230
Changes in working capital:


- (Increase)/decrease in receivables
(356)
1,191
- Increase/(decrease) in payables
2,844
(1,685)
Cash flows from/(used in) operations
1,894
(400)
Finance income
-
10
Bonds and deposits utilised in the course of operations
38
403
Net cash generated from operating activities
1,932
13
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
(19)
(60)
Purchase of property, equipment and motor vehicles
(115)
(3)
Net cash used in investing activities
(134)
(63)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest and charges paid
(23)
(48)
Loans repaid
-
(11)
Net cash used in financing activities
(23)
(59)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
1,775
(109)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
6,103
8,402
Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents
(12)
(201)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
7,866
8,092
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements
For the period ended 30 November 2015
1 Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies applied by the Group in these consolidated interim financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 May 2015.
Functional and presentational currency
These financial statements are presented in US Dollars which is the Group's primary functional currency and its presentational currency. Financial information presented in US Dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand. All continued operations of the Group have US Dollars as their functional currency.
Discontinued operation
A discontinued operation is a component of the Group's business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Group and which:
 represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations; and
 is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose, or discontinue, a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations.
Classification as a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal, permanent cessation of activities or when the operation meets the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit or loss and OCI is re-presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative period.
Going Concern
As noted within the Chairman's Statement, the Group has experienced a tightening of margins and an increase in costs during the period, which has resulted in continued losses being incurred. Achieving economies of scale and controlling costs are key priorities for the Group in achieving its goal of profitability and maintaining adequate liquidity in order to continue its operations. The Directors continue to assess all strategic options in this regard, albeit that the ultimate success of strategies adopted is difficult to predict. Notwithstanding the losses incurred, the Directors have prepared projected cash flow information for the next 12 months and believe that the Group has adequate resources to meet its obligations as they fall due. Accordingly, the Directors consider that it is appropriate that the financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.
2 Segmental analysis
Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Turnover
Pari-mutuel and Racetrack Operations
United States
45,476
36,274
Asia Pacific
18,913
6,042
Europe
2,665
1,689
British Isles
758
4,925
Rest of the World
65
-
67,877
48,930
Total comprehensive income - continuing operations
Pari-mutuel and Racetrack Operations
(625)
(564)
Group
(89)
(119)
(714)
(683)
Note: Period to 30 November 2014 is restated (see Notes 1 and 5)

30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
31 May
2015
(audited)
US$000
Net assets
Pari-mutuel and Racetrack Operations
1,290
1,915
Group
1,169
1,259
2,459
3,174
3 Finance income/(costs) - net
Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Bank interest receivable
-
5
Finance income
-
5
Bank interest payable
-
-
Bank charges payable
(23)
(31)
Finance costs
(23)
(31)
Finance income/(costs) - net
(23)
(26)
Note: Period to 30 November 2014 is restated (see Notes 1 and 5)
4 Income tax expense

Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Losses before tax
(715)
(299)
Tax charge at IOM standard rate (0%)
-
-
Adjusted for:


Tax credit for US tax losses (at 15%)
(112)
(84)
Add back deferred tax losses not recognised
112
84
Tax charge for the period
-
-
5 Discontinued operation
 In March 2015, the Group ceased its Sportsbook and Casino operations due to regulatory changes in its primary geographical market that would have affected its ability to remain competitive and profitable.
 The comparative Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income has been restated to show the discontinued operation separately from continuing operations.
(a) Results of discontinued operation
Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Turnover
-
93,570
Expenses
(1)
(93,186)
Results from operating activities
(1)
384
Other comprehensive income:
Currency translation differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries
-
11
(Loss)/profit for the period
(1)
395
The loss from the discontinued operation of $1,000 (30 November 2014: profit of $384,000) is attributable entirely to the owners of the Company. The loss from continuing operations of $714,000 (30 November 2014: loss of $683,000) is also attributable entirely to the owners of the Company.
(b) Cash flows from/(used in) discontinued operation
Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Net cash from operating activities
-
81
Net cash used in investing activities
-
(28)
Net cash flow for the period
-
53
(c) Effect of discontinued operation on the financial position of the Group
Due to the timing of the cessation of the discontinued operation in March 2015, there has been no material effect on the financial position of the Group at 30 November 2015, nor at its comparative of 30 November 2014.
6 Earnings per ordinary share
The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.
The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares, on the assumed conversion of all dilutive share options.
An adjustment for the dilutive effect of share options and convertible debt in the previous period has not been reflected in the calculation of the diluted loss per share, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Period to
30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
Period to
30 November
2014
(unaudited)
US$000
Loss for the period - all operations
(715)
(299)
Loss for the period - continuing operations
(714)
(683)
(Loss)/profit for the period - discontinued operation
(1)
384
No.
No.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
393,338,310
393,338,310
Diluted number of ordinary shares
393,338,310
407,338,310
Basic and diluted earnings per share - all operations
(0.18)
(0.08)
Basic and diluted earnings per share - continuing operations
(0.18)
(0.17)
Basic and diluted earnings per share - discontinued operation
0.00
0.09
Note: Period to 30 November 2014 is restated (see Notes 1 and 5)
7 Intangible assets
Intangible assets include goodwill which relates to the acquisition of the pari-mutuel business which is both a cash generating unit and a reportable segment, including goodwill arising on the acquisition in 2010 of WatchandWager.com LLC, a US registered entity licenced for pari-mutuel wagering in North Dakota.
The Group tests intangible assets annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators that the intangible assets may be impaired. The goodwill balance was fully impaired in the financial year ended 31 May 2015.
8 Cash and cash equivalents

30 November
2015
(unaudited)
US$000
31 May
2015
(audited)
US$000
Cash and cash equivalents - company and other funds
7,194
4,691
Cash and cash equivalents - protected player funds
672
1,412
Total cash and cash equivalents
7,866
6,103
The Group holds funds for operational requirements and for its non-Isle of Man customers, shown as 'company and other funds' and on behalf of its Isle of Man regulated customers, shown as 'protected player funds'.
Protected player funds are held in fully protected client accounts within an Isle of Man regulated bank.
9 Related party transactions
Identity of related parties
The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries, and with its directors and executive officers and with Burnbrae Ltd (common directors and significant shareholder).
Transactions with and between subsidiaries
Transactions with and between the subsidiaries in the Group which have been eliminated on consolidation are considered to be related party transactions.
Transactions with entities with significant influence over the Group
Rental and service charges of US$28,562 (30 November 2014: US$29,386) and directors' fees of US$25,090 (30 November 2014: US$16,649) were charged in the period by Burnbrae Ltd of which Denham Eke and Nigel Caine are common directors.
Transactions with other related parties
There were no transactions with other related parties.
10 Approval of interim statements
The interim statements were approved by the Board on 26 February 2016. The interim report is expected to be available for shareholders on 29 February 2016 and will be available from that date on the Group's website www.webisholdingsplc.com.
The Group's nominated adviser and broker is Beaumont Cornish Limited, 2nd Floor, Bowman House, 29 Wilson Street, London EC2M 2SJ.

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
  END
IR BIGDDRGDBGLL