TIDMZIN
RNS Number : 9762M
Zinc Media Group PLC
27 September 2021
27 September 2021
Zinc Media Group plc
("Zinc Media", the "Group" or the "Company")
Unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June
2021
Zinc Media Group plc, the TV and multimedia content producer,
announces its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30
June 2021.
Outlook
-- Following a strong period of new business conversion, with a
healthy pipeline and an anticipated improvement in market
conditions in the second half of the year, the Board currently
expects the Group to be profitable in H2 2021. This signifies an
important milestone for the Group and follows the successful
delivery, despite considerable disruption caused by Covid-19, of
the Group's transformation plan set out in September 2019.
-- The Group has booked GBP16.6m of revenue which is expected to
be delivered in FY 2021, representing an increase of GBP4.4m or 36%
since the announcement on 23 April 2021.
-- Since the last trading update the Group has achieved a number
of significant successes, delivering against the core strategic
objectives set out in January 2021:
o The Group's first major new series for the Discovery Group:
Spooked: Scotland is a new 10 part series from Tern TV;
o A multi-million pound 52-episode series with Channel 5, the
largest ever single order for the Group, from the new label Red
Sauce;
o The Group's first Advertiser Funded series for a major
broadcaster from the branded content division in Zinc Communicate
which launched last year;
o The recently re-positioned Zinc Communicate has seen revenue
grow by 161% to GBP0.9m of Group turnover in H1 2021 (H1 2020:
GBP0.4m);
o The Group's first commercial podcasts for brands, and
production of the Group's first audio commission from Amazon
Audible that is due to be delivered in H2 2021; and
o Successful completion of the Group's first production for Red
Bull from new label Supercollider that launched in H1 2021.
-- The Group's pipeline stands at GBP48m, of which GBP12m is
highly advanced. A significant amount of this is expected to be
confirmed in the coming months, which will further improve
anticipated 2021 and 2022 trading performance.
-- Pre-booked revenues for next year now stand at GBP4.8m, which
is over GBP1m ahead of the same point in 2020 heading into this
financial year .
-- Since period end the Group has announced the appointment of
Tanya Shaw as Managing Director of Zinc Television, who was
formerly Managing Director of Shine TV.
Financial Headlines
Financial performance in the period was materially affected by
government imposed Covid-19 restrictions which resulted in delayed
productions and commissioning.
-- H1 2021 revenue of GBP7.0m was broadly flat year-on-year (H1
2020: GBP7.1m). This figure would have been higher had it not seen
GBP1.4m of revenue slipping out of H1 into H2 because of Covid-19
related production delays.
-- The Group generated an Adjusted EBITDA* loss of GBP1.1m (H1
2020: loss of GBP0.5m) which was higher than the prior period due
to continuing investment in talent and the Group's capabilities and
a reduction in the utilisation of the furlough scheme. The benefits
of this continued investment are being seen in the improved
performance in H2.
-- Cash at 30 June 2021 remained buoyant at GBP5.5m (June 20:
GBP3.4m), and post period end has remained between GBP5.2m and
GBP6.2m.
-- Margin improvements continue to drive the Group's turnaround
with London and Manchester television gross margins on productions
now tracking at over 7% up on FY 2019, equating to a GBP1m
improvement in profitability based on FY 2019 pre-Covid
revenues.
* Adjusted EBITDA defined as EBITDA before share based payment
charge, profit/loss on disposal of fixed assets and exceptional
items.
Operational Highlights
Programmes delivered or transmitted in the period include:
-- Ian Wright: Home Truths for BBC ONE that attracted very high
levels of press and discussion, and is another world class piece of
reputational television;
-- Blitz Spirit with Lucy Worsley , a follow-up to the BAFTA
Award winning Suffragettes with Lucy Worsley, transmitted on BBC
ONE in February 2021;
-- The Hunt for Gaddafi's Billions , a feature-length
documentary for BBC, VPRO, ZDF/Arte and several other broadcasters
transmitted on BBC FOUR, which has been nominated in the category
of best current affairs at the International Emmy Awards;
-- Norma Percy's latest series Trump Takes on the World, a
three-part series for the BBC and ARTE France and other
international broadcasters, transmitted on BBC ONE to great
acclaim; and
-- 50 Years of Mr Men with Matt Lucas , a one-off special, transmitted on Channel 4.
Titles transmitted since period end include:
-- Pinball with YouTube star Pasha for new client Red Bull had
its worldwide launch in September; and
-- 9/11: Life Under Attack for ITV and co-production partners in
the USA and France aired on the ITV main channel in September to
mark the 20(th) anniversary of the Twin Towers attack.
Programmes currently in production include:
-- The Group's first advertiser funded programme (AFP);
-- The Group's first ever commission from Dave (part of UKTV)
for an access series titled Special Ops: Crime Squad UK;
-- The Group's first major new series for Discovery Networks;
-- The Group's largest ever series commission from Channel 5;
-- Long-running returning series Beechgrove for the BBC and
Emergency Helicopter Medics for Channel 4; and
-- The Group's first audio podcast series for Amazon Audible.
A copy of the interim results will be made available on the
Company's website , zincmedia.com.
For further information, please contact:
Zinc Media Group plc +44 (0) 20 7878 2311
Mark Browning, CEO / Will Sawyer, CFO
www.zincmedia.com
Singer Capital Markets (NOMAD and Broker to Zinc Media Group
plc) +44 (0) 20 7496 3000
Mark Taylor / George Tzimas
Chairman's statement
The rigorous pursuit of the transformation plan set out by the
CEO in 2019 is delivering the expected results. The Group is
winning business from an exciting list of new clients, diversifying
revenues, increasing margins, winning awards and innovating
creatively. The Covid-19 crisis has been well managed, with the
Group showing resilience and performing in line with the market,
and better than many of its peers. H1 revenue delivery was
materially impacted by the lockdown between January and April due
to postponement of production and delivery of shows, but this is to
be expected in a Group that is dependent upon human
interaction.
New business momentum is clearly building, with many notable
firsts now delivering from a broader list of clients than ever
before and with more coming through the pipeline. The Group's first
Advertiser Funded Programme ("AFP") is a breakthrough moment for
our new branded content business in the new Zinc Communicate, along
with the first commercially commissioned podcasts for brands, which
follow on from the Group's first commission from Amazon Audible
announced at the start of the reporting period. Winning our first
commission with the Discovery group delivers on our revenue
diversification strategy, and the significant new commission from
Channel 5 vindicates the critical strategic decisions made by
management in 2020 which saw the launch of the new television label
Red Sauce.
The Group is led by a highly experienced senior team, well
versed in successful media turnarounds. They are delivering the
transformation of Zinc Media Group amidst the most challenging
environment ever experienced in the media sector. The pipeline
includes a number of significant projects, which, with continued
focus and a recovering market, have every expectation of converting
in the months ahead.
It is quite possible that Covid-19 will create further twists
and turns on the Group's path to sustainable profit and cash
generation, and while timing of programme production remains
difficult to forecast, it is increasingly clear that the Group has
a clear pathway to delivering this objective. Pre-booked revenues
for 2022 are GBP4.8m, which is over GBP1m ahead of the same point
in 2020 heading into this financial year. The Group is ambitious
for growth, and the senior management and board are actively
exploring opportunities to scale the Group in the near term.
The Board would like to thank the management team for
successfully navigating the Group through the most difficult period
in its 20-year history, the employees and freelancers for their
professional and dedicated work, and our shareholders for their
continued support.
Christopher Satterthwaite
Chairman
CEO'S REPORT
STRATEGY, CURRENT TRADING AND MARKET OUTLOOK
At the start of 2021 I laid out 5 new strategic priorities aimed
at accelerating growth as the television production market recovers
post Covid-19. They comprise:
1. Revenue Growth and Diversification
Following the completion of the transformation plan which
delivered significantly improved margins, closed loss-making
businesses, prioritised revenue growth and diversification and
improved efficiencies in the Group, the priority is to drive
revenues back up to pre-Covid-19 levels and beyond. The changes
delivered through the transformation plan mean that Group
profitability can be achieved on a lower revenue base than was
previously possible, and, as revenue recovers to pre-Covid-19
levels (circa GBP25-GBP30m) there is a clear pathway to sustainable
profitability and cash generation.
All the new revenue generating initiatives launched as part of
the transformation plan began delivering revenue in H1 2021 and
will build in H2 2021 and into 2022.
-- The new popular factual TV label Red Sauce, launched during
the height of the Covid-19 lockdown, has now booked over GBP4m of
revenue which will be recognised across FY 2021 and FY 2022. It has
a strong pipeline of business and the Group is confident that
further commissions for 2022 will convert in the coming months.
-- The new live action and brand activation label Supercollider
has delivered its first piece of production for Red Bull, titled
Pinball. This film works with YouTube star Pasha for a stunt-based
film released on Red Bull's channels and across social media
platforms. Supercollider is now in pre-production for its second
commission from another new client.
-- The new branded content division, launched in the spring of
2020, has won its first Advertiser Funded Programme, details of
which are yet to be announced. This win illustrates the combined
commercial firepower of the new Group. The opportunity was sourced
by Zinc Communicate, developed and created in Tern TV and jointly
pitched by both divisions. It will be produced by Tern TV in
Glasgow. This is a piece of business that is now possible because
all divisions in the Group are working in partnership.
-- The video marketing division is also building momentum. It is
now working with six new revenue generating partners (up from three
announced on 23 April 2021) and producing short-form corporate
films.
-- The Group has developed its existing radio businesses and
moved into podcasting. It is now winning new business with
commissions from brands and content owners. It has successfully
produced and published podcasts in medical science and history for
the Wellcome Trust and a Lions Tour podcast for London Pride in
partnership with The Evening Standard.
-- In aggregate the new businesses, launched as part of the
transformation plan, have generated revenues of over GBP6m since
their inception. This is previously untapped revenue and evidence
of the successful delivery of the revenue diversification
strategy.
-- Since period end the Group has announced the appointment of
BAFTA-award winning Tanya Shaw as Managing Director of Zinc
Television. She was formerly Managing Director of Shine TV for six
years, a role in which she oversaw a variety of factual series,
including the global hit MasterChef, and helped grow Hunted and The
Island with Bear Grylls into returning series. At Zinc, she will be
responsible for the TV labels based in London and Manchester and
accelerating growth of premium unscripted content, both
domestically and globally, across the Group.
2. TV gross margin improvement
TV gross production margins for London and Manchester TV have
increased in H1 2021 to 30.8% from 24.7% in FY 2019, and are
currently tracking at over 32%. Gross production margins across all
the businesses in H1 2021 were 35.2%. The Group has delivered well
on this critical component of the transformation plan and managed
to maintain these improvements despite the higher production costs
associated with Covid-19 workflows. Margins remain a critical
strategic priority and the Group is prioritising high margin
business as it looks to scale in the year ahead.
3. Cash management and generation
Cash management remains robust across the Group. Cash at the end
of June 2021 was GBP5.5m. The Group has sufficient cash to fund
working capital for the expected new commissions and is continuing
to invest in new talent for future growth.
4. Performance culture
The Group has undergone significant change in order to make it
easier for clients and customers to engage with Zinc, for
duplication to be removed, and to enable creativity, communication
and a collaborative culture to flourish. Significant emphasis in H1
2021 was placed on further developing the performance culture
across the Group. Performance management is at the heart of the
Group and staff have strategic performance objectives which are
aligned to the wider ambitions of the Group. Other initiatives in
H1 2021 included: unconscious bias training, staff mental health
training, parent and home learning support seminars, wellbeing
support seminars, an employee assistance programme and updated
policies in the form of a new staff handbook covering all areas of
the business including health and safety and compliance.
5. Shareholder communication
A successful working partnership between staff, management and
shareholders will underpin the Group's growth going forward.
Consistent communication lies at the heart of this. Shareholder
communication in H1 included meetings with institutional investors,
two presentations via the Investor Meet Company platform, and a
post period end screening event and tour of Zinc's HQ in London.
Further opportunities for current and potential future investors
are planned for H2.
Impact of Covid-19 and market outlook
There is a growing sense that the worst of the Covid-19 crisis
is behind us and the content market is recovering. Productions do
remain vulnerable to postponement due to Covid-19 and this will
continue to present risk to revenue recognition throughout H2 2021
and into 2022 as Zinc reports revenue on the basis of production
activity. Every effort is made to keep productions on schedule, but
this issue will continue to make forecasting difficult. There is a
backlog of production in the wider market which is impacting the
ability of all producers to resource some productions, particularly
in the area of production management where there is a current
shortage of available talent.
Aside from the operational and financial challenges associated
with Covid-19, which are likely to continue into 2022, the content
market is recovering and the Group is seeing more activity and
opportunity than at any time since March 2020.
The strategic changes within the BBC and the consultation on the
future ownership of Channel 4 present both risk and opportunities
for the Group. The reduction of commissioning from BBC Four will
negatively impact some of the London TV labels, particularly in
specialist factual, but the return to linear television and the
move to increase commissioning within BBC Three presents
opportunity. The Government's ambition to change the ownership
model for Channel 4 presents some uncertainty, particularly in
relation to the channel's future commitment to Nations and Regions
commissioning, where Tern TV is particularly strong. However, the
Group's revenue diversification strategy means the wider Group is
less reliant on a small number of UK broadcasters, and the number
of new clients the Group is working with significantly mitigates
some of the structural risks within the UK PSB television
market.
The new Zinc Communicate continues to develop in line with
management's expectations. It presents an opportunity for scale and
higher margin revenues, and the Group is pleased to report new
business wins and revenue growth in this division.
Outlook
With the Group currently expecting to be profitable in H2 2021
the medium and long term outlook is increasingly positive. The
underlying TV business is returning to growth, the margin
improvements demonstrate that profitability and cash generation can
be achieved from these divisions from a lower base of revenues than
was required historically, and all the new business initiatives are
generating revenues in previously untapped markets.
The Group's pipeline now stands at GBP48m in total, with GBP12m
at a highly advanced stage, and GBP11m in engaged conversations
with clients.
Critically the Group now has pre-booked revenue for 2022 of
GBP4.8m. This is over GBP1m ahead of the same point last year.
Pre-booked revenues and a strong pipeline provide the best
visibility yet that the Group can deliver profit and cash
generation in 2022.
The Group is actively pursuing new opportunities to accelerate
revenue growth. It is considering new hires, and new talent, and is
hopeful of adding additional revenue generating opportunities to
its pipeline in H2 2021.
With the underlying TV businesses becoming profitable, the newly
launched businesses growing steadily, new revenue generating talent
looking to join in H2 2021, the market recovery and the risk of
Covid-19 subsiding, the future for the Group is stronger than it
has been for many years.
DIVISIONAL BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Tern Television - Factual television produced from the
Nations
Tern Television continues to perform well across its sites in
Glasgow, Aberdeen and Belfast.
The division has a very clear strategy and compelling market
proposition. It successfully serves the BBC network, BBC Scotland,
Channel 4 and More 4 by creating high rating returning factual
series at competitive price points from the Nations of Scotland and
Northern Ireland. It is now successfully diversifying into other
broadcasters with Discovery and Channel 5 new to the division in H1
2021. Returning commissions include: Channel 4's Emergency
Helicopter Medics, BBC's Crime Files and Grand Tours from Tern
Glasgow, BBC's Critical Incident from Tern Belfast and Beechgrove
from Tern Aberdeen. Revenues in H1 2021 were lower than anticipated
due to lockdown extending longer in Scotland than other parts of
the UK and the division being reliant on a number of access driven
documentaries.
Tern remains in a strong position to benefit from the BBC and
Channel 4's out of London commissioning strategy, providing these
remain priorities for the broadcasters.
Red Sauce - popular factual and daytime television produced from
London and Manchester
Red Sauce has launched strongly in its first year, securing over
GBP4m of new business which will be recognised across FY 2021 and
FY 2022. This volume of work demonstrates the confidence the
commissioning market has in this label's ability to deliver
television at speed and scale from the English regions. In H1 2021
the division secured the Group's first ever commission from Dave
(part of UKTV) for a 10 part series titled Special Ops: Crime Squad
UK. This programme features exclusive access to some of the UK's
most talented and successful police officers assembled as elite
teams to tackle some of the UK's most challenging criminals.
Following the period end Red Sauce has picked up the Group's
biggest ever commission from Channel 5, for 52 episodes of Bargain
Loving Brits. Previously the channel only commissioned this series
in batches of 6 or 8. This new commission is a considerable
achievement for the new label and for the Manchester production
community. The division has a strong pipeline and anticipates
further commissions and growth in 2022.
Blakeway London - specialist factual television
Blakeway produces television in the areas of history, arts,
music and science. Programmes delivered or transmitted in the
reporting period include: Blitz Spirit with Lucy Worsley for BBC
ONE, the second series of History of Britain with Tony Robinson and
1939: Hollywood's Golden Year, both for Channel 5.
Brook Lapping - current affairs and investigations
Brook Lapping, now more closely defined as the Group's Current
Affairs and Investigations label, has continued to perform
strongly.
The Hunt for Gaddafi's Billions , a feature-length documentary
for BBC, VPRO, ZDF/Arte, SVT, DR, NRK, TSR and several other
broadcasters aired in March to great critical acclaim. It won the
Banff Festival Rockie award and has since been nominated in the
category of best current affairs at the International Emmy Awards
on September 28(th) .
Norma Percy's latest series Trump takes on the World, a
three-part series for the BBC, ARTE France and other international
broadcasters, aired in January 2021. Following its success the next
Norma Percy projects are in advanced development.
9/11 - Life Under Attack which, in addition to funding from ITV,
secured significant investment from the History Channel US and
France 3, aired in the UK on 7(th) September to mark the 20(th)
anniversary of the Twin Towers attack. This commission further
demonstrates that Brook Lapping is regarded by ITV as a go-to
destination for its landmark documentaries.
Films of Record - access and observational documentaries
BBC ONE aired Ian Wright's Home Truths, a documentary exploring
domestic abuse, in March 2021. This documentary attracted
unprecedentedly high levels of press and discussion across print,
radio, television and online, and is another world class piece of
reputational television from Zinc Media Group.
Supercollider - live action television for brands and
broadcasters
Supercollider is the Group's most recent television label, led
by award winning director Mike Christie. Mike's work spans
specialist factual, live event television, sport and music.
Supercollider is a genre-blending label, which brings Zinc TV's
premium factual reputation together with Zinc Communicate's brand
and media owner relationships. Its first commission Pinball, with
YouTube star Pasha for Red Bull, had its worldwide launch on
September 14(th) . Supercollider is already in production on its
second live action programme for another new brand. It is also in
advanced discussion about a feature documentary with a significant
US film director.
Zinc Communicate: CSR, Publishing, Video Marketing and Branded
Content
Zinc Communicate has continued to evolve successfully in H1
2021. It is now operating as one single entity under one new
Managing Director who was appointed in the reporting period. This
business division produces televisual and digital publishing
content for brands, partners, trade associations, rights holders
and media owners.
Zinc Communicate - Publishing
The publishing business is the heritage division within the new
Zinc Communicate. It has performed steadily throughout the Covid
pandemic. Revenues in H1 2021 were subdued due to the Covid
lockdown, with the publication of some productions being delayed
into H2 2021. The biggest challenge to this business is the
recruitment and retention of high performing telesales people, and
in line with other sectors of the UK economy and TV production,
recruitment is challenging as the economy emerges from the Covid-19
pandemic. This division continues to work successfully with the
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) under a contract which
was renewed in 2020 and runs until 2023.
Zinc Communicate - Video Marketing
This is a new venture launched in 2020. It produces B2B video
marketing and communication for partners and associations. The
Group forecast to work with 7 partners for 2021, and 6 are now
contracted for this financial year. Sales were slower than
anticipated in H1 2021 but the run rate of sales has doubled so far
in H2.
Zinc Communicate - Branded content
The branded content business won its first advertiser funded
commission in H1 2021. This is a breakthrough moment for this new
division and demonstrates the benefit of harnessing the
cross-selling opportunities within the Group. The opportunity was
sourced by Zinc Communicate, developed and created in Tern TV and
jointly pitched by both divisions. It will be produced by Tern TV
in Glasgow. This division is picking up new business in the area of
commercial podcasts and has produced a series titled Going Viral:
Vax and the Facts for the Wellcome Trust, a new series titled
Lawrence Dallaglio's Lions Podcast with London Pride in partnership
with The Evening Standard. This successful push into podcasting
comes on the back of the Group's first commission from Amazon
Audible in H1 and builds on the heritage radio businesses within
the Group.
Mark Browning, Chief Executive Officer
CFO'S REPORT
INCOME STATEMENT
Group revenues in the reporting period were GBP7.0m (H1 2020:
GBP7.1m). An additional GBP1.4m of revenue, which was due to be
delivered in H1 2021, was delayed due to the Covid-19 lockdown but
is expected to be delivered in H2 2021. Programmes that relied on
access suffered the biggest delays as individuals and/or
institutions were reluctant to allow production until the vaccine
programme was suitably advanced. These programmes included
Emergency Helicopter Medics for Channel 4 and Critical Incident for
BBC1, which involve access to the emergency services and to
confined spaces with vulnerable people.
As a result of launching new businesses within Zinc Communicate,
revenue has grown by 161% to GBP0.9m (H1 2020: GBP0.4m) within this
division, representing 13% of Group revenues in H1 2021 (H1 2020:
5%).
Tern TV continued to perform well, booking GBP2.8m of revenue
(H1 2020: GBP2.6m). Its resilient performance is rooted in well
established relationships within the BBC network, BBC Scotland,
Channel 4 and More 4, and in long running returning series.
London and Manchester's television labels generated GBP3.3m (H1
2020: GBP4.2m) of revenue but were hit harder by the pandemic than
other parts of the Group due to their dependence on more expensive
programmes, which commissioners found challenging to obtain budget
approval for as a result of reduced advertising revenues during
lockdown. The new labels Red Sauce and Supercollider are gaining
traction in the market, and revenue from new commissions will be
recognised in future periods.
During the period, the Group's aggregate gross margin reduced by
0.8% from 34.4% in H1 2020 to 33.6% in H1 2021. This was
predominantly due to a reduction in high margin distribution
revenues related to programmes produced in prior periods, which
fluctuate from one period to another. It is demonstrable that
across the 18 month period to December 2020 the aggregate gross
margin was 30.1% and this has increased by 3.5% during the six
months to June 2021.
Operating costs rose by GBP0.5m compared to H1 2020 due to
non-recurring cost reductions which were realised as a result of
the first Covid-19 lockdown, through the furlough scheme and salary
reductions .
The Group's adjusted EBITDA (being earnings before interest,
tax, depreciation, amortisation, share based payment charges, loss
on disposal of fixed assets and exceptional items) from continuing
operations for H1 2021 was a loss of GBP1.1m (H1 2020: loss of
GBP0.5m) due to the impact of Covid-19 on revenues.
Dividend
No dividend is proposed. The Board considers the Group's
investment plans, financial position and business performance in
determining when to pay a dividend.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Asset s
Total assets of the Group have decreased by GBP2.6m in the six
month period ended 30 June 2021. This is mainly due to cash
reducing by GBP1.3m to GBP5.5m resulting from GBP1.1m of operating
outflows driven by the four month Covid-19 lockdown between January
and April 2021.
During the period working capital remained flat as cash was
managed tightly. The reduction in trade and other payables offset
the reduction in trade and other receivables as production activity
was lower in May/June than November/December.
Equity and Liabilities
The GBP2.6m reduction in equity and liabilities results from the
loss for the period of GBP2.0m and a GBP0.8m reduction in trade and
other payables.
The Group had an outstanding balance on long-term debt of
GBP3.4m as at 30 June 2021 which has remained the same as the
beginning of the period, held by two of the Company's shareholders
and with no financial covenants relating to the debt.
Uncertainties due to Covid-19
The biggest potential risk to the Group remains the impact of
Covid-19 on the commissioning and production of TV programmes,
which is largely dependent on the extent and duration of social
distancing measures and the impact on the advertising market and
wider economy. The Group is able to produce programmes in a
Covid-safe way, albeit some programmes are dependent on events
taking place, organisations granting access to production crews and
people congregating for filming. In recent months the Group has
been able to film the majority of what it has expected to and has
significant positive momentum on a number of potential commissions
that gives it confidence for the remainder of 2021 and for
2022.
The Group's cash balance and forecasts continue to be monitored
and managed carefully. At 30 June 2021 the Group had GBP5.5m of
cash and since this date has remained at least GBP5.2m. Along with
a GBP0.6m overdraft facility, the Board believes there is
sufficient working capital to realise the growth ambitions of the
Group.
Will Sawyer
Chief Financial Officer
Zinc Media Group plc consolidated income statement
For the six months ended 30 June 2021
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Half Year 18 Months
Half Year to to to
30 June 30 June 31 December
2021 2020 2020
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ---------- ------------
Continuing operations
Revenue 3 6,975 7,144 30,552
Cost of sales (4,628) (4,687) (21,359)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ---------- ------------
Gross Profit 2,347 2,457 9,193
Operating expenses (3,444) (2,969) (9,986)
Adjusted EBITDA (1,097) (512) (793)
Depreciation & amortisation (727) (743) (2,246)
Share based payment (charge)/credit (40) 17 (22)
Profit/(loss) on disposal
of tangible assets 1 (43) (22)
Exceptional items 4 (85) (266) (589)
Operating loss (1,948) (1,547) (3,672)
Finance costs (121) (170) (460)
Finance income - - 2
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ---------- ------------
Loss before tax (2,069) (1,717) (4,130)
Taxation credit/(charge) 61 50 (157)
Loss for the period from
continuing operations (2,008) (1,667) (4,287)
Loss from discontinued operations 5 - (419) (624)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ---------- ------------
Loss for the period (2,008) (2,086) (4,911)
Attributable to:
Equity holders (2,016) (2,086) (4,944)
Non-controlling interest 8 - 33
Retained loss for the period (2,008) (2,086) (4,911)
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ---------- ------------
Earnings per share
From continuing operations:
Basic Loss per Share 6 (12.61)p (24.80)p (66.38)p
Diluted Loss per Share 6 (12.61)p (24.80)p (66.38)p
------------------------------------- ----- ------------- ---------- ------------
Zinc Media Group plc consolidated statement of financial position
As at 30 June 2021
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 June 30 June 31 December
2021 2020 2020
Note GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Assets
Non-current
Goodwill and intangible
assets 7 4,153 4,726 4,505
Property, plant and equipment 8 842 1,000 934
Right-of-use assets 10 1,269 1,512 1,277
6,264 7,238 6,716
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Current assets
Inventories 154 308 184
Trade and other receivables 9 3,505 4,767 4,279
Cash and cash equivalents 5,460 3,379 6,805
9,119 8,454 11,268
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total assets 15,383 15,692 17,984
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Equity and liabilities
Shareholders' equity
Called up share capital 12 20 5,941 20
Share premium account 4,785 34,824 4,654
Merger reserve 27 940 27
Share Based payment reserve 195 95 155
Retained earnings (858) (38,697) 1,158
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total equity attributable
to equity holders of the
parent 4,169 3,103 6,014
Non-controlling interests 18 18 12
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total Equity 4,187 3,121 6,026
Liabilities
Non-current
Borrowings 3,433 3,693 3,426
Deferred tax 218 7 277
Provisions 101 75 75
Lease liabilities 10 931 1,260 1,066
4,683 5,035 4,844
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 11 5,987 6,382 6,771
Contingent consideration - 865 -
Current tax liabilities 10 3 6
Lease liabilities 10 516 286 337
6,513 7,536 7,114
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Total equity and liabilities 15,383 15,692 17,984
------------------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Zinc Media Group plc consolidated statement of cash flows
For the six months ended 30 June 2021
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Half year to Half year to 18 Months to
30 June 30 June 31 December
2021 2020 2020
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the period before tax (2,069) (2,146) (4,754)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 375 448 1,278
Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 352 356 1,039
Finance costs 121 133 460
Finance income - - (2)
Share based payment charge 40 (17) 22
(Gain)/loss on measurement of deferred contingent
consideration - (13) 41
Contingent consideration deemed remuneration - 59 160
(Gain)/Loss on disposal of tangible assets (1) 43 22
Issue of ordinary share capital in lieu of director fees 131 - -
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
(1,051) (1,137) (1,734)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 30 (93) 52
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 774 1,634 2,579
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables (784) (1,355) (1,565)
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
Cash (used in)/generated from operations (1,031) (951) (668)
Finance costs paid - (27) (69)
Interest on leases (33) - (89)
Finance income - - 2
Net cash flows (used in)/generated from operating
activities (1,064) (978) (824)
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
Investing activities
Payment of contingent consideration - - (750)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (42) (848) (988)
Purchase of intangible assets - (108)
Net cash flows used in investing activities (42) (848) (1,846)
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
Financing activities
Issue of ordinary share capital (net of issue costs) - 3,272 7,094
Borrowings repaid (83) (162) (172)
Capital element of finance lease payments (160) (277) (698)
Net cash flows generated from/(used in) financing
activities (243) 2,833 6,224
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,349) 1,007 3,554
Translation differences 4 (10) 38
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 6,805 2,382 3,213
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 5,460 3,379 6,805
--------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
Zinc Media Group plc consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the six months ended 30 June 2021
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity
Share attributable
based to equity
Share Share payment Merger Preference Retained holders of Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve shares earnings the parent interest equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance at 1
July 2019 5,928 30,509 133 875 839 (35,625) 2,659 8 2,667
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - - (4,944) (4,944) 33 (4,911)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - 22 - - - 22 - 22
Shares issued
in placing 13 7,487 - - - - 7,500 - 7,500
Consideration
paid in shares 1 489 - 65 - 60 615 615
Share issue in
lieu of fees - 48 - 48 48
Shares issued
in debt
conversion 1 427 - - - - 428 - 428
Conversion of
preference
shares 8 923 - - (839) - 92 - 92
Expenses of
issue of
shares - (406) - - - - (406) - (406)
Capital
reduction (5,931) (34,823) - (913) - 41,667 - - -
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (29) (29)
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Total
transactions
with owners of
the Company (5,908) (25,855) 22 (848) (839) 36,783 3,355 4 3,359
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 31
December 2020 20 4,654 155 27 - 1,158 6,014 12 6,026
Balance at 1
January 2020 5,928 30,598 112 940 767 (36,611) 1,734 18 1,752
Total
comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - - (2,086) (2,086) - (2,086)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - (17) - - - (17) - (17)
Shares issued
in placing 5 3,267 - - - - 3,272 - 3,272
Conversion of
preference
shares 8 852 - - (767) - 93 - 93
Shares issued
in debt
conversion - 77 - 77 - 77
Directors'
remuneration
paid in shares - 30 - - - - 30 - 30
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Total
transactions
with owners of
the Company 13 4,226 (17) - (767) (2,086) 1,369 - 1,369
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 30
June 2020 5,941 34,824 95 940 - (38,697) 3,103 18 3,121
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Total equity
Share attributable
based to equity
Share Share payment Merger Preference Retained holders of Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve shares earnings the parent interest equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 1
January 2021 20 4,654 155 27 - 1,158 6,014 12 6,026
Total
comprehensive
income for the
year - - - - - (2,016) (2,016) 8 (2,008)
Equity-settled
share-based
payments - - 40 - - - 40 - 40
Directors'
remuneration
paid in shares 0 131 - - - - 131 - 131
Dividends paid - - - - - - - (2) (2)
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Total
transactions
with owners of
the Company 0 131 40 - - (2,016) (1,845) 6 (1,839)
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Balance at 30
June 2021 20 4,785 195 27 - (858) 4,169 18 4,187
---------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- ---------------- --------
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1) GENERAL INFORMATION
The Company is a public limited company incorporated in the
United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is 7 Exchange
Crescent, Conference Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8AN.
The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM
Market.
2) BASIS OF PREPARATION
The interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021 have
been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies expected to
be used in the 2021 Zinc Media Group plc Annual Report and Accounts
and in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements
of UK adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS) but does not
include all the disclosures that would be required under IAS and
should be read in conjunction with the accounts for the 18 month
period ended 31 December 2020.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of
computation are followed in these interim condensed set of
financial statements as have been applied in the Group's latest
annual audited financial statements.
The interim results, which were approved by the Directors on 24
September 2021, are unaudited. The interim results do not
constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of
section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.
Comparative figures for the 18 months ended 31 December 2020
have been extracted from the statutory accounts for the Group for
that period, which carried an unqualified audit report, did not
include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew
attention by way of emphasis of matter, did not contain a statement
under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 and have been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies.
3) SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
The operations of the group are managed in two principal
business divisions: Zinc TV and Zinc Communicate. These divisions
are the basis upon which the management reports its primary
segmental information. The activities undertaken by the TV segment
include the production of television. The Zinc Communicate unit
includes publishing, radio and content production. Items included
under 'Central and Plc' do not constitute an operating segment and
relate mainly to Group activities based in the United Kingdom.
Central and plc costs relate to Directors, support functions and
costs resulting from being listed.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Half Year to Half Year to 18 Months to
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
Revenues by Business Division (continuing operations) GBP'000's GBP'000's GBP'000's
------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Zinc TV 6,054 6,791 27,790
Zinc Communicate 921 353 2,759
Central and Plc - - 3
------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total 6,975 7,144 30,552
------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
4) EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
Exceptional items are presented separately as, due to their
nature or the infrequency of the events giving rise to them, this
allows shareholders to understand better the elements of financial
performance for the period, to facilitate comparison with prior
periods and to assess better the trends of financial
performance.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Half Year to Half Year to 18 Months to
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
GBP'000's GBP'000's GBP'000's
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Change in fair value of contingent consideration in respect of Tern
Television - 13 (41)
Reorganisation and restructuring costs (85) (220) (388)
Contingent consideration treated as remuneration - (59) (160)
Total (85) (266) (589)
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
5) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The CSR division has had a negative impact on the Group's
overall profitability since the loss of the TFL sponsorship
contract for The Children's Traffic Club in 2019. Following a
strategic and market review of the highly specialised niche market
of CSR and STEM education the Group decided to withdraw from this
market in early 2020 and wind down all the loss-making contracts in
the CSR business.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Half Year 18 Months
Half Year to to to
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
GBP'000's GBP'000's GBP'000's
----------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Revenue - 160 628
Expenses - (424) (1,061)
----------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Adjusted EBITDA loss - (264) (433)
Exceptional items - (104) (119)
Amortisation and depreciation - (61) (72)
Loss before tax from discontinued
operations - (429) (624)
----------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Income tax - 10 -
----------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
Loss after tax from discontinued
operations - (419) (624)
----------------------------------- -------------- ------------ ------------
The CSR business was closed in the 18 month period to December
2020 and the associated close down costs were disclosed as
exceptional items in that period.
6) EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic loss per share (EPS) for the period equals the loss after
tax from continuing operations attributable to the Company's
ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of
issued ordinary shares.
When the Group makes a profit from continuing operations,
diluted EPS equals the profit attributable to the Company's
ordinary shareholders divided by the diluted weighted average
number of issued ordinary shares. When the Group makes a loss from
continuing operations, diluted EPS equals the loss attributable to
the Company's ordinary shareholders divided by the basic
(undiluted) weighted average number of issued ordinary shares. This
ensures that EPS on losses is shown in full and not diluted by
unexercised share options or awards.
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Half Year to Half Year to 18 Months to
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- -------------
Weighted average number of shares used
in basic and diluted earnings per share calculation 15,989,252 6,721,224 6,507,620
Potentially dilutive effect of share options 788,342 193,559 416,485
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- -------------
Continuing operations
------------------------ --------------------
Basic Loss per Share (12.61)p (24.80)p (66.38)p
Diluted Loss per Share (12.61)p (24.80)p (66.38)p
------------------------ --------- --------- ---------
7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Customer Distribution
Goodwill Brands Relationships Software Catalogue Total
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
----------------------------- ------- --------------- --------- ------------- -------
Net Book Value
At 30 June 2021 3,055 161 743 77 117 4,153
---------------------- ------ ------- --------------- --------- ------------- -------
At 30 June 2020 3,055 257 1,207 - 207 4,726
At 31 December 2020 3,055 209 975 104 162 4,505
---------------------- ------ ------- --------------- --------- ------------- -------
8) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land and buildings Office and computer equipment Total
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------------ ---------
Net book value
------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------------ ---------
As at 30 June 2021 274 568 842
------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------------ ---------
As at 30 June 2020 788 212 1,000
As at 31 December 2020 306 628 934
------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------------ ---------
9) TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Current
Trade receivables 2,507 3,187 2,628
Less provision for impairment (487) (134) (468)
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Net trade receivables 2,020 3,053 2,160
Other receivables - 328 -
Prepayments 497 400 364
Accrued income 988 986 1,755
Total 3,505 4,767 4,279
------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates
to their fair value. The creation and release of provision for
impaired receivables have been included in administration expenses
in the income statement.
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the
carrying value of each class of asset above. The Group does not
hold any collateral as security for trade receivables. The Group is
not subject to any significant concentrations of credit risk.
10) LEASES AND RIGHT OF USE ASSETS
The Group has leases for office space and equipment. With the
exception of some short-term leases and leases of low-value
underlying assets, each lease is reflected on the balance sheet as
a right-of-us asset and a lease liability. The table below
describes the nature of the Group's leasing activities by type of
right-of-use asset recognised on balance sheet:
No. of right-of-use assets Range of remaining term Average remaining lease
leased (years) term (years)
Short leasehold land and
buildings 5 <1 to 5 2.5
Office and computer
equipment 7 <1 to 2 1.6
----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Right-of-use assets
Additional information on the right-of-use assets by class of
assets is as follows:
Short leasehold land and buildings Office and computer equipment Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Balance as at 30 June 2020 1,254 258 1,512
Depreciation (181) (54) (235)
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------
Balance as at 31 December 2020 1,073 204 1,277
Additions 204 - 204
Depreciation (166) (46) (212)
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------
Balance as at 30 June 2021 1,111 158 1,269
The right-of-use assets are included in the same line item as
where the corresponding underlying assets would be presented if
they were owned, which is property, plant & equipment.
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are presented in the statement of financial
position as follows:
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
GBP000's GBP000's GBP'000
------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Current 516 286 337
Non-current 931 1,260 1,066
1,447 1,546 1,403
------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Additional information on the lease liabilities are as
follows:
Short leasehold land and buildings Office and computer equipment Total
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------
Balance as at 30 June 2020 1,282 264 1,546
Interest expense 25 9 34
Lease payments (116) (61) (177)
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------
Balance as at 31 December 2020 1,191 212 1,403
Additions 204 - 204
Interest expense 23 10 33
Lease payments (138) (55) (193)
Balance as at 30 June 2021 1,280 167 1,447
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------
11) TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
30 Jun 2021 30 Jun 2020 31 Dec 2020
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
Current
Trade payables 945 517 568
Other payables 657 66 58
Other taxes and social security 296 766 985
Accruals 2,989 3,149 3,885
Contract liabilities 1,100 1,884 1,275
Total 5,987 6,382 6,771
--------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------
The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and
other payables approximates to their fair value. The Group's
payables are unsecured.
12) SHARE CAPITAL
Unaudited Half Year Unaudited Half Year Audited 18 Months
to 30 Jun 21 to 30 Jun 20 To 31 Dec 2020
Share Share Share
Number of Capital Number of Capital Number of Capital
Shares GBP'000 Shares GBP'000 Shares GBP'000
Ordinary
Shares
At start of
period 15,963,039 20 1,489,573,609 3.7 1,419,113,435 5,928
Shares issued 237,880 0 4,963,768 6.2 83,444,066 (5,908)
Share
consolidation
(1 for 500) - - (1,486,594,462) - (1,486,594,462)
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
At end of
period 16,200,919 20 7,942,915 9.9 15,963,039 20
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
Deferred
Shares
At start of
period - - 276,666,012 5,506 276,666,012 5,506
Deferred
shares
arising on
preference
share
conversion - - 332,049 6.6 - -
Capital
reduction - - - - (276,666,012) (5,506)
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
At end of
period - - 276,998,061 5,513 - -
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
D Deferred
Shares
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
At start of
period - - 419,397,339 418 419,397,339 418
Capital
reduction - - - - (419,397,339) (418)
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
At end of
period - - 419,397,339 418 - -
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
Total called
up share
capital 16,200,919 20 704,338,315 5,941 15,963,039 20
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
Preference
shares
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
At start of
period - - 767,354 767 767,354 767
Conversion of
preference
shares to
ordinary
shares - - (767,354) (767) (767,354) (767)
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
At end of - - - - - -
period
--------------- -------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------- -------------
12) SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED
Issue of shares
On the 11 June 2021 the Group issued a total of 237,880 new
ordinary shares to Directors in lieu of payment of director fees,
of which 44,809 shares were issued at a price of 66.95p per share
and 193,071 shares at a price of 52.5p per share.
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END
IR FZLLLFKLBBBQ
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 27, 2021 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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