TIDMGMG

RNS Number : 9624O

Game Group PLC

27 September 2011

The GAME Group plc

THE GAME GROUP PLC, Europe's leading retailer of pc and video games products, today announces Interim Results for the 26 weeks ended 31 July 2011.

Commenting on the results, CEO Ian Shepherd said:

"2011 has been a very tough year for the video games industry. A combination of a cyclical low point in the industry itself and unprecedented macro-economic conditions have led to significant market revenue declines.

GAME Group has increased market share in this difficult climate as we have focussed on delivering our strategy. Nonetheless, the impact of the wider market can be seen on our first half results.

Like many other retailers, we believe that trading conditions will remain tough for the remainder of the year, and have set our plans accordingly. We are determined to again outperform a difficult market this Christmas, by using our unique specialist position to give customers the very best choice and value.

For the future, we are investing for a different video games market, with new games consoles coming to market and customers exploring new ways of playing games, including digital; online; and cloud-based gaming. The Group, through its Dedicated to Gaming strategy initiatives, is taking a leading role in these developments in order to benefit from market recovery in the coming years."

Key points

Financial:

-- Group lfl down 9.9%, reflecting tough market conditions

-- Increased market share in period

-- Focus on generating cash and strong balance sheet in second half

-- Interim dividend maintained

-- Store closures on track

Operations

-- Strategic progress, including accelerating digital sales and robust preowned business

-- High quality Christmas software line-up

-- Prepared for key Christmas selling period

 
  Financial Overview 
   All figures in GBP'm (unless           26 Weeks ended    26 weeks ended 
   stated)                                 31 July 2011      31 July 2010 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Group turnover                          558.8             624.6 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Gross profit margin (%)                 24.3              26.0 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Operating loss before non-recurring 
   costs                                  (45.0)            (16.1) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Non-recurring costs(*)                  (3.0)             (2.7) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Operating loss                          (48.0)            (18.8) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Loss before non-recurring costs 
   and tax                                (48.5)            (18.8) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Loss before tax                         (51.5)            (21.5) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Basic earnings per share before 
   non-recurring costs (pence)            (9.86)            (3.66) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Basic earnings per share (pence)        (10.72)           (4.44) 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Interim dividend per share 
   (pence)                                1.88              1.88 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
  Trading store numbers (including 
   franchises)                            1,287             1,338 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
  Trading square footage (sq. 
   ft. thousands)                         1,344             1,394 
--------------------------------------  ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 
  H1 sales analysis        26 weeks to 31 July 2011 
-----------------------  ---------------------------- 
                           Total sales      Lfl sales 
                            (%)              (%) 
-----------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  Group                    (10.5)           (9.9) 
-----------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  UK & Ireland stores      (12.0)           (10.0) 
-----------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  International stores     (10.2)           (11.4) 
-----------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  Group Online             2.3 
-----------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
 

*Non-recurring costs relate to strategic store change programme

 
                                     34 weeks to 24 September 
  Current trading sales analysis      2011 
---------------------------------  ---------------------------- 
                                     Total sales      Lfl sales 
                                      (%)              (%) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  Group                              (11.4)           (10.4) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  UK & Ireland stores                (13.3)           (11.2) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  International stores               (10.1)           (10.8) 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
  Group Online                       0.4 
---------------------------------  ---------------  ----------- 
 

Enquiries:

 
  The GAME Group plc:                                      +44 (0)1256 784566 
  Ian Shepherd, Group Chief Executive 
  Ben White, Group Finance Director 
  Simon Soffe, Investor Relations and Group 
   Communications Director 
 
  Brunswick:                                               +44 (0)20 7404 5959 
  Jonathan Glass, James Olley, Natalia Marisova 
 

- ENDS -

CEO Statement:

Overview

2011 has been a very tough year for the video games industry. A combination of a cyclical low point in the industry itself and unprecedented macro-economic conditions have led to significant market revenue declines.

GAME Group has increased market share in this difficult climate as we have focussed on delivering our strategy. Nonetheless, the impact of the wider market can be seen in our first half results.

We have two imperatives. In the short term, we need to deliver results even in a tough market. In the longer term, we need to enhance our position as the industry evolves and returns to growth.

For the key Christmas period, our unique specialist retailing skills and multi channel profile mean that we are positioned to take a leading share on the high quality line-up of new games. We also have a strong balance sheet and focus on cash generation. We will continue to drive cost and working capital disciplines across the business.

For the future, we are investing for a different video games market, with new games consoles coming to market and customers exploring new ways of playing games, including digital; online; and cloud-based gaming. The Group, through its Dedicated to Gaming strategy initiatives, is taking a leading role in these developments in order to benefit from market recovery in the coming years.

Market

Between 1 February and 31 July, the markets in which we operate showed revenue declines of 15.5%, with hardware down 13.7% and software down 16.5%.

Very few major software titles launched in the period, with only LA Noire achieving sales in excess of GBP20m in the UK. In hardware, the Nintendo 3DS launched satisfactorily, but slightly behind market expectations.

In the first weeks of the second half, a number of significant titles have launched including Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Dead Island and Gears of War 3. Sales of these titles were broadly in line with market expectations, confirming that good quality titles still attract strong consumer demand. Additionally, Nintendo and Sony have reduced their hardware prices, enabling all three manufacturers to compete at mass-market price points.

As is always the case, the next 10 weeks will be extremely important for the market as they represent some 40% of annual revenues. A range of strong games will launch, with 15 AAA titles still to come before December, and market data suggests that preorder volumes are ahead of last year for the key titles including: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Battlefield 3, FIFA 12, Assassin's Creed Revelations, Forza 4, Batman: Arkham City, and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Looking further ahead to 2012, the market is looking forward to the launch of the Sony Playstation Vita handheld and the Nintendo Wii U console in Europe.

Review of H1 performance:

Results

Group revenue for the 26 weeks ended 31 July 2011 decreased by 10.5% to GBP558.8m with lfl sales down by 9.9%. In the UK and Ireland, total sales decreased by 12.0% and lfl sales were down by 10.0%. In our International operations, total sales decreased by 10.2% and lfl sales fell by 11.4%.

Our preowned business continues to attract value-conscious consumers, and sales declined by only 1.8% and margins increased to 39.8%. Continued strategic focus on our online operations meant that sales increased by 2.3%.

Total gross margin has declined by 170 basis points, as we responded to a competitive market by investing in customer loyalty and promotional deals.

Costs remain a critical focus for us, and are broadly flat year on year. We have closed overlapping stores, rationalised working hours in our stores and head office, and minimised our discretionary spend. We have worked hard to make these savings, GBP7.5 million in the underlying costs of the business, and these actions are offsetting investment on our strategic priorities.

The non-recurring costs relate to the store closure programme and one-off operational activities to implement our strategy.

Our net debt position as at 31 July 2011 was GBP91.0m (2010: GBP63.5m), reflecting the lower profitability of the Group. Working capital and capital expenditure remain in line with expectation.

Strategy and Operations

Given the quiet market, we focused on driving sales through tactical initiatives such as hardware bundle offers (for example Wii consoles for GBP99.99 when bought with any chart game), enhanced CRM activities and our preowned programme.

Our long term strategic activities are progressing well but are at an early stage in their development. In the period we have delivered the following important milestones:

Multichannel: GAME.co.uk, our main ecommerce site, was relaunched on a new web platform in late August. It is a significant improvement on our previous site. In the year to date market share remains at 19%, but we expect to see improvement in the remainder of the year. Our stated ambition is to treble our 2010 online market share by 2013, and we remain on track to achieve this.

Right stores: Stores are the hub of our customer offering in every market, but we continue to review the most efficient shape and size of our portfolios. We have closed net 26 stores since the start of the year, and continue to have a high transfer rate of 60-70% of customers from a closing store to our next nearest location or to one of our websites. Converting footfall into sales remains a key focus for our store teams. Whilst we are making progress, we are not yet achieving our stated aim of growing conversion by 1% this year, with an actual run rate of 18.3% (2010: 18.3%). As the busy software release schedule kicks in during the second half, we remain confident that we will deliver a better performance. With a short average lease profile of 4.6 years, we have the ability to change our portfolio to match consumer behaviour.

Unique Product Range: Digital sales across the Group are accelerating rapidly: up more than 40% in the year to date. Our digital product range is expanding further, and all of our UK stores are skilled at offering customers a wide choice of downloadable titles across the three principle digital formats: Xbox Live, Sony PlayStation Network, and pc and browser games. Customers can use cash, loyalty points and traded-in products to pay for their digital items, which is not possible online. We are the first and only retailer in Europe to offer this breadth of range.

We have also added new digital partners to our range, and on 22 September we became the first games retailer in the world to announce a partnership with OnLive, the games on demand service. This will be the first subscription service that we have introduced to our product range, and demonstrates our commitment to offering customers a wide range of ways to purchase and play video games.

Our customers will be able to buy an exclusive version of 18 of the top 20 software titles from our stores and websites this Christmas, as well as three exclusive console models.

Novel ways to buy: Our preowned business continues to demonstrate strong revenues and margins. The GAME gift card service has been relaunched in the UK, giving better functionality for customers and broadening our reach, and is available in other retailers such as Clinton Cards. We are also examining a way to expand our Reward card scheme so that loyalty card points can be used to purchase digital content online, and we will provide further details as the service develops.

Strong customer relationships: Our loyalty schemes already have 18 million members and continue to grow, with 1 million customers joining this year. We have also seen the number of transactions using a loyalty card increase from 42% to 53%. We have overhauled our CRM activities to ensure that we are communicating effectively with customers to build our relationship further. The CRM team has been expanded, and we are analysing our data in new ways to ensure customers receive the most relevant information.

Current Trading and Outlook for the Full Year

In the 34 weeks to 24 September 2011, the Group's total sales were down by 11.4% and lfl sales were down by 10.4%. In the UK and Ireland, total sales and lfl sales were down by 13.3% and 11.2% respectively. In our International business, total sales were down by 10.1% and lfl sales on a constant currency basis were down 10.8%. Online sales were up by 0.4%.

The current shape of both the wider economy and the pc and video games market leaves us under no illusion about the challenges we face in the remainder of the year.

To deliver our revenue and margin targets, we will need to achieve year on year revenue growth in the second half, and a better gross margin than the first half. We are clear about the context of these requirements. In the market, we will need to see the major titles launching well and consumers' confidence returning at Christmas.

In addition to that, GAME will need to deliver:

-- A leading share on all product launches. We plan to achieve this by focusing on our wide range of exclusive products, and trade-in deals.

-- Increased gross margins, driven by our launch plans for the major titles, attractive Christmas console bundles and increased preowned sales.

-- Continued progress in our strategic ambitions.

The performance of the new releases in the last three weeks indicates that we can deliver on these plans.

Since we last updated the market, nothing has fundamentally changed our outlook for the full year, other than wider economic conditions. Good preorder volumes indicate that customers are responding to the strength of the second half launch slate, our margin driving activities are working, and tight cost management is being maintained. Therefore we continue to target revenues down -3% to 0%, which will be a significant overperformance of the market as a whole, gross margins down 100bps, and cost savings now at levels of GBP6m to GBP9m.

Cashflow and Dividend

To protect ourselves against the backdrop of difficult trading conditions, we are taking decisive action to maintain the robust balance sheet and cash position we have always enjoyed. We anticipate that total capital expenditure for the current year will now be lower than previously guided at around GBP15m, and expect working capital improvements of around GBP15m in the full year as we improve our stock cover profile from 6.5 to 6 weeks. Given the first half trading performance, average net debt in 2011/12 financial year is expected to be GBP55m.

Combined with our relentless focus on costs, the refinancing we announced in February to provide us over the next three years with a GBP130m RCF and a GBP30m amortising term loan, gives us a sound foundation from which to deliver our second half plans.

Given our cash and balance sheet position, and our confidence in the Group's strategic direction, the Board proposes a flat interim dividend of 1.88p per share.

Summary

Like many other retailers, we believe that trading conditions will remain tough for the remainder of the year, and have set our plans accordingly. We are determined to again outperform a difficult market this Christmas, by using our unique specialist position to give customers the very best choice and value.

The strategic progress that we have made in the last year gives us a stronger proposition with which to tackle the short term challenges, while also building us a firm foundation for the longer term as our market changes.

Ian Shepherd

Chief Executive

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors confirm, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that this condensed consolidated set of interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union, and that the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by the DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8 namely:

-- an indication of important events that have occurred during the six months ended 31 July 2011 and their impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

-- material related party transactions in the six months ended 31 July 2011 and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report.

A copy of the Company's 2011 Annual Report and Accounts is available on GAME's website www.gamegroup.plc.uk.

By order of the Board

Ben White

Director

Unity House

Telford Road

Basingstoke

RG21 6YJ

27 September 2011

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income

for the six months ended 31 July 2011

 
                                        Six months    Six months          Year 
                                             ended         ended         ended 
                                           31 July       31 July    31 January 
                                              2011          2010          2011 
                                         Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                Note       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Revenue                          2       558,800       624,550     1,625,034 
  Cost of sales                            422,825       462,461     1,197,638 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Gross profit                             135,975       162,089       427,396 
  Other operating expenses         3       183,992       180,901       398,921 
 
  Operating (loss) / profit 
   before non-recurring 
   costs                                  (45,035)      (16,106)        43,208 
  Non-recurring costs              3       (2,982)       (2,706)      (14,733) 
----------------------------  ------  ------------  ------------  ------------ 
 
  Operating (loss) / profit               (48,017)      (18,812)        28,475 
  Finance income                                73           161           375 
  Finance costs                            (3,522)       (2,822)       (5,745) 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  (Loss) / Profit before 
   taxation                               (51,466)      (21,473)        23,105 
  Taxation                         4        14,227         6,072       (7,452) 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  (Loss) / Profit for the 
   year attributable to 
   equity holders of the 
   parent                                 (37,239)      (15,401)        15,653 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Other comprehensive 
  income: 
  Exchange differences 
   on translating foreign 
   operations                                2,850       (3,531)         2,921 
  Differences on valuation 
   of Swaps under hedge 
   accounting                                (260) 
  Deferred income tax on 
   share-based payments                          -             -           370 
  Income tax on share-based 
   payments                                      -             -            37 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Other comprehensive income 
   / (expense) for the 
   period, net of tax                        2,590       (3,531)         3,328 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Total comprehensive 
   (expense) / income for 
   the period attributable 
   to equity holders of the 
   parent                                 (34,649)      (18,932)        18,981 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Earnings per share - 
   basic                           6      (10.72)p       (4.44)p         4.51p 
  - diluted                        6      (10.72)p       (4.44)p         4.51p 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
 

All amounts relate to continuing activities

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 31 July 2011

 
                                                        Restated 
                                              As at        As at         As at 
                                            31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                               2011         2010          2011 
                                          Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                  Note      GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Non-current assets 
  Property, plant and 
   equipment                         7       98,222      123,907       109,122 
  Intangible assets                  8      211,750      210,000       209.875 
  Deferred tax asset                          3,647        3,614         3,647 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                            313,619      337,521       322,644 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Current assets 
  Inventories                               144,787      144,168       149,915 
  Trade and other receivables        9       46,229       44,712        48,538 
  Current tax debtor                         10,597          832             - 
  Cash and cash equivalents                  40,964       48,995       151,243 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                            242,577      238,707       349,696 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Total assets                              556,196      576,228       672,340 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Current liabilities 
  Trade and other payables          10      133,562      156,897       294,570 
  Current portion of long-term 
   borrowings                       11      109,241       96,784        15,875 
  Leasehold property 
   incentives                                 1,485        1,347         1,869 
  Current tax liabilities                         -            -         7,755 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                            244,288      255,028       320,069 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Non-current liabilities 
  Long-term borrowings              11       22,722       15,714        15,559 
  Leasehold property 
   incentives                                 9,746       10,246         9,718 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                             32,468       25,960        25,277 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Total liabilities                         276,756      280,988       345,346 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Net assets                                279,440      295,240       326,994 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Equity attributable to 
   equity holders of the 
   parent 
  Share capital                     13       17,373       17,361        17,373 
  Share premium account             14       47,086       46,950        47,086 
  Capital redemption reserve                  2,248        2,248         2,248 
  Shares held in trust                      (3,629)      (4,199)       (3,629) 
  Hedge Accounting Reserve                    (260)            -             - 
  Merger reserve                             76,907       76,907        76,907 
  Foreign exchange reserve                   33,145       23,843        30,295 
  Retained earnings                         106,570      132,130       156,714 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Total equity                              279,440      295,240       326,994 
==============================  ======  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 27 September 2011

Ben White

Director

Unaudited Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 31 July 2011

 
                         Share      Share       Capital         Hedge     Shares     Merger    Retained     Foreign       Total 
                                                                            held 
                       Capital    Premium    Redemption    Accounting         in    Reserve    Earnings    Exchange 
                                                Reserve       Reserve      Trust                            Reserve 
                       GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
===================  =========  =========  ============  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  At 1 February 
   2011                 17,373     47,086         2,248             -    (3,629)     76,907     156,714      30,295     326,994 
===================  =========  =========  ============  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  Exchanges 
   differences               -          -             -             -          -          -           -       2,850       2,850 
  on translation 
   of foreign 
  currency net 
   investment 
  in subsidiaries 
  Differences on 
   valuation of 
   Swaps under 
   hedge 
   accounting                -          -             -         (260)          -          -           -           -       (260) 
  Income tax on 
   share-based 
  Payments 
  - Deferred tax             -          -             -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  - Current tax              -          -             -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)           -          -             -         (260)          -          -           -       2,850       2,590 
  Loss for the 
   period                    -          -             -                        -          -    (37,239)           -    (37,239) 
===================  =========  =========  ============  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(expense)           -          -             -         (260)          -          -    (37,239)       2,850    (34,649) 
  Issue of shares            -          -             -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  Purchase of 
  shares                     -          -             -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  Exercise of 
  options                    -          -             -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  Dividends paid             -          -             -             -          -          -    (13,422)           -    (13,422) 
  Share-based 
   payment expense           -          -             -             -          -          -         517           -         517 
  At 31 July 2011       17,373     47,086         2,248         (260)    (3,629)     76,907     106,570      33,145     279,440 
===================  =========  =========  ============  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

Unaudited Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 31 July 2010

 
                      Share      Share       Capital     Shares     Merger    Retained     Foreign       Total 
                                                           held 
                    Capital    Premium    Redemption         in    Reserve    Earnings    Exchange 
                                             Reserve      Trust                            Reserve 
                    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  At 1 February 
   2010              17,333     46,662         2,248    (3,395)     76,907     164,426      27,374     331,555 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  Exchanges 
   differences            -          -             -          -          -           -     (3,531)     (3,531) 
  on translation 
   of foreign 
  currency net 
   investment 
  in 
  subsidiaries 
  Income tax on 
   share-based 
  payments 
  - Deferred tax          -          -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  - Current tax           -          -             -          -          -           -           -           - 
  Other 
  comprehensive 
  expense                 -          -             -          -          -           -     (3,531)     (3,531) 
  Loss for the 
   period                 -          -             -          -          -    (15,401)           -    (15,401) 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense                 -          -             -          -          -    (15,401)     (3,531)    (18,932) 
  Issue of 
   shares                28        288             -          -          -           -           -         316 
  Purchase of 
   shares                 -          -             -    (1,925)          -           -           -     (1,925) 
  Exercise of 
   options                -          -             -      1,121          -     (1,121)           -           - 
  Dividends paid          -          -             -          -          -    (13,541)           -    (13,541) 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   credit                 -          -             -          -          -     (2,233)           -     (2,233) 
  At 31 July 
   2010              17,361     46,950         2,248    (4,199)     76,907     132,130      23,843     295,240 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

Audited Condensed Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 January 2011

 
                      Share      Share       Capital     Shares     Merger    Retained     Foreign       Total 
                                                           held 
                    Capital    Premium    Redemption         in    Reserve    Earnings    Exchange 
                                             Reserve      Trust                            Reserve 
                    GBP'000    GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000    GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000     GBP'000 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  At 1 February 
   2010              17,333     46,662         2,248    (3,395)     76,907     164,426      27,374     331,555 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  Exchange 
   differences            -          -             -          -          -           -       2,921       2,921 
  on translation 
   of foreign 
  currency net 
   investment 
  in 
  subsidiaries 
  Income tax on 
   share-based 
  payments 
  - Deferred tax          -          -             -          -          -         370           -         370 
  - Current tax           -          -             -          -          -          37           -          37 
  Other 
   comprehensive          -          -             -          -          -         407       2,921       3,328 
  income                  -          -             -          -          -           - 
  Profit for the 
   period                 -          -             -          -          -      15,653           -      15,653 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
  Total 
  comprehensive 
  income                  -          -             -          -          -      16,060       2,921      18,981 
  Issue of 
   shares                40        424             -          -          -           -           -         464 
  Purchase of 
   shares                 -          -             -    (1,926)          -           -           -     (1,926) 
  Exercise of 
   options                -          -             -      1,692          -     (1,692)           -           - 
  Dividends paid          -          -             -          -          -    (20,073)           -    (20,073) 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   credit                 -          -             -          -          -     (2,007)           -     (2,007) 
  At 31 January 
   2011              17,373     47,086         2,248    (3,629)     76,907     156,714      30,295     326,994 
================  =========  =========  ============  =========  =========  ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the six months ended 31 July 2011

 
                                                        Restated 
                                        Six months    Six months          Year 
                                             Ended         ended         ended 
                                           31 July       31 July    31 January 
                                              2011          2010          2011 
                                         Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                Note       GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Cash flow from operating 
   activities 
  Operating (loss) / profit               (48,017)      (18,812)        28,475 
  Equity-settled share-based 
   payment expense/(credit)                    517       (2,233)       (2,007) 
  Depreciation and 
   amortisation                             14,884        14,737        30,521 
  Impairment of goodwill                         -             -         3,354 
  Loss / (profit) on 
   disposal of non-current 
   assets                                      149         (689)         4,800 
  Market value movement 
   on financial instrument                     314             -             5 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
                                          (32,153)       (6,997)        65,148 
  Decrease in trade and 
   other receivables                         2,310         3,604         (236) 
  Decrease in inventories                    5,127        31,878        27,750 
  Decrease in trade and 
   other payables                        (160,915)     (102,334)        38,623 
  Increase / (decrease) 
   in leasehold incentives                   (356)           204           198 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Cash (absorbed by) / 
   generated from operations             (185,987)      (73,645)       131,483 
  Finance costs paid                       (3,522)       (2,822)       (5,745) 
  Corporation tax paid                     (4,157)       (7,685)      (14,359) 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Net cash from operating 
   activities                            (193,666)      (84,152)       111,379 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Cash flows from investing 
   activities 
  Purchase of property, 
   plant and equipment                     (1,712)       (8,021)       (9,763) 
  Purchase of intangible 
   assets                                  (3,192)       (2,752)       (7,909) 
  Proceeds from sale of 
   equipment                                 1,110         1,544         2,396 
  Finance income received                       73           161           375 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Net cash used in investing 
   activities                              (3,721)       (9,068)      (14,901) 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Cash flows from financing 
   activities 
  Proceeds from issue of 
   share capital                                 -           316           464 
  Shares purchased for 
   Trust                                         -       (1,925)       (1,926) 
  Payment of Term Loan                    (33,340)       (8,330)       (8,330) 
  Proceeds from Term Loan                   30,000             -             - 
  Receipt /(payment) of 
   other long-term 
   borrowings                              103,944        79,709       (1,023) 
  Payment of finance lease 
   liabilities                                (74)         (142)         (475) 
  Dividends paid                          (13,422)      (13,541)      (20,073) 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Net cash used in financing 
   activities                               87,108        56,087      (31,363) 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Net decrease in net cash 
   and cash equivalents                  (110,279)      (37,133)        65,115 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
   at beginning of period                  151,243        86,128        86,128 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
   at end of period               12        40,964        48,995       151,243 
============================  ======  ============  ============  ============ 
 
 

Notes to the Interim Results

1 General

The GAME Group plc is a company incorporated, domiciled and registered in England and Wales and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The address of its registered office is Unity House, Telford Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YJ.

Basis of preparation

The financial information presented in this Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies the Group expects to be applicable at 31 January 2012. The Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with those IFRS and IFRIC interpretations issued and effective as at the time of preparing the statement, and with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union. In line with this standard, the financial statements are referred to as condensed.

The results for the six months ended 31 July 2011 and the comparative results for the six months ended 31 July 2010 are unaudited. The financial information for the year ended 31 January 2011 does not constitute the full statutory accounts for that period. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2011 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2011 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies used in preparing the Interim Report are as set out in the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2011. There have been no changes in accounting estimates.

Estimates and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Significant items subject to such assumptions and estimates include the useful lives of assets, the measurement and recognition of provisions, the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for potential corporation tax. The most critical accounting policies in determining the financial condition and results of the Group are those requiring the greatest degree of subjective or complex judgements. These relate to Droit au Bail; lease costs; the valuation of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; share-based payments and taxation. These also relate to inventory valuation where the most complex area of judgement is in respect of any obsolescence provision required. These are assessed based on the stock of each item compared to demand.

The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Changes in accounting policies

In the current year, the Group has revised its policy for hedge accounting. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to cash flow interest rate risks. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value.

Derivatives are classified either as derivatives in effective hedges or held for trading. It is anticipated that, generally, all hedging arrangements will be 'highly effective' within the meaning of IAS 39 and that the criteria necessary for applying hedge accounting will be met. Hedges are assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure they continue to be effective.

The gain or loss on the portion of an instrument that qualifies as an effective hedge of cash flow interest rate risk is recognised directly in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss on derivative financial instruments which are classified as held for trading, because they are not effective hedges, is recognised in the income statement.

In the prior year, the Group revised its accounting policy for the classification of Droit au Bail (a type of French key money). The balance of GBP32,533,000 at 31 January 2010 was previously classified within "Short leasehold land and property" as the payments confer onto the Group many rights similar to those associated with a leasehold. These assets are assessed as having an indefinite useful life and the carrying value is tested for impairment. In light of proposed amendments to accounting for leases, the nature of these assets has been reviewed and the accounting policy revised to classify Droit au Bail within Intangible Assets.

There was no effect on the equity, or results of the Group arising from the revision of this policy. The financial position and cash flows for the period to 31 July 2010 of the Group have been re-stated to show the revised disclosure within Non-current Assets.

Notes to the Interim Results

1 General (continued)

Adoption of new and revised standards

Standards and interpretations effective in the current period

In the current period the Group has adopted the following standards:

 
                                                           Effective 
  International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS)                 Date 
======================================================  ============ 
  IFRS 
   1            First-time adoption of IFRS amendment     01/07/2010 
  IAS 24        Related Party Disclosures amendment       01/01/2011 
      Improvements to IFRSs                                  Various 
 
 

There has been no effect on the results, cash flows, financial position of the Group or their presentation as a result of the adoption of these standards.

Two interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee are effective for the current year as follows:

 
  International Financial Reporting Interpretations 
   Committee (IFRIC)                                       Effective Date 
=======================================================  ================ 
  IFRIC        Extinguishing Financial Liabilities 
   19           with Equity Instruments                        01/07/2010 
  IFRIC        The limit on a defined benefit asset, 
   14 and       minimum funding requirements 
  IAS 19        and their interaction amendment                01/01/2011 
 
 

The adoption of these Interpretations has not led to any changes in the Group's accounting policies.

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

1 General (continued)

Standards and Interpretations in issue not yet adopted

The International Accounting Standards Board and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee have issued the following standards and interpretations to be applied to financial statements with periods commencing on or after the following dates:

 
                                                                    Effective 
  International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS)                          Date 
==============================================================  ============= 
 
  IFRS           Disclosure of transfers of financial 
   7*             assets amendment                                 01/07/2011 
  IFRS           Severe hyperinflation and removal of 
   1*             fixed dates for first-time adopters              01/07/2011 
                 amendment 
                 Deferred tax: recovery of underlying 
  IAS 12*         assets amendment                                 01/01/2012 
                 Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive 
  IAS 1*          Income Amendment                                01 /07/2012 
  IFRS 
   9*            Financial Instruments                             01/01/2013 
  IFRS 
   10*           Consolidated Financial Statements                 01/01/2013 
  IFRS 
   11*           Joint Arrangements                                01/01/2013 
  IFRS 
   12*           Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities         01/01/2013 
  IFRS 
   13*           Fair Value Measurement                            01/01/2013 
  IAS 27*        Separate Financial Statements Amendment           01/01/2013 
                 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 
  IAS 28*         Amendment                                        01/01/2013 
  IAS 19*        Employee Benefits Amendment                       01/01/2013 
 
 

*These standards are not endorsed by the EU at present.

The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these standards will have a material impact on the Group's financial statements in the period of initial application.

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

2 Revenue, profit and net assets

Revenue, pre-tax profits and net assets all relate to the retail of pc and video game products and the Group's operations are organised and managed by geographic location only. Management consider the reportable operating segments in accordance with IFRS 8 to be split between the UK and Ireland Stores, International Stores, and Global Online. Management do not consider there to be any major individual customers of the Group.

Revenue by origin and destination are not materially different. Inter-segment transactions between operating segments are entered into on an arms-length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

The Group's business is seasonal with the key trading period being the Christmas season.

 
                           United 
                          Kingdom 
                      and Ireland    International        Global 
                           stores           stores        online         Total 
                       Six months       Six months    Six months    Six months 
                            ended            ended         ended         ended 
                          31 July          31 July       31 July       31 July 
                             2011             2011          2011          2011 
                        Unaudited        Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited 
                          GBP'000          GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
  Revenue                 310,024          214,106        34,670       558,800 
  Cost of sales           229,700          159,432        33,693       422,825 
  Gross profit             80,324           54,674           977       135,975 
  Other operating 
  expenses 
  excluding 
  inter-segment 
   expenses             (101,434)         (74,944)       (4,632)     (181,010) 
  Inter-segment 
  expenses                      -                -             -             - 
  Operating loss 
   before 
   non-recurring 
   costs                 (21,110)         (20,270)       (3,655)      (45,035) 
  Non-recurring 
   costs                  (2,297)            (685)             -       (2,982) 
  Operating loss         (23,407)         (20,955)       (3,655)      (48,017) 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Net finance 
   costs excluding 
   inter-segment          (3,213)            (236)             -       (3,449) 
  Inter-segment 
   finance costs            2,363          (2,363)             -             - 
  Taxation                  6,793            6,636           798        14,227 
  Loss after tax         (17,464)         (16,918)       (2,857)      (37,239) 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Other segmental 
  information: 
  Goodwill and 
   other 
   intangibles            151,075           54,116         6,559       211,750 
  Other assets            127,380          209,970         7,096       344,446 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Assets                  278,455          264,086        13,655       556,196 
  Liabilities           (107,525)        (167,730)       (1,501)     (276,756) 
  Net assets              170,930           96,356        12,154       279,440 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Capital 
   expenditure              2,164            1,104         1,636         4,904 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Depreciation and 
   amortisation             7,505            5,546         1,833        14,884 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   expense                    517                -             -           517 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

2 Revenue, profit and net assets(continued)

 
                           United 
                          Kingdom 
                      and Ireland    International        Global 
                           stores           stores        online         Total 
                       Six months       Six months    Six months    Six months 
                            ended            ended         ended         ended 
                          31 July          31 July       31 July       31 July 
                             2010             2010          2010          2010 
                        Re-stated        Re-stated     Re-stated     Re-stated 
                        Unaudited        Unaudited     Unaudited     Unaudited 
                          GBP'000          GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
  Revenue                 352,253          238,409        33,888       624,550 
  Cost of sales         (254,538)        (177,855)      (30,068)     (462,461) 
  Gross profit             97,715           60,554         3,820       162,089 
  Other operating 
  expenses 
  excluding 
  inter-segment 
   expenses              (99,276)         (73,468)       (5,451)     (178,195) 
  Inter-segment 
  expenses                      -                -             -             - 
  Operating loss 
   before 
   non-recurring 
   costs                  (1,561)         (12,914)       (1,631)      (16,106) 
  Non-recurring 
   costs                        -          (2,706)             -       (2,706) 
  Operating loss          (1,561)         (15,620)       (1,631)      (18,812) 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Net finance 
   costs excluding 
   inter-segment          (2,582)             (79)             -       (2,661) 
  Inter-segment 
   finance costs            1,638          (1,638)             -             - 
  Taxation                  3,112            2,613           347         6,072 
  Profit / (loss) 
   after tax                  607         (14,724)       (1,284)      (15,401) 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Other segmental 
  information: 
  Goodwill and 
   other 
   intangibles            141,577           59,039         9,384        210,00 
  Other assets            133,174          220,315        12,739       366,228 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Assets                  274,751          279,354        22,123       576,228 
  Liabilities            (96,564)        (173,814)      (10,610)     (280,988) 
  Net assets              178,187          105,540        11,513       295,240 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Capital 
   expenditure              1,260            3,074         6,439        10,773 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Depreciation and 
   amortisation             8,010            5,389         1,338        14,737 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
  Share-based 
   payment credit         (2,233)                -             -       (2,233) 
==================  =============  ===============  ============  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

2 Revenue, profit and net assets (continued)

 
                         United 
                        Kingdom 
                    and Ireland    International         Global 
                         stores           stores         online          Total 
                     Year ended       Year ended     Year ended     Year ended 
                     31 January       31 January     31 January     31 January 
                           2011             2011           2011           2011 
                        Audited          Audited        Audited        Audited 
                        GBP'000          GBP'000        GBP'000        GBP'000 
  Revenue               935,320          594,566         95,148      1,625,034 
  Cost of sales       (673,286)        (442,821)       (81,531)    (1,197,638) 
  Gross profit          262,034          151,745         13,617        427,396 
  Other 
  operating 
  expenses 
  excluding 
  inter-segment 
   expenses           (223,222)        (149,170)       (11,796)      (384,188) 
  Inter-segment 
   expenses               3,619          (3,619)              -              - 
  Operating 
   profit / 
   (loss) before 
   non-recurring 
   costs                 42,431          (1,044)          1,821         43,208 
  Non-recurring 
   costs                      -         (14,733)              -       (14,733) 
  Operating 
   profit / 
   (loss)                42,431         (15,777)          1,821         28,475 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Net finance 
   costs 
   excluding 
   inter-segment        (5,208)            (162)              -        (5,370) 
  Inter-segment 
   finance 
   costs                  3,503          (3,503)              -              - 
  Taxation              (5,384)          (2,068)              -        (7,452) 
  Profit / 
   (loss) after 
   tax                   35,342         (21,510)          1,821         15,653 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Other 
  segmental 
  information: 
  Goodwill and 
   other 
   intangibles          155,693           53,584            598        209,875 
  Other assets          189,088          258,600         14,777        462,465 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Assets                344,781          312,184         15,375        672,340 
  Liabilities         (143,482)        (201,500)          (364)      (345,346) 
  Net assets            201,299          110,684         15,011        326,994 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Capital 
   expenditure            8,222            5,032          4,418         17,672 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Depreciation 
   and 
   amortisation          15,774           12,079          2,668         30,521 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Impairment of 
   goodwill                   -            3,354              -          3,354 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
  Share-based 
   payment 
   credit               (2,007)                -              -        (2,007) 
================  =============  ===============  =============  ============= 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

2 Revenue, profit and net assets (continued)

 
                    Six months              Six months 
                         ended                   ended 
                       31 July                 31 July 
                          2011                    2010 
                         Total                   Total 
                                    % of                        % of 
                       GBP'000     Total       GBP'000         Total 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  Revenue 
  Hardware              98,463      17.6       115,830          18.5 
  Software             212,781      38.1       249,070          39.9 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  New hardware 
   and software        311,244      55.7       364,900          58.4 
  Preowned             168,366      30.1       171,497          27.5 
  Other                 79,190      14.2        88,153          14.1 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  Total                558,800     100.0       624,550         100.0 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
 
                    Six months              Six months 
                         ended                   ended 
                       31 July                 31 July 
                          2011                    2010 
                         Total                   Total 
                                    % of                        % of 
                       GBP'000     Total       GBP'000         Total 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  Gross margin 
  New hardware 
   and software         51,966      38.2        70,813          43.7 
  Preowned              66,990      49.3        66,100          40.8 
  Other                 17,019      12.5        25,176          15.5 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  Total                135,975     100.0       162,089         100.0 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
 
 
 
 
 
                                            Six months    Six months 
                                                 ended         ended 
                                               31 July       31 July 
                                                  2011          2010 
                                                 Total         Total 
                                                     %             % 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  Gross margin 
  New hardware 
   and software                                   16.7          19.4 
  Preowned                                        39.8          38.5 
  Other                                           21.5          28.6 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
  Total Group                                     24.3          26.0 
================  ============  ========  ============  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

2 Revenue, profit and net assets (continued)

 
                                        Six months    Six months          Year 
                                             ended         ended         ended 
                                           31 July       31 July    31 January 
                                              2011          2010          2011 
                                         Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
  Revenue by territory 
  United Kingdom and Ireland               310,024       352,253       935,320 
  France                                    57,397        65,259       163,441 
  Iberia                                   108,970       115,092       300,823 
  Scandinavia                               17,326        21,786        48,963 
  Australia                                 26,240        32,861        71,568 
  Czech Republic                             4,173         3,411         9,771 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Total Stores                             524,130       590,662     1,529,886 
  Total Online                              34,670        33,888        95,148 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Total Revenue                            558,800       624,550     1,625,034 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
                                            Number        Number        Number 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Stores by territory 
  United Kingdom and Ireland                   615           635           639 
  France                                       195           198           197 
  Iberia                                       292           287           287 
  Scandinavia                                   62            68            65 
  Australia                                     92           118            93 
  Czech Republic                                30            31            31 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
                                             1,286         1,337         1,312 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Franchises 
  Australia                                      1             1             1 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
                                                 1             1             1 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
                                             Sq ft         Sq ft         Sq ft 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Trading square footage by 
  territory 
  United Kingdom and Ireland               737,452       756,292       760,591 
  France                                   182,589       183,622       183,547 
  Iberia                                   238,971       236,988       236,389 
  Scandinavia                               64,035        69,575        67,209 
  Australia                                103,039       129,304       104,050 
  Czech Republic                            18,021        18,494        18,494 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
                                         1,344,107     1,394,275     1,370,280 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

3 Other operating expenses

 
                               Six months    Six months          Year 
                                    ended         ended         ended 
                                  31 July       31 July    31 January 
                                     2011          2010          2011 
                                Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                  GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
===========================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Selling and distribution        152,472       156,306       316,078 
  Administrative expenses          31,520        24,595        82,843 
===========================  ============  ============  ============ 
                                  183,992       180,901       398,921 
===========================  ============  ============  ============ 
 

Administrative expenses include non-recurring costs of GBP2,982,146 (2010 interim: GBP2,706,251; full year GBP14,732,620). Current year non-recurring costs relate to strategic store change programme. Prior year interim and full year non-recurring costs relate to the restructuring of the Australian and French businesses.

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

4 Taxation

The UK corporation tax charge has been included at an underlying corporation tax rates in line with the previous year

 
                                        Six months    Six months          Year 
                                             ended         ended         ended 
                                           31 July       31 July    31 January 
                                              2011          2010          2011 
                                         Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                                           GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
  Current tax 
  UK corporation tax (credit) / 
   expense                                (14,140)       (7,249)         7,513 
  Adjustments in respect of prior 
   periods                                       -             -       (5,182) 
  Overseas tax payable                        (87)         1,177         4,784 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Total current tax                       (14,227)       (6,072)         7,115 
  Deferred tax 
  Current year movement                          -             -         (641) 
  Change in tax rates                            -             -           173 
  Prior year movement                            -             -           805 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Total deferred tax                             -             -           337 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Taxation on profit on ordinary 
   activities                             (14,227)       (6,072)         7,452 
====================================  ============  ============  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

5 Dividends

 
                         Six months    Six months          Year 
                              ended         ended         ended 
                            31 July       31 July    31 January 
                               2011          2010          2011 
                          Unaudited     Unaudited       Audited 
                            GBP'000       GBP'000       GBP'000 
=====================  ============  ============  ============ 
  Ordinary dividends 
  Final paid                 13,422        13,541        13,541 
  Interim paid                    -             -         6,532 
=====================  ============  ============  ============ 
                             13,422        13,541        20,073 
=====================  ============  ============  ============ 
 

The interim dividend in relation to the period ended 31 July 2011 of 1.88p per share (31 July 2010: 1.88p per share) was declared on 27 September 2011 and is payable on 17 November 2011 to shareholders on the register on 21 October 2011. This dividend is therefore not included in the above.

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

6 Earnings per share

The calculation of earnings per share for the six months ended 31 July 2011 is based on the loss after taxation of GBP37,238,599 (2010 interim: loss GBP15,400,763; full year profit GBP15,652,502). The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on a weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 347,461,388 (2010 interim: 346,899,493; full year: 347,170,991). The number of shares used in these calculations and the reconciliation of denominators used for basic and diluted earnings per share calculations is set out in the table below:

 
 
                                            Effect 
                                                of 
                            Basic    share options        Diluted 
==================  =============  ===============  ============= 
  31 July 2011        347,461,388           87,688    347,549,076 
==================  =============  ===============  ============= 
  31 July 2010        346,899,493          156,558    347,056,051 
==================  =============  ===============  ============= 
  31 January 2011     347,170,991           38,242    347,209,233 
==================  =============  ===============  ============= 
 

Additional disclosure has been provided in respect of earnings per share before non-recurring costs as the directors believe this gives a better view of ongoing maintainable earnings in the prior year.

 
                                              As at        As at         As at 
                                            31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                               2011         2010          2011 
                                          Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                              Pence        Pence         Pence 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Basic earnings per share                  (10.72)       (4.44)          4.51 
  Non-recurring costs per share                0.86         0.78          4.24 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Basic earnings per share before 
   non-recurring costs                       (9.86)       (3.66)          8.75 
  Diluted earnings per share                (10.72)       (4.44)          4.51 
  Non-recurring costs per share                0.86         0.78          4.24 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Diluted earnings per share before 
   non-recurring costs                       (9.86)       (3.66)          8.75 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

There are 863,435 anti-dilutive share options in the current period (2010 interim: 653,297; full year 475,452).

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

7 Property, plant and equipment

 
                                      As at        As at         As at 
                                    31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                       2011         2010          2011 
                                  Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                                Restated 
                                    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Cost 
  Balance brought forward           261,873      266,635       266,635 
  Additions                           1,712        8,021         9,763 
  Disposals                         (6,731)      (2,336)      (18,657) 
  Foreign exchange adjustment         2,670      (1,541)         4,132 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Balance carried forward           259,524      270,779       261,873 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Depreciation 
  Balance brought forward           152,751      138,047       138,047 
  Charge for the period              12,921       11,578        25,404 
  Disposals                         (5,742)      (1,929)      (12,201) 
  Foreign exchange adjustment         1,372        (824)         1,501 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Balance carried forward           161,302      146,872       152,751 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Carrying amount                    98,222      123,907       109,122 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

8 Intangible fixed assets

 
                                      As at        As at         As at 
                                    31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                       2011         2010          2011 
                                  Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                                Restated 
                                    GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Cost 
  Balance brought forward           226,418      225,544       225,544 
  Additions                           3,192        2,752         7,909 
  Disposals                           (322)        (450)       (4,776) 
  Foreign exchange adjustment         1,012      (1,803)       (2,259) 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Balance carried forward           230,300      226,043       226,418 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Depreciation 
  Balance brought forward            16,543       12,876        12,876 
  Charge for the period               1,963        3,159         5,117 
  Disposals/impairments                (52)            -         (682) 
  Foreign exchange adjustment            96            8         (768) 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Balance carried forward            18,550       16,043        16,543 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Carrying amount                   211,750      210,000       209,875 
==============================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

9 Trade and other receivables

 
 
                                              As at        As at         As at 
                                            31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                               2011         2010          2011 
                                          Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                            GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Amounts falling due within one year: 
  Trade receivables                          11,752       13,895        11,660 
  Other receivables                          15,457       12,123        14,852 
  VAT recoverable                               632        1,616             - 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Total trade and other receivables          27,841       27,634        26,512 
  Prepayments and accrued income             18,388       17,078        22,026 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                             46,229       44,712        48,538 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

10 Trade and other payables

 
 
                                              As at        As at         As at 
                                            31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                               2011         2010          2011 
                                          Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                            GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Amounts falling due within one year: 
  Trade payables                             77,919       83,645       201,009 
  Other payables                              8,011       11,021         9,619 
  Tax and social security costs               4,444        5,450         8,022 
  VAT payables                               11,768       13,315        32,792 
  Accruals and deferred income               31,420       43,466        43,128 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                            133,562      156,897       294,570 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

11 Long-term borrowings

 
                                           As at        As at         As at 
                                         31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                            2011         2010          2011 
                                       Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                         GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
===================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Current portion 
  Bank loans                             109,167       96,424        15,727 
  Obligations under finance leases 
   and hire purchase contracts                74          360           148 
===================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                         109,241       96,784        15,875 
===================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Non-current portion 
  Bank loans                              22,722       15,594        15,559 
  Obligations under finance leases 
   and hire purchase contracts                 -          120             - 
===================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                          22,722       15,714        15,559 
===================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

12 Analysis of net (debt) / funds

 
                                              As at        As at         As at 
                                            31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                               2011         2010          2011 
                                          Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                            GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Cash and cash equivalents                  40,964       48,995       151,243 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Net cash and cash equivalents              40,964       48,995       151,243 
  Current portion of long-term 
   borrowings                             (109,241)     (96,784)      (15,875) 
  Long-term borrowings                     (22,722)     (15,714)      (15,559) 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Net (debt) / funds                       (90,999)     (63,503)       119,809 
======================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

13 Called-up share capital

 
 
                                       2011                      2010 
                            ========================  ======================== 
                              GBP'000      Number       GBP'000      Number 
==========================  =========  =============  =========  ============= 
  Authorised 
  Ordinary shares of 5p        24,000    480,000,000     24,000    480,000,000 
==========================  =========  =============  =========  ============= 
  Allotted, called-up and 
   fully paid 
  Ordinary shares of 5p        17,373    347,461,388     17,361    347,213,312 
==========================  =========  =============  =========  ============= 
 

Shares issued

During the period, no (2010 interim: 554,145; full year: 802,221) shares were issued to employees exercising share options granted under various option schemes. The total consideration received on the exercise of these options was GBPnil (2010 interim: GBP315,879; full year: GBP464,158).

Trust shares

During the period no shares (2010 interim: 2,000,000; full year: 2,000,000) were purchased at a cost of GBPnil (2010 interim: GBP1,925,800; full year: GBP1,925,800). These shares are to be used wholly and exclusively to pay LTIP awards when they become due for payment.

Trust shares comprise 3,297,275 (2010 interim: 3,684,073; full year: 3,297,275) 5p ordinary shares. The market value of these shares at 31 July 2011 is GBP923,237 (2010 interim: GBP2,652,533; full year: GBP2,209,174).

14 Share Premium account

 
                                             As at        As at         As at 
                                           31 July      31 July    31 January 
                                              2011         2010          2011 
                                         Unaudited    Unaudited       Audited 
                                           GBP'000      GBP'000       GBP'000 
=====================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
  Amount subscribed for share 
   capital in excess of nominal 
   value 
  At 1 February                             47,086       46,662        46,662 
  Arising on issue of shares 
   during the year (net of expenses)             -          288           424 
=====================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
                                            47,086       46,950        47,086 
=====================================  ===========  ===========  ============ 
 

15 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions within the period.

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

16 Principal risks and uncertainties

Risk at GAME

Our Board believes that recognising and managing risks is the key to an effectively run business. The monitoring of risk is delegated to the Audit Committee which has tasked the business with capturing and reporting on risk in a consistent manner across the Group. The methodology is both bottom up, with detailed risk reports on all operating matters being sent from each territory, and top down, with senior management identifying all risks that could potentially prevent us from delivering our agreed strategy. Every identified risk is examined and mitigating activities are put in place. A risk report is presented to the Audit Committee half yearly.

 
  Risk Type                  Impact                   Risk Mitigation 
-------------------------  -----------------------  -------------------------- 
  Technology Speed of        The digital world        We are investing 
  change and growth of        is evolving quickly.     in the mobile and 
  technology in the           If we do not             digital future 
  market place                adapt to the             to ensure we can 
                              changes we run           serve our customers 
                              the risk of failing      in whichever medium 
                              to deliver a             they wish to purchase 
                              truly multichannel       games, be that 
                              offering to our          digital download, 
                              customers.               web or in store. 
-------------------------  -----------------------  -------------------------- 
  Competition The pc and     If we are unable         We use a suite of 
  video games market          to compete we           specialist tools to give 
  continues to be an          run the risk            customers great value. 
  attractive place to do      of losing our           We recognise that this 
  business. Our               customers and           is not always direct 
  competition comes in        our market share.       price cuts. This is 
  many guises. A                                      where our position as a 
  relatively new entrant                              specialist in the market 
  to the games market is                              place must give us the 
  found in the mobile                                 edge. We strive to find 
  operators selling                                   exclusive offerings for 
  directly to consumers                               our customers that they 
  whilst supermarkets                                 cannot get anywhere 
  continue to discount                                else. Our preowned 
  heavily or run                                      offerings, trade-in 
  short-term loss leading                             promotions and the use 
  campaigns on newly                                  of loyalty card points 
  released products. We                               as currency allows our 
  also have our more                                  customers to enjoy 
  traditional competition                             popular and new products 
  from other specialists                              at great value. 
  and online players. 
-------------------------  -----------------------  -------------------------- 
  Reputational We have       Damage to our            We protect our 
  built up customer           reputation could         reputation by ensuring 
  loyalty over many           lead to loss             that our staff 
  years. GAME and             of revenue and           are highly trained 
  Gamestation are trusted     shareholder value.       and know their 
  brands. Our customers                                obligations to 
  demand that we stock                                 protect and respect 
  the broadest range of                                our customers. 
  products but trust us                                We demand that 
  to sell those products                               our teams follow 
  appropriately. Some of                               regular rigorous 
  our video games, for                                 training programmes, 
  instance, are age                                    and adhere to strict 
  restricted and                                       policies and procedures 
  mis-selling is illegal.                              relating to age-rated 
  Through our loyalty                                  products, and data 
  card programmes we have                              protection. 
  built up a valuable 
  database of information 
  about our customers. 
  Our customers give us 
  personal information so 
  that we can keep them 
  up to date with offers 
  and new releases of 
  interest to them. It is 
  vital that this data is 
  protected and secure. 
-------------------------  -----------------------  -------------------------- 
 

Notes to the Interim Results (continued)

16 Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)

 
  Risk Type                   Impact                  Risk Mitigation 
--------------------------  ----------------------  -------------------------- 
  Major Business              Like all businesses     All parts of our 
  Interruption                 any disruption         business, in every 
                               to our capacity        territory, have put 
                               to do business         together business 
                               will affect our        continuity plans to 
                               profitability.         ensure we are able to 
                                                      trade through 
                                                      challenges. This was put 
                                                      to the test recently in 
                                                      the UK when adverse 
                                                      weather conditions close 
                                                      to Christmas threatened 
                                                      to disrupt our supply 
                                                      chains. Our processes 
                                                      worked, and business 
                                                      interruption was 
                                                      minimised. 
--------------------------  ----------------------  -------------------------- 
  People and Change           Business change         Every aspect of 
                               cannot be delivered     the Group's reward 
                               if we fail to           and development 
                               attract, develop        programmes is regularly 
                               and retain the          reviewed to ensure 
                               right people            that it keeps pace 
                               in the right            with our business 
                               roles.                  needs and market 
                                                       conditions. Our 
                                                       Group HR Director 
                                                       works closely with 
                                                       the Remuneration 
                                                       Committee to ensure 
                                                       best practice across 
                                                       the Group. 
--------------------------  ----------------------  -------------------------- 
 

Directors and advisers

Directors

Christopher Bell Non-Executive Chairman

Ian Shepherd Chief Executive

Ben White ACA Group Finance Director

Ishbel Macpherson Senior Non-Executive Director

Dana Dunne Non-Executive Director

Martin Davies Non-Executive Director

Russ Shaw Non-Executive Director

Secretary

Vivienne Hemming ACIS

Registered office

Unity House, Telford Road, Basingstoke RG21 6YJ

Stockbrokers

Deutsche Bank, Winchester House,

1 Great Winchester Street, London EC2N 2DB

Peel Hunt LLP, 111 Old Broad Street

London EC2N 1PH

Principal Bankers

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc,

Thames Valley Corporate Banking Centre,

Abbey Gardens, 4 Abbey Street, Reading RG1 3BA

Independent auditors

BDO LLP, 55 Baker Street,

London W1U 7EU

Registrars and transfer office

Capita Registrars, Northern House,

Woodsome Park, Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield HD8 0GA

Corporate website

www.gamegroup.plc.uk

Registered number

875835

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

IR PGUBCBUPGGQQ

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