Holding(s) in Company
Livermore Investmens Press Release 2006 / INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2006
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26 September 2006

Empire Online Limited
INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2006


EmpireOnline Limited (the “Company” or “Empire Online”), a provider of marketingservices to the online gaming industry, today announces its interim results forthe six months ended 30 June 2006.

 

OPERATINGAND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

 

·        Earnings beforeinterest taxation depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and non-recurringexceptional items of $15.7m (H1 2005: $24.9m*). 

 

·        Net cash position ofover $260m. 

 

·        Net profit beforetaxation, non-recurring items and amortisation of $20.0m (H1 2005: $25.5m*)including net finance income of $4.7m (H1 2005: $0.9m*).

 

·        Net gaming revenue forH1 2006 was $38.2m (H1 2005: $49.7m*). Net gaming revenue across all gamingplatforms excluding Empire Poker for H1 2006 was $34.7m (H1 2005:$10.7m*). 

 

·        Casino net gamingrevenue for H1 2006 was $30.2m (H1 2005: $10.7m*). 

 

·        Poker net gamingrevenue for H1 2006 was $8.0m (H1 2005: $39.0m*). 

 

·        Geographicdiversification with 55% of new real money players driven from outside of theUSA (H1 2005 39%). 

 

·        Reported profit afteramortisation and non-recurring charges before taxation of $253.1m (H1 2005$21.2m).

 

 

*     Pro forma figure which is defined as the aggregation of theCompany for six months to 30 June 2005 and the results of Tradal Limited to 31May 2005. 

 

Therewill be a presentation to analysts at 9.00am today at Hudson Sandler, 29 ClothFair, London, EC1A 7NN. For further investor information please go to http://investors.ep.com/

 

Enquiries:

 

EmpireOnline Limited                                                          +35725 847 700

NoamLanir, Chief Executive Officer                  

Andrew Burns, Chief Financial Officer

 

HudsonSandler                                                                     +44(0) 20 7796 4133

JessicaRouleau

 

[Theinformation contained herein is not for publication or distribution to personsin the United States of America. The securities referred to herein have notbeen and will not be registered under the US Securities Act 1933, as amended,and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom.]

 

 

Chief Executive’s Statement

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Netgaming revenues for the first six months of 2006 were $38.2m (2005: $49.7m*).The increase in casino revenues arising from the Playtech licencees acquired inthe second half of 2005 offset the reduction in Poker revenues due to thetermination of Empire Poker following the settlement agreement with Partygamingplc in February 2006. Total casino revenues for the first six months of 2006rose to $30.2m (2005: $10.7m*). By contrast, poker revenues for the first sixmonths of 2006 fell to $8.0m (2005: $39.0m*).

 

Grossprofit for the first six months of 2006 was $17.6m, 46.1% of revenue (2005:$21.1m, 50.3% of revenue). Gross profit margin has reduced due to the change inproduct mix towards casino activities.

 

Administrationexpenses have risen to $2.3m, 6.0% of revenues, for the first six months of2006 (2005: $1.0m, 2.5% of revenues). This increase is due to additionalexpenditure due to listing and lag in re-organisation following the disposal ofEmpire Poker. Administration costs, as a percentage of revenues, is lowcompared with the sector in general.

 

Netfinance income has increased substantially to $4.7m for the first six months of2006 (2005: $0.7m). This reflects the financial resources available to thegroup following the Empire Poker settlement. In the second half of the currentfinancial year the Company expects to obtain a yield in excess of LIBOR on itscash resources.

 

Theprofit from non-recurring items and amortisation of intangible assets excludinggoodwill and employee share options was $233m for the period (2005: nil). Thenet profit from the settlement of Empire Poker was $237m after deductingrelated costs, which consisted of professional fees and termination costs foraffiliates and agents of $13m. Amortisation of intangible assets of $2m wascharged during the period mainly relating to Player Data and Domain names associatedwith the Club Dice and Noble Poker acquisitions. Employee share optionamortisation was $1.5m for the period.

 

 

DIVIDEND

 

TheBoard declares an interim dividend of $5m, which equates to 1.7 US cents pershare. The dividend will be paid on 30 November 2006 to those shareholders onthe register at 27 October 2006.

 

TRADING OUTLOOK

 

Aswas reported within the Q2 KPI announcement, the normal slow down in tradingactivity seen in Q2 has been more pronounced this year when compared toprevious years. Current daily sign up rates of new real money players areapproximately 250 players per day. Whilst the Board expects the outcome for thecurrent year to be broadly in line with market expectations, if there is noimprovement in this rate of sign ups, earnings growth for 2007 will bechallenging.   

 
 

STRATEGIC UPDATE

 

Theregulatory uncertainty that the on line gaming industry has always faced hasincreased as a consequence of recent events. In light of this, the Board willreview carefully all uses for the Company’s surplus capital in order tomaximize shareholder value.

 

TheCompany will update shareholders in due course.

 

 

 

*     Pro forma figure which is defined asthe aggregation of the Company for six months to 30 June 2005 and the resultsof Tradal Limited to 31 May 2005.

 

 

Independent Review Report

to Empire Online Limited

Introduction

We have been instructed by the company to review thefinancial information for the six months ended 30 June 2006 which comprises theconsolidated income statement, the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidatedstatement of changes in equity, the consolidated cash flow statement andthe related notes 1 to 12.  We have read the other information contained in the interimreport, which comprises only of the operating and financial highlights and theChief Executive's statement, and considered whether it contains any apparentmisstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information.  Our responsibilities do not extend to anyother information.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance withguidance contained in APB Bulletin 1999/4 "Review of Interim FinancialInformation".  Our review work hasbeen undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we arerequired to state to it in a review report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, wedo not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for ourreview work, for this report, or for the conclusion we have formed.

Directors' responsibilities

The interim report, including the financial informationcontained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by thedirectors.  The directors areresponsible for preparing the interim report and for ensuring that theaccounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should beconsistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts exceptwhere any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed.

This Interim report has been prepared in accordance withInternational Accounting Standard 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”.

Review work performed

We conducted our review in accordance with guidance containedin Bulletin 1999/4 "Review of Interim Financial Information" issuedby the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom.  A review consists principally of makingenquiries of management and applying analytical procedures to the financialinformation and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whetherthe accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unlessotherwise disclosed.  A review excludesaudit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets,liabilities and transactions.  It issubstantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance withInternational Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and therefore provides alower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion on the financialinformation.

 

 

Review conclusion

On the basis of our review we are not aware of any materialmodifications that should be made to the financial information as presented forthe six months ended 30 June 2006.

 

 

GRANT THORNTON UK LLP
Chartered Accountants
Slough
26 September 2006

 

 

Notes:See Note 1

1            The maintenance and integrity of theEmpire Online website is the responsibility of the directors: the interimreview does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, thecompany's reporting accountants accept no responsibility for any changes thatmay have occurred to the interim report since it was initially presented on thewebsite.

2            Legislation in the United Kingdomgoverning the preparation and dissemination of the interim report differs fromlegislation in other jurisdictions.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
 

Financial results

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Empire Online Limited

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Consolidated  Income Statement for the six months ended 30 June 2006

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Pre- amortisation and  non-recurring  items

 
 

Amortisation and non recurring  items

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Six  months ended 30 June

 
 

 

 
 

2006

 
 

2006

 
 

2006

 
 

2005

 
 

Year ended

 

31 December 2005

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Audited

 
 

 

 
 

Note                

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net  gaming revenue

 
 

 

 
 

38,203

 
 

-

 
 

38,203

 
 

41,953

 
 

97,389

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Cost of sales

 
 

 

 
 

(20,560)

 
 

-

 
 

(20,560)

 
 

(20,838)

 
 

(49,644)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Gross profit

 
 

 

 
 

17,643

 
 

-

 
 

17,643

 
 

21,115

 
 

47,745

 
 

Other income

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

415

 
 

-

 
 

Amortisation and

 

non-recurring items

 
 

9           

 
 

 

 

-

 
 

 

 

233,130

 
 

 

 

233,130

 
 

 

 

-

 
 

 

 

(4,581)

 
 

Administrative expenses

 
 

 

 
 

(2,353)

 
 

-

 
 

(2,353)

 
 

(1,028)

 
 

(3,171)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Operating  profit

 
 

 

 
 

15,290

 
 

233,130

 
 

248,420

 
 

20,502

 
 

39,993

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net finance income

 
 

 

 
 

4,722

 
 

-

 
 

4,722

 
 

695

 
 

1,191

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Profit  before taxation

 
 

 

 
 

20,012

 
 

233,130

 
 

253,142

 
 

21,197

 
 

41,184

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Taxation

 
 

 

 
 

(4)

 
 

-

 
 

(4)

 
 

(3)

 
 

(10)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Profit  after taxation for the period

 
 

 

 
 

20,008

 
 

233,130

 
 

253,138

 
 

21,194

 
 

41,174

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Earnings  per share

 
 

8

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Basic

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

$0.86

 
 

$0.86

 
 

$0.16

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Diluted

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

$0.83

 
 

$0.86

 
 

$0.16

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
 

Empire Online Limited

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2006

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

As at 30 June

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

2006 

 
 

 

 

2005 

 
 

31  December 2005

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Audited

 
 

 

 
 

Note

 
 

$000 

 
 

$000 

 
 

$000 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Assets

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Non-current  assets

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Plant and Equipment

 
 

11

 
 

167

 
 

-

 
 

119

 
 

Intangibles

 
 

 

 
 

221,778

 
 

175,750

 
 

224,628

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

221,945

 
 

175,750

 
 

224,747 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Current  assets

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Trade and other receivables

 
 

 

 
 

7,092

 
 

7,413

 
 

11,431 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 
 

 

 
 

262,114

 
 

43,958

 
 

16,297 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

269,206

 
 

 51,371

 
 

27,728 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Total  assets

 
 

 

 
 

491,151

 
 

227,121

 
 

252,475 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Equity

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Share capital

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

Share premium

 
 

 

 
 

209,807

 
 

210,251

 
 

209,807

 
 

Share option reserve

 
 

 

 
 

1,728

 
 

-

 
 

277

 
 

Retained earnings

 
 

 

 
 

275,435

 
 

12,317

 
 

 22,297

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Total  equity

 
 

 

 
 

486,970

 
 

222,568

 
 

232,381 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Liabilities

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Current  liabilities

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Trade and other payables

 
 

 

 
 

4,171

 
 

4,550

 
 

20,088 

 
 

Current tax payable

 
 

 

 
 

10

 
 

3

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Total  liabilities

 
 

 

 
 

4,181

 
 

4,553

 
 

20,094 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Total  equity and liabilities

 
 

 

 
 

491,151

 
 

227,121

 
 

252,475 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 

Consolidated  Statement of Changes in Equity for the period ended 30 June 2006

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Share

 

Capital

 
 

Share

 

Premium

 

Reserve

 
 

Share

 

Option

 

Reserve

 
 

Retained

 

Earnings

 
 

 

 

Total

 
 

 

 
 

$000 

 
 

$000 

 
 

$000 

 
 

$000 

 
 

$000 

 
 

 

 

Balance  at 1 January 2005

 
 

 

 

1

 
 

 

 

604

 
 

 

 

-

 
 

30,166

 
 

 

 

30,771

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net profit for the period

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

41,174

 
 

41,174

 
 

Issue of Share Capital

 
 

(1)

 
 

222,601

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

222,600

 
 

IPO expenses

 
 

-

 
 

(13,398)

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(13,398)

 
 

Share  option reserve

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

277

 
 

-

 
 

277

 
 

Dividends  paid

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(49,043)

 
 

(49,043)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Balance  at 31 December 2005

 
 

-

 
 

209,807

 
27722,297 

232,381

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
  

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net profit for the period

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

253,138

 
 

253,138

 
 

Share option reserve

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

1,451

 
 

-

 
 

1,451

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Balance  at 30 June 2006

 
 

-

 
 

209,807

 
 

1,728

 
 

275,435

 
 

486,970

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Comparative  prior period

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Balance  at 1 January 2005

 
 

1

 
 

604

 
 

-

 
 

30,166

 
 

30,771

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net profit for the period

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

21,194

 
 

21,194

 
 

Issue of Share Capital

 
 

-

 
 

209,646

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

209,646

 
 

Adjustment *

 
 

(1)

 
 

1

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

Dividends paid

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(39,043)

 
 

(39,043)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Balance  at 30 June 2005

 
 

-

 
 

210,251

 
 

-

 
 

12,317

 
 

222,568

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 

 

* Shares in issueat 1 January 2005, had a par value of US $0.01 each. On 15 June 2005 each sharewas converted and reclassified to 2,066.222427 ordinary shares of no par value.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
  

Empire Online Limited

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

Consolidated   Cash Flow statement for the six months ended 30 June 2006

  
  

  

  

Six months ended 30 June

  
  

 

  
  

 

  

2006

  
  

 

  

2005

  
  

Year ended

  

31 December

  

2005

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

Unaudited

  
  

Unaudited

  
  

Audited

  
 

Cash flows from operating activities 

 
 

Note

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Profit before taxation

 
 

 

 
 

253,142

 
 

21,197

 
 

41,184

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Adjustments for

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Depreciation and amortisation

 
 

 

 
 

2,508

 
 

242

 
 

2,898

 
 

Change in accounting estimate

 
 

 

 
 

798

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

Interest income

 
 

 

 
 

(4,682)

 
 

(712)

 
 

(1,159)

 
 

Interest expense

 
 

 

 
 

68

 
 

17

 
 

55

 
 

Equity settled share options

 
 

 

 
 

1,451

 
 

-

 
 

277

 
 

Profit on EP disposal

 
 

 

 
 

(236,657)

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

16,628

 
 

20,744

 
 

43,255

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Changes in working capital

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

 
 

 

 
 

4,339

 
 

(1,450)

 
 

6,900

 
 

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

 
 

 

 
 

(15,917)

 
 

1,230

 
 

16,904

 
 

Taxation paid

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(4)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

(11,578)

 
 

(220)

 
 

23,800

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net cash generated from operating activities

 
 

 

 
 

5,050

 
 

20,524

 
 

67,055

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Cash flows from investing activities

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Purchase of plant and equipment

 
 

 

 
 

(83)

 
 

-

 
 

(131)

 
 

Purchase of intangible assets

 
 

 

 
 

(421)

 
 

(175,198)

 
 

(5,528)

 
 

Acquisition of business

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(221,192)

 
 

Disposal of assets

 
 

9

 
 

236,657

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

Interest income received

 
 

 

 
 

4,682

 
 

712

 
 

1,159

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing  activities

 
 

 

 
 

240,835

 
 

(174,486)

 
 

(225,692)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Cash flows from financing activities

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Loans to shareholders

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

12,504

 
 

-

 
 

Dividends paid

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

(39,043)

 
 

(49,043)

 
 

Proceeds from issue of shares

 
 

 

 
 

-

 
 

209,646

 
 

209,202

 
 

Interest paid

 
 

 

 
 

(68)

 
 

(17)

 
 

(55)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net cash (used in)/generated from financing  activities

 
 

 

 
 

(68)

 
 

183,090

 
 

160,104

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 
 

 

 
 

245,817

 
 

29,128

 
 

1,467

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Cash and  cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

 
 

 

 
 

16,297

 
 

14,830

 
 

14,830

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

 
 

 

 
 

262,114

 
 

43,958

 
 

16,297

 

 

 

 

Empire Online Limited

Notes to the financialinformation

Six months ended 30 June2006

 

 

1. AccountingPolicies

 

TheInterim financial statements of Empire Online Limited have been prepared on thebasis of the accounting policies stated in the Annual Report 2005, available onwww.ep.com. The financial information has beenprepared in accordance with IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”.

 

Basisof consolidation

 

Theconsolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and itssubsidiaries. The subsidiaries are companies controlled by Empire OnlineLimited. Control exists where the Company has the power to govern the financialand operating policies of an investee entity so as toobtain benefits from its activities. Subsidiaries are consolidated from thedate the parent gained control until such time as control ceases.

 

Thefinancial statements of the subsidiaries are included in the consolidatedfinancial statements using the acquisition method of accounting. On the date ofthe acquisition the assets and liabilities of a subsidiary are measured attheir fair values and any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fairvalues of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognisedas goodwill. Intercompany transactions and balancesare eliminated on consolidation.

 

Basisof preparation

 

Theseresults have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies expected tobe adopted in the Company’s full year financial statements, which are expectedto be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards(“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union.

 

Goodwillis initially measured at cost, being the excess of the consideration paid overthe net fair value of the assets acquired. Following initial recognition,goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwillis not amortized. Goodwill is reviewed annually or more frequently if events orchanges in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

 

Thefinancial information for the period ending 30 June 2005 is extracted from theGroup’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005.

 

 

2. Unusual items

 

Duringthe period the company has disposed of certain assets as a result of a legaldispute with PartyGaming Plc. This disposal may be considered as unusual due toits size and form.

Theimpact of this is disclosed in notes 4 and 5.

 

 

3.Change of Estimates

 

Duringthe year ended 31 December 2005, a provisional amount was used in respect ofgoodwill $44,074,000 relating to the acquisition of Club Dice. This was reducedby $798,000 during the period upon finalization of the total amount due to theselling party.

 

 

4.Effect of changes in the composition of the entity

 

InFebruary 2006 certain trade assets were disposed to PartyGaming for $250m.

Theassets included in the disposal are certain domain names and the brand names“Empire Poker” and “Ace Club”.  Thesebrands and domain names were used by Empire Online to direct online poker andcasino players to Partygaming’s websites, creating net gaming revenue for theGroup.

 

In the year ended 31 December 2005, the grossprofit before administrative expenses attributable to the assets being sold wasapproximately $38.5 million.  In thequarter ended 31 December 2005 the assets contributed gross profit before administrativeexpenses of $5.0 million.  The balancesheet value of the net assets pursuant to the disposal was less than $0.1million as at 31 December 2005.

 

In the quarter ended 31 March 2006 the assetscontributed gross profit before administrative expenses of $2.5 million.

 

 

5. Segment Information in respect of assets disposedduring period

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            
 

 Business Segment

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 June

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

2006

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

$000

 
 

Revenue by business  segment

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Poker

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

3,553

 
 

Casino

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

556

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

4,109

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

Segment result by business  segment

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Poker

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

2,007

 
 

Casino

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

540

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

Gross  profit before central costs

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

2,547

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 

 

 

6.Dividend

 

TheBoard declares an interim dividend of $5m, which equates to 1.7 US cents pershare. The dividend will be paid on 30 November 2006 to those shareholders onthe register at 27 October 2006.

 

7. Segment Information for the period

 

      Businesssegments

 

      The Group’s performance is analysed by itstwo business segments below:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 June

 
 

 

 

2006

 
 

 

 

2005

 
 

Year ended

 

31 December 2005

 
 

 

 
 

    Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Audited

 
 

 

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

Revenue  and result by business segment

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Casino

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net gaming revenue

 
 

30,209

 
 

2,943

 
 

23,635

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Segmental result

 
 

15,754

 
 

2,089

 
 

12,719

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Poker

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net gaming revenue

 
 

7,994

 
 

39,010

 
 

73,754

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Segmental result

 
 

3,163

 
 

24,030

 
 

38,274

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Consolidated

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net gaming revenue

 
 

38,203

 
 

41,953

 
 

97,389

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Segmental results

 
 

18,917

 
 

26,119

 
 

50,993

 
 

Central costs

 
 

(1,274)

 
 

(5,004)

 
 

(3,248)

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––

 
 

–––––––

 
 

–––––––

 
 

Gross Profit

 
 

17,643

 
 

21,115

 
 

47,745

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 

 

 

8. Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share have beencalculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders(profit for the period) by the weighted average number of shares in issueduring the period.

                                                                                                                                  
 

Six  months ended 30 June

 
 

2006

 
 

2005

 
 

Year ended

 

31 December 2005

 
 

 

 
 

    Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Audited

 
 

 

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders  ($000)

 
 

253,138

 
 

21,194

 
 

41,174

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares/  (number)

 
 

292,777,772

 
 

24,505,698

 
 

260,689,492

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

Basic earnings per share ($)

 
 

0.86

 
 

$0.86

 
 

$0.16

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares/  (number)

 
 

305,767,612

 
 

24,564,494

 
 

260,862,570

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

Diluted earnings per share ($)

 
 

0.83

 
 

$0.86

 
 

$0.16

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 
 

–––––––––

 

 

Thereare potentially dilutive shares in existence at the period end. Dilutedearnings per share have been calculated by dividing the net profit attributableto ordinary shareholders (profit for the period) by the weighted average numberof shares in issue during the period.

 

 

9. Amortization andnon-recurring items

 

These items are of anon-recurring nature and they include the net profit from the disposal toPartyGaming, the amortisation of the share options scheme and the amortisationof the PlayerData and Domains acquired during 2005.

 

                                                                                                                                                
 

 

 
 

2006

 
 

2006

 
 

 

 
              Unaudited
 

Unaudited

 
 

 

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Disposal proceeds received

 
 

 

 
 

250,000

 
 

Legal and other expenses paid

 
 

 

 
 

(11,800)

 
 

Affiliate costs paid

 
 

 

 
 

(1,543)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––

 
 

Profit  from disposal to PartyGaming

 
 

 

 
 

236,657

 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

Less  amortisation:

 
 
 

 

 
 

  Player Data and Domains

 
 

(2,076)

 
 

 

 
 

  Share Options

 
 

(1,451)

 
 

(3,527)

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––

 
 

Total  amortisation and non-recurring items

 
 

 

 
 

233,130

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

–––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

10.Related parties transactions

 

                                                
 

 

 

Six  months ended 30 June

 
 

 

 

2006

 
 

 

 

2005

 
 

 

 
 

    Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

 

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Administration  services provided by Tradal Ltd

 
 

305

 
 

631

 
 

 

 
 

–––

 
 

–––

 

 

Tradal Limited is a related party by virtue of commonownership with Empire Online Limited.

 

 

11. Property, plant andequipment

During the six months ended30 June 2006, the group has acquired property, plant and equipment with a costof $83,000. Depreciation of $35,000 has been charged during the period.

 

 

12. Preparation of InterimStatements

The financial informationdoes not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of the BVIInternational Business Companies Act 1984 (as amended). Financial Statementsfor Empire Online Limited for the year ended 31 December 2005, prepared inaccordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by theEuropean Union, on which the auditors gave an unqualified audit report areavailable from the company’s website, www.ep.com.

 

 

 

ProForma Financial Information

 

The pro-forma financialinformation has been prepared so as to provide comparable information for thetransitional year of 2005 during which certain assets were acquired by theGroup from Tradal Ltd, a related company incorporated in St. Vincent and theGrenadines.

 

TradalLtd will continue to play an important role for the Group as some of the keymembers of staff are employed by this company. This company charges a servicefee for the services provided by its staff members.

 

To provide comparable financial information with that included withinthe AIM admission document, the aggregation of the income statements for bothEmpire Online Limited and Tradal Limited is shown below.

 

This aggregation has been prepared from the auditedfinancial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005 and the unaudited results for the interim period ended on 30 June 2006.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
 

Empire  Online Limited

 
 

Pro  Forma Income Statement for the six months ended 30 June 2006

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Pre- amortisation and  non-recurring  items

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortisation and non recurring  items

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Six months ended

 
 

2006

 
 

2006

 
 

2006

 
 

2005

 
 

Year ended

 

31 December 2005

 
 

 

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

 

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Unaudited

 
 

Net gaming revenue

 
 

38,203

 
 

-

 
 

38,203

 
 

49,744

 
 

105,181

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Cost of  sales

 
 

(20,560)

 
 

-

 
 

(20,560)

 
 

(24,439)

 
 

(53,244)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Gross profit

 
 

17,643

 
 

-

 
 

17,643

 
 

25,305

 
 

51,937

 
 

Other income

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

415

 
 

-

 
 

Amortisation and

 

non-recurring items

 
 

 

 

-

 
 

 

 

233,130

 
 

 

 

233,130

 
 

 

 

-

 
 

 

 

(4,581)

 
 

Administrative expenses

 
 

(2,353)

 
 

-

 
 

(2,353)

 
 

(1,134)

 
 

(3,249)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Operating  profit

 
 

15,290

 
 

233,130

 
 

248,420

 
 

24,586

 
 

44,107

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Net finance income

 
 

4,722

 
 

-

 
 

4,722

 
 

925 

 
 

1,392 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Profit  before taxation

 
 

20,012

 
 

233,130

 
 

253,142

 
 

25,511

 
 

45,499

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Taxation

 
 

(4)

 
 

-

 
 

(4)

 
 

(15)

 
 

(22)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Profit  after taxation for the period

 
 

 

 

 

 

20,008

 
 

 

 

 

 

233,130

 
 

 

 

 

 

253,138

 
 

 

 

 

 

25,496

 
 

 

 

 

 

45,477

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Earnings  per share

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Basic

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

$0.86

 
 

$0.09

 
 

$0.17

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Diluted

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

$0.83

 
 

$0.09

 
 

$0.17

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
  

Empire   Online Limited

  
  

Pro   Forma Cash Flow statement for the six months ended 30 June 2006

  
  

 

  

Six months ended 30 June

  
  

 

  

2006

  
  

 

  

2005

  
  

Year ended

  

31 December

  

2005

  
  

 

  
  

Unaudited

  
  

Unaudited

  
  

Unaudited

  
 

Cash  flows from operating activities

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

$000

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Profit before taxation

 
 

253,142

 
 

25,511

 
 

45,499

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Adjustments for

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Depreciation and  amortisation

 
 

2,508

 
 

299

 
 

2,928

 
 

Change in accounting  estimate

 
 

798

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

Interest income

 
 

(4,682)

 
 

(951)

 
 

(1,395)

 
 

Interest expense

 
 

68

 
 

22

 
 

90

 
 

Equity settled share  options

 
 

1,451

 
 

-

 
 

277

 
 

Exceptional profit of EP  disposal

 
 

(236,657)

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

16,628

 
 

24,881

 
 

47,399

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Changes in working capital

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Decrease/(increase) in  trade and other receivables

 
 

4,339

 
 

(6,715)

 
 

14,039

 
 

(Decrease)/increase in  trade and other payables

 
 

(15,917)

 
 

2,311

 
 

15,793

 
 

Taxation paid

 
 

-

 
 

(26)

 
 

(4)

 
 

Change in related party  balances

 
 

-

 
 

1,377

 
 

-

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

 

 
 

(11,578)

 
 

(3,053)

 
 

29,828

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net cash  generated from operating activities

 
 

5,050

 
 

21,828

 
 

77,227

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Cash  flows from investing activities

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Purchase of plant and  equipment

 
 

(83)

 
 

(48)

 
 

(131)

 
 

Purchase of intangible  assets

 
 

(421)

 
 

(175,253)

 
 

(5,558)

 
 

Acquisition of business

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(221,192)

 
 

Elimination of Tradal Ltd  assets and liabilities

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

216

 
 

Disposal of assets

 
 

236,657

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

Interest income received

 
 

4,682

 
 

951

 
 

1,395

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net cash  generated from/(used in) investing activities

 
 

240,835

 
 

(174,350)

 
 

(225,270)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Cash  flows from financing activities

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Loans to shareholders

 
 

-

 
 

12,533

 
 

-

 
 

Dividends paid

 
 

-

 
 

(39,043)

 
 

(49,043)

 
 

Proceeds from issue of  shares

 
 

-

 
 

209,646

 
 

209,203

 
 

Decrease in Capital  Account

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

(18,010)

 
 

Decrease in Treasury  Shares

 
 

-

 
 

-

 
 

445

 
 

Interest paid

 
 

(68)

 
 

(22)

 
 

(90)

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net cash  (used in)/ generated from financing activities

 
 

(68)

 
 

183,114

 
 

142,505

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Net  increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 
 

245,817

 
 

30,592

 
 

(5,538)

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

 
 

16,297

 
 

21,835

 
 

21,835

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

Cash and  cash equivalents at the end of the period

 
 

262,114

 
 

52,427

 
 

16,297

 
 

 

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––

 
 

––––––