KINEPOLIS GROUP NV Regulatory release
24 August 2017, 7a.m.
The number of visitors increased in the first half of 2017, mainly thanks to the contribution of the newly opened cinemas in the Netherlands and France in 2016 and 2017.
The continued implementation of the strategic pillars and product innovation resulted in a continuing increase in sales per visitor in all countries and further optimization of commercial and operational performance.
- Visitor numbers increased by 4.8% to 11.8 million.
- Revenue from the sale of tickets, beverages and snacks increased by 9.2%, outpacing the growth in visitor numbers. Total revenue rose by 7.9% to € 160.1 million.
- Net current profit was up by 17.4% to € 16.4 million, due to a limited rise in the depreciations and a slight fall in financial charges, despite the increased tax burden.
- The free cash flow[5] decreased by 11.8% to € 8.6 million.
- The net financial debt increased by € 25.3 million to € 195.0 million[6], mainly due to the dividend payment, the payment of the investments in the new-build projects completed in November and December 2016 and the normal working capital development in the first half of the year.
In the first quarter of 2017 performance was rather good thanks to films such as "Fifty Shades Darker", "Sing", "La la Land", "Beauty and the Beast" and "Logan", but comparisons were difficult due to a very strong first quarter of 2016, which included 'Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens', 'Deadpool' and 'The Revenant'. The first quarter of 2017 was followed by a strong April, but visitor numbers were then negatively impacted by the good weather in May and June, which resulted in a rather weak second quarter.
Visitor-related revenue (from the sale of tickets, beverages and snacks) increased by 9.2% compared to the same period the previous year. Box Office (BO) revenue per visitor rose, among other things due to the higher share of 3D and the introduction of IMAX, the higher share of alternative content, the positive impact of the country mix and price adjustments in the renovated complexes. Revenue from the sale of beverages and snacks (In-theatre sales, ITS) also rose in all countries.
Growth in B2B and real estate revenue also outpaced the visitor figure. The revenue of Brightfish and Kinepolis Film Distribution (KFD) decreased. At Brightfish the fall was due to fewer events with partners. The film distribution activity suffered from less film releases, especially compared to a very strong first half of last year, with the local successes 'Safety First' and 'Achter de Wolken'.
Speaking about the first six months, Eddy Duquenne, CEO Kinepolis Group, said: "I'm satisfied with our performance in the first half of the year. In spite of the good weather and a less successful line-up in the second quarter, we managed to continue growing, due among other things to successful product innovation and further improvements in commercial and operational performance. Over the coming period, management will continue to focus on the integration of acquired cinemas, the growth of the newly opened cinemas and the further expansion of the Group."
Please find the Semestrial Financial Report attached.
[1] All comparisons are made with the figures in the first six months of 2016.
[2] Press release based on unaudited figures.
[3] After eliminating non-current transactions.
[4] EBITDA is not a recognized IFRS term. Kinepolis Group NV has defined this concept by adding depreciations, amortizations and provisions to the operating profit and subtracting any reversals or uses of the same items.
[5] Kinepolis Group defines the free cash flow as the cash flow generated from operating profits less the investments in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment and investment property, and paid interest charges.
[6] Compared to 31 December 2016.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Kinepolis Group via Globenewswire
