Half-yearly Report

Arsenal Holdings plc Results for the six months ended 30 November 2007 SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR * Profit before tax of Â£20m (2006 - Â£12.9m excluding exceptional costs) arising from growth in the football business and reduced property development contributions * Broadcasting income up Â£6.5m to Â£24.3m from new Premier League domestic and overseas TV deals * Match day income Â£41.4m (2006 - Â£38.0m) boosted by inaugural Emirates Cup * Results demonstrate continuing success of Emirates Stadium and strength of the Club's business model * Excellent start to the 2007/08 season and entered 2008 on top of the Premier League * Continued development of opportunities provided by Emirates Stadium including international friendly between Sweden and Brazil and two Bruce Springsteen concerts to be staged in second half of financial year * Launch of Arsenal TV in January 2008, marking six-year partnership between Arsenal and Setanta Sports Commenting on the interim results, Peter Hill-Wood, non-executive chairman, said: "We have had a very satisfactory start to the financial year driven by the new Premier League TV deals and the inaugural Emirates Cup tournament which have increased revenues in our core football business." Arsenal Holdings Plc Chairman's Statement I am pleased to report that the six months to 30 November 2007 has been another period of very satisfactory progress for the Group. At the time of writing the Club is top of the Premier League and looks set to make a strong challenge for the title. Off the field we have recorded a pre-tax profit of Â£20 million for the first half of the financial year (2006 - loss of Â£8.5 million (after Â£21.4 million of exceptional charges)) a result driven by the new Premier League TV deals and the inaugural Emirates Cup tournament which have both increased revenue in our core football business. I believe this represents sound progress against the business objectives which I set out in some detail in my last annual report to shareholders, namely, the development of long-term stability and success for the Club through maintaining a business that pays its own way. Emirates Stadium, was awarded four more honours in the period, which are in addition to the 15 major awards the new stadium project has already received. The new awards were `Best Major Project' in the 2007 British Construction Industry Awards, `Award for Sports Structures' in the 2007 Institution of Structural Engineers awards; and both `Business Venue of the Year' and `Silver Award for Sports Tourism' in the 2007 Visit London Awards. At the AGM in October, the Board were delighted to announce a new `lock-down' agreement in relation to the Board's interests in the shares of Arsenal Holdings plc. Members of the Board have been shareholders for many years and continue to be committed to the Club's future development and to their role as custodians of its heritage. Under the terms of the new `lock-down' agreement members agree not to dispose of any of their interests in the Club before 18 April 2009, other than to certain permitted persons such as close family. After that date, for the remainder of the term of the agreement, they can only sell their shares to another person if the other parties to the agreement do not wish to buy them. The agreement is for five years (until 18 October 2012), although it can be terminated early by the parties on its third anniversary (18 October 2010). In January we launched Arsenal TV, marking the start of a six-year partnership between Arsenal and Setanta Sports. Broadcast as part of the Setanta Sports package on Sky channel 423, Arsenal TV features six hours of Club-related programming Monday to Friday between 5pm and 11pm and offers Arsenal supporters exciting and exclusive content. In addition to the first team's competitive matches played at Emirates Stadium, the Club successfully hosted the Emirates Cup in July. This high profile pre-season friendly tournament was held over a weekend in which Inter Milan, Paris Saint Germain and Valencia competed with Arsenal for the first Emirates Cup. Over 110,000 supporters visited the stadium over the two days and the tournament was won by the hosts Arsenal. We continue to develop the opportunities provided by Emirates Stadium and we are pleased to confirm two more exciting events will be hosted at Emirates Stadium; a friendly international match on March 26th between Brazil and Sweden which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the two countries' World Cup Final encounter and the Stadium will stage its first music concerts when Bruce Springsteen plays two dates on 30th and 31st May. The redevelopment of Highbury Square has continued apace with the conversion of all four stands into over 700 apartments progressing on schedule for completion by the end of 2009. Nearly 95% of all apartments have now been sold. The Group will be submitting a revised planning application for the redevelopment and regeneration of Queensland Road later this month. Conditional on achieving planning permission, the Group plans to sell the scheme's affordable housing to a housing association and the market housing to a residential development company. On the Field The team has made an extremely promising start to the 2007/08 season and entered 2008 at the top of the Premier League, losing just one of the first 20 matches played. The campaign has already seen some very good performances from the team, with excellent away victories over Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Everton, together with an outstanding run of home form in winning ten of the first 11 league matches. The Premier League promises to be a very close contest this season and I know that ArsÃ¨ne Wenger and the players will remain focused until the last match in May. In this season's UEFA Champions League, the team progressed into the Group Stage of the competition by beating Sparta Prague 5-0 over two legs. The team then successfully qualified from the Group Stage by winning four of its six matches, which included an emphatic 7-0 victory over Slavia Prague, a 3-0 home win over Sevilla and a 1-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest in Romania. The Club now looks forward to playing the holders, AC Milan, in the Knockout Round in what will undoubtedly be two very exciting matches. In the Carling Cup, the Club's younger players were again given the opportunity to show their promise and gain first team experience. The players yet again did not disappoint and the success of the Club's policy in this competition was clearly illustrated by the team reaching the semi-finals for the fourth time in the past five seasons. An impressive 2-0 home victory over Newcastle United was followed by good away victories over Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers. Unfortunately, the semi-final saw a two-legged defeat by Tottenham Hotspur but overall many positives can be taken from the performances of our younger players in this competition. A solid 2-0 away victory over Burnley gave this season's FA Cup a positive start. This was followed by another good performance in the Fourth Round, with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Newcastle United. The January transfer window was quiet, reflecting our confidence in the strength of the existing squad. Young 15 year-old striker Luke Freeman was signed from Gillingham, whilst Lassana Diarra left the Club to join Portsmouth and Mathew Connolly moved to Queens Park Rangers. We welcome Luke to Arsenal and wish Lassana and Mathew the best of luck at their new clubs. During January five young players were involved in new or extended loan deals to other clubs. Three players joined clubs on loan until the end of the season - Fran Merida to Real Sociedad, Vincent van den Berg to Go Ahead Eagles and Mark Randall to Burnley. Jay Simpson extended his loan at Millwall until the end of the season, with Kieran Gibbs joining Norwich City on loan for three months. We wish all these players the best of luck during their loan periods. Financial Review I am pleased to report that the Group has continued to perform well off the pitch and has recorded another satisfactory set of financial results, achieving an overall pre-tax profit of Â£20.0 million for the six month period ended 30 November 2007 as compared to Â£12.9 million (pre-tax profit excluding exceptional costs) for the same period last year. In reviewing the Group's financial performance it is necessary to distinguish between the results from the property development business, which had significantly less sales activity compared to the prior year and consequently lower turnover and profit, and our core football business which reported significant growth in turnover together with near static costs and, consequently, a doubling of its operating profits against the previous half year. 2007 2006 Â£m Â£m Turnover Football 89.3 77.1 Property development 7.6 23.7 Total turnover 96.9 100.8 Operating profits* Football* 21.9 10.9 Property development 2.5 9.3 Total operating profit* 24.4 20.2 Player trading 8.6 3.3 Depreciation (5.8) (4.1) Joint venture 0.5 0.3 Ordinary net finance (7.7) (6.8) charges Profit before tax and 20.0 12.9 exceptional items *= operating profits before depreciation and player trading costs The property development turnover in the current year represents land sales and contracting work within the social housing element of the Highbury Square development, the comparative period contained the sale of a major development site at Drayton Park. During the period we have continued to invest heavily in the construction works across the Highbury Square site and in the progression of detailed planning permissions for the development site at Queensland Road; consequently, the carrying value of our property development stock has risen since the 31 May 2007 by some Â£41 million, to Â£141.3 million. This investment has been funded by drawings on the bank facilities we have in place specifically for these two projects - the related loan balances stood at Â£105.3 million at 30 November 2007. The Highbury Square development is 95% pre-sold and we are at an advanced stage of negotiations for the sale of Queensland Road; together the two sites are expected to generate turnover, as sales reach legal completion, over the next two financial years in excess of Â£350 million. There are two main reasons for the increase in football revenues. Firstly, the new Premier League domestic and overseas TV deals have meant a rise in broadcasting income of some Â£6.5 million to Â£24.3 million. Secondly, the successful staging of the inaugural Emirates Cup pre-season tournament which was the major factor behind the increase in gate and match day revenue to Â£41.1 million (from 8 Premier League, 3 Champions League, 1 Carling Cup and the Emirates Cup) (2006 - Â£38.0 million from 7 Premier League, 4 Champions League and 1 international friendly). Growth in revenues from our retail operations, museum / stadium tours and non-match day venue hire have also contributed, albeit to a lesser extent, to the increase in football turnover. Costs in the football business, increased by some Â£2.2 million, principally as a result of the direct costs associated with the Emirates Cup tournament and the volume of retail activity. These increases have been partially offset by cost reductions in other areas. Overall, football costs at Â£67.4 million (2006 - Â£66.2 million) have shown a high degree of stability and this means that the benefit of the increased football turnover has translated directly into increased operating profits of Â£21.9 million, which is effectively double the Â£ 10.9 million achieved in the comparative period. Profits on disposal of player registrations at Â£19.6 million (2006 - Â£12.2 million) exceeded the amortisation charge on the costs of the registrations of the current squad such that player trading resulted in an overall profit of Â£ 8.6 million (2006 - Â£3.3 million). The major element of the profits on disposal derives from the sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona with lesser contributions from the sales of Fredrick Ljungberg, Jeremie Aliadiere and Jose Antonio Reyes. In addition, we continue to collect additional performance related transfer fees from a number of prior year transfers. Net ordinary finance charges were Â£7.7 million (2006 - Â£6.8 million). The main element of these charges is the fixed interest costs of the stadium refinancing bonds and the increase reflects a full six month charge for the current period, whereas in the comparative period interest costs were capitalised prior to the date of Emirates Stadium opening and only four months of interest was, therefore, charged to the profit and loss account. The Group has maintained significant cash balances throughout the period and interest earned thereon was Â£2.1 million (2006 - Â£1.6 million), reflecting the benefit of the higher balances held and interest rates during the period. The Group's cash balances at 30 November 2007 amounted to Â£69.1 million which represents a decrease against the 31 May 2007 position by some Â£4.7 million. The negative cash flow for the period is actually a consequence of strength of advance ticket sales included in the 31 May 2007 cash balances - some Â£45 million of 2007/08 general and Club Tier season tickets and executive box licence fees were collected in advance in the period prior to 31 May 2007. The Group already has in place adequate debt facilities, the majority of which are at fixed interest rates, to fund completion of its property development projects for the foreseeable future and its operations generally for the long-term and, consequently, has not been adversely affected in any way by recent turbulence in the financial markets. The main element of the Group's debt financing is Â£200.2 million of 5.14% fixed interest bonds issued in connection with the funding for Emirates Stadium and, in recognition of the long-term benefit which the stadium will provide, these bonds are repayable over 22 years. The Group's overall net debt position has increased from Â£268.2 million at 31 May 2007 to Â£307.1 million at 30 November 2007 and this is in line with our expectations. The change of Â£38.9 million reflects the Â£41 million drawn to fund the property developments at Highbury Square and Queensland Road as referred to above, the movement in working capital cash balances of Â£4.7 million also referred to above and scheduled debt repayments, principally on the refinancing bonds, of Â£6.9 million. The construction of Highbury Square will result in increases in debt levels through to the summer of 2008 until receipts from the sales of the first phase of Highbury Square units are realised. In conclusion, the Group enters the closing months of the 2007/08 season in an excellent position both on and off the field and a sound base has already been established for the full year financial results. P D Hill-Wood Chairman 21 February 2008 Arsenal Holdings Plc Consolidated profit and loss account For the six months ended 30 November 2007 Six months to 30 November 2007 Six Year months to 30 ended November 31 May 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Operations excluding player Player trading trading Total Total Total Notes Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Turnover of the Group 97,392 303 97,695 101,434 201,987 including its share of joint ventures Share of turnover of joint (830) - (830) (638) (1,144) ventures ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ Group turnover 4 96,562 303 96,865 100,796 200,843 Operating expenses (77,963) - (77,963) (84,609) (158,685) - other - amortisation of player - (11,295) (11,295) (9,042) (18,782) registrations Total operating expenses (77,963) (11,295) (89,258) (93,651) (177,467) ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ Operating profit/(loss) 18,599 (10,992) 7,607 7,145 23,376 Share of operating profit 485 - 485 311 435 of joint venture Profit on disposal of - 19,593 19,593 12,180 18,467 player registrations ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ Profit on ordinary 19,084 8,601 27,685 19,636 42,278 activities before net finance charges ________ ________ Net finance charges - (7,707) (6,772) (15,304) ordinary Net finance charges - - (21,401) (21,401) exceptional Net finance charges 5 (7,707) (28,173) (36,705) ________ ________ ________ Profit/ (Loss) on ordinary 19,978 (8,537) 5,573 activities before taxation Taxation 6 (4,341) 2,356 (2,757) ________ ________ ________ Profit/(Loss) after 15,637 (6,181) 2,816 taxation retained for the financial period ________ ________ ________ Earnings/(Loss) per share 7 Â£251.33 (Â£99.35) Â£45.26 ________ ________ ________ All trading resulted from continuing operations. There are no recognised gains or losses other than those included in the profit and loss account and, accordingly, no consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses is presented. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. Arsenal Holdings Plc Consolidated balance sheet At 30 November 2007 Notes 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 453,122 458,319 455,300 Intangible assets 9 69,215 67,522 64,671 Investment in joint venture 420 102 76 __________ __________ __________ 522,757 525,943 520,047 __________ __________ __________ Current assets Stock - Development properties 10 141,294 69,495 100,080 Stock - Retail merchandise 2,522 2,463 1,166 Debtors - Due within one year 11 30,868 30,432 31,028 Debtors - Due after one year 11 9,460 1,490 5,117 Cash at bank and in hand 69,128 53,135 73,857 __________ __________ __________ 253,272 157,015 211,248 Creditors: Amounts falling due 12 (198,111) (137,772) (150,017) within one year __________ __________ __________ Net current assets 55,161 19,243 61,231 __________ __________ __________ Total assets less current 577,918 545,186 581,278 liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after 13 (390,637) (395,553) (416,120) more than one year Provisions for liabilities 14 (38,270) (25,256) (31,784) __________ __________ __________ Net assets 149,011 124,377 133,374 __________ __________ __________ Equity capital and reserves Called up equity share capital 62 62 62 Share premium 29,997 29,997 29,997 Merger reserve 26,699 26,699 26,699 Profit and loss account 15 92,253 67,619 76,616 __________ __________ __________ Equity shareholders' funds 16 149,011 124,377 133,374 __________ __________ __________ The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet. Arsenal Holdings Plc Consolidated cash flow statement For the six months ended 30 November 2007 Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating (29,760) 65,569 77,332 activities Player registrations 4,296 (7,447) (8,009) Returns on investment and servicing of (9,169) (15,829) (24,603) finance Taxation - (51) (54) Capital expenditure (3,255) (38,145) (37,949) __________ __________ __________ Cash (outflow)/inflow before financing (37,888) 4,097 6,717 Financing 33,159 13,440 31,542 __________ __________ __________ (Decrease)/increase in cash (4,729) 17,537 38,259 __________ __________ __________ Notes to the cash flow statement Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net 2007 2006 2007 cash (outflow)/inflow from operating Unaudited Unaudited Audited activities Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Operating profit 7,607 7,145 23,376 Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets - (846) (1,036) Depreciation 5,766 4,084 9,698 Amortisation of player registrations 11,295 9,042 18,782 Increase in stock (40,790) (3,914) (34,783) Decrease in debtors 159 13,871 13,792 (Decrease)/increase in creditors (13,797) 36,187 47,503 __________ __________ __________ Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating (29,760) 65,569 77,332 activities __________ __________ __________ b) Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt (Decrease)/increase in cash for the period (4,729) 17,537 38,259 Cash inflow from increase in debt (33,159) (13,440) (31,542) __________ __________ __________ Change in net debt resulting from cash flows (37,888) 4,097 6,717 Increase in debt resulting from non cash (974) (12,252) (12,770) changes Net debt at start of period (268,197) (262,144) (262,144) __________ __________ __________ Net debt at close of period (307,059) (270,299) (268,197) __________ __________ __________ Bank balances, included in net debt, of Â£189,000 (30 November 2006 Â£209,000, 31 May 2007 Â£239,000) are held in an employee benefit trust at the discretion of the trustees. c) Analysis of changes in net debt At 1 June Non cash Cash flows At 30 2007 changes November 2007 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Cash in hand, at bank 73,857 - (4,729) 69,128 __________ __________ __________ __________ 73,857 - (4,729) 69,128 Debt due within one year (bank (5,964) - (48,240) (54,204) loans/bonds) Debt due after more than one (310,627) (817) 15,081 (296,363) year (bank loans/bonds) Debt due after more than one (25,463) (157) - (25,620) year (debenture subscriptions) __________ __________ __________ __________ Net debt (268,197) (974) (37,888) (307,059) __________ __________ __________ __________ Non cash changes represent Â£957,000 in respect of the amortisation of costs of raising finance, Â£157,000 in respect of rolled up, unpaid debenture interest for the period less Â£140,000 in respect of amortisation of the premium on certain of the Group's interest rate swaps. d) Gross cash flows Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Player registrations: Payments for purchase of players (23,165) (18,795) (21,878) Receipts from sale of players 27,461 11,348 13,869 __________ __________ __________ 4,296 (7,447) (8,009) __________ __________ __________ Returns on investment and servicing of finance: Interest received 2,096 1,592 2,389 Interest paid (11,265) (17,421) (26,992) __________ __________ __________ (9,169) (15,829) (24,603) __________ __________ __________ Capital expenditure: Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (3,255) (38,991) (38,985) Receipts from sale of tangible fixed - 846 1,036 assets __________ __________ __________ (3,255) (38,145) (37,949) __________ __________ __________ Financing: Repayment of borrowings (6,869) (265,074) (265,074) Increase in borrowings 40,846 291,256 309,579 Costs of raising finance (818) (12,742) (12,958) Total debt financing 33,159 13,440 31,547 Debenture repayments - - (5) __________ __________ __________ 33,159 13,440 31,542 __________ __________ __________ Arsenal Holdings Plc Notes to the interim accounts 30 November 2007 1. Basis of preparation of Group financial statements The Group financial statements consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of the company and its subsidiary undertakings made up to 30 November 2007. The Group has two classes of business - the principal activity of operating a professional football club and property development. The interim results have been prepared, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, on the same basis and using the same accounting policies as those used in the preparation of the full year's accounts to 31 May 2007. 2. Significant accounting policies Income recognition Gate and other match day revenue is recognised over the period of the football season as games are played. Sponsorship and similar commercial income is recognised over the duration of the respective contracts. The fixed element of broadcasting revenues is recognised over the duration of the football season whilst facility fees for live coverage or highlights are taken when earned. Merit awards are accounted for only when known at the end of the financial period. UEFA pool distributions relating to participation in the Champions League are spread over the matches played in the competition whilst distributions relating to match performance are taken when earned; these distributions are classified as broadcasting revenues. Fees receivable in respect of the loan of players are included in turnover over the period of the loan. Income from the sale of development properties is recognised on legal completion of the relevant sale contract. Where elements of the sale price are subject to retentions by the purchaser the retained element of the sale price is not recognised until such time as all of the conditions relating to the retention have been satisfied. Where contracting work is undertaken for a third party and the outcome of the construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the degree of completion of the contract activity at the balance sheet date. Player registrations The costs associated with the acquisition of player registrations or extending their contracts, including agents' fees, are capitalised and amortised, in equal instalments, over the period of the respective players' contracts. Where a contract life is renegotiated the unamortised costs, together with the new costs relating to the contract extension, are amortised over the term of the new contract. Where the acquisition of a player registration involves a non-cash consideration, such as an exchange for another player registration, the transaction is accounted for using an estimate of market value for the non-cash consideration. Under the conditions of certain transfer agreements or contract renegotiations, further fees will be payable in the event of the players concerned making a certain number of First Team appearances or on the occurrence of certain other specified future events. Liabilities in respect of these additional fees are accounted for, as provisions, when it becomes probable that the number of appearances will be achieved or the specified future events will occur. 3. Segmental analysis Class of business Football Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Turnover 89,250 77,105 177,051 __________ __________ __________ Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before 19,055 (16,290) (544) taxation __________ __________ __________ Segment net assets 149,659 122,441 135,065 __________ __________ __________ Class of business Property development Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Turnover 7,615 23,691 23,792 __________ __________ __________ Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 923 7,753 6,117 __________ __________ __________ Segment net (liabilities)/assets (648) 1,936 (1,691) __________ __________ __________ Class of business Group Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Turnover 96,865 100,796 200,843 __________ __________ __________ Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before 19,978 (8,537) 5,573 taxation __________ __________ __________ Net assets 149,011 124,377 133,374 __________ __________ __________ 4. Turnover Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Gate and other match day revenues 41,072 38,011 90,613 Player trading 303 183 544 Broadcasting 24,307 17,829 44,312 Retail income 7,846 6,957 12,064 Commercial 15,722 14,125 29,518 Property development 7,615 23,691 23,792 __________ __________ __________ 96,865 100,796 200,843 __________ __________ __________ 5. Net finance charges Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Interest payable and similar charges: Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Bank loans and overdrafts (3,007) (4,037) (5,723) Fixed/floating rate bonds (7,414) (5,416) (12,761) Other (156) (301) (505) Costs of raising long term finance (1,015) (1,583) (2,816) __________ __________ __________ (11,592) (11,337) (21,805) Finance costs capitalised 1,780 2,960 3,813 __________ __________ __________ Total interest payable and similar charges (9,812) (8,377) (17,992) Interest receivable 2,105 1,605 2,688 __________ __________ __________ Net finance charges - ordinary (7,707) (6,772) (15,304) Finance charges - exceptional - (21,401) (21,401) __________ __________ __________ (7,707) (28,173) (36,705) __________ __________ __________ The exceptional charges in the comparative periods related to the refinancing of the project finance bank loans which the Group had used to fund the development of Emirates Stadium. Of the interest capitalised Â£Nil (period to 30 November 2006 and year to 31 May 2007 Â£2,960,000) is included in tangible fixed assets and Â£1,780,000 (period to 30 November 2006 Â£Nil and year to 31 May 2007 Â£853,000) is included in stock development properties. 6. Taxation The charge for taxation is based on the estimated effective tax rate for the year as a whole. Six months to 30 November Year ended 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Corporation tax on result for the period at 5,723 - 151 29.67% (period to 30 November 2006 and year to 31 May 2007 30%) Movement in deferred taxation (1,382) (2,356) 2,606 __________ __________ __________ Total tax charge/(credit) 4,341 (2,356) 2,757 __________ __________ __________ 7. Earnings per share The calculation of earnings per share is based on the profit for the period divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue being 62,219 (period to 30 November 2006 - 62,219 shares and year to 31 May 2007 - 62,219 shares). 8. Tangible fixed assets Freehold Leasehold Plant and Total property property equipment Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Cost At 1 June 2007 385,956 6,456 78,978 471,390 Additions 2,410 - 1,178 3,588 At 30 November 2007 388,366 6,456 80,156 474,978 Depreciation At 1 June 2007 6,961 1,950 7,179 16,090 Charge for period 2,689 206 2,871 5,766 At 30 November 2007 9,650 2,156 10,050 21,856 Net book value At 30 November 2007 378,716 4,300 70,106 453,122 At 31 May 2007 378,995 4,506 71,799 455,300 9. Intangible fixed assets Â£'000 Cost of player registrations At 1 June 2007 122,215 Additions 28,080 Disposals (36,841) __________ At 30 November 2007 113,454 __________ Amortisation of player registrations At 1 June 2007 57,544 Charge for the period 11,295 Disposals (24,600) __________ At 30 November 2007 44,239 __________ Net book amount At 30 November 2007 69,215 __________ At 31 May 2007 64,671 __________ 10. Stock - Development properties Properties are held for resale and are recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The directors consider the net realisable value of development property stocks to be significantly greater than their book value. 11. Debtors 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Amounts recoverable within one year: Trade debtors 5,284 7,004 10,115 Other debtors 7,679 5,267 7,642 Prepayments and accrued income 17,905 18,161 13,271 __________ __________ __________ 30,868 30,432 31,028 __________ __________ __________ Amounts recoverable after more than one year: Trade debtors 2,500 162 2,500 Other debtors 6,094 535 1,778 Prepayments and accrued income 866 793 839 __________ __________ __________ 9,460 1,490 5,117 __________ __________ __________ Other debtors of Â£13.8 million, include Â£13.3 million in respect of player transfers (30 November 2006 Â£5.0 million and 31 May 2007 Â£9.0 million) of which Â£6.0 million is recoverable in more than one year. 12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Bank loans - secured 49,555 - - Fixed and floating rate bonds - secured 4,649 4,117 4,122 Trade creditors 18,190 17,813 15,723 Corporation tax 10,211 4,630 4,629 Other tax and social security 2,780 3,847 12,425 Other creditors and loans 10,039 11,462 12,185 Accruals and deferred income 102,687 95,903 100,933 __________ __________ __________ 198,111 137,772 150,017 __________ __________ __________ Other creditors, above and as disclosed in note 13, include Â£13.5 million (30 November 2006 Â£14.1 million and 31 May 2007 Â£16.5 million) in respect of player transfers. 13. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Bank loans - secured 54,233 44,633 62,879 Fixed rate bonds - secured 186,113 191,254 191,569 Floating rate bonds - secured 56,017 56,233 56,179 Debentures 25,620 25,317 25,463 Other creditors 4,508 5,946 6,638 Grants 4,653 4,470 4,712 Deferred income 59,493 67,700 68,680 ________ __________ __________ 390,637 395,553 416,120 __________ __________ __________ The bank loans above and disclosed in note 12 comprise: 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Bank loans - secured 105,315 46,200 64,469 Costs of raising finance (1,527) (1,567) (1,590) __________ __________ __________ 103,788 44,633 62,879 __________ __________ __________ Due within one year 49,555 - - Due after more than one year 54,233 44,633 62,879 __________ __________ __________ 103,788 44,633 62,879 __________ __________ __________ The fixed rate bonds above and disclosed in note 12 comprise: 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Fixed rate bonds 200,204 205,231 205,231 Costs of raising finance (9,535) (9,860) (9,540) __________ __________ __________ 190,669 195,371 195,691 __________ __________ __________ Due within one year 4,556 4,117 4,122 Due after more than one year 186,113 191,254 191,569 __________ __________ __________ 190,669 195,371 195,691 __________ __________ __________ The fixed rate bonds bear interest at 5.1418% per annum. The floating rate bonds above comprise: 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Floating rate bonds 50,000 50,000 50,000 Interest rate swap 6,625 6,905 6,765 Costs of raising finance (515) (672) (586) __________ __________ __________ 56,110 56,233 56,179 __________ __________ __________ Due within one year 93 - - Due after more than one year 56,017 56,233 56,179 __________ __________ __________ 56,110 56,233 56,179 __________ __________ __________ The floating rate bonds bear interest at LIBOR for three month deposits plus a margin of 0.22% and the Group has entered into interest rate swaps which fix the LIBOR element of this cost at 5.75%. The fixed rate bonds and floating rate bonds are guaranteed as to scheduled payments of principal and interest by certain members of the Group and by Ambac Assurance UK Limited. The Group pays Ambac Assurance UK Limited annual guarantee fees at a rate of 0.65% of the bond principal outstanding. The costs of raising debt finance (bank loans and bonds) are amortised to the profit and loss account over the term of the debt, the amortisation charge for the period was Â£957,000 (year ended 31 May 2007 Â£785,000). The Group's fixed rate bonds, floating rate bonds and bank loans are secured by a mixture of legal mortgages and fixed charges on certain freehold and leasehold property and certain plant and machinery owned by the Group, by fixed charges over certain of the Group's trade debtors and the related bank guarantees, by fixed charges over Â£25.5 million (30 November 2006 Â£26.3 million, 31 May 2007 Â£45.5 million) of the Group's bank deposits, by legal mortgages or fixed charges over the share capital and intellectual property rights of certain subsidiary companies and fixed and floating charges over the other assets of certain subsidiary companies. The Group's financial liabilities/debt is 30 November 31 May repayable as follows: 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Between one and two years 5,587 5,300 5,300 Between two and five years 72,987 63,886 82,155 After five years 246,603 252,846 252,992 __________ __________ __________ 325,177 322,032 340,447 Within one year 56,272 5,027 5,027 __________ __________ __________ 381,499 327,059 345,474 __________ __________ __________ Interest rate profile After taking into account interest rate swaps, the interest rate profile of the Group's financial liabilities at 30 November 2007 was as follows: Weighted average Fixed Floating Interest Weighted period for rate rate free Total average which rate Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited fixed is rate fixed 2007 2007 2007 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 % Yrs Bonds - fixed rate 200,204 - - 200,204 5.6 22 Bonds - floating 50,000 - - 50,000 6.6 24 rate Bank loans 74,136 31,179 - 105,315 6.6 2 Debentures 11,498 - 14,432 25,930 2.8 20 ______ ______ ______ ______ 335,838 31,179 14,432 381,449 ======= ====== ====== ====== The interest rate on the floating rate element of bank loans is currently set at LIBOR plus 1.4% (30 November 2006 1.50% and 31 May 2007 1.4%). Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps, which are used as hedges, are not recognised in the financial statements until the hedged position matures. At 30 November 2007 the total unrecognised loss on the Group's interest rate swaps was Â£5.4 million (31 May 2007: Â£3.3 million). The interest rate profile at 30 November 2006 for comparative purposes was: Weighted Fixed Floating Interest Weighted average rate rate free Total average period Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited fixed for which rate rate is fixed 2006 2006 2006 2006 Unaudited Unaudited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 % Yrs Bonds - fixed rate 205,231 - - 205,231 5.8 23 Bonds - floating 50,000 - - 50,000 6.6 25 rate Bank loans 36,960 9,240 - 46,200 6.7 3 Debentures 11,190 - 14,438 25,628 2.8 21 ______ ______ ______ ______ 303,381 9,240 14,438 327,059 ======= ======= ======= ======= The interest rate profile at 31 May 2007 for comparative purposes was: Weighted Fixed Floating Interest Weighted average rate rate free Total average period Audited Audited Audited Audited fixed for which rate rate is fixed 2007 2007 2007 2007 Audited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 % Yrs Bonds - fixed rate 205,231 - - 205,231 5.8 23 Bonds - floating rate 50,000 - - 50,000 6.6 25 Bank loans 50,156 14,313 - 64,469 6.6 3 Debentures 11,342 - 14,432 25,774 2.8 21 ______ ______ ______ ______ 316,729 14,313 14,432 345,474 ======= ======= ======= ======= 14. Provisions for liabilities 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Pensions provision 640 769 705 Transfers provision 20,059 10,496 12,126 Deferred taxation 17,571 13,991 18,953 __________ __________ __________ 38,270 25,256 31,784 __________ __________ __________ The pensions provision relates to the expected contribution required towards making good the Minimum Funding Requirements deficit which exists in the Football League Pension and Life Assurance Scheme less payments made to the scheme in this respect. The transfers provision relates to the probable additional fees payable based on the players concerned achieving a specified number of appearances. 15. Profit and loss account 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 At start of period 76,616 73,800 73,800 Profit/(loss) for the period 15,637 (6,181) 2,816 __________ __________ __________ Balance at end of period 92,253 67,619 76,616 __________ __________ __________ 16. Reconciliation of equity shareholders' funds 30 November 31 May 2007 2006 2007 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Â£'000 Â£'000 Â£'000 Opening equity shareholders' funds 133,374 130,558 130,558 Profit/(loss) for the period 15,637 (6,181) 2,816 __________ __________ __________ Closing equity shareholders' funds 149,011 124,377 133,374 __________ __________ __________ 17. Contingent liabilities Under the conditions of certain transfer agreements in respect of players purchased, further transfer fees will be payable to the vendors in the event of the players concerned making a certain number of First Team appearances or in the event of certain other future events specified in the transfer agreements. The maximum unprovided potential liability is Â£10.6 million (30 November 2006 Â£ 9.2 million, 31 May 2007 Â£9.4 million). The Group has commitments outstanding under letters of credit, issued to guarantee its performance of certain future contractual obligations in relation to its new stadium and property development projects, of Â£7.7 million (31 May 2007 Â£7.7 million). 18. Additional information a) The interim financial statements do not constitute statutory financial statements within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information for the year ended 31 May 2007 has been extracted from the statutory accounts for the year then ended which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The audit report on these accounts was unqualified and did not contain any statements under s.237 (number 2) or (number 3) Companies Act 1985. b) These results were announced to PLUS on 22 February 2008 and posted to all shareholders on the register at 21 February 2008. Copies of this interim report will be available from the company's registered office at Highbury House, 75 Drayton Park, London N5 1BU. Arsenal Holdings Plc Independent auditors' report INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO ARSENAL HOLDINGS PLC We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 November 2007 which comprises the profit and loss account, the balance sheet, the cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 18. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements. This report is made solely to the company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Plus Markets Rules for Issuers and the ASB Statement Half-Yearly Reports. As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the company are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies the Group intends to use in preparing its next annual financial statements. Our responsibility Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review. Scope of Review We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion. Conclusion Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 November 2007 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the Plus Markets Rules for Issuers and the ASB Statement Half-Yearly Reports. Deloitte & Touche LLP Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors London, United Kingdom 21 February 2008

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HLMA JD. ITH

JD Sports tanks after management tighten profit guidance towards the lower end of expectations, Halma finds support from strong earnings and capital return commitment cheers shareholders in Ithica Energy.

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