BEIJING, Sept. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wanda Sports Group Company Limited (the “Company” and, together with its consolidated entities, “Wanda Sports Group,” the “Group” or “we”) (Nasdaq: WSG), a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020.

As the sale of The IRONMAN Group was completed in July, The IRONMAN Group was treated for purposes of the Group’s results for the second quarter of 2020 as an asset held for sale and its historical results were reflected in those results as discontinued operations.  In addition, The IRONMAN Group’s results and operating data were excluded from the comparative second quarter 2019 results and operating data.  Unless otherwise indicated, the financial statement line items and non-IFRS financial measures are presented on a continuing operations basis. 

Second Quarter 2020 Highlights: 

  • Total revenue from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2020 was €51.8 million (US$58.2 million), representing a decrease of 75% year-over-year, primarily attributable to a decrease in revenue from the Spectator Sports and DPSS segments due to the broad effects of COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Excluding reimbursement revenue,1 total revenue was €51.4 million (US$57.8 million), a decrease of 72% over the second quarter of 2019.
  • Net Profit for the period from continuing operations was €5.5 million (US$6.2 million), compared to €19.0 million in the second quarter of 2019.
  • Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was €20.9m million (US$23.5 million), compared to €41.2 million in the second quarter of 2019.
  • The Group’s liquidity position remained solid in the second quarter of 2020. The Group had total cash and cash equivalents of €167.5 million (US$188.3 million), as of June 30, 2019.
  • The German Ice Hockey Federation extended its exclusive media and marketing agreement with the Group until the 2023/2024 season. The Group expanded the scope of the renewed agreement and will also be responsible for all German women’s and men’s national ice hockey team merchandise across all age groups.
  • The Group extended its exclusive international media rights partnership with the Czech Republic Ski Federation from 2026 to 2031, and the Norway Ski Federation from 2021 to 2026, respectively, to cover all FIS World Cup events including men’s and women’s alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic-combined. 
  • The Group recently reached an agreement with mobile network provider Verizon for four separate deals to support new Verizon 5G technology for multi-camera features for some larger US sports associations (including the NBA), consumer entertainment (including Fox’s “The Masked Singer”) and motor sports (NASCAR, IndyCar).
  • There were no mass participation events reflected in the continuing operations in the second quarter of 2020 due to event cancellations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Despite that, the Group used new, innovative formats and hosted several mass participation events virtually in Europe and China.

_______________
1 Reimbursement revenues represent revenue that has associated costs of a similar, generally matching, amount (reimbursement costs), thereby resulting in a negligible gross margin impact.

Mr. Hengming Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Wanda Sports Group, commented, “As expected, the entire second quarter was affected by the global spread of the pandemic and the related severe impact on business activity, travel and personal routines.  However, given the diversity of our business model with long-term contracts, and our employees’ ability to adapt to uncertainties and new norms of working, we were able to continue to focus on business development, delivering alternative sports service solutions, while effectively managing our costs and liquidity.  Despite our revenue of €51.8 million in the second quarter being much lower than the previous year, our gross margin was significantly enhanced.  Looking forward, although visibility is still unclear in terms of public health and macroeconomic conditions, we remain positive about our partnerships with clients and our business opportunities.  We are confident in the ability of our global workforce to persevere and navigate the challenges ahead. We will remain vigilant in managing our operations and in investing in our future, so that we can be well-positioned to return to revenue and profit growth once the markets recover.”

Mr. Brian Liao, Chief Financial Officer of Wanda Sports Group commented, “Despite the expected contraction in our revenue and profitability, our personnel expenses and selling, office and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2020 decreased by approximately 28% year-over-year, mainly driven by our cost reduction efforts from the start of the pandemic.  Several cost categories will continue to decrease throughout the year as we continue to respond to the crisis, such as personnel costs, office and travel expenses, and marketing expenses.  In addition, regrettably we had to reduce the number of employees by 13% since the first quarter 2020, but will continue to invest in core capabilities.  We will continue to further streamline our operations in order to preserve cash and protect our profitability. In terms of liquidity, after the IRONMAN transaction, as of July 31, 2020, we have a €208.7 million cash balance.  We intend to use the balance of the net proceeds of the IRONMAN transaction, subject to business conditions, to return capital to its shareholders (either through a special dividend or a share repurchase program; in either case, subject to shareholder approval), and/or for general corporate purposes.  Meanwhile, we are intensely focused on positioning our company optimally to return to revenue growth as we weather the unprecedented uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Second Quarter 2020 Business Highlights

Core Business Segments:

Spectator Sports
In the second quarter, the Spectator Sports business leveraged its digital ecosystem innovation and resources by successfully delivering a number of virtual events.  These virtual events attracted a wide range of coverage, while expanding new business wins, despite the uncertainty of the operating environment. 

Key events

  • The Group, as the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (or IIHF) long-standing exclusive media and marketing rights partner, launched the IIHF Esports Fan Championship on May 15. Fans from the 16 nations which had qualified for the 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship were given the chance to represent their countries in the digital tournament, which was hosted on a new IIHF esports online platform. 
  • The Group acted as the promoter, producer and organizer of an alternative online esports tournament for the Italian football league’s eSerie A TIM clubs after the suspension of the tournament due to the pandemic.  Fans were able to watch exclusive live content on eSerie A TIM's YouTube channel. 
  • The Coppa Italia Coca Cola final, Italy's top football knock-out tournament, celebrated a broadcast reach of over 10 million viewers with the match distributed to almost 220 territories globally. Virtual overlay technology provided by the Group covered the empty stands which were decorated with the clubs’ colors, the competition logo and the Italian flag.
  • The Group jointly supported the launch of the first digital pro-cycling race series – the Digital Swiss 5, which saw professional cyclists competing across five digital races as an alternative to the cancelled Tour de Suisse. The event achieved strong coverage on major public broadcast networks across almost 30 countries.
  • The Group launched a new digital ecosystem for the European Handball Federation (EHF), which is designed to amplify the outreach and awareness of handball across all platforms of TV, OTT, digital and social media.  All of the digitally-optimized, high-quality content is created by experts from the Group and its partners through more than 5,000 pieces of video content for all major EHF competitions, in order to connect, interact and entertain fans globally.

Major Prolongations

  • The Group successfully arranged for the renewal of a commercial agreement between Nike and Top 14 rugby club Stade Toulousain. The sports apparel company will continue its role as the French club's official supplier until the end of the 2025 season.
  • The German Ice Hockey Federation extended its exclusive media and marketing agreement with the Group until the 2023/2024 season. The Group expanded the scope of the renewed agreement and will also be responsible for all German women’s and men’s national ice hockey team merchandise across all age groups.
  • The Group extended its exclusive international media rights partnership with the Czech Republic Ski Federation from 2026 to 2031, and the Norway Ski Federation from 2021 to 2026, respectively, to cover all FIS World Cup events including men’s and women’s alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic-combined. 
  • The Group successfully extended the partnership between LGT and the World Curling Federation (WCF), securing the Liechtenstein-based financial group as the official sponsor for the 2022 European Curling Championships and official title sponsor for the World Women’s Curling Championship 2024.
  • German door manufacturer Hörmann extended its agreement with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in a deal signed by the Group. The prolonged partnership will run for four more years covering all IBU World Cup events until the end of the 2023/2024 season.
  • Finland Biathlon also extended its long-running agreement with the Group for exclusive marketing rights for all IBU events until the 2029/30 season.    

Key New Business Wins

  • Broadcaster Pragosport reached an agreement covering 15 different media properties for a period up to 2028 in the territories of Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, with the Group serving as the exclusive media rights partner for all clients.
  • Besiktas Sports Club, one of Turkey’s top football, basketball, volleyball, handball and esports clubs reached an exclusive marketing and sales agreement with the Group for all sports as well as all relevant venues from 2021 to 2024.
  • The Group completed media agreements for the Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL) in over 30 countries. These contracts will run through until at least the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

Digital, Production, Sports Solutions (DPSS)

  • As sports events and games such as the German Bundesliga football matches proceeded without spectators, the Group developed additional venue advertising including installing extra rows of LED boards in place of empty seats in order to provide more visibility and increased exposure for sponsors and advertisers.
  • The Group has renewed its contract with France’s Ligue Football Professional (LFP) for the next four seasons continuing a long-running and successful partnership.
  • The Group obtained a project mandate with the Professional Golf Tour (PGAT) to release the API Live Scoring and the TourCast, which enables shots to be viewable virtually in real time.
  • An agreement was reached with mobile network provider Verizon for four separate deals to support new Verizon 5G technology for multi-camera features for some larger US sports associations (including the NBA), consumer entertainment (including Fox’s “The Masked Singer”) and motor sports (NASCAR, IndyCar).
  • English Premier League club Chelsea FC extended its partnership with the Group until 2021, with new products including a subscription-based paid video production that is currently being developed.
  • The Group signed a new three-year agreement with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The Group will be working with the federation on new content for its digital platforms.
  • The Group extended its relationship with video game developer Activision Blizzard to work on its esports platforms, including a new proprietary platform that integrated with Activision Blizzard’s existing website. This has enabled Activision Blizzard to develop a modern and efficient site infrastructure and completely upgrade the website for the popular esports Overwatch league and 20 Overwatch League team sites. 
  • IGBS, a joint venture between HBS and IMG, won the “Outstanding Production Achievement –Event” award category for its production of the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 by the SVG (Sports Video Group) Europe TV Awards, one of the most prestigious bodies for sports broadcasting and production across Europe. The tournament set new standards in rugby broadcast production with the first 8K production, the use of augmented reality graphics and Hawk-Eye Smart Replay technology.

Mass Participation
In the second quarter, although many mass participation events were cancelled or postponed due to the global pandemic, the Group still hosted a few successful events to provide participants with a stimulating outlet during the pandemic.

  • Group company Megamarsch launched the #Wirgehenweiter (“we go further”) challenge that took place from June 20-21. The virtual event covered several walking distances and was sold out in two weeks. This initial success led to the launch of further editions in August and September.
  • Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, HYROX, the World Series of Fitness (in which the Group currently has a minority investment), sought new ways to provide fitness competitions for its worldwide community. After the success of the Home Series, its first initiative, which attracted 5,000 participants from 51 countries, HYROX launched the Virtual Championships of Fitness, which began on July 3 and includes a bodyweight and equipment division comprising five workouts over three weeks.

China Business Highlights
In the second quarter of 2020, almost all sports events were cancelled or postponed across China as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The 2020 Chengdu Double Heritage Marathon was held online from May 1 to May 31, as an alternative solution for one of the largest annual road races in Western China – the Chengdu Double Heritage International Marathon. There were more than 6,500 runners registered for the online race’s three categories, including 6km, half-marathon, and marathon.

Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Revenue

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2020 was €51.8 million (US$58.2 million), representing a decrease of 75% year-over-year, primarily attributable to a decrease in revenue from the Spectator Sports and DPSS segments. Excluding reimbursement revenue2, total revenue was €51.4 million (US$57.8 million), a decrease of 72% over the second quarter of 2019.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of revenue by segment for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended June 30,
 2020
2019
(in millions, except percentages)USD EUR% of
Revenue		EUR% of
Revenue		YoY Change
Core segments:      
Spectator Sports43.238.474%138.166%(72%)
DPSS14.713.125%54.826%(76%)
Mass Participation0.30.31%16.98%(98%)
Total Revenue 58.2 51.8100%209.8100%(75%)
DPSS excluding reimbursement revenue14.312.7 27.1 (53%)
Total Revenue excluding reimbursement revenue57.851.4 182.1 (72%)
        


 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2020
2019
(in millions, except percentages)USD EUR% of
Revenue		EUR% of
Revenue		YoY Change
Core segments:      
Spectator Sports200.1178.183%332.277%(46%)
DPSS40.536.016%76.318%(53%)
Mass Participation1.51.31%21.25%(94%)
Total Revenue  242.1215.4100%429.7100%(50%)
DPSS excluding reimbursement revenue39.335.0 48.7 (28%)
Total Revenue excluding reimbursement revenue241.0214.4 402.1 (47%)

_______________
2 Reimbursement revenues represent revenue that has associated costs of a similar, generally matching, amount (reimbursement costs), thereby resulting in a negligible gross margin impact.

  • Spectator Sports: The decrease in revenue was primarily due to postponement or cancellation of events as a result of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts. For example, the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships were cancelled, and the Italian football events were suspended in April and May this year.
  • DPSS: The decrease in revenue was primarily driven by the cyclicality effect, as the Women’s FIFA World Cup took place in 2019.
  • Mass Participation: The decrease in revenue was due to the cancellation of all scheduled events as a result of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The number of events was nil and 50 in the second quarter of 2020 and of 2019, respectively. The number of gross-paid athletes was nil and 225,000 in the second quarter of 2020 and of 2019, respectively.

Gross profit

The following table sets forth a breakdown of gross profit and the corresponding gross margin by segment for the periods indicated:

 Three Months Ended June 30,
 2020
2019
(in millions, except percentages)USDEUR Gross
margin 		EURGross
margin 		YoY Change
in Gross
Profit
Core segments:      
Spectator Sports32.729.076%55.440%(48%)
DPSS6.76.046%13.124%(54%)
Mass Participation(0.6)(0.5)(189%)8.047%(106%)
Total Gross Profit38.8 34.567%76.536%(55%)
          


 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2020
2019
(in millions, except percentages)USDEUR Gross
margin 		EURGross
margin 		YoY Change
in Gross
Profit
Core segments:      
Spectator Sports85.976.543%99.430%(23%)
DPSS18.216.245%22.429%(28%)
Mass Participation(0.4)(0.4)(31%)8.339%(105%)
Total Gross Profit103.7 92.3 43%130.130%(29%)
          
  • Spectator Sports: The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to the cancellation of the IIHF World Championships and the cancellation or postponement of the summer sport events.
  • DPSS: The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by cyclicality effect, as the Women’s FIFA World Cup took place in 2019.
  • Mass Participation: The decrease in gross profit was due to the cancellation of all scheduled events as a result of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts.  

Gross margin, or gross profit as a percentage of revenue, was 67%, compared with 36% in the corresponding quarter of 2019, primarily reflecting a higher weight of commission-model based business in football, which commands a higher gross margin.

Personnel expenses were €22.8 million (US$25.6 million), compared with €27.4 million in the second quarter in 2019, primarily attributable to the Group’s strict cost control measures during COVID-19 outbreak, such as a hiring freeze, salary reductions and reduced hours. In addition, the Group received “reduced working time” compensation from local authorities which partially offset personnel expenses in the second quarter of 2020.

Selling, office and administrative expenses were €6.2 million (US$7.0 million), compared with €12.8 million in the second quarter in 2019, mainly resulting from the cost saving actions as well as the absence of IPO-related expenses incurred in 2019. The cost savings were due to, among others, strict travel restrictions and reductions of marketing expenses.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were €5.9 million (US$6.6 million), compared with €5.4 million in the second quarter in 2019. 

Other operating income, net was €15.1 million (US$17.0 million) compared with nil in the second quarter of 2019, primarily reflecting insurance payments for events that were cancelled and a positive fair value adjustment of liabilities from acquisition of companies.

Finance costs were €10.3 million (US$11.6 million), compared with €12.2 million in the second quarter in 2019, primarily due to interest expense savings under the senior 364-day term loan facility entered into in March 2020, which was partially offset by an increase in foreign exchange loss.

Income tax was €0.2 million (US$0.2 million), compared with €0.2 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Profit for the period from continuing operations was €5.5 million (US$6.2 million), compared to €19.0 million in the second quarter of 2019, mainly due to the decreased gross profit, which was partially offset by savings in overhead expenses and finance costs.

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was €20.9 million (US$23.5 million), compared to €41.2 million in the second quarter of 2019, principally resulting from the decreased gross profit, which was partially offset by savings in overhead expenses.

Net loss for the Group (inclusive of discontinued operations) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Wanda Sports Group Company Limited was €30.0 million (US$33.7 million), compared to a net profit of €23.4 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Basic and diluted net loss for the Group (inclusive of discontinued operations) per American Depositary Share (“ADS”) were both €0.22 (US$0.24), compared to basic and diluted net profit per ADS of both €0.17 in the second quarter of 2019. 

Cash and cash equivalents

As of June 30, 2020, the Group had total cash and cash equivalents of €167.5 million (US$188.3 million) from continuing operations.

Indebtedness

As of June 30, 2020, the Group had total interest-bearing liabilities of €685.2 million (US$770.0 million) from continuing operations.

The following table sets forth a breakdown of interest-bearing liabilities at period end.

 June 30, 2020
(in millions)USDEUR
Wanda Sports Group Company Limited239.0212.7
Infront Group531.0472.5
Total770.0685.2
   

COVID-19 Business Operation & Outlook 

  • As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues beyond the second quarter, the Group’s top priority remains to ensure the safety and well-being of its athletes, employees, clients and key partners. In response to the outbreak, the Group closed its corporate offices and requested that all employees either work remotely or work at office premises in shifts for limited periods of time during the second quarter.  Currently, selected employees have returned to workplaces in compliance with the heightened hygiene protocols as required by the respective public health authorities.  In response to the pandemic, the Group undertook a number of actions to mitigate the impact, including reducing headcount by 13% since the first quarter of 2020, resulting in approximately 1,100 employees as of June 30, 2020, excluding discontinued operations. 
  • Almost all sports events were cancelled or postponed on a global basis in the second quarter.  The Group’s current priority is meticulous planning for the resumption of sports events in different markets (even if without spectators at venues). Infront is one of approximately 30 underwriters of the #Sport4Recovery initiative, which launched an international campaign to encourage policymakers to safely re-open organized sports. In addition to communicating with policymakers, this campaign aims to collaborate with the scientific community to highlight the importance of sport for mental and physical health recovery as well as to mobilize athletes and sports fans. 
  • Despite the challenging environment, the Group continues to adopt creative sports solutions by innovating within its business on multiple fronts.  Examples of this innovation include the IIHF virtual world championship, the newly developed digital ecosystem for EHF and the esports tournament for the Italian football league’s eSerie A TIM clubs. 
  • To mitigate further potential risks to the Group’s financial performance and better align its cost structure with client demand, management continues to implement a comprehensive set of short-term cost reduction and cash flow improvement actions.  Looking ahead and mindful of the challenges the industry faces, the Group has initiated a comprehensive review with the goal of further streamlining its business, in order to create a leaner organization with greater flexibility that will continue to be highly focused on delivering value for all its stakeholders. Overall, the review aims to enable the Group to realize its full potential over the mid- to long-term and to achieve a sustainable and healthy base for its future.

Other Developments

On Jun 24, 2020, the German Football Association (DFB) informed the Group that it would end its longstanding partnership with Infront and terminate or discontinue all existing contracts based on allegations of “potentially damaging activities.” Infront responded in a public statement, among other things, challenging the validity of the cancelation.  Infront and the DFB remain in discussions to resolve the matter between them.

Liquidity

The Company had total cash and cash equivalents of €167.5 million (US$188.3 million) excluding discontinued operations at the end of the second quarter.  As of July 31, 2020, post the completion of the IRONMAN Group sales, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of €208.7 million (US$ 234.5 million).  As previously reported, the Company intends to use the balance of the net proceeds of the IRONMAN transaction, subject to business conditions, to return capital to its shareholders (either through a special dividend or a share repurchase program; in either case, subject to shareholder approval), and/or for general corporate purposes.

Management is confident of the Group’s strong liquidity position and its disciplined approach in managing the ongoing capital requirements. 

Financial Guidance

Due to the significant uncertainties relating to the scope, duration and impact of COVID-19, the Company currently is unable to reasonably estimate its 2020 financial performance and, accordingly, is not providing any updated guidance.

Management continues to believe that the Company’s long-term growth prospects remain promising and that Wanda Sports Group is well positioned to play a leading role in the global sports media and events industry into the future.

Conference Call Information

Wanda Sport’s management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on September 1, 2020 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong time on September 1, 2020).

Participants can join the earnings conference call by completing online registration at: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7083268. Upon registration, all participants will be provided with participant dial-in numbers, passcodes and unique registrant IDs to access the conference call.

Additionally, participants can join the call via a live webcast of the earnings conference call at: http://investor.wsg.cn/. An archived webcast will be available through the same link.

A telephonic replay will be available after the conclusion of the conference call, from 11:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on September 1 to 09:59 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on September 9, 2020 by dialing +61 2 8199 0299 and entering passcode 7083268

About Wanda Sports Group

Wanda Sports Group is a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform with a mission to unite people in sports and enable athletes and fans to live their passions and dreams. Through its businesses, Infront and Wanda Sports China, Wanda Sports Group has significant intellectual property rights, long-term relationships and broad execution capabilities, enabling it to deliver inspiring sports event experiences, creating access to engaging content and building inclusive communities. Wanda Sports Group offers a comprehensive array of events, marketing and media services through its three primary segments: Spectator Sports, Digital, Production, Sports Solutions (DPSS) and Mass Participation. Wanda Sport Group's full-service platform creates value for its partners and clients as well as other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, from rights owners, to brands and advertisers, and to fans and athletes.

Headquartered in China, Wanda Sports Group has more than 49 offices in 17 countries with over 1,100 employees around the world.  For more information, please visit http://investor.wsg.cn/investor-relations.

Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

To supplement our consolidated financial statements which are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), we also use Adjusted EBITDA as a non-IFRS financial measure. We present this non-IFRS financial measure because it is used by our management in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes.  We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income excluding share-based compensation and other non-recurring expenses. We also believe that this non-IFRS financial measure provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our consolidated results of operations in the same manner as our management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of our peer companies.

Non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to profit/(loss) from operations and net profit/(loss) or any other measure of performance, or as an indicator of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. 

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA, another non-IFRS financial measure, to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is set forth at the end of this release.

Exchange Rate Information 

This press release contains translation of certain Euro (“€”) amounts into U.S. Dollar (“$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of readers. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Euro to U.S. dollar were made at the exchange rate of €0.8899 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on June 30, 2020 set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to management quotes and the Company's financial outlook. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “potential,” “plan,” “goal” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and, consequently, could be affected by the uncertain and unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business and operations and the related impact on its liquidity needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about: the impact of the pandemic and related mitigation efforts on the Company’s business, operations and operating results; the Company's goals and strategies; the expected growth in the Company's industry; the Company's expectations regarding its ability to attract rights-in partners and monetize their rights through rights-out arrangements; changes in consumer behavior and consumer and corporate spending, in particular as a result of the pandemic; the Company's ability to reach acceptable levels of engagement with its athletes following in the context of current public health concerns; the Company's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; competition in the Company’s industry; general economic and business conditions, including as a result of the pandemic; the outcome of discussions with rights owners and lenders to mitigate the impact of the effects of the pandemic on the Group; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing as well as risks, uncertainties, and other factors described in ”Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Additional information will be made available in future filings that the Company makes from time to time with the SEC.

In addition, any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that the Company's believes to be reasonable as of this date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Wanda Sports Group

Edith Kwan

Tel:  +86 (10) 8558 7456

E-mail:  ir@wsg.cn


WANDA SPORTS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS

(Amounts in thousands of Euro (“€”) or, for convenience translation, thousands of U.S. Dollar (“$”), except for number of shares and per share data)

 For the three months ended For the six months ended
 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
 $€ € $€ €
Continuing operations               
Revenue58,193 51,786  209,812  242,101 215,446  429,719 
Cost of sales(19,419)(17,281) (133,300) (138,375)(123,140) (299,576)
Gross profit38,774 34,505  76,512  103,726 92,306  130,143 
Personnel expenses(25,611)(22,791) (27,443) (58,357)(51,932) (53,840)
Selling, office and administrative expenses(6,997)(6,227) (12,795) (17,505)(15,578) (19,787)
Depreciation and amortization(6,612)(5,884) (5,353) (13,137)(11,691) (10,368)
Other operating income/(expense), net16,959 15,092  (46) 16,460 14,648  931 
Finance costs(11,579)(10,304) (12,194) (25,177)(22,405) (18,033)
Finance income1,121 998  258  1,324 1,178  848 
Share of loss of associates and joint ventures(30)(27) (147) (63)(56) (10)
Profit before tax from continuing operations6,025 5,362  18,792  7,271 6,470  29,884 
Income tax172 153  185  (5,904)(5,254) (7,519)
Profit for the period from continuing operations6,197 5,515  18,977  1,367 1,216  22,365 
                
Discontinued operations               
(Loss)/profit after tax for the period from discontinued operations(40,108)(35,693) 5,588  (62,264)(55,409) (6,436)
(Loss)/profit for the period(33,911)(30,178) 24,565  (60,897)(54,193) 15,929 
                
Attributable to:               
Equity holders of the parent(33,664)(29,958) 23,446  (60,248)(53,615) 14,586 
Non‑controlling interests(247)(220) 1,119  (649)(578) 1,343 
 (33,911)(30,178) 24,565  (60,897)(54,193) 15,929 


Earnings per share3:               
Basic (loss)/profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent(0.16)(0.14) 0.11  (0.29)(0.26) 0.07 
Diluted (loss)/profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent(0.16)(0.14) 0.11  (0.29)(0.26) 0.07 
Basic (loss)/profit for the period attributable to ADS holders of the parent(0.24)(0.22) 0.17  (0.44)(0.39) 0.11 
Diluted (loss)/profit for the period attributable to ADS holders of the parent(0.24)(0.22) 0.17  (0.44)(0.39) 0.11 
                
Earnings per share for continuing operations:               
Basic profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent0.03 0.03  0.09  0.01 0.01  0.10 
Diluted profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent0.03 0.03  0.09  0.01 0.01  0.10 
Basic profit for the period attributable to ADS holders of the parent0.05 0.04  0.13  0.01 0.01  0.16 
Diluted profit for the period attributable to ADS holders of the parent0.05 0.04  0.13  0.01 0.01  0.16 

_______________
3 Basic and diluted earnings per share and profit attributable to ADS holders of the parent for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were computed in the assumption that the Company had issued 23.8 million ADS, and the Company had approximately 208 million and 205 million ordinary shares issued and outstanding as at June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.


WANDA SPORTS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands of Euro (“€”) or, for convenience translation, thousands of U.S. Dollar (“$”))

 For the three months ended For the six months ended
 June 30, 2020  June 30, 2019  June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
 $€ € $€ €
(Loss)/profit for the period(33,911)(30,178) 24,565  (60,897)(54,193) 15,929 
Other comprehensive income:               
Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods (net of tax):               
Net (loss)/gain on cash flow hedges(660)(587) 237  (7,520)(6,692) (96)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations(3,987)(3,548) (13,673) 4,550 4,049  (8,469)
Net other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods(4,647)(4,135) (13,436) (2,970)(2,643) (8,565)
Other comprehensive income not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:               
Net remeasurement on defined benefit plans- -  (12) - -  (12)
Net loss on equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income(8,912)(7,931) -  (8,912)(7,931) - 
Net other comprehensive loss not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods(8,912)(7,931) (12) (8,912)(7,931) (12)
Other comprehensive loss for the period, net of tax(13,559)(12,066) (13,448) (11,882)(10,574) (8,577)
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period, net of tax(47,470)(42,244) 11,117  (72,779)(64,767) 7,352 
Attributable to:               
Equity holders of the parent(47,135)(41,946) 10,293  (72,016)(64,087) 5,536 
Non‑controlling interests(335)(298) 824  (763)(680) 1,816 
 (47,470)(42,244) 11,117  (72,779)(64,767) 7,352 
                


WANDA SPORTS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(Amounts in thousands of Euro (“€”) or, for convenience translation, thousands of U.S. Dollar (“$”))

 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 $ €  € 
ASSETS       
CURRENT ASSETS       
Cash and cash equivalents188,276 167,547  163,225 
Trade and other receivables232,804 207,172  264,041 
Accrued income841 748  10,498 
Contract assets50,343 44,800  53,541 
Inventories634 564  9,395 
Income tax receivables3,487 3,103  13,594 
Other assets81,846 72,836  81,001 
 558,231 496,770  595,295 
Assets held for sale933,618 830,827  8,125 
 1,491,849 1,327,597  603,420 
NON‑CURRENT ASSETS       
Long‑term receivables10,814 9,623  6,808 
Investments in associates and joint ventures4,152 3,695  3,277 
Property, plant and equipment15,234 13,557  26,294 
Right of use assets25,931 23,076  35,249 
Intangible assets73,929 65,789  486,933 
Goodwill263,686 234,654  537,585 
Contract assets12,332 10,974  10,268 
Deferred tax assets20,319 18,082  23,063 
Other assets67,423 60,000  63,164 
 493,820 439,450  1,192,641 
TOTAL ASSETS1,985,669 1,767,047  1,796,061 
        


WANDA SPORTS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

(Amounts in thousands of Euro (“€”) or, for convenience translation, thousands of U.S. Dollar (“$”))

 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
 $ €  € 
LIABILITIES       
CURRENT LIABILITIES       
Trade and other payables151,380 134,713  173,855 
Interest‑bearing liabilities768,774 684,132  204,583 
Lease liabilities7,877 7,010  10,041 
Accrued expense54,199 48,232  69,846 
Deferred income2 2  5 
Contract liabilities110,591 98,415  199,900 
Other liabilities10,036 8,930  19,208 
Income tax payable12,973 11,545  21,787 
Provisions2,822 2,511  9,234 
 1,118,654 995,490  708,459 
Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale584,082 519,775  6,975 
 1,702,736 1,515,265  715,434 
NON‑CURRENT LIABILITIES       
Interest‑bearing liabilities1,169 1,040  641,085 
Lease liabilities19,213 17,098  29,154 
Accrued expenses3,566 3,173  3,051 
Contract liabilities12,812 11,401  17,271 
Deferred tax liabilities20,443 18,192  99,202 
Provisions2,050 1,824  3,936 
Long‑term payroll payables18,029 16,044  15,336 
Other liabilities24,783 22,056  43,578 
 102,065 90,828  852,613 
TOTAL LIABILITIES1,804,801 1,606,093  1,568,047 
EQUITY       
Share capital1,708,974 1,520,816  1,520,816 
Reserves(928,267)(826,065) (813,300)
Accumulated deficit(603,243)(536,826) (483,211)
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent177,464 157,925  224,305 
Non‑controlling interests3,404 3,029  3,709 
TOTAL EQUITY180,868 160,954  228,014 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY1,985,669 1,767,047  1,796,061 
        


WANDA SPORTS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands of Euro (“€”) or, for convenience translation, thousands of U.S. Dollar (“$”))

 For the three months ended For the six months ended
 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
 $€ € $€ €
NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES5,791 5,153  30,704  23,024 20,489  817 
NET CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES(923)(821) (41,991) (36,751)(32,705) (125,118)
NET CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES8,684 7,728  12,361  67,595 60,153  131,999 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS13,552 12,060  1,074  53,868 47,937  7,698 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period185,099 164,720  186,739  183,419 163,225  177,048 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net512 455  (1,308) (953)(848) 1,759 
Transfer to assets held for sale(10,887)(9,688) -  (48,058)(42,767) - 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD188,276 167,547  186,505  188,276 167,547  186,505 
          


WANDA SPORTS GROUP COMPANY LIMITED

RECONCILIATION OF NON-IFRS MEASURE – IFRS Profit for the Period and Year to Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands of Euro (“€”) or, for convenience translation, thousands of U.S. Dollar (“$”))                                                   

 For the three months ended For the six months ended
 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
 $€ € $€ €
Continued operations               
Profit for the period from continuing operations6,197 5,515  18,977  1,367 1,216  22,365 
Income tax(172)(153) (185) 5,904 5,254  7,519 
Net interest expenses7,476 6,653  14,634  17,116 15,232  17,527 
Depreciation and amortization6,612 5,884  5,353  13,137 11,691  10,368 
EBITDA from continuing operations20,113 17,899  38,779  37,524 33,393  57,779 
                
Share-based compensation(1)1,274 1,134  279  2,647 2,356  730 
Expenses or charges relating to acquisition(2)- -  317  - -  503 
Expenses or charges relating to IPO or financing(3)- -  3,496  357 318  3,721 
Restructure and disposal of investments/subsidiaries(4)(1,123)(999) -  (1,123)(999) - 
Loss/(gain) on foreign exchange and derivatives, and other financial charges(5)2,982 2,653  

(2,698

)		 

6,737		 

5,995		  

(342

)
Estimated client compensation relating to fraudulent activities(6)- -  1,029  - -  7,029 
Expenses or charges relating to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance(7)284 253  -  500 445  - 
Remeasurement of contingent consideration(8)(100)(89) -  (100)(89) - 
Net loss on disposal of assets (9)4 4  -  99 88  - 
Expenses relating to shareholder class action lawsuit (10)89 79  -  160 142  - 
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations23,523 20,934  41,202  46,801 41,649  69,420 
                
Discontinued operations               
Loss/(gain) for the period from discontinued operations(40,108)(35,693) 5,588  (62,264)(55,409) (6,436)
Net interest expense, income tax, depreciation and amortization30,024 26,718  8,615  27,067 24,087  14,149 
EBITDA from discontinued operations(10,084)(8,975) 14,203  (35,197)(31,322) 7,713 
Adjustments (11)(433)(385) 3,395  11,662 10,378  6,140 
Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations(10,517)(9,360) 17,598  (23,535)(20,944) 13,853 
                
Adjusted EBITDA13,006 11,574  58,800  23,266 20,705  83,273 
                

_______________

  1. Share-based compensation consisted of share-based compensation and social insurance expenses. This item has been excluded as it is a non-recurring expense.
  2. Represents expenses incurred for professional fees such as legal counsel, auditors, underwriters, valuation experts and consultants mainly in respect of acquisitions.
  3. Represents professional fees of legal counsel, auditors, due diligence experts, consultants, and related expenses for our IPO and financing.
  4. Represents expenses or costs incurred in the restructuring and disposal of investments and subsidiary companies.
  5. Represents the loss/(gain) on foreign exchange, derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss, termination of the cross-currency swap and other financial charges.
  6. Represents the amount estimated to be paid by Infront as compensation in connection with fraudulent activities presumably undertaken by a former senior employee of Infront.
  7. Represents Sarbanes-Oxley Act consulting charges paid to third parties.
  8. In 2020, remeasurement of contingent consideration represents fair value change of contingent consideration from business combination of Gsport.
  9. Represents net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
  10. Represents legal fees related to shareholder class action, voluntarily dismissed on May 18, 2020.
  11. Represents change in fair value of investments amounting to €1.3 million, gains on foreign exchange amounting to €3.0 million and other non-recurring expenses amounting to €1.3 million.


Source: Wanda Sports Group Company Limited

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