17th Nov 2005 07:03
Hilton Group PLC17 November 2005 17 November 2005 TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE FOUR MONTHS ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2005 Group Highlights • Group profit* increased by 10%, reflecting growth in Hotel divisionoperating profit and a lower interest charge. • Betting and Gaming profit declined slightly, as good growth in eGamingwas offset by adverse Telephone high roller results and tough Retail trading. • Hotel division's performance showed continuing improvement in Revparcompared to the same period last year. • Further to our announcement of 14 October, we continue in talks withHilton Hotels Corporation with regards the sale of Hotel division. *Group profit before taxation adjusted for non-trading items. 2004 comparativeshave been restated under International Financial Reporting Standards. Betting and Gaming UK Retail like for like gross win was slightly down, but including acquisitionsand new licences, gross win increased by 5%. Like for like costs increased by4% (up 11% including acquisitions and new licences). eGaming gross win increased by 52%. Telephone Betting results were adversely affected by high roller activity withgross win down 58%. Hotels Global Revpar trends were positive, driven by both increased occupancy and rate.All regions increased profitability over the period. London trading sawencouraging recovery post the July bombings, and the UK Provinces improved onthe first half. Revpar increase/(decrease) - 2005 vs. 2004** July August September October London (3.1%) (4.5%) (0.3%) 0.1% UK Provinces - 1.6% (0.7%) 4.8%Total UK (1.7%) (1.5%) (0.5%) 2.5%Europe & Africa 8.7% (1.8%) 9.9% 4.7% Middle East 8.0% 1.3% 8.6% 37.7% Asia Pacific 7.9% 5.7% 7.5% 5.4%Middle East & Asia Pacific 7.6% 3.5% 7.7% 20.1%Americas 7.7% 8.3% 11.8% 12.3% Total Hilton brand 4.1% 1.1% 6.6% 8.6% Scandic brand 2.5% 12.9% 14.2% 9.7% Total Hotels 3.9% 3.3% 8.1% 8.8% ** Like for like, constant exchange rates Revpar performances across our ownership structure are set out below. Revpar increase - 2005 vs. 2004*** July to October Owned & fixed lease 3.8% Contingent lease 8.4% Management contracts 6.5% *** Like for like, constant exchange rates Outlook David Michels, Group Chief Executive, said, "Underpinning the 10% increase inGroup profit is a strong improvement in hotel trading across the world which isexpected to continue into 2006. Growth in Retail Betting is challenging in theUK, but eGaming continues to grow gross win, profit and its customer numbers." Enquiries to: David Michels, Group Chief ExecutiveBrian Wallace, Deputy Group Chief Executive and Finance DirectorAlex Pagett, Director Group Corporate Affairs (mobile +44 (0)7974 229888)Julian Arlett, Head of Investor Relations (mobile +44 (0)7974 229462) Linda Bain, VP Group Communications (mobile +44 (0)7974 229247) Telephone: +44 (0)20 7856 8109 A conference call for analysts and investors will take place at 8.30am today andwill be hosted by David Michels, Group Chief Executive, Brian Wallace, DeputyGroup Chief Executive and Finance Director, and Chris Bell, Chief ExecutiveLadbrokes. To participate in the conference call dial +44 (0) 20 7162 0125 andask for the Hilton Group Trading Update. A recording of the conference call will be available until 24 November 2005 andcan be accessed by dialling +44 (0) 20 7031 4064 and quoting the passcode682505. In addition, an audiocast of the call will be available on our corporatewebsite, www.hiltongroup.com. High-resolution images are available to download free of charge onwww.vismedia.co.uk this includes profile shots of the Group Board. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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