Goals Soccer Centres (AIM:GOAL) – modest sales growth and margins maintained
The UK's premier operator of next generation outdoor 5-a-side soccer centres with 44 centres in the UK and one in Los Angeles, issued a reassuring trading update for the year ending 31st December 2014, with modest sales growth and margins maintained although the inference is that profit will be slightly below consensus expectations of approximately £10.7m.
Sales increased by 3% to £34.5m (2013: £33.8m) with the operating profit margin maintained (2013: 35%) and in line with expectations. During the year they acquired a centre in Newcastle which is trading in line with expectations and commenced construction on new centres in Manchester and Doncaster with the former due to open in February 2015 and the letter in April 2015. All of these centres are in areas where Goals previously had no presence. The first centre in Los Angeles is well established and trading strongly and they remain on track to open another US centre in financial year…