This article analyses FC Twente finances in respect of the 2020/21 season.
2021 marked FC Twente’s second season back in the Eredivisie after relegation in 2017/18. It was a strong season for the club as it improved its performance by four league places to 10th. This meant the club avoided a relegation battle and will be looking to kick on further in 2021/22.
FC Twente finances were hit hard by COVID-19 with revenue falling significantly, resulting in a loss of €1.7m, its first loss since 2018.
Revenue fell from €24.4m to €14.0m (43%) as the club severely missed fans at De Grolsch Veste. Governmentsupport via the NOW and TVL schemes of €5.1m mitigated some of this revenue decline. This resulted in total income falling by a smaller measure, from €25.7m to €18.3m (29%).
Matchday revenue decreased by €5.5m (95%) to €0.3m. The loss of matchday revenue was significant for the club as it typically accounts for around a quarter of total revenue. The return of fans (with some restrictions) should recover a significant portion of this revenue.
Broadcast revenue fell slightly from €2.6m to €2.4m (10%). This reduction was despite a rise in the club’s ranking due to the distribution mechanism employed by the Eredivisie, perhaps due to less live TV games.
FC Twente is currently in around the European play-off positions. Qualification is the next step of the revival of the club which would result in a significant boost to its finances.
Commercial revenue fell from €16.0m to €11.3m (29%). This was due to near non-existent corporate hospitality as games were played behind closed doors. Much of this should be recovered in 2022.
FC Twente noted that the club received €2.3m in payments from sponsors despite the club being unable to activate some elements of their agreements due to no fans in the stadium, highlighting the strong bond between the club and its partners.
Operating costs fell €5.6m (22%) to €20.3m as the club managed its costs in light of falling revenue. This was however not enough to prevent the club making a loss.
FC Twente’s wage bill fell from €14.5m to €11.7m (20%). The club actively sought to reduce its costs and showed tremendous agility to do so. This did not stop the wages to revenue ratio worsening from 60% to 83%. This is above UEFA’s recommended ratio of 70%, however due to the exceptional circumstances should not be a concern. Historically FC Twente has had a wages to revenue ratio comfortably below 70%.
Other operating costs fell by €2.7m to €8.6m as the club saved matchday costs without fans in attendance. This will likely rebound back to around €11m.
The 2020/21 season was a cautious transfer season for many clubs and FC Twente was no different. The club made no signings for a transfer fee according to Transfermrket.com. The accounts suggest the club may have spent €0.3m. This could relate to Dario Dumic. The only departure was Jorn Brondeel for €0.1m.
FC Twente has spent very little in recent years and as such player amortisation charges are minimal. Player amortisation fell from €0.2m to €0.1m (65%). This is likely to remain low in 2022 as the club has yet again spent little in the transfer market.
Profit on player sales fell from €1.2m to €0.5m (55%) due to minimal player sales in the year. It is likely the majority of the €0.5m recorded relates to sell-on clauses. 2021/22 saw PSV swoop in for Joël Drommel for a reported €3.5m. This is likely to contribute to a significantly higher profit on player sales in 2022.
It does not appear that FC Twente is owed, or owes any amounts in respect of transfer fees.
After two profitable seasons, the loss of matchday revenue was the key culprit for a loss-making 2021.
Before player trading, operating losses increased by €1.7m (646%) to €2.0m. This was driven by the loss revenue from a season behind closed doors. A significant portion of this lost revenue should be recovered which should improve profitability considerably, and possible result in operating profits in 2022.
After player trading, FC Twente recorded a €1.5m operating loss. This compares to €0.7m profit in 2020. FC Twente does not tend to spend significant sums in the transfer market, so player amortisation is low. This means that FC Twente finances are always boosted by any player sales achieved, no matter how small. The sale of Joël Drommel will hence have a significant impact on profitability and will result in FC Twente return to profitability.
Net finance costs of €0.7m resulted in FC Twente recording a loss before tax of €2.2m. This compares to a €0.3m profit in 2020.
The €2.2m loss recorded did not require any substantial new debt as the club utilised its cash reserves.
FC Twente’s cash reserves fell from €7.5m to €4.7m. This was due to the need to service existing debt. Cash outflows from financing (€3.1m), capital expenditure (€0.8m) and player transfers (€0.1m) were partly offset by cash inflows from operations of €1.2m.
At the end of the 2020/21 season, FC Twente had debt of €33m. This is split as follows:
The interest rates on the majority of loans are relatively low which enables the interest payments to not overwhelm the club.
Net debt was €27.9m at the end of the 2020/21 season.
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