This article analyses Heracles finances in respect of the 2020/21 season.
The 2020/21 season resulted in another mid-table Eredivisie finish as Heracles finished in 9th position. This was disappointingly just outside the European play-off places, which Heracles continue to strive for. Heracles also reached the Round of 16 in the KNVB Cup.
Heracles finances coped admirably with the impact of COVID-19, perhaps due to a low reliance on matchday income. The club recorded a €1.6m profit, continuing a strong streak of profitable seasons.
Revenue fell €2.0m (16%) to €10.2m due to lost matchday revenue as games were played behind closed doors. Government support via the TVL scheme of €0.6m mitigated some of this revenue decline. This resulted in total income falling by only a small amount, from €12.2m to €10.8m (12%).
Matchday revenue fell from €1.7m to €0.8m (50%) as the season was played behind closed doors. Heracles generates a relatively small amount of its revenue (10-15%) from matchday revenue. Due to this, the impact of no fans in its 12,080-seater stadium were less significant than for some of its peers. Nonetheless, matchday revenue should recover substantially in 2022.
Broadcast revenue was relatively flat in 2020/21, rising £0.1m (1%) to €3.5m. Due to the club’s performances over the past 10 seasons, Heracles has reached ‘top 8’ status in the Eredivisie. This means that from the 2021/22 season, it will receive a greater share of TV distributions which will boost broadcast revenue. The club’s struggles in the current season could however mean this status is short-lived.
Commercial revenue fell from €7.1m to €5.9m (17%) as the club played without fans. This reduced commercial opportunities and eliminated the majority of corporate hospitality. This should rebound in 2022.
Operating costs rose €0.4m (4%) to €10.9m. Heracles successfully controlled its costs despite continued investment which avoided the club becoming loss-making.
Heracles’ wage bill rose from €6.5m to €7.2m (11%) as the club invested in its squad as it looks to improve on the pitch. This saw its wages to revenue ratio worsen from 53% to 70% – This is bang on UEFA’s recommended ratio of 70%. The recovery of revenue in 2022 will likely see this ratio fall again towards 60%, comfortably within recommended limits.
Other operating costs fell from €4.0m to €3.7m as the club saved matchday costs due to no fans at the Erve Asito.
Heracles saw a handful of outgoings and signings during 2020/21. In came Bakis (€0.6m), Burgzorg (€0.2m) and Les (€0.2m) for a combined €1.1m (rounding). Departing Heracles were Dessers (€4.0m) and Van der Water (€1.2m) for a combined €5.2m. This resulted in net transfer income of €4.1m.
Player amortisation charges fell slightly from €1.2m to €1.1m (8%) following playing squad investment. Minimal spending to date in 2021/22 is likely to result in this figure falling in 2022.
Profit on player sales remained flat at €3.8m following player sales in the year. To date, Heracles has not sold any players for a transfer fee in 2021/22. Due to this, the club will see a €3.8m hole in its finances which may cause the club to be loss-making in 2022.
Heracles continued a streak of profitability in 2021, however the lack of sales in 2021/22 may put an end to this.
Before player trading, Heracles recorded a minor operating loss of €0.2m. This compares to a €1.7m profit in 2020. This is due to the loss of matchday revenue, much of which should be recovered in 2022 to reverse this.
After player trading, Heracles recorded a €2.5m operating profit. This compares to a €4.3m profit in 2020. The loss of nearly €4m of player sales in 2021/22 due to limited transfer sales will likely see the club make an operating loss after player trading in 2022.
Net finance costs of €0.6m resulted in a €1.9m profit before tax. This compares to a €3.7m profit in 2020.
Heracles profitability enabled the club to improve its cash position and pay-down some of its debt.
Heracles’ cash reserves improved from €5.7m to €9.1m. This was driven by cash inflows from operations of €5.4m. These inflows absorbed cash outflows from player transfers (€1.1m), capital expenditure (€0.3m) and financing activities (€0.6m). This leaves Heracles in a comfortable cash position despite the challenges to all clubs in the past two years.
Heracles’ debt stood at €11.7m at the end of the 2020/21 season. The majority (c.€8m) relates exclusively to third parties, and all attract interest rates of between 1-6%. The remaining (c.€3.5m), relates to amounts loaned by the ‘Founders’.
Net debt hence now stands at €2.6m following the increased cash position.
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