“All-time-high in Sweden and a strong start for Expekt” – Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO
SECOND QUARTER 2021: 1 APRIL – 30 JUNE
- Revenue decreased by 13% to EUR 96.8 m (110.7).
- Excluding Germany, growth was positive 3%.
- Adjusted EBITDA was EUR 10.6 m (23.0), corresponding to a margin of 10.9% (20.8%). Reported EBITDA was EUR 9.8 m (23.0).
- The number of depositing customers was 460,697 (434,453), an increase of 6%.
- Adjusted earnings per share were EUR 0.06 (0.19).
EVENTS DURING THE QUARTER
- The acquisition of Expekt was completed and integrated on 19 May 2021. The start has been a success, and Expekt’s revenue and market share have nearly doubled in Sweden since the acquisition was carried out.
- LeoVegas’ forthcoming expansion to the USA, starting in the state of New Jersey, is on track.
- LeoVegas carried out share repurchases for EUR 4.9 m and paid out of the first out of four quarterly dividends to the Parent Company’s shareholders. The second quarterly dividend payment was made after the end of the period.
- LeoVegas’ framework and routines for ensuring responsible gaming have been assessed by the independent agency eCOGRA. The external assessment shows that LeoVegas is in conformity with all relevant recommendations and requirements for responsible gaming published by the European commission.
EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE QUARTER
- Preliminary revenue in July amounted to EUR 32.8 m (30.7), corresponding to growth of 7%. Excluding Germany, revenue grew 23%.
COMMENT FROM GUSTAF HAGMAN – GROUP CEO
SECOND QUARTER
Most of our markets have continued to develop well, with high, double-digit growth in key markets like Italy and Spain. The development in Sweden is encouraging, with record-high revenue during the quarter. We are also growing rapidly in North America, which now accounts for 10% of consolidated revenue. However, re-regulation in Germany continued to negatively impact figures during the period. Excluding Germany, Group revenue increased by 3% to a new record level despite tough comparison figures from the start of the pandemic during the second quarter of 2020 and greater competition from other entertainment activities as societies are now opening up again. We expect to see positive growth for the Group on a yearly basis during the third quarter.
Our operating profit decreased compared with the same period a year ago, while we achieved stable earnings compared with the preceding quarter. This is despite a high level of investments and a number of important, strategic ventures, including our forthcoming launch in the USA, a stronger focus on sports with the acquisition of Expekt, and our new game studio. Marketing costs in relation to revenue were higher than the historic average, coupled among other things to the relaunch of Expekt and investments in a number of key markets in which we see high customer growth. Investments in marketing during the quarter weighed down earnings short-term but are driving value long-term and will also enable us to accelerate out of the revenue drop in Germany. As revenues increase, the share of marketing investment will decrease. At the same time, we have maintained good cost control, and our operating expenses have more or less been unchanged over the last three-year period.
THE NEW EXPEKT
In mid-May we consolidated the acquisition of Expekt, and shortly thereafter “the New Expekt” was launched with a large and attention-grabbing marketing campaign ahead of the Euro 2020 football championship. It was a successful start, and in a short time we nearly doubled Expekt’s revenue and market share in Sweden since completion of the acquisition.
GERMANY
The situation in Germany coupled to re-regulation, with strict product limitations, an extremely high gaming tax and a skewed competitive situation, is having a negative effect on the Group. Revenue in Germany decreased by 81% compared with a year ago and accounted for only 4% of Group revenue during the quarter. We believe it will take time to create a balanced and fair market climate and have therefore chosen to shift our investments to other, more profitable markets. Over the long term we still believe that Germany, with Europe’s largest population, offers great opportunities for the Group.
NORTH AMERICA
Our forthcoming expansion to the USA, starting with the state of New Jersey, is on track. We are currently working on adapting and certifying our technical platform, and during the autumn we will also begin establishing a local organisation. We expect to accept our first American customers during the first half of 2022.
The Canadian province of Ontario, which is home to roughly 40% of Canada’s population, is conducting preparations to introduce a local licence system for online gaming. LeoVegas has built up a strong brand along with a large and loyal customer base in Ontario and the rest of Canada, among other things with help from former hockey legend Mats Sundin. According to our assessment LeoVegas is one of the larger and most well-known casino actors in the Canadian market.
During the second quarter, North America accounted for 10% of the Group’s total revenue and grew 33%. In pace with our continued expansion in Canada and forthcoming launch in the USA, revenue from North America will increase. This is in line with the Group’s strategy to diversify our revenues.
COMMENTS ON THE THIRD QUARTER
Revenue for the month of July amounted to EUR 32.8 m (30.7), corresponding to positive growth of 7%. Adjusted for Germany, the Group’s growth in July was 23%.
PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT – TODAY AT 09:00 CET
- To participate in the conference call, and thereby be able to ask questions, please call one of the following numbers: SE: +46 (0) 8 50 69 21 80, UK: +44 (0) 20 71 92 80 00, US: +1 63 15 10 74 95, Confirmation code: 3027387 or join at the web https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/7fj95577