LeoVegas Q4: Record year with strong growth and profitability
GlobeNewswire
"With a record year characterised by strong organic growth, innovation and high profitability in the fourth quarter, LeoVegas has taken yet another solid step toward our financial targets" - Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO and co-founder
Revenue increased by 58% to EUR 41.2 m (26.0). Growth was entirely organic.
EBITDA amounted to EUR 10.0 m (0.4), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 24.2% (1.5%).
Operating profit (EBIT) was EUR 9.5 m (0.2).
Earnings per share were EUR 0.10 (0.00) before and after dilution.
Cash and cash equivalents excluding customer balances amounted to EUR 56.2 m (19.4).
Mobile deposits accounted for 67% (59%) of total deposits, which grew 87% to EUR 139.1 m (74.2).
The number of depositing customers was 176,306 (100,852), an increase of 75%. The number of new depositing customers was 85,384 (46,690), an increase of 83%.
The number of returning depositing customers was 90,922 (54,162), an increase of 68%.
Full year 2016
Revenue increased by 70% to EUR 141.4 m (83.0). The growth of EUR 58.5 m was entirely organic.
EBITDA adjusted for items affecting comparability amounted to EUR 21.3 m (1.8), corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.1%. EBITDA amounted to EUR 16.0 m (1.2).
Operating profit adjusted for items affecting comparability was EUR 19.9 m (1.1), corresponding to an adjusted EBIT margin of 14.1%. Operating profit (EBIT) was EUR 14.6 m (0.5).
Earnings per share were EUR 0.14 before and after dilution.
Comment from Gustaf Hagman - Group CEO and co-founder
Fourth quarter Revenue grew 58% to EUR 41.2 m (26.0). Underlying growth is strong, with 87% growth in deposits during the quarter compared with the same period a year ago.
EBITDA improved considerably to EUR 10.0 m (0.4), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 24.2%. The continued high profitability is explained by relatively lower but very effective marketing during the third and fourth quarters. Our marketing investments drive profitability, which will continue to be volatile from quarter to quarter.
During the final quarter of the year we launched in one more market - this time in Denmark, which is a regulated market. The launch has gone very well and has given us valuable experience ahead of future market launches.
Our two new gaming categories, LeoVegas Sport and LeoVegas Live Casino, have continued their strong development. New initiatives are being taken on a regular basis in these categories with new innovations designed to clearly differentiate LeoVegas` offering and continuously take the customer experience to new heights.
Full year 2016 During 2016 LeoVegas grew its revenue by more than EUR 58 m and thereby had what is likely the largest organic growth in the world of any listed gaming operator. At least within the online and mobile casino segment.
Revenue for the full year was EUR 141 m, and with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.1%, we can truly say that these figures have developed well towards our long-term targets of SEK 300 m in revenue and a 15% EBITDA margin in 2018.
Comments on first quarter 2017 Net gaming revenue (NGR) in January totalled EUR 14.1 m. Overall we are very pleased with how the KPIs in the first quarter have opened up, which gives us confidence for a strong development for the year on our path towards our 2018 financial targets.
LeoVegas has been named as Mobile and Online Casino Operator of the Year on repeated occasions - a title we now received again at both the EGR Nordic Awards and International Gaming Awards 2017
LeoVegas continues to develop according to our vision: to create the greatest gaming experience and be number one in mobile gaming.
With a strong cash position of over EUR 55 m, LeoVegas is poised to capitalise on the great opportunities in the industry.
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 5033 6539, UK: +44 (0) 20 3427 1906, US: +1212 444 0895 code: 5325382 or join at the web http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/8zhwxe7f
This information is information that LeoVegas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CET on 15th of February 2017.
For further information, please contact:
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO co-founder: +46 70-880 55 22, gustaf.hagman@leovegas.com Viktor Fritzén, Group CFO: +46 73-612 26 67, viktor.fritzen@leovegas.com Visitors address: Sveavägen 59, Stockholm Corporate identity number: 556830-4033
About the LeoVegas mobile gaming group LeoVegas` vision is to create the ultimate mobile gaming experience and be number one in mobile casino. The business is distinguished by award-winning innovation and strong growth. LeoVegas` technical development is conducted in Sweden, while operations are based in Malta. The Swedish parent company LeoVegas AB (publ) invests in companies that offer gaming via mobile devices and desktop computers along with companies that develop related technologies. LeoVegas has attracted major international acclaim and has won numerous awards, including "Nordic Operator of the year", "Mobile Marketing Campaign of the year", and "Innovation in Mobile and Tablet of the Year" at the international EGR Awards. LeoVegas bases its development on "Mobile First" and is at the forefront of using state-of-the-art technology in the mobile gaming market. With a foundation in a great gaming experience, long-term customer relationships and establishment of a strong brand, the company has attracted a steadily growing customer base through innovative, effective and data-driven marketing. Since its start, the mobile gaming company LeoVegas has shown strong quarter-on-quarter growth. LeoVegas` shares are listed on Nasdaq First North Premier. Avanza Bank AB is the company`s Certified Adviser. For more about LeoVegas, visit www.leovegas.com and www.leovegasgroup.com.
[1] Throughout this report, figures in parentheses pertain to the same period a year earlier.
This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: LeoVegas AB via GlobeNewswire HUG#2078713
