REG - GVC Holdings PLC - Trading Update <Origin Href="QuoteRef">GVC.L</Origin>

EntainAnnouncement

11/01/2018 07:05

RNS Number : 5410B
GVC Holdings PLC
11 January 2018
11 January 2018
GVC Holdings PLC
("GVC" or the "Group")
Trading update
GVC Holdings PLC (LSE: GVC), the multinational sports betting and gaming group, is pleased to announce the Group enjoyed a record quarterly NGR in Q4 2017 and, as a result, NGR for the year to 31 December 2017 is expected to be c1,009m. On an underlying1 basis this represents growth of 18% on pro forma2 2016. The Board expects Clean EBITDA3 for the same period to be at the top end of management's internal expectations.
Key highlights (year to 31 December 2017 unless stated)
 Total NGR c1,009m, an increase of 13% on pro forma 2016
 Underlying NGR growth +18% on pro forma 2016 
 Clean EBITDA is expected to be at the top end of management's internal expectations
 Q4 NGR 279.5m - a record since the acquisition of bwin.party in February 2016
 Q4 underlying NGR growth +31% - strongest quarter since bwin.party acquisition
Q44 Trading
Daily NGR for the fourth quarter increased by 21% (+25% in constant currency) and on an underlying basis, was 31% higher. At 279.5m, Q4 2017 NGR was the highest achieved by the Group since the acquisition of bwin.party.



 ACTUAL
UNDERLYING
Per day in 000's
Q4-2017
Q4-2016
Change
Change CC
Change

92 days
92 days



Sports brands





Sports wagers
 11,241 
 12,573 
(11%)
(6%)
(1%)
Sports margin
13.1%
9.7%



Sports NGR
 1,203 
 894 
35%
40%
54%
Gaming/other NGR
 1,077 
 949 
14%
18%
21%
Total NGR
 2,280 
 1,843 
24%
29%
37%






Games brands
 677 
 554 
22%
24%
18%
B2B & Non-core
 81 
 118 
(31%)
(30%)
4%






Group NGR
 3,038 
 2,514 
21%
25%
31%
Group NGR (m)
 279.5 
 231.3 
21%
25%
31%
Sports Brands daily NGR grew 24% and on an underlying basis increased by 37%. The gross win margin in Q4 2017 was 13.1%, significantly ahead of the expected long-term average of 10%, with daily sports NGR up 35% and +54% on an underlying basis. The well above average gross win margin predictably reduced recycling, with wagers down 11% in the quarter. However, this was predominantly due to Turkey and wagers on an underlying basis were just 1% lower, a very pleasing performance. Despite the high gross win margin, Sports Brands gaming revenues rose 14% (+21% on an underlying basis), with the benefits of improved product and cross-sell continuing to be important factors.
Gaming Brands daily NGR increased 22% (+24% in constant currency) during the period, and on an underlying basis was +18%. All verticals put in a solid performance, with partypoker maintaining its impressive growth. B2B and non-core revenues grew by an underlying 4%, adjusting for Kalixa which was sold in the first half of 2017.
Kenneth Alexander (CEO) said:
"I'm delighted to report another strong year for the Group with underlying NGR growth of 18%, reflecting the strength of our brands, technology and the hard work of our talented people. We have once again demonstrated our ability to integrate significant acquisitions, realise material synergies and at the same time deliver top line growth. The recommended transaction with Ladbrokes Coral Group presents an exciting opportunity for both sets of shareholders, creating a global gaming group with a portfolio of strong brands across all major regulated online markets, together with proprietary technology and proven management."
1Excludes acquisitions and disposals undertaken in 2017
2Assumes bwin.party acquired 1 January 2016 
3Clean EBITDA = earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, share based payments and exceptional items
4Figures on a reported basis unless stated
The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
- ends -
LEI: 213800GNI3K45LQR8L28
For further information:
GVC Holdings PLC

Kenneth Alexander, Chief Executive 
Paul Miles, Chief Financial Officer
Nick Batram, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy
Tel: +44 (0) 1624 652 559 Tel: +44 (0) 20 3938 0079 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3938 0066
Media enquiries:
Buchanan Communications

David Rydell/Henry Harrison-Topham/Chris Lane
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5066
About GVC Holdings PLC
GVC Holdings PLC isa leading e-gaming operator in both B2C and B2B markets. GVC has four business segments with a number of brands; Sports Brands (bwin, Sportingbet, Gamebookers), Games Brands (partypoker, partycasino, Foxy Bingo, Gioco Digitale, CasinoClub), B2B and non-core assets. GVC acquiredbwin.party digital entertainment plc on 1 February 2016.The Group is headquartered in the Isle of Man, is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index and has licences in more than 18 countries.
For more information see the Group's website: www.gvc-plc.com 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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