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Evolution

Annual Report Jan 30, 2025

2913_10-k_2025-01-30_9aa7f66a-dbd0-43a2-b480-543a5c780f5e.pdf

Annual Report

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Year-end report | January–December 2024 | Evolution AB (publ)

Fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2023)

  • Total operating revenues increased 31.5% to EUR 625.3 million (475.3)
  • EBITDA increased 35.0% to EUR 455.0 million (337.0), corresponding to a margin of 72.8% (70.9)
  • Profit for the period amounted to EUR 377.1 million (282.9)
  • Earnings per share amounted to EUR 1.83 (1.32)

Fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2023), excluding other operating revenues*

  • Net revenues increased 12.3% to EUR 533.8 million (475.3)
  • Adjusted EBITDA (excluding other operating revenues) increased 7.9% to EUR 363.6 million (337.0), corresponding to a margin of 68.1% (70.9)

January-December 2024 (2023)

  • Total operating revenues increased 23.1% to EUR 2,214.1 million (1,798.6)
  • EBITDA increased 23.2% to EUR 1,561.8 million (1,267.4), corresponding to a margin of 70.5% (70.5)
  • Profit for the period amounted to EUR 1,244.0 million (1,070.9)
  • Earnings per share amounted to EUR 5.94 (5.01)

January-December 2024 (2023), excluding other operating revenues*

  • Net revenues increased 14.7% to EUR 2,063.1 million (1,798.6)
  • Adjusted EBITDA (excluding other operating revenues) increased 11.3% to EUR 1,410.7 million (1,267.4), corresponding to a margin of 68.4% (70.5)

*Other operating revenues are related to reduced earn-out liability

Events during the fourth quarter of 2024

  • The Board proposes a dividend of EUR 2.80 per share (2.65)
  • The Board intends to repurchase shares up to EUR 500 million
  • Over 1,700 Live tables at the end of the period (1,600)

Summary of the fourth quarter and the full-year 2024

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2024 2023 % 2024 2023 %
Net revenues 533,845 475,310 12.3% 2,063,085 1,798,601 14.7%
Other operating revenues 91,408 - - 151,058 - -
Total operating revenues 625,253 475,310 31.5% 2,214,143 1,798,601 23.1%
EBITDA 454,965 336,963 35.0% 1,561,775 1,267,413 23.2%
EBITDA margin 72.8% 70.9% - 70.5% 70.5% -
Adjusted EBITDA
excl. other operating revenues
363,557 336,963 7.9% 1,410,717 1,267,413 11.3%
Adjusted EBITDA margin
excl. other operating revenues
68.1% 70.9% - 68.4% 70.5% -
Profit for the period 377,104 282,859 33.3% 1,244,015 1,070,858 16.2%
Profit margin 60.3% 59.5% - 56.2% 59.5% -
Earnings per share before dilution, EUR 1.83 1.32 37.8% 5.94 5.01 18.4%
Earnings per share before dilution
excl. other operating revenues, EUR
1.38 1.32 4.4% 5.22 5.01 4.0%

Evolution develops, produces, markets and licenses fully integrated B2B Online Casino solutions to gaming operators. Since its inception in 2006, Evolution has developed into a leading B2B provider with 800+ operators among its customers. The group currently employs 21,250+ people in studios across Europe and in North America. The parent company is based in Sweden and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm with the ticker EVO. Visit www.evolution.com for more information. Evolution is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority under license MGA/B2B/187/2010. Evolution is also licensed and regulated in many other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Romania, South Africa, and others.

CEO's comments

For the fourth quarter 2024, Evolution reports net revenue of EUR 533.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of EUR 363.6 million, corresponding to year-on-year revenue growth of 12.3 percent and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 68.1 percent. Net revenue growth at constant currency is estimated to be 16 percent in the fourth quarter. In addition to net revenues the quarter also includes non-recurring other operating revenues of EUR 91.4 million related to a reduced earn-out liability. For the full year 2024 net revenue growth is 14.7 percent and the adjusted EBITDA margin is 68.4 percent.

During the past year Evolution has strengthened its position as the world's leading provider and innovator of online casino games. However, it has also been a year in which we have handled several challenges such as the sabotage activities towards our Georgian studio, cyber-attacks in the Asia region and also an increased tax-rate. For 2025 our first priority continues to be growth and to increase market share in the expanding online casino market. Expansion will continue in 2025 - with a slightly more expensive resource mix, taking into account the situation in Asia and a strengthened focus on regulated markets we expect to see an effect on margin. We estimate the EBITDA margin for full-year 2025 to be in the range of 66-68 percent. We have scalability in our business model and in the longer term there is good opportunity for higher margins.

We continue to innovate and develop our world-leading product portfolio. The key to our future success is to continue to give players an exciting, entertaining and flawless playing experience. During the past year we have invested in our patent-protected portfolio and we are now increasing our efforts against infringements and counterfeit versions of our games. Our 2024 game releases have performed very well and have met my high expectations from the beginning of the year. Our "Product Leap" years will continue into 2025. I am happy to state that our roadmap for the coming year is the strongest and most solid ever. It includes games with brand new mechanics, many games that have a truly global audience, as well as incremental improvements to our classics. Announced titles include the much-anticipated Marble Race, a new amazing Fishing game, a spectacular Crash-game as well as the instant classic Fireball Roulette and extensions of our unique Blackjack portfolio among many other releases.

We saw strong momentum in the final quarter of the year in North America, Latin America and Europe. Development in Asia is flat versus the previous quarter as we continue to face challenges from cyber-attacks towards our video distribution in the region.

Our Live Casino offering continues to perform well in the fourth quarter with 13.3 percent growth year-onyear. We end the year with over 1,700 tables, a net increase of about 100 tables during 2024. During the year we added over 300 tables across our network, which I am happy with, but with significantly reduced capacity in our Georgia studio, this added capacity is still not enough. We are currently operating without any disruptions in Georgia and expect to remain at the current reduced capacity as we ramp up expansion in other studios.

To respond to the continued strong demand for Live Casino we will continue to invest for growth during 2025. We have ongoing projects for new studios in Brazil and the Philippines and I expect in total to open 3-4 new studios during the year. For 2025 we estimate capex of about 140 MEUR in line with 2024.

We maintain the positive trend of incremental improvements for our RNG offering and I am pleased with the releases in the fourth quarter, resulting in a year-on-year growth of 6.7 percent. The improvements made to our platform during the year are clearly starting to show effect. We will maintain a high pace of new RNG game releases for 2025.

The regulatory landscape in our industry is constantly evolving. An increasing number of countries introduce a national regulation for online casino. We view this development positively and consider it a long-term driver of growth for the industry as it over time attracts new end-users and clarifies how B2C operators can address the market. As a B2B provider of games we hold licenses in several markets and need to adapt as regulation evolves. We have implemented further technical measures to ring-fence the regulated markets

and to ensure that our games are available only through the locally licensed B2C operators in markets where local licenses are available. This change is reflected in our lowered margin guidance for the year.

As mentioned, three of our four regions showed strong development in the quarter. North America continued its strong performance from the previous quarter. Expanded table capacity and new game releases support Live Casino and improvement in RNG indicates that the region has turned a corner. In Europe we experienced steady development during the year at around 10 percent growth. We have a very exciting year ahead in Latin America, where the Brazil market introduced local regulation starting in January 2025, our upcoming local studio will be important to supply the demand in the country. We are also expanding table capacity in Colombia for the Spanish speaking regions in Latin America market as well as for markets outside the region. 2024 has been a difficult year in Asia and the region remains affected by cyber-attacks in the fourth quarter. Revenue in the quarter is flat in comparison to the previous quarter. We continue our work to resolve the situation with full force but as stated in Q3 we expect this to take some time. The development in Asia is also reflected in our lowered margin guidance for 2025.

The Board of directors proposes a dividend of EUR 2.80 (2.65) per share for 2024, in line with our dividend policy. In addition, the Board intends to repurchase shares for up to EUR 500 million during 2025, in line with our capital allocation framework.*

Evolution is highly profitable, debt-free with strong cash flow delivering capital returns to shareholders. We are very well positioned for 2025, and I look forward to what we will do during the year to continue to maximize after-tax earnings for our shareholders. I am also grateful for the hard work and the ways in which our Evolution-team has taken on and resolved the many challenges during the past year. With great determination, with hard work and professionalism our employees have brought Evolution to an excellent position for future growth. We will relentlessly continue to strive to make Evolution a bit better every day also during 2025.

Martin Carlesund CEO

* Press release 18/07/2024

Quarterly results trend

Financial performance in the fourth quarter of 2024

Net revenues

Net revenues amounted to EUR 533.8 million (475.3) in the fourth quarter, equivalent to an increase of 12.3 percent compared with the corresponding period in 2023. Revenue growth adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates is estimated to 16 percent compared with the same period the preceding year. EUR 459.4 million (405.6) of the revenue was derived from live-games and EUR 74.4 million (69.8) from RNGgames. The positive revenue development within live casino mainly derives from increased commission income from existing customers and, to a certain extent, from new customers. Demand for online casino games continues to grow, partly as a result of our continuous launch of new games and variations on traditional games.

Net revenues by game type

Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
Group, EUR million 2023 2024 2024 2024 2024
Live 405.6 431.3 438.1 446.9 459.4
RNG 69.8 70.1 70.3 72.5 74.4
Net revenues 475.3 501.5 508.4 519.4 533.8

Expenses

Operating expenses amounted to EUR 207.6 million (172.7). Expenses were mainly driven by higher costs for personnel, connected to the launch of new tables in the company's studios and the expansion in general compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The expansion has also increased other operating expenses compared with Q4 2023. Changes in foreign exchange rates affected operating expenses positively with EUR 0.5 million compared with the same period the preceding year.

Profitability

Operating profit amounted to EUR 417.6 million (302.6), corresponding to an increase of 38.0 percent. The operating margin was 66.8 percent (63.7). The EBITDA margin was 72.8 percent (70.9). The adjusted EBITDA margin excluding other operating revenue related to reduction of earn-out liability for NLC was 68.1 percent (70.9).

Net financial items amounted to EUR 7.7 million (0.4) related to interest income, leasing interest expenses and currency exchange differences. The Group's effective tax rate for the quarter amounted to 11.3 percent

(6.7), the increase is related to estimated top-up tax regarding Pillar II. The tax rate is influenced by the countries in which earnings are generated, which may vary between reported periods. Profit for the quarter amounted to EUR 377.1 million (282.9). Earnings per share before dilution were EUR 1.83 (1.32).

Investments

Investments in intangible assets amounted to EUR 20.0 million (18.2) during the quarter and were mainly attributable to development of new games and technical improvements of the platform, such as new functionality. See Note 5 for information about acquisition of group companies.

Investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to EUR 15.5 million (12.1) and comprised new studio space, new gaming tables, servers and other computer equipment to meet new technical requirements and maintain capacity and performance in connection with new platform launches.

Cash and cash equivalents, financing and financial position

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to EUR 329.5 million (314.4) during the quarter. Cash flow from investing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 37.5 million (negative 29.2). Cash flow from financing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 156.1 million (negative 112.2) and included repurchase of own shares of EUR 150.4 million (115.8). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 801.5 million (985.8) at the end of the quarter.

Full-year 2024 in brief

Net revenues

For the January-December 2024 period, net revenues amounted to EUR 2,063.1 million (1,798.6), corresponding to an increase of 14.7 percent compared with 2023. EUR 1,775.7 million (1,523.3) of the revenue was derived from live-games and EUR 287.4 million (275.3) from RNG-games. The positive revenue development within live casino mainly derives from increased commission income from both new and existing customers.

Expenses

Operating expenses amounted to EUR 794.6 million (655.9). Expenses were mainly driven by higher costs for personnel, connected to the launch of new tables and studios. The strong expansion has also increased other operating expenses compared to the previous year.

Profitability

Operating profit amounted to EUR 1,419.6 million (1,142.7) with an operating margin of 64.1 percent (63.5). The EBITDA margin was 70.5 percent (70.5). The adjusted EBITDA margin was 68.4 percent (70.5).

Investments

Investments in intangible assets amounted to EUR 71.4 million (52.0) for the year. Investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to EUR 65.3 million (42.2). Change in financial assets amounted to negative EUR 103.7 million (2.4) and included investment in bond portfolio of EUR 100 million (-). See Note 5 for information about acquisition of group companies.

Cash and cash equivalents, financing and financial position

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to EUR 1,301.0 million (1,168.4) over the period. The increase is primarily due to improved profit. Cash flow from investing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 248.0 million (negative 139.4) and included investment in subsidiaries of EUR 7.6 million (47.5) and investment in bond portfolio of EUR 100 million (-). Cash flow from financing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 1,238.1 million (negative 574.5) and included dividend to shareholders of EUR 559.3 million (427.4) and repurchase of own shares of EUR 678.0 million (115.8).

Market development

Online Casino market

The global online casino market (Live & RNG) has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to continue to be among the fastest-growing gaming segments in the coming years. Evolution's growth target is to grow faster than the total global online casino market. Market growth is influenced by several underlying factors, such as technological advances with, among other things, improved hardware and increased bandwidth, the migration of land-based casinos to online environments and market regulations. Increased use of mobile devices has been a growth driver for many years, and in the fourth quarter 72.0 percent (69.0) of the operators' GGR via Evolution's platform was generated by mobile devices. RNG is the largest vertical of the online casino market. However, to a large extent, growth is driven by Live Casino having grown in importance for most gaming operators and has become an integrated and strategically important productfor them.

As a B2B supplier, Evolution has customer relationships with gaming operators, who in turn own the relationships with the end users. Generally, the gaming operators are licensed in a limited number of jurisdictions while operating in a global market and allowing play from various geographic areas. The table below shows the geographic markets from which Evolution's revenues originate. Revenues based on player activity are allocated according to the end-users' location, while revenues not based on player activity are allocated to the operator's location.

Group, EUR million Oct-Dec
2023
Jan-Mar
2024
Apr-Jun
2024
Jul-Sep
2024
Oct-Dec
2024
Europe 185.8 191.0 191.3 194.9 201.8
Asia 181.7 197.6 200.7 202.2 202.2
North America 59.1 62.1 60.2 64.8 70.6
LatAm 32.1 33.0 36.6 37.4 38.5
Other 16.6 17.8 19.6 20.2 20.7
Net revenues 475.3 501.5 508.4 519.4 533.8
Share of regulated markets 40% 39% 39% 39% 41%
Net revenues, regulated markets 189.6 195.4 199.4 204.4 220.4

Net revenue per geographical region

Customer dependency

Evolution's largest customer accounted for approximately 13 percent (13) of net revenues in 2024, and the five largest customers accounted for about 46 percent (41) of net revenues. At the end of the period the number of customers amounted to approximately 800 (800).

Customer dependency, % of net revenues

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Top 1-5 33% 22% 30% 41% 46%
Top 1 11% 11% 14% 13% 13%

Other

Parent Company

The Parent Company is a holding company. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2024 amounted to EUR 2.2 million (4.9) and expenses to EUR 6.5 million (5.4). Operating profit was negative in the amount of EUR 4.3 million (negative 0.5). Profit for the period amounted to EUR 1,409.8 million (550.8) and include dividend income of EUR 1,447.3 million (550.0). Increase in tax expense is related to the estimated top-up tax for Pillar II. The Parent Company's cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 14.1 million (53.1) at the end of the period and equity amounted to EUR 3,153.9 million (3,057.6). No significant investments were made in intangible or tangible assets.

Employees

As of 31 December 2024, Evolution had 21,252 employees (19,221), corresponding to 15,381 full-time positions (14,850). The average number of full-time equivalents for the quarter was 14,882 (13,988).

Significant risks and uncertainties

Evolution's operations are exposed to certain risks that could have a varying impact on earnings or financial position. These can be divided into industry, operational, and financial risks. When assessing the Group's future development, it is important to take into account the risk factors, alongside any opportunities for profit growth.

The development of laws and regulations relating to the supply of gaming services that Evolution provides is a central risk factor for the Group's future earnings. Since most of Evolution's licensees are active in Europe, the legal situation in the EU is of particular interest and is continuously monitored and managed by the Group. Despite this, there remains a risk that, in the event of legislation being interpreted in an unfavourable or unanticipated way, Evolution's conditions for growth, profitability, and the games that may be supplied could be changed. Likewise, a favourable interpretation could have a positive impact on the Group.

One or more markets may be affected by events that may result in rapid changes in the business environment. Examples of this kind of events which could lead up to production disruption are extreme weather events, social unrest, diseases (e.g. virus outbreaks) or other macroeconomic or geopolitical events affected by external influences.

For further information about Evolution's risk exposure and handling, please see the Group's Annual Report for 2023, which is available on the company's website.

Dividend

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolve to transfer EUR 578.4 million (563.8) to shareholders, corresponding to EUR 2.80 (2.65) per share and 52.9 percent (52.7) of net profit, 2024 adjusted for income from reduced earn-out liability. The dividend is calculated by the number of shares 31 December 2024 with the deduction of Evolution's holding of own shares by the same date which amounted to 5,270,961 shares. Evolution has adopted a dividend policy according to which, 50 percent of the company's consolidated net profit is to be distributed over time, with a certain degree of flexibility in terms of the proportion distributed in dividends.

Acquisitions of own shares

The repurchase programme that was announced on 18 July 2024 was completed and closed on 21 October 2024. The Company has, during the period 1 October – 21 October 2024, acquired a total of 1,719,163 of its own shares within the framework of the repurchase programme. Since 19 July up to and including 21 October, a total of 4,481,685 shares have been acquired within the scope of the programme. Following the above acquisitions, Evolution's holding of own shares amounted to 5,270,961 as of 31 December 2024.

Calendar Interim report January – March 2025 30 April Annual General Meeting 5 May Interim report January – June 2025 17 July Interim report January – September 2025 23 October

Stockholm, 30 January 2025

Martin Carlesund CEO

For further information, please contact CFO Jacob Kaplan, +46 708 62 33 94 or Head of IR Carl Linton, +46 705 08 85 75, [email protected].

Evolution AB (publ) e-mail: [email protected] Hamngatan 11 Website: www.evolution.com SE-111 47 Stockholm, Sweden Corporate ID: 556994-5792

Presentation for investors, analysts and the media

CEO Martin Carlesund and CFO Jacob Kaplan will present the report and answer questions on Thursday, 30 January 2025 at 09:00 am CET via a telephone conference. The presentation will be in English and can also be followed online.

Webcast

If you wish to participate via webcast please use the link below: https://evolution.events.inderes.com/q4-report-2024/register

Teleconference

If you wish to participate via teleconference please register on the link below. After registration you will be provided with phone numbers and a conference ID to access the conference. https://conference.financialhearings.com/teleconference/?id=50051575

This information is such that Evolution AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact person set out above on 30 January 2025, at 07:30 am CET.

This report is published in Swedish and English. In case of any differences between the English version and the Swedish original text, the Swedish version shall apply. This report has not been subject to review by the company's independent auditor.

Condensed consolidated income statement

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2024 2023 2024 2023
Revenues - Live 459,447 405,557 1,775,734 1,523,274
Revenues - RNG 74,398 69,753 287,351 275,327
Net revenues 533,845 475,310 2,063,085 1,798,601
Other operating revenues* 91,408 - 151,058 -
Total operating revenues 625,253 475,310 2,214,143 1,798,601
Personnel expenses -109,046 -93,860 -437,835 -355,300
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments -37,331 -34,365 -142,222 -124,683
Other operating expenses -61,242 -44,487 -214,533 -175,888
Total operating expenses -207,619 -172,712 -794,590 -655,871
Operating profit 417,634 302,598 1,419,553 1,142,730
Financial items 7,711 449 19,371 5,877
Profit before tax 425,345 303,047 1,438,924 1,148,607
Tax on profit for the period -48,241 -20,188 -194,909 -77,749
Profit for the period 377,104 282,859 1,244,015 1,070,858
Of which attributable to:
Shareholders of the Parent Company 377,104 282,859 1,244,015 1,070,858
Average number of shares before dilution 206,562,243 213,487,612 209,562,751 213,566,498
Earnings per share before dilution, EUR 1.83 1.32 5.94 5.01
Average number of shares after dilution 206,562,243 215,310,981 210,473,394 217,069,145
Earnings per share after dilution, EUR 1.83 1.31 5.91 4.93
Operating margin 66.8% 63.7% 64.1% 63.5%
Effective tax rate 11.3% 6.7% 13.5% 6.8%
Effective tax rate excl. other operating
revenues (non-taxable income)
14.4% 6.7% 15.1% 6.8%

*Other operating revenues is reduction of earn-out liability, see Note 5.

Condensed comprehensive income statement

Group, EUR thousands Oct-Dec
2024
Oct-Dec
2023
Jan-Dec
2024
Jan-Dec
2023
Profit for the period 377,104 282,859 1,244,015 1,070,858
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit
Exchange differences arising from the
translation of foreign operations -23,485 78,991 -60,349 8,326
Other comprehensive income -23,485 78,991 -60,349 8,326
Total comprehensive income for the period 353,619 361,850 1,183,666 1,079,184

Consolidated balance sheet

Group, EUR thousands 31/12/2024 31/12/2023
Assets
Goodwill 2,276,524 2,324,005
Other intangible assets 692,399 714,509
Buildings 20,126 10,968
Right of use assets 83,673 70,382
Property, plant and equipment 147,493 121,106
Financial assets measured at amortised cost 100,824 -
Other non-current receivables 10,537 6,779
Deferred tax assets 9,302 3,471
Total non-current assets 3,340,878 3,251,220
Accounts receivable 408,985 348,420
Current tax receivables 726,601 314,239
Other receivables 31,787 27,827
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 37,047 46,022
Cash and cash equivalents* 801,474 985,756
Total current assets 2,005,894 1,722,264
TOTAL ASSETS 5,346,772 4,973,484
Equity and liabilities
Share capital 650 648
Other capital contributed 2,429,053 2,411,607
Reserves -267,301 -206,952
Retained earnings including profit for the period 1,809,433 1,800,912
Total equity 3,971,835 4,006,215
Deferred tax liabilities 62,976 61,393
Non-current lease liabilities 77,394 65,534
Provision for pensions 1,610 -
Other non-current liabilities 129,869 279,019
Total non-current liabilities 271,849 405,946
Accounts payable 16,053 13,063
Current tax liabilities 957,241 418,957
Other current liabilities 61,010 62,029
Current lease liabilities 16,268 13,923
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 52,516 53,351
Total current liabilities 1,103,088 561,323
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 5,346,772 4,973,484
*Including restricted cash for jackpot liabilities 14,400 13,298

Consolidated changes in equity

Share Other capital Retained Total
Group 2023, EUR thousands capital contributed Reserves earnings equity
Opening equity 01/01/2023 647 2,403,963 -215,278 1,270,949 3,460,281
Dividend - - - -427,398 -427,398
Warrants - -48,187 - 2,261 -45,926
Repurchase of own shares - - - -115,758 -115,758
New share issue 1 35,748 - - 35,749
Non-cash issue - 20,083 - - 20,083
Profit for the period - - - 1,070,858 1,070,858
Other comprehensive income - - 8,326 - 8,326
Closing equity 31/12/2023 648 2,411,607 -206,952 1,800,912 4,006,215
Share Other capital Retained Total
Group 2024, EUR thousands capital contributed Reserves earnings equity
Opening equity 01/01/2024 648 2,411,607 -206,952 1,800,912 4,006,215
Dividend - - - -559,266 -559,266
Warrants - -59,559 - 1,760 -57,799
Repurchase of own shares - - - -677,988 -677,988
New share issue 2 77,005 - - 77,007
Profit for the period - - - 1,244,015 1,244,015
Other comprehensive income - - -60,349 - -60,349
Closing equity 31/12/2024 650 2,429,053 -267,301 1,809,433 3,971,835

Consolidated statement of cash flow

Group, EUR thousands Oct-Dec
2024
Oct-Dec
2023
Jan-Dec
2024
Jan-Dec
2023
Operating profit 417,634 302,598 1,419,553 1,142,730
Adjustment for items not included in cash flow:
Depreciation/amortisation/impairments 37,331 34,365 142,222 124,683
Other* -88,012 -1,129 -148,061 1,135
Interest received 3,894 7,372 20,959 14,308
Interest paid -161 -23 -371 -39
Tax paid 427 -4,063 -74,419 -49,772
Cash flow from operating activities before 371,113 339,120 1,359,883 1,233,045
changes in working capital
Increase/decrease accounts receivable -55,204 -22,456 -60,344 -72,370
Increase/decrease accounts payable 1,585 3,932 2,480 3,044
Increase/decrease other working capital 12,013 -6,181 -1,015 4,728
Cash flow from operating activities 329,507 314,415 1,301,004 1,168,447
Acquisition of intangible assets -19,984 -18,169 -71,395 -51,973
Acquisition of tangible assets -15,494 -12,141 -65,318 -42,219
Acquisition of subsidiary -3,254 - -7,583 -47,536
Increase/decrease financial assets 1,235 1,117 -103,675 2,370
Cash flow from investing activities -37,497 -29,193 -247,971 -139,358
Repayment of lease liability -5,746 -6,094 -18,272 -18,907
Repurchase of own shares -150,356 -115,758 -677,988 -115,758
Warrants -24 9,687 -59,559 -48,187
New share issue - - 77,007 35,749
Dividend - - -559,266 -427,398
Cash flow from financing activities -156,126 -112,165 -1,238,078 -574,501
Cash flow for the period 135,884 173,057 -185,045 454,588
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 663,730 813,320 985,756 532,554
Exchange rate differences 1,860 -621 763 -1,386
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 801,474 985,756 801,474 985,756

*2024: Reduction of earn-out liability Oct-Dec EUR 91.4 million, Jan-Dec EUR 151.1 million.

The company presents certain financial measures in the interim report that are not defined under IFRS. The company believes that these measures provide useful supplemental information to investors and the company's management as they permit the evaluation of the company's financial performance and position. Since not all companies calculate financial measures in the same way, these are not always comparable to the measures used by other companies. Consequently, these financial measures should not be seen as a substitute for measures defined under IFRS. The tables below include measurements that are not defined in accordance with IFRS, unless otherwise stated. For definitions and purposes, see also the last page of the report.

Consolidated key ratios

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2024 2023 2024 2023
Net revenues 533,845 475,310 2,063,085 1,798,601
Adjusted EBITDA margin 68.1% 70.9% 68.4% 70.5%
EBITDA margin 72.8% 70.9% 70.5% 70.5%
Operating margin 66.8% 63.7% 64.1% 63.5%
Profit margin 60.3% 59.5% 56.2% 59.5%
Equity/assets ratio 74.3% 80.6% 74.3% 80.6%
Cash and cash equivalents 801,474 985,756 801,474 985,756
Average number of full-time employees 14,882 13,988 14,885 13,044
Full-time employees at end of period 15,381 14,850 15,381 14,850
Earnings per share before dilution, EUR (IFRS) 1.83 1.32 5.94 5.01
Equity per share, EUR 19.23 18.83 19.23 18.83
Operating cash flow per share before dilution, EUR 1.60 1.47 6.21 5.47
Average number of outstanding shares before dilution 206,562,243 213,487,612 209,562,751 213,566,498
Number of outstanding shares 206,562,243 212,771,346 206,562,243 212,771,346

Consolidated key ratios by quarter

Group, EUR thousands Q4/24 Q3/24 Q2/24 Q1/24 Q4/23 Q3/23 Q2/23 Q1/23 Q4/22
Net revenues 533,845 519,379 508,410 501,451 475,310 452,642 441,075 429,574 407,480
Adjusted EBITDA 363,557 355,607 345,767 345,786 336,963 318,599 311,693 300,158 279,529
Adjusted EBITDA margin 68.1% 68.5% 68.0% 69.0% 70.9% 70.4% 70.7% 69.9% 68.6%
EBITDA 454,965 415,257 345,767 345,786 336,963 318,599 311,693 300,158 279,529
EBITDA margin 72.8% 71.7% 68.0% 69.0% 70.9% 70.4% 70.7% 69.9% 68.6%
Operating profit 417,634 379,179 311,129 311,611 302,598 287,137 281,515 271,480 250,004
Operating margin 66.8% 65.5% 61.2% 62.1% 63.7% 63.4% 63.8% 63.2% 61.4%
Revenue growth vs prior year 12.3% 14.7% 15.3% 16.7% 16.6% 19.6% 28.2% 31.5% 35.7%
Revenue growth vs prior quarter 2.8% 2.2% 1.4% 5.5% 5.0% 2.6% 2.7% 5.4% 7.6%
Cash and cash equivalents 801,474 663,730 688,687 974,125 985,756 813,320 541,707 759,736 532,554

Reconciliation of selected key ratios not defined in accordance with IFRS

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2024 2023 2024 2023
Net operating revenues
Total operating revenues 625,253 475,310 2,214,143 1,798,601
Other operating revenues -91,408 - -151,058 -
Net revenues 533,845 475,310 2,063,085 1,798,601
Operating margin
Profit before tax 425,345 303,047 1,438,924 1,148,607
Net financial items -7,711 -449 -19,371 -5,877
Operating profit (EBIT) 417,634 302,598 1,419,553 1,142,730
Divided by Total operating revenues 625,253 475,310 2,214,143 1,798,601
Operating (EBIT) margin 66.8% 63.7% 64.1% 63.5%
Adjusted EBITDA and
adjusted EBITDA margin
Profit before tax 425,345 303,047 1,438,924 1,148,607
Net financial items -7,711 -449 -19,371 -5,877
Depreciation/amortisation 37,331 34,365 142,222 124,683
Other operating revenues -91,408 - -151,058 -
Adjusted EBITDA 363,557 336,963 1,410,717 1,267,413
Divided by Net revenues 533,845 475,310 2,063,085 1,798,601
Adjusted EBITDA margin 68.1% 70.9% 68.4% 70.5%
EBITDA and EBITDA margin
Profit before tax 425,345 303,047 1,438,924 1,148,607
Net financial items -7,711 -449 -19,371 -5,877
Depreciation/amortisation 37,331 34,365 142,222 124,683
EBITDA 454,965 336,963 1,561,775 1,267,413
Divided by Total operating revenues 625,253 475,310 2,214,143 1,798,601
EBITDA margin 72.8% 70.9% 70.5% 70.5%
Profit margin
Profit for the period 377,104 282,859 1,244,015 1,070,858
Divided by Total operating revenues 625,253 475,310 2,214,143 1,798,601
Profit margin 60.3% 59.5% 56.2% 59.5%
Equity/Assets ratio
Total equity 3,971,835 4,006,215 3,971,835 4,006,215
Divided by Total assets 5,346,772 4,973,484 5,346,772 4,973,484
Equity/Assets ratio 74.3% 80.6% 74.3% 80.6%

Revenue growth at constant currency is estimated by applying the GGR-to-Revenue ratio in the current quarter to the Gross Gaming Revenue ("GGR") converted to EUR using the exchange rates of the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Operating expenses at constant currency are calculated by applying the exchange rates used in consolidation of the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Condensed Parent Company income statement and other comprehensive income

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Parent company, EUR thousands 2024 2023 2024 2023
Net sales 2,218 4,928 15,663 19,289
Other external expenses -6,539 -5,381 -20,782 -19,415
Operating profit -4,321 -453 -5,119 -126
Financial income and expenses 1,449,397 551,491 1,448,881 552,145
Profit before tax 1,445,076 551,038 1,443,762 552,019
Tax on profit for the period -35,239 -253 -127,705 -509
Profit for the period* 1,409,837 550,785 1,316,057 551,510

*Profit for the period coincides with comprehensive income for the period.

Condensed Parent Company balance sheet

Parent company, EUR thousands 31/12/2024 31/12/2023
Assets
Intangible assets 40 185
Property, plant and equipment 264 342
Participating interest in Group companies 2,630,780 2,630,780
Deferred tax asset 628 1
Other non-current receivables 518 14
Total non-current assets 2,632,230 2,631,322
Receivables from Group companies 633,178 375,378
Other current receivables 1,047 5,496
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 6,222 9,843
Cash and cash equivalents 14,126 53,051
Total current assets 654,573 443,768
TOTAL ASSETS 3,286,803 3,075,090
Equity and liabilities
Share capital 650 648
Retained earnings including profit for the year 3,153,208 3,056,959
Total equity 3,153,858 3,057,607
Accounts payable 407 108
Current tax liabilities 129,254 607
Liabilities to Group companies 6 589
Other current liabilities 1,324 14,586
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 1,954 1,593
Total current liabilities 132,945 17,483
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 3,286,803 3,075,090

Notes to the financial statements

Note 1. Accounting principles

Evolution prepares its financial statements in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as approved by the European Union. The Group's interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The Parent Company uses the same accounting principles as the Group, with the addition of the Swedish Financial Reporting Board's recommendation; RFR 2, Accounting for Legal Entities. The accounting policies are unchanged from the 2023 annual report. There are no amendments to IFRS standards in 2024 that have had material impact on the Group's results of operations and financial position.

Amounts are expressed in thousands of Euro (EUR) unless otherwise indicated. Amounts or figures in parentheses indicate comparative figures for the corresponding period last year.

Note 2. Events following the balance sheet date

No significant events.

Note 3. Incentive programme

The company has one incentive programme. Upon full exercise of the warrants within the programme 2023/2026 (adopted by the Extra General Meeting on 9 November 2023), the dilution effect will be approximately 0.9 percent. More information about the programme is available in the 2023 annual report.

Note 4. Seasonality

Evolution's operations are, to a certain extent, influenced by seasonal patterns in end-user activity. The Group's customers generally notice increased end-user activity and an increased volume of operations in the fourth quarter of each year, which is consistent with the Group's experience of increased online casino traffic and commission income earned in the fourth quarter.

Note 5. Acquisition of group companies

Evolution has acquired 100 percent of the share capital in Livespins Holdings Limited, a B2B social streaming game provider that enables operators to offer their players the opportunity to bet behind their favourite streamers, brand ambassadors and influencers. The up-front cash consideration was EUR 4.8 million net on a cash and debt free basis. In addition, Evolution may pay an earn-out based on Livespins' performance in 2026. Livespins is included in the consolidated accounts, the effect on Evolution Group's results of operations and financial position is not material.

Evolution has entered into an agreement to acquire Galaxy Gaming, Inc. for a total equity value of approximately USD 85 million, payable in cash. Closing is expected in mid-2025, Galaxy Gaming Inc. is therefore not yet included in the consolidated accounts.

Evolution has acquired 100 percent of the share capital in Arcadia Gaming Solutions Ltd. Arcadia's innovative proprietary technology enables players to engage real-time with a physical arcade machine virtually through their desktop or mobile devices, offering a unique and engaging online experience. The up-front cash consideration was EUR 2.9 million net on a cash and debt free basis. In addition, Evolution may pay an earnout based on Arcadia's performance in 2025. Arcadia is included in the consolidated accounts, the effect on Evolution Group's results of operations and financial position is not material.

Evolution has decided to extend the earn-out period related to the purchase of BTG until 2026. The earn-out liability has been reduced with EUR 59.7 million which is recorded as other operating revenues. Remaining earn-out with net present value of EUR 103.2 million may be paid at the latest in 2026.

Evolution has decided to extend the earn-out period related to the purchase of NLC until 2026. The earn-out liability has been reduced with EUR 91.4 million which is recorded as other operating revenues. Remaining earn-out with net present value of EUR 34.3 million may be paid at the latest in 2027.

Definitions of key ratios

Key ratios
Net revenues
Definition
Total operating revenues less other
operating revenues.
Purpose
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the revenue trend in the Group.
Operating profit (EBIT) Profit before tax excluding net financial
items.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Operating margin (EBIT)margin Operating profit in relation to total
operating revenues.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
EBITDA Operating profit less depreciation. Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
EBITDA margin EBITDA in relation to total operating
revenues.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA less other operating revenues. Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Adjusted EBITDA margin Adjusted EBITDA in relation to net
revenues.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Profit margin Profit for the period in relation to total
operating revenues.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Equity/assets ratio Equity at the end of period in relation to
total assets at the end of period.
Key ratio indicates the Group's long-term
payment capacity.
Cash and cash equivalents Cash and bank assets. Used by management to monitor the
Group's short-term payment capacity.
Revenue growth compared with
the previous year
Net revenues for the period divided by net
revenues in the same period last year.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the Group's revenue growth.
Revenue growth compared with
the preceding quarter
Net revenues for the period divided by net
revenues for the preceding quarter.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the Group's revenue growth.
Average number of full-time
employees
The average number of full-time employees
during the period. Full-time equivalents
include part-time positions.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the Group's number of employees' growth.
Per share
Earnings per share before dilution Profit for the period in relation to the
average number of shares outstanding
before dilution during the period.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Earnings per share before dilution
excluding other operating
revenues
Profit for the period less other operating
revenues in relation to the average number
of shares outstanding before dilution during
the period.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Equity per share Shareholders' equity divided by the number
of shares outstanding at the end of the
period.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Operational cash flow per share
before dilution
Cash flow from operating activities in
relation to the average number of shares
outstanding before dilution during the
period.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the cash flow trend in the Group.
Average number of shares
outstanding
The average number of shares outstanding
before dilution during the period.
Used to calculate key ratios in relation to
the number of shares during the period.
Number of shares outstanding Number of shares outstanding at the end of
the period less shares in own custody.
Used to calculate key ratios in relation to
the number of shares at the end of the
period.

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