AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Evolution

Earnings Release Feb 2, 2023

2913_10-k_2023-02-02_1cbf7194-ea05-4030-a732-3014f178c9d8.pdf

Earnings Release

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Year-end report | January–December 2022 | Evolution AB (publ)

Fourth quarter of 2022 (Q4 2021)

  • Operating revenues increased by 36% to EUR 407.5 million (300.2)
  • EBITDA increased by 35% to EUR 279.5 million (206.9), corresponding to a margin of 68.6% (68.9)
  • Profit for the period amounted to EUR 223.5 million (171.6)
  • Earnings per share amounted to EUR 1.05 (0.80)

Full-year 2022 (2021)

  • Operating revenues increased by 36% to EUR 1,456.7 million (1,068.8)
  • EBITDA increased by 37% to EUR 1,008.4 million (734.7), corresponding to a margin of 69.2% (68.7)
  • Profit for the year amounted to EUR 843.4 million (605.4)
  • Earnings per share amounted to EUR 3.95 (2.83)
  • The Board proposes a dividend of EUR 2.00 per share (1.42)

Events during the fourth quarter of 2022

  • Rising demand and good leverage from investments generated a growth rate of 41.1% for Live casino and 5.1% for RNG compared to pro-forma Q4 2021.
  • Evolution reached +1,300 Live Tables by the end of the period.
  • Continued expansion in North America with second studio launched in New Jersey.

Summary of the fourth quarter and the full-year 2022

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2022 2021 % 2022 2021 %
Operating revenues 407,480 300,233 35.7% 1,456,737 1,068,777 36.3%
EBITDA 279,529 206,915 35.1% 1,008,440 734,650 37.3%
EBITDA margin 68.6% 68.9% - 69.2% 68.7% -
Operating profit 250,004 184,541 35.5% 908,062 654,004 38.8%
Operating margin 61.4% 61.5% - 62.3% 61.2% -
Profit for the period 223,502 171,557 30.3% 843,361 605,435 39.3%
Profit margin 54.8% 57.1% - 57.9% 56.6% -
Earnings per share before dilution, EUR 1.05 0.80 31.2% 3.95 2.83 39.6%
Equity per share, EUR 16.23 14.91 8.8% 16.23 14.91 8.8%
OCF per share before dilution, EUR 1.22 0.83 47.1% 4.11 2.80 46.8%
Average number of FTEs 11,916 8,707 36.9% 10,802 7,917 36.4%
For more information, please contact: Visit and follow Evolution:
Jacob Kaplan, CFO www.evolution.com
[email protected] www.twitter.com/EvolutionIR

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 700+ operators among its customers. The group currently employs 17,000+ 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

We wrapped-up a strong financial year 2022 with a very good fourth quarter. This despite the challenging market environment reflected in the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, lower consumer confidence and remaining COVID-effects on supply chains - all of which are currently impacting the recovery of the post pandemic world economy. The employees at Evolution have once again shown extraordinary focus on the task at hand and done great work in these challenging market conditions – Thank you!

We remain firmly anchored and we continue to deliver according to our plans with the everlasting ambition to always perform better. Revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022 amounted to EUR 407.5 million, an increase of 35.7 percent compared to last year. EBITDA amounted to EUR 279.5 million, corresponding to a margin of 68.6 percent in the fourth quarter. Full year EBITDA margin was 69.2 percent, this is at the lower end of our guidance of 69-71 percent. In the very challenging market conditions of 2022, 69.2 percent margin reflects our competitive offering and strong execution during the past year.

As we now move into 2023, we expect an EBITDA-margin in the range of 68-71 percent for the full-year 2023. Given the high level of uncertainty in the world we give a slightly wider range for our guidance compared to previous year.

In the quarter, top-line growth continued to be driven by strong demand for Live Casino. Live Casino revenue increased by 41.1 percent year-on-year - which is very strong. Among many recent successful releases 2022 we see games like Monopoly Big Baller driving demand and increasing the entertainment factor for the enduser.

RNG revenue increased by 5.1 percent compared to pro-forma figures for last year. Performance is still below our expectations. The throughput of new games remains on the softer side and as we move forward, we need to improve efficiency as well as quality in our own production. The path to double digit-growth will not be linear - as we have communicated earlier - but we can do better and I really look forward to 2023.

With a strong fourth quarter, with many new titles including Live games such as Dead or Alive Saloon, Football Studio Dice and Freebet Blackjack together with RNG games such as Cupcakes from NetEnt, Christmas Bonanza from BTG, Shadow Society from RedTiger and Dead Canary from Nolimit City, we delivered on the 2022 target of 88 new game releases. I am very happy with the delivery in Q4.

For 2023 we plan to release over 100 games. Some of the highlights will be presented at the ICE trade show next week, among the games showcased will be our biggest, most complex game show ever. This release takes the player experience yet again to a completely new level! I am very excited about this release and hope that this fantastic game will get players full attention and also attract new players outside the current definition of Online Casino.

In terms of regional development, all regions reported year-on-year growth. We truly have a global audience for our offering. To continue the global expansion, we have continued to invest in studio expansion in Q4. During the quarter we launched the second New Jersey Live Casino studio – an important landmark for our North American operations. This years' studio investments increased significantly compared to 2021 and were fully in line with our plans. We continue to power online casinos around the world, and we increased the number of live tables by over 300 during the year, to a total of over 1,300 live tables at the end of 2022. For 2023 we will continue to invest in studio expansion, both in our existing locations and I also expect 1-2 new locations.

In these times I am proud to say that we are a financially very strong, an all-equity financed company with a solid balance sheet and strong cash flow. As the end result of a good 2022, the board of directors propose a dividend of EUR 2.00 (1.42) per share for 2022, in line with the dividend policy to distribute dividend of 50 percent of net profit annually.

As we move into 2023, our strategy and core values remain unchanged - for us at Evolution it is always about striving to be a little bit better, every day of the year, so that we can continue to widen the gap to competition and as I already stated, I very much look forward to an exciting 2023.

Martin Carlesund, CEO

Quarterly results trend

*Q420 adjusted for non-recurring items

Financial performance in the fourth quarter of 2022

Revenues

Revenues amounted to EUR 407.5 million (300.2) in the fourth quarter, equivalent to an increase of 36 percent compared with the corresponding period in 2021. EUR 334.9 million (237.4) of the revenue was derived from live-games. EUR 72.5 million (62.9) of the revenue was derived from RNG-games. 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.

Revenue by game type

Group, EUR million Oct-Dec
2021
Jan-Mar
2022
Apr-Jun
2022
Jul-Sep
2022
Oct-Dec
2022
Live 237.4 264.5 278.5 310.4 334.9
RNG, as reported 62.9 62.3 65.5 68.1 72.5
Total 300.2 326.8 344.0 378.5 407.5
RNG incl. Nolimit City, pro-forma 69.0 69.1 72.2 - -

Nolimit City is included in the consolidated financial statements from 1 July 2022.

Expenses

Operating expenses amounted to EUR 157.5 million (115.7). 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 2021. The expansion has also increased other operating expenses compared with Q4 2021.

Profitability

Operating profit amounted to EUR 250.0 million (184.5), corresponding to an increase of 36 percent. The operating margin was 61.4 percent (61.5). The EBITDA margin was 68.6 percent (68.9).

Net financial items related mostly to leasing interest expenses and currency exchange differences. The Group's effective tax rate for the quarter amounted to 7.1 percent (6.9). 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 223.5 million (171.6). Earnings per share before dilution were EUR 1.05 (0.80).

Investments

Investments in intangible assets amounted to EUR 10.0 million (8.4) 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 18.0 million (13.9) 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 260.6 million (178.4) during the quarter. Cash flow from investing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 41.7 million (negative 22.3). Cash flow from financing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 2.3 million (negative 127.9). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 532.6 million (421.4) at the end of the quarter.

Full-year 2022 in brief

Revenues

For the January-December 2022 period, revenues amounted to EUR 1,456.7 million (1,068.8), corresponding to an increase of 36 percent compared with 2021. EUR 268.4 million (229.5) of the revenue was derived 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 548.7 million (414.8). 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 908.1 million (654.0) with an operating margin of 62.3 percent (61.2). The EBITDA margin was 69.2 percent (68.7).

Investments

Investments in intangible assets amounted to EUR 36.3 million (28.3) for the year. Investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to EUR 60.7 million (33.3). Investments in other financial assets amounted to EUR 1.5 million (1.1). 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 877.5 million (598.9) over the period. The increase is primarily due to improved profit. Cash flow from investing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 371.6 million (negative 155.0). Cash flow from financing activities was negative in the amount of EUR 394.2 million (negative 248.5) and included dividend to shareholders of EUR 302.8 million (144.4) and buy back of own shares of EUR 75.6 million (123.3).

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 67.0 percent (69.1) 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. The UK includes the Crown Dependencies.

Group, EUR million Oct-Dec
2021
Jan-Mar
2022
Apr-Jun
2022
Jul-Sep
2022
Oct-Dec
2022
Nordics 20.9 21.8 21.6 23.2 23.0
UK 21.0 21.8 20.3 20.7 22.6
Rest of Europe 105.6 108.8 110.0 115.3 124.4
Asia 90.8 103.4 110.9 127.8 136.2
North America 33.8 36.8 46.1 50.1 56.2
Other 28.0 34.3 35.1 41.5 45.1
Total operating revenue 300.2 326.8 344.0 378.5 407.5
Share of regulated markets 41% 40% 43% 41% 40%
Revenue, regulated markets 123.0 131.1 147.9 156.4 164.1

Revenue per geographical region

Customer dependency

Evolution's largest customer accounted for approximately 14 percent (11) of revenues in 2022, and the five largest customers accounted for roughly 30 percent (22) of revenues. At the end of the period the number of customers amounted to approximately 700.

Customer dependency, % of revenue

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Top 1-5 32% 27% 33% 22% 30%
Top 1 7% 6% 11% 11% 14%

Other

Parent Company

The Parent Company is a holding company. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 amounted to EUR 4.9 million (4.9) and expenses to EUR 5.5 million (5.6). Operating profit was negative in the amount of EUR 0.6 million (negative 0.7). Result for the period amounted to EUR 589.7 million (250.2) and include dividend income of EUR 590 million (250.0). The Parent Company's cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 6.3 million (80.0) at the end of the period and equity amounted to EUR 3,041.6 million (2,829.3). No significant investments were made in intangible or tangible assets.

Employees

As of 31 December 2022, Evolution had 17,026 employees (13,410), corresponding to 12,144 (8,987) fulltime positions. The average number of full-time equivalents for the quarter was 11,916 (8,707).

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 2021, which is available on the company's website.

Dividend

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolve to transfer EUR 426.4 million (303.8) to shareholders, corresponding to EUR 2.00 (1.42) per share and 50.6 percent (50.2) of net profit respectively. The dividend is calculated by the number of shares 31 December 2022 with the deduction of Evolution's holding of own shares by the same date which amounted to 1,905,865 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 Company has, during the period 9 February 2022 – 18 February 2022, acquired a total of 747,000 of its own shares within the framework of the repurchase programme introduced by the Board of Directors. Since 6 December 2021 up to and including 18 February 2022, a total of 1,905,865 shares have been acquired within the scope of the programme. The repurchase program, announced 3 December 2021, is thereby completed and closed.

Calendar Annual report 2022 14 March 2023 Annual general Meeting 4 April 2023 Interim report January – March 2023 27 April 2023 Interim report January – June 2023 21 July 2023 Interim report January – September 2023 26 October 2023

Stockholm, 2 February 2023

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]
Vasagatan 16 Website: www.evolution.com
SE-111 20 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, 2 February 2023 at 09:00 am CET via a telephone conference. The presentation will be in English and can also be followed online. Number for participation by telephone: SE +46 8 505 163 86 UK: +44 20 319 84884 US: +1 412 317 6300

Pin code: 0309901#

Follow the presentation at: https://ir.financialhearings.com/evolution-gaming-group-q4-2022

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 2 February 2023, 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 2022 2021 2022 2021
Revenues - Live 334,947 237,355 1,188,308 839,238
Revenues - RNG 72,533 62,878 268,429 229,539
Total operating revenues 407,480 300,233 1,456,737 1,068,777
Personnel expenses -81,538 -55,252 -289,598 -207,165
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments -29,525 -22,374 -100,378 -80,646
Other operating expenses -46,413 -38,066 -158,699 -126,962
Total operating expenses -157,476 -115,692 -548,675 -414,773
Operating profit 250,004 184,541 908,062 654,004
Financial items -9,534 -292 -1,469 -6,513
Profit before tax 240,470 184,249 906,593 647,491
Tax on profit for the period -16,968 -12,692 -63,232 -42,056
Profit for the period 223,502 171,557 843,361 605,435
Of which attributable to:
Shareholders of the Parent Company 223,502 171,557 843,361 605,435
Average number of shares before dilution 213,205,250 214,724,827 213,267,500 213,714,575
Earnings per share before dilution, EUR 1.05 0.80 3.95 2.83
Average number of shares after dilution 217,095,300 222,564,458 217,505,567 221,818,828
Earnings per share after dilution, EUR 1.03 0.77 3.88 2.73
Operating margin 61.4% 61.5% 62.3% 61.2%
Effective tax rate 7.1% 6.9% 7.0% 6.5%

Condensed comprehensive income statement

Group, EUR thousands Oct-Dec
2022
Oct-Dec
2021
Jan-Dec
2022
Jan-Dec
2021
Profit for the period 223,502 171,557 843,361 605,435
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit
Exchange differences arising from the
translation of foreign operations -70,077 -32,154 -196,992 -55,834
Other comprehensive income -70,077 -32,154 -196,992 -55,834
Total comprehensive income for the period 153,425 139,403 646,369 549,601

Consolidated balance sheet

Group, EUR thousands 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Assets
Goodwill 2,315,332 2,188,482
Other intangible assets 742,928 757,250
Buildings 11,187 11,409
Right of use assets 67,900 54,313
Property, plant and equipment 110,996 68,745
Other non-current receivables 8,868 11,096
Deferred tax assets 2,785 2,360
Total non-current assets 3,259,996 3,093,655
Accounts receivable 277,012 200,700
Other receivables 262,346 155,495
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 37,463 31,785
Cash and cash equivalents* 532,554 421,432
Total current assets 1,109,375 809,412
TOTAL ASSETS 4,369,371 3,903,067
Equity and liabilities
Share capital 647 647
Other capital contributed 2,403,963 2,405,622
Reserves -215,278 -18,286
Retained earnings including profit for the period 1,270,949 802,967
Total equity 3,460,281 3,190,950
Deferred tax liabilities 66,113 58,816
Non-current lease liabilities 65,158 53,171
Other non-current liabilities 351,926 230,000
Total non-current liabilities 483,197 341,987
Accounts payable 10,094 8,578
Provisions 380 2,253
Currrent tax liabilities 312,677 189,053
Other current liabilities 43,321 111,127
Current lease liabilities 14,395 14,639
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 45,026 44,480
Total current liabilities 425,893 370,130
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 4,369,371 3,903,067
*Including restricted cash for jackpot liabilities 20,602 16,838

Consolidated changes in equity

Share Other capital Retained Total
Group 2021, EUR thousands capital contributed Reserves earnings equity
Opening equity 01/01/2021 638 2,225,817 37,548 462,168 2,726,171
Dividend - - - -144,382 -144,382
Warrants - 8,826 - 3,061 11,887
Repurchase of own shares - - - -123,315 -123,315
Non cash issue 3 147,801 - - 147,804
New share issue 6 23,178 - - 23,184
Profit for the period - - - 605,435 605,435
Other comprehensive income - - -55,834 - -55,834
Closing equity 31/12/2021 647 2,405,622 -18,286 802,967 3,190,950
Group 2022, EUR thousands Share
capital
Other capital
contributed
Reserves Retained
earnings
Total
equity
Opening equity 01/01/2022 647 2,405,622 -18,286 802,967 3,190,950
Dividend - - - -302,751 -302,751
Warrants - -1,659 - 2,961 1,302
Repurchase of own shares - - - -75,591 -75,591
Profit for the period - - - 843,361 843,361
Other comprehensive income - - -196,992 - -196,992
Closing equity 31/12/2022 647 2,403,963 -215,278 1,270,949 3,460,281

Consolidated statement of cash flow

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2022 2021 2022 2021
Operating profit 250,004 184,541 908,062 654,004
Adjustment for items not included in cash flow:
Depreciation/amortisation/impairments 29,525 22,374 100,378 80,646
Provisions 9 -1,014 -1,401 -7,696
Other -2,523 -279 -3,407 -2,840
Interest received 220 48 357 230
Interest paid -106 -856 -1,299 -3,372
Tax paid -5,562 -6,706 -47,100 -26,794
Cash flow from operating activities before 271,567 198,108 955,590 694,178
changes in working capital
Increase/decrease in accounts receivable -12,684 -17,608 -72,075 -70,442
Increase/decrease in accounts payable -574 726 1,198 -7,114
Increase/decrease in other working capital 2,241 -2,790 -7,248 -17,727
Cash flow from operating activities 260,550 178,436 877,465 598,895
Acquisition of intangible assets -9,959 -8,432 -36,278 -28,285
Acquisition of tangible assets -17,983 -13,855 -60,661 -33,307
Acquisition of subsidiary -14,322 - -273,136 -92,230
Increase/decrease in other financial assets 539 20 -1,521 -1,130
Cash flow from investing activities -41,725 -22,267 -371,596 -154,952
Repayment of lease liability -1,964 -3,821 -14,145 -12,834
Repurchase of own shares - -123,315 -75,591 -123,315
Warrants -299 -724 -1,714 8,826
New share issue - - - 23,189
Dividend - - -302,751 -144,382
Cash flow from financing activities -2,263 -127,860 -394,201 -248,516
Cash flow for the period 216,562 28,309 111,668 195,427
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 319,666 391,931 421,432 221,675
Exchange rate differences -3,674 1,192 -546 4,330
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 532,554 421,432 532,554 421,432

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 2022 2021 2022 2021
Operating revenues (IFRS) 407,480 300,233 1,456,737 1,068,777
EBITDA margin 68.6% 68.9% 69.2% 68.7%
Operating margin 61.4% 61.5% 62.3% 61.2%
Profit margin 54.8% 57.1% 57.9% 56.6%
Equity/assets ratio 79.2% 81.8% 79.2% 81.8%
Cash and cash equivalents 532,554 421,432 532,554 421,432
Average number of full-time employees 11,916 8,707 10,802 7,917
Full-time employees at end of period 12,144 8,987 12,144 8,987
Earnings per share before dilution, EUR (IFRS) 1.05 0.80 3.95 2.83
Equity per share, EUR 16.23 14.91 16.23 14.91
Operating cash flow per share before dilution, EUR 1.22 0.83 4.11 2.80
Average number of outstanding shares before dilution 213,205,250 214,724,827 213,267,500 213,714,575
Number of outstanding shares 213,205,250 213,952,250 213,205,250 213,952,250

Consolidated key ratios by quarter

Group, EUR thousands Q4/22 Q3/22 Q2/22 Q1/22 Q4/21 Q3/21 Q2/21 Q1/21 Q4/20
Operating revenues (IFRS) 407,480 378,532 343,958 326,767 300,233 276,016 256,687 235,841 177,658
EBITDA 279,529 261,015 238,218 229,678 206,915 192,942 174,668 160,125 96,219
EBITDA margin 68.6% 69.0% 69.3% 70.3% 68.9% 69.9% 68.0% 67.9% 54.2%
Operating profit 250,004 236,393 214,580 207,085 184,541 171,963 155,852 141,648 84,837
Operating margin 61.4% 62.4% 62.4% 63.4% 61.5% 62.3% 60.7% 60.1% 47.8%
Revenue growth vs prior year 35.7% 37.1% 34.0% 38.6% 69.0% 97.1% 100.1% 104.8% 67.6%
Revenue growth vs prior quarter 7.6% 10.1% 5.3% 8.8% 8.8% 7.5% 8.8% 32.8% 26.9%
Cash and cash equivalents 532,554 319,666 293,915 439,516 421,432 391,931 200,392 326,041 221,675

Reconciliation of selected key ratios not defined in accordance with IFRS

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Group, EUR thousands 2022 2021 2022 2021
Operating margin
Profit before tax 240,470 184,249 906,593 647,491
Net financial items 9,534 292 1,469 6,513
Operating profit (EBIT) 250,004 184,541 908,062 654,004
Divided by Total operating revenues 407,480 300,233 1,456,737 1,068,777
Operating (EBIT) margin 61.4% 61.5% 62.3% 61.2%
EBITDA and EBITDA margin
Profit before tax 240,470 184,249 906,593 647,491
Net financial items 9,534 292 1,469 6,513
Depreciation/amortisation 29,525 22,374 100,378 80,646
EBITDA 279,529 206,915 1,008,440 734,650
Divided by Total operating revenues 407,480 300,233 1,456,737 1,068,777
EBITDA margin 68.6% 68.9% 69.2% 68.7%
Profit margin
Profit for the period 223,502 171,557 843,361 605,435
Divided by Total operating revenues 407,480 300,233 1,456,737 1,068,777
Profit margin 54.8% 57.1% 57.9% 56.6%
Equity/Assets ratio
Total equity 3,460,281 3,190,950 3,460,281 3,190,950
Divided by Total assets 4,369,371 3,903,067 4,369,371 3,903,067
Equity/Assets ratio 79.2% 81.8% 79.2% 81.8%

Condensed Parent Company income statement and other comprehensive income

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Jan-Dec Jan-Dec
Parent company, EUR thousands 2022 2021 2022 2021
Net sales 4,893 4,863 19,641 19,175
Other external expenses -5,512 -5,595 -19,538 -18,911
Operating profit -619 -732 103 264
Interest income and similar income 590,334 250,917 592,922 250,941
Interest expenses and similar expenses - - - -
Profit before tax 589,715 250,185 593,025 251,205
Tax on profit for the period -5 -10 -710 -323
Profit for the period* 589,710 250,175 592,315 250,882

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

Condensed Parent Company balance sheet

Parent company, EUR thousands 31/12/2022 31/12/2021
Assets
Intangible assets 432 681
Property, plant and equipment 70 23
Participating interest in Group companies 2,630,780 2,635,756
Other non-current receivables 14 14
Total non-current assets 2,631,296 2,636,474
Receivables from Group companies 487,011 258,537
Other current receivables 1,386 958
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 6,517 11,524
Cash and cash equivalents 6,250 79,952
Total current assets 501,164 350,971
TOTAL ASSETS 3,132,460 2,987,445
Equity and liabilities
Share capital 647 647
Retained earnings including profit for the year 3,040,961 2,828,647
Total equity 3,041,608 2,829,294
Accounts payable 197 247
Currrent tax liabilities 763 390
Liabilities to Group companies 87,841 84,347
Other current liabilities 318 72,345
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 1,733 822
Total current liabilities 90,852 158,151
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 3,132,460 2,987,445

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 2021 annual report. There are no amendments to IFRS standards in 2022 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

On the 23 January 2023 a notice to an extra general meeting on 16 February 2023 was made public.

Note 3. Incentive programme

The company has two incentive programmes. Upon full exercise of the warrants within the programme 2020/2023 (adopted by the Extra General Meeting on 16 January 2020), the dilution effect will be approximately 1.8 percent. Upon full exercise of the warrants within the programme 2021/2024 (adopted by the Extra General Meeting on 28 January 2021), the dilution effect will be approximately 1.7 percent. More information about the programmes is available in the 2021 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.

Not 5. Acquisition of group companies

During the first quarter, the redemption of outstanding shares in NetEnt was finalised and an amount of EUR 63.8 million was paid. Working capital adjustment for BTG was also paid during the first quarter, amounting to EUR 10.3 million.

Nolimit City

Evolution has acquired 100 percent of the share capital in Nolimit City Holding Ltd (NLC). NLC are included in the consolidated accounts from 1 July. The upfront consideration was EUR 200 million on a cash and debt free basis and was paid in cash. Working capital adjustment was paid during the fourth quarter, amounting to EUR 14.3 million. Evolution may pay earn-out payments in cash, based on Nolimit City's EBITDA for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The earn-out payments will amount to a maximum of EUR 140 million, and become payable in 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.

According to the preliminary acquisition analysis, a non-tax-deductible goodwill of EUR 260.9 million arose that is primarily attributable to the skills that NLC's employees contribute and strengthened presence in important markets. The useful life of customer relationships and game portfolio is estimated to be ten years, and platform five years.

Fair value acquired net assets, EUR thousands NLC
Customer relationships 35,482
Brand 22,222
Game portfolio 8,145
Platform 518
Other intangible assets 3
Right of use assets 66
Property, plant and equipment 228
Deferred tax assets 22
Other long-term receivables 336
Accounts receivable 4,166
Other short-term receivables 2,791
Accrued income and prepaid expenses 756
Cash and cash equivalents 15,271
Deferred tax liability -6,637
Leasing liability -71
Accounts payable -255
Tax liability -7,413
Other short-term liabilities -825
Accrued expenses -295
Total acquired net assets 74,510
Purchase consideration, EUR thousands NLC
Consideration paid, cash 200,000
Additional purchase consideration, debt NPV 135,391
Total purchase consideration 335,391
Fair value acquired net assets -74,510
Goodwill 260,881
Investing activities, Group EUR thousands 2022
Redemption outstanding shares NetEnt -63,792
Working capital settlement BTG -10,293
Consideration paid NLC -200,000
Working capital settlement NLC -14,322
Cash in acquired NLC companies 15,271
Effect on consolidated cash and cash equivalents -273,136
NLC's contribution during the year 2022
Operating revenue 13,573

Amortisation of excess values -2,233 Profit after tax for the year 7,973

Evolution Group as if the acquisition of NLC took place on 1 January 2022

Group, EUR thousands NLC Evolution Group
Operating revenue 27,048 1,443,164 1,470,212
Profit after tax for the year 12,547 835,388 847,935

NLC profit for the year include amortisation of excess values of EUR 4,466 thousand.

NLC, EUR thousands Okt-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
2021 2022 2022 2022 2022
Operating revenue 6,073 6,799 6,676 7,473 6,100

Definitions of key ratios

Key ratios
Operating profit (EBIT)
Definition
Profit before tax excluding net financial
items.
Purpose
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Operating margin (EBIT)margin Operating profit in relation to 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 Operating profit excluding depreciation
and amortisation in relation to operating
revenues.
Key ratio used by management to monitor
the earnings trend in the Group.
Profit margin Profit for the period in relation to
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
Operating revenues for the period
divided by operating 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
Operating revenues for the period
divided by operating 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.
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.
Used to calculate key ratios in relation to the
number of shares at the end of the period.

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.