Flutter Entertainment soars: FY23 results reflect strategic growth and market leadership
Flutter Entertainment, the global leader in online sports betting and iGaming, has released its financial results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The company has also provided guidance for the upcoming fiscal year, projecting a revenue growth of 17.5 percent at the midpoint.
Financial highlights
In the fiscal year of 2023, Flutter Entertainment experienced a notable increase in its Average Monthly Players, which surged by 20.3 percent to reach 12,325 thousand. The company’s Revenue also saw a healthy growth, climbing by 24.6 percent to a total of 11,790million. However, this growth came with an expanded net loss, which ballooned to(1,211) million, marking a considerable rise from the previous fiscal year.
The further adjusted EBITDA was a bright spot rising by 45.4 percent to 1,874million. Adjusted Earnings Per Share improved by 25.8 percent, reaching $3.51.
On the operational front, the company’s U.S. business underwent rapid scaling, evidenced by a 40.7 percent increase in revenue and achieving a positive Adjusted EBITDA for the first time. FanDuel continued to lead the sportsbook and iGaming markets. The company’s international performance was bolstered by the “local hero” strategy, which led to growth in key markets and helped to offset a softer performance in the Australian racing market.
The 2023 Financial Overview revealed a net loss of $1,211 million, which included non-cash charges totalling $1,681 million. These charges were attributed to trademark impairment, intangibles amortization, and fair value changes in liabilities. Despite these setbacks, the Group’s Further Adjusted EBITDA witnessed a significant increase, with the U.S. contributing $167 million and the Ex-U.S. segment bringing in $1,707 million. This narrative underscores the company’s resilience and strategic growth amidst financial challenges.
“I was proud to see Flutter shares trading for the first time on the NYSE on January 29, 2024 and we have been encouraged by the increased focus from new US investors as a result of our US listing. We are working towards a shareholder vote on May 1, 2024 to approve our primary listing move to NYSE.”
Peter Jackson, CEO
2024 trading and outlook
The year began with strong trading, showing a 23.4 percent revenue growth from January to 17 March, 2024. The U.S. market continued its impressive performance with a 55.6 percent revenue growth, while the Ex-U.S. segment grew by 6.3 percent. The company has set its 2024 revenue guidance with an expected increase in both U.S. and Ex-U.S. revenues.
Flutter Entertainment’s strategic focus and diversified portfolio have positioned it for continued growth, leveraging its scale and innovative approach to maintain leadership in the dynamic online betting and gaming industry. The company remains committed to sustainable growth and promoting responsible gaming across its global operations.
CEO comments
CEO Peter Jackson said that Flutter’s robust performance was driven by strategic localization and the distinctive benefits of the Flutter Edge. He added that the company’s leading market position in the U.S. was a pivotal factor in enhancing its earnings profile, with FanDuel achieving a positive Adjusted EBITDA for the entire year for the first time. Internationally, added Jackson, significant strides were made in integrating Sisal and gaining market share in the UKI region, exemplifying the success of the company’s “local hero” strategy. Additionally Jackson said that Flutter was able to advance its sustainability efforts, notably increasing the use of the Play Well safer gambling tool and investing over $100 million in global safer gambling campaigns.
Peter Jackson expressed pride in Flutter’s NYSE debut on 29 January, 2024, and the attention garnered from new U.S. investors. The company is preparing for a shareholder vote on 1 May 2024, to confirm the transition of its primary listing to the NYSE.
The year commenced with strong momentum, Jackson stated, particularly in the U.S., where a record Super Bowl engagement propelled revenue growth to 55.6 percent from 1 January to 17 March, 2024. The launch in North Carolina also yielded promising results. Despite a decline in the Australian market, international revenue increased by 6.3 percent, with growth in the UK and other international markets. Jackson believes that Flutter’s strategic approach and competitive edge will continue to foster continued growth through organic and acquisition-based opportunities.
Operational review for FY23
In 2023, FanDuel consolidated its position as America’s top online sportsbook, with a Q4 NGR market share of 53.4 percent. Its iGaming strategy also gained significant market share, reaching 25.7 percent in Q4 2023. FanDuel acquired over 3.7 million new sports betting and iGaming players in 2023, a 19 percent increase from the previous year. The company launched new product features during the NFL season, increasing player engagement. In iGaming, FanDuel launched 82 percent more gaming titles than the previous year and secured exclusive access to some of the sector’s most popular games.
Outside the US, performance in the UK and Ireland was strong in 2023, with an estimated online UK market share growth of 2 percentage points to 30 percent. In Australia, Sportsbet grew AMPs by 1.9 percent to 1.1 million, driven by high retention levels. However, average spend per player has returned to pre-Covid levels, and a softness in the racing market is expected to persist through 2024.
Internationally, the company’s strategy to buy and build podium positions was effective, with strong 2023 performance and growth across both revenue and AMPs.?In Italy, Sisal is the #1 online brand across the combined sports, iGaming, and lottery market, helping deliver 10.3 percent pro forma revenue growth. The company also grew market share in Georgia and Armenia.
