The Stars Group revenues up 7%

Business News

The Stars Group today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018 and provided certain additional highlights and updates. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar ($) amounts are in U.S. dollars.

 “This was a landmark quarter during a transformative year for the company as we begin to deliver on our vision to become the world’s favorite iGaming destination,” stated Rafi Ashkenazi, The Stars Group’s Chief Executive Officer. “We completed our acquisition of Sky Betting & Gaming, which was cleared by the CMA in October, making us the leader in the UK online betting and gaming market. We also launched BetEasy in Australia and sports betting in New Jersey.”

“We are pleased with our quarterly results, which reflect both continued organic growth from our International business and contributions from both BetEasy and Sky Betting & Gaming, despite unfavorable sporting results during the period,” said Mr. Ashkenazi.

“As we continue our transformation and look towards 2019, we are excited to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us by leveraging our leading positions in attractive markets, strong brands, technology and operating expertise,” concluded Mr. Ashkenazi.

Revenues for the quarter increased 73.6% year-over-year primarily as a result of the contribution of revenue from the acquisitions of Sky Betting & Gaming (“SBG”) and BetEasy, as well as organic growth in the International segment.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased 27.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by the impact of the acquisitions of SBG and BetEasy and by increased gross profit from organic growth within the International segment. Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the quarter decreased 26.7% year-over-year, primarily driven by the higher contribution from the Betting and Gaming verticals within each segment.

The total principal amount owing on long-term debt outstanding at the end of the quarter was $5.65 billion with a carrying value of $5.52 billion. The Stars Group ended the third quarter of 2018 with approximately $419 million in operational cash on its balance sheet, which translated into Net Debt of $5.1 billion. Subsequent to the quarter end, on October 24, 2018, The Stars Group fully repaid the $100 million outstanding on its revolving credit facility using cash on its balance sheet.

Poker revenue for the quarter was $212.8 million, or a decrease of approximately 3.9% year-over-year. Excluding the impact of year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, Poker revenues for the quarter would have increased by 0.3%. The reported decrease was primarily driven by foreign exchange fluctuations, the cessation of operations in certain markets, notably Australia in September 2017, and cross selling to other verticals (particularly during the FIFA World Cup), and offset by, among other things, the Stars Rewards loyalty program (introduced during the quarter ended September 30, 2017) and the introduction of shared poker liquidity in France and Spain in the first quarter and Portugal in the second quarter.

Gaming revenue for the quarter was $107.6 million, or an increase of 28.9% year-over-year. Excluding the impact of year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, Gaming revenues for the quarter would have increased by 32.5%.

The reported increase was primarily the result of product and content improvements to PokerStars Casino, including the introduction of over 250 new casino games since the beginning of the year and the launch of PokerStars Casino in certain new markets. This was partially offset by, among other things, the impact of year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates.

Betting revenue for the quarter was $21.0 million, or an increase of 79.9% year-over-year. Excluding the impact of year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates, Betting revenues for the quarter would have increased by 86.5%. The reported increase was primarily the result of increases in Stakes and Betting Net Win Margin. These increases were primarily driven by increased wagering activity due to product and content improvements to BetStars, the launch of BetStars in certain new markets, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

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