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GROUPE PARTOUCHE: Income 1st half year 2020/2021 – Operating performance impacted by the health issue
During the meeting it held on the 29th of June 2021 and after having reviewed the management report of Groupe Partouche Executive Board, the Supervisory Board examined the audited accounts for the 1st half-year 2020-2021 (November to April).
Operation performance impacted by the health issue
The Covid 19 pandemic penalized the business activity during the first half of the current financial year by the interruption of the Group’s activities over the period, with the exception of the following reopening:
- Djerba casino (Tunisia): open during the 1st half-year but forced into a curfew;
- Meyrin casino (Switzerland): open between the 14th and the 26th December 2020 but on reduced hours;
- Meyrin et de Crans-Montana casinos (Switzerland): reopening on 19th April 2021, without curfew but with health constraints;
- Belgium online gaming & betting: accessible throughout the half-year;
- Switzerland new online gaming: accessible since its launching on 16th November 2020.
The Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) over the period decreased by -80.9% compared to the previous year, reaching € 50.0 M and the turnover by -74.3% at € 47.2 M.
The Group’s EBITDA fell to -€ 42.0 M, compared to +€ 29.8 M in the first half of 2020.
The current operating income (COI) stood at -€ 73.2 M compared to +€ 0.3 M for the previous year, a degradation directly correlated with the interruption of the activity and therefore of the turnover.
Under activity divisions, the casinos’ COI reached -€ 68.2 M, compared to +€ 6.6 M in 2020 impacted by the closing of all the Group’s casinos over the period, with the exception of the Ostend casino COI with an increase of € 1.1 M thanks to the online COI.
The COI of the hotels’ division slightly decreased to -€ 2.2 M compared to -€ 1.7 M in 2020. The Aquabella hotel at Aix-en-Provence remained open over the whole period with an idling activity while the Cosmos hotel at Contrexéville remained closed.
Lastly, the deficit of COI of the “Other” division improved at -€ 2.8 M on the 1st half-year 2021, compared to -€ 4.7 M in 2020, mainly due to the significant increase of COI of Belgian sports betting (+€ 1,0 M).
Purchases & external expenses decreased by € 7.4 M (-10.9%) mainly impacted by:
- Material purchases, advertising/marketing costs, upkeep and maintenance costs down by € 11.2 M (-69.7%), € 7.9 M (-78.4%) and € 1.4 M (-33.7%) respectively directly linked to the closure of establishments and the drop in revenue from ancillary activities;
- Conversely, the change in subcontracting costs (+€ 16.6 M), mainly linked (i) to the increase in costs associated with online licenses in Belgium, i.e. +€ 19.6 M in costs correlatively to the increase in the turnover of this activity (online casino and sports betting); and (ii) savings in subcontracting (guarding, cleaning) made in view of the closure of establishments.
Within the above development, the increase of +€ 2.0 M in purchases and external expenses relating to the “online casino” in Switzerland, which started on 16th November 2020, should be noted.
Personnel expenses amounted to € 31.5 M, down € 42.0 M (-57.2%) following in particular the allowances received for partial unemployment from which the Group benefits, to which are added the employer’s contributions savings generated as well as the exemptions / subsidiaries obtained as part of the business assistance measures put in place by the Government in response to the health crisis.
The non-current operating income is a net expense of -€ 8.6 M, compared to -€ 2.7 M in 1st half-year 2020. In Belgium, an old dispute was won against the Belgian State leading to a non-current profit of € 5.8 M. Conversely, the continuation of the health crisis led the Group to carry out goodwill additional impairment tests from the half-yearly closing. Thus, goodwill impairment in the first half of 2021 totalled -€ 15.0 M.
In the end, the net income is a loss of € 88.0 M, compared to a loss of € 3.9 M as of 30th April 2020, after taking into account the following elements:
- a financial result of -€ 2.3 M (compared to -€ 0.8 M in 1st half-year 2020), which does not benefit from any exchange gain due to the closure of casinos on both sides of the Franco-Swiss border and whose financial expenses reverse slightly (-€ 0.2 M) in connection with the increase in the Group’s indebtedness while the half-yearly average interest rate continued to decline;
- a significant increase in tax (CVAE included) (-€ 4.0 M compared to -€ 0.6 M in 1st half-year 2020).
The Group’s financial structure remains healthy and solid with “cash net of levies” of € 104.1 M, shareholders’ equity of € 283.2 M and a “net debt” of € 149.7 M (set up as provided by the terms of the syndicated loan agreement, according to the former IAS 17 standard, excluding IFRS 16).
RECENT EVENTS & OUTLOOK
Ratio of leverage
Given the consequences of the health crisis on the Group’s business and the results for the half-year, the calculation of the leverage ratio at 30th April 2021 was impossible due to a negative EBIDTA. However, the Group’s financial partners have renewed their confidence in it.
Thus, the Syndicated Loan Agent, on 9th June 2021, signed a letter on behalf of the Lenders in which the later waives:
- each of the leverage ratio calculations provided for on the two closing dates of 30th April 2021 and 31st October 2021; and
- the delivery of each of the certificates corresponding to the leverage ratio calculations on the above dates.
Likewise, on 15th June 2021, the institutional investor carrying EuroPP waived the same ratio calculations and the delivery of certificates.
Reopening the casinos
All of the casinos in the Group have reopened:
- In France, since 19th May and based on a progressive schedule :
- Starting 19th May: only slot machines and electronic table games were accessible. A gauge equal to 35% of the areas receiving public (ERP) of each establishment had to be respected. Casinos opened until 9:00 p.m. under the curfew and catering was only permitted on the terrace;
- Starting 9th June: opening of table games. The gauge rose to 50% of the ERP capacity, the casinos were open until 11 p.m. and the indoor dining areas were open again, with a limit of six people per table. In addition, the health pass was required in establishments where the operator planned to accommodate more than 1,000 people;
- Starting 20th June: general lifting of the curfew ten days in advance, the other constraints being maintained;
- Starting 30th June: the players are hosted in usual conditions with respect for the health barrier gestures (wearing a mask, physical distancing, etc.).
- In Switzerland, since 19th April, no curfew but some restrictions (10 m² per person, no catering, no smoking even in smoking rooms).
- In Belgium, since 9th June, with an obligation to close at 11:30 p.m.
- In Tunisia, the Djerba casino remained opened during the whole half-year but had to close between the 9th and the 16th May.
Overall, gaming activities have picked up in a very satisfying trend.
Upcoming events:
– 3rd quarter financial information: Wednesday 15th September 2021, after Paris stock market close
– Turnover 4th quarter: Wednesday 15th December 2021, after Paris stock market close
Groupe Partouche was established in 1973 and has grown to become one of the market leaders in Europe in its business sector. Listed on the stock exchange, it operates casinos, a gaming club, hotels, restaurants, spas and golf courses. The Group operates 42 casinos and employs nearly 4,100 people. It is well known for innovating and testing the games of tomorrow, which allows it to be confident about its future, while aiming to strengthen its leading position and continue to enhance its profitability. Groupe Partouche was floated on the stock exchange in 1995, and is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment
Annex
Consolidated Income
In €M – At 30th April (6 months) | 2021 | 2020 | ECART | Var. |
Turnover | 47.2 | 183.6 | (136.4) | -74.3% |
Purchases & external expenses | (60.6) | (68.0) | 7.4 | -10.9% |
Tax & duties | (5.6) | (8.8) | 3.1 | -35.6% |
Employees expenses | (31.5) | (73.6) | 42.0 | -57.2% |
Depreciation, amortisation & impairment of fixed assets | (28.5) | (29.0) | 0.5 | -1.82% |
Other current income & operating expenses | 5.9 | (4.0) | 9.9 | -247.4% |
Current operating income | (73.2) | 0.3 | (73.4) | n/a |
Other non-current income & operating expenses | 6.4 | 0.0 | 6.4 | – |
Gain (loss) on the sale of consolidated investments | – | – | – | – |
Impairment of non-current assets | (15.0) | (2.7) | (12.3) | – |
Non-current operating income | (8.6) | (2.7) | (5.9) | – |
Operating income | (81.8) | (2.4) | (79.3) | n/a |
Financial income | (2.3) | (0.8) | (1.4) | – |
Income before tax | (84.0) | (3.3) | (80.8) | – |
Corporate income tax | (3.6) | 1.0 | (4.6) | – |
CVAE tax | (0.4) | (1.6) | 1.2 | – |
Income after tax | (88.0) | (3.8) | (84.2) | – |
Share in earnings of equity-accounted associates | (0.0) | (0.1) | 0.0 | – |
Total net Income | (88.0) | (3.9) | (84.1) | n/a |
o/w Group’s share | (81.6) | (5.3) | (76.3) | – |
EBITDA (*) | (42.0) | 29.8 | (71.8) | n/a |
Margin EBITDA / Turnover | n/a | 16,2% | n/a |
(*) taking into account the application of IFRS 16 in the half-year, which has the mechanical effect of improving EBITDA by €7.3 M.
Taxes and duties represent an expense of € 5.6 M down by –35.6%.
The change in amortization and depreciation on fixed assets, down -1.82% to € 28.5 M, reflects the slowdown in the sustained investment policy of recent years, hampered by the health crisis.
Other current operating income and expenses represent a net income of € 5.9 M compared to a net expense of € 4.0M in the first half of 2020. This is mainly due to operating grants received or receivable obtained as part of the business subsidiaries measures put in place by the Government in the face of the health crisis, in particular the fixed costs subsidiaries for € 10.0 M.
The operating income stands at -€ 81.8 M against -€ 2.4 M in the first half of 2020.
Income before tax represents a loss of € 84.0 M compared to a loss of € 3.3 M in the first half of 2020.
The tax expense (including CVAE) reached € 4.0 M, compared with € 0.6 M in the first half of 2020. The exceptional income recorded in Belgium following a dispute amounts to a tax of € 1.3 M. Conversely, CVAE’s tax charge decreased due to the shutdown of the Group’s activity over the half-year. With regard to deferred taxes, the Group has adopted the cautious position of not activating, even partially, the tax losses related to tax consolidation generated over the half-year (against a deferred tax asset of +€ 1.8 M during the 1st half-year 2020).
The quota-share of earnings of equity-accounted associate remained stable and non-material.
The consolidated net Income over the half-year is a loss of € 88.0 M against a loss of € 3.9 M at 30th April 2020, of which the Group share represents a loss of € 81.6 M compared to a loss of € 5.3 M at 30th April 2020.
Balance Sheet
Total net assets at 30th April 2021 decreased, totalling € 753.7 M against € 787.7 M at 31st October 2020. The remarkable developments during the period under review are as follows:
- A decrease in non-current assets of € 35.2 M mainly due, on the one hand, to the decrease in the “tangible fixed assets” item to the tune of -€ 17.5 M resulting from the depreciation expense for the half-year combined with the contraction in investments, and on the other hand, the decrease in the “goodwill” item for € 15.0 M, linked to the depreciation in the half-year of goodwill of certain sensitive CGUs in this crisis context;
- An increase in current assets of € 1.3 M, mainly due to an increase in the “receivables and other debtors” item of € 12.1 M (of which an increase of € 3.3 M in receivables from social organizations due to partial unemployment indemnities receivable in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, and € 9.4 M in subsidies receivable for fixed-cost assistance); as well as “Other current assets” of € 2.3 M (in particular VAT receivables). Conversely, we note a cash consumption of € 13.2 M.
On the liabilities side, shareholders’ equity including minority interests fell from € 371.9 M as of 31st October 2020 to € 283.2 M as of 30th April 2021, weighed down by the net result for the half-year. Financial debt increased by €53.7M. Consideration should be given to:
- the subscription, in mid-April 2021, of a second loan guaranteed by the State for € 59.5 M and new bank loans for + € 4.5 M;
- the quarterly maturity of the syndicated loan settled on 30th April 2021 in the amount of -€ 2.7 M, the maturity of 31st January 2021 having been postponed to 2026, as well as the repayment of other bank loans for -€ 1.9 M;
- the postponement of the 12-month maturities (in capital and, for the most part, in interest) of the Group’s bank debts, the resumption of repayments having taken place for some in March but for the majority in April 2021.
In addition, it should be noted that, due to the negative EBIDTA induced by the closure of the Group’s establishments over the half-year, the institutional investor carrying the EuroPP as well as all the banks making up the banking pool of the syndicated loan have given up the calculation of the leverage ratio provided for on the closing date of 30th April 2021. This with a retroactive effect from 30th April 30, 2021. However, the waiver having taken place after the closing, the application of IAS 1 has forced the Group to restate all of the outstanding amounts relating to the bond loan and the syndicated loan as a current share this half-year.
Financial structure – Summary of net debt
One can consider the Group’s financial structure using the following table (set up as provided by the terms of the syndicated loan contract, according to the old IAS 17 standard, excluding IFRS 16):
In €M | 30/04/2021 | 31/10/2020 | 30/04/2020 |
Equity | 283.2 | 371.9 | 384.1 |
Gross debt (*) | 253.7 | 194.7 | 168.8 |
Cash less gaming levies | 104.1 | 103.1 | 78.9 |
Net debt | 149.7 | 91.5 | 89.9 |
Ratio Net debt / Equity (« gearing ») | 0.5x | 0.2x | 0.2x |
Ratio Net debt / Consolidated EBITDA (« leverage ») (**) | N/A (***) | 2.3x | 1.7x |
(*)The gross deb includes bank borrowings, bond loans and restated leases (with the exception of old leases restated according to the new IFRS 16 standard), accrued interest, miscellaneous loans and financial debts, bank loans and financial instruments.
(**) The EBITDA used to determine the “leverage” is calculated over a rolling 12-month period, according to the old IAS 17 standard (that is to say before application of IFRS 16), at namely € 39.8 M at 31/10/2020, and € 54.3 M at 30/04/2020.
(***)The bond and banking partners have waived the calculation of the “leverage ratio” expected at the closing date of 30th April 2021 due to negative EBITDA over the period.
Glossary
The “Gross Gaming Revenue” corresponds to the sum of the various operated games, after deduction of the payment of the winnings to the players. This amount is debited of the “levies” (i.e. tax to the State, the city halls, CSG, CRDS).
The «Gross Gaming Revenue» after deduction of the levies, becomes the “Net Gaming Revenue “, a component of the turnover.
“Current Operating Income” COI includes all the expenses and income directly related to the Group’s activities to the extent that these elements are recurrent, usual in the operating cycle or that they result from specific events or decisions pertaining to the Group’s activities.
Consolidated EBITDA is made up of the balance of income and expenses of the current operating income, excluding depreciation (allocations and reversals) and provisions (allocations and reversals) linked the Group’ business activity included in the current operating income but excluded from Ebitda due to their non-recurring nature.
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7-Eleven selects Jackpot.com as their official lottery partner
Online Lottery Courier Service Jackpot.com Announces Exclusive Collaboration with 7-Eleven, Inc.
Jackpot.com will serve as the official lottery courier service of 7-Eleven, Inc., initially launching in Ohio and Massachusetts
Jackpot.com – the online lottery courier service that allows consumers to purchase official state lottery tickets on their phone, tablet, or computer – announced today an exclusive collaboration with 7-Eleven Inc., the largest convenience store chain in the world, to serve as their official lottery courier service.
As part of the collaboration, 7-Eleven customers in Ohio and Massachusetts will be able to sign up and play lottery games and scratchers on the Jackpot.com app or website. The program will initially be launched in over 600 7-Eleven and Speedway stores in Ohio and Massachusetts, with a special launch promotion that gives 7-Eleven customers a free lottery ticket on their first deposit by using promo code, “7Eleven”.
“We’re thrilled to work with 7-Eleven, the leading retailer of lottery tickets in the country,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com. “Leveraging our technology and innovation, we can provide additional convenience for their customers, while adding an additional source of revenue. A true win-win relationship for all.”
By launching in Ohio and Massachusetts in 2023 and 2024, respectively, Jackpot.com aims at adding another avenue for player convenience with one of the most widely recognized brands in the convenience-retailing space. With a presence in Ohio, the nation’s seventh-largest lottery market, and Massachusetts, whose state lottery produced $1.2 billion in net profit for the Commonwealth during the 2024 fiscal year, Jackpot.com’s collaboration with 7-Eleven represents an added layer of accessibility for players.
Jackpot.com remains committed to responsible play and has significantly invested in protocols by allowing customers of legal age to set spend limits and limits on daily deposits, all while providing access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior be detected. Jackpot.com is also the only lottery courier service to launch with an iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
To learn more, visit jackpot.com. First-time users can also download the official Jackpot.com Lottery App on the iOS or Android App Stores, where available.
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The World Esports Summit 2024 Is Here!
The IESF World Esports Summit returns this December to Busan, South Korea. Hosted at the Busan Esports Arena (BRENA) from December 5-6, the Summit will bring together prominent figures from Esports, global brands, government officials, and sports executives for a deep dive into the current Esports trends, its rapid transformations, and future challenges.
This year’s theme, “Building Bridges, Not Barriers, Through the Power of Esports,” will highlight the role of Esports in uniting cultures, ideas, and industries. Under the slogan “We Empower Success,” the
Summit provides a great platform for Esports experts to engage in meaningful discussions and sessions, sharing their insights on trends and presenting forward-looking ideas for our industry.
The event, strategically timed at the close of the competitive season, presents a perfect environment for reflection on the year’s biggest events, industry shifts, and the next steps for Esports. Attendees can follow the expert’s perspectives on topics like:
- (R)Evolution in Esports
- East Meets West
- Esports Integrity: The Role of Referees
- The Rise of International Esports Competitions
- (In Korean) Korea’s Secret Sauce etc.
Also, featured at this year’s event are the IESF World Esports Training Camp and the World Esports Referee Academy.
These are very important IESF programs that are aimed at advancing the skills and professional standards of the next generation of Esports leaders.
Join us in Busan for two days designed to inspire, connect, and empower the international Esports community.
Registration for the World Esports Summit is free and open to all interested attendees.
To register, please complete our online registration form: iesf.formstack.com/forms/wes2024_participation_registration
See you in Busan!
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Akhil Sarin CMO at Easygo named as key note at ICE Esports Conference
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Through these strategic alliances he has amplified Stake’s brand presence at the same time as creating unique, immersive player experiences, in the process setting new industry benchmarks.
Announcing the high profile speaker Will Harding, Head of Esports at Clarion Gaming said: “Securing Akhil Sarin as EGC key note at ICE Barcelona represents a remarkable opportunity for our attendees to gain invaluable insight into cutting-edge strategies in digital and influencer marketing .
“Akhil’s expertise with Stake and Kick.com embodies the forward-thinking, innovative approach that defines the digital marketing landscapes. His participation underscores the calibre of knowledge-sharing that we are committed to delivering at ICE and he is sure to both inspire our attendees and elevate their strategic perspective.”
Looking ahead to ICE Barcelona, Akhil Sarin stated: “Collaborating with Clarion Gaming at ICE Barcelona is an exciting opportunity to showcase Stake’s journey and continued focus on bold partnerships and creative marketing strategies that resonate with audiences.”
He added “The EGC is a vital platform for exchanging transformative ideas and shaping the future of gaming and entertainment. I look forward to discussing Stake’s vision and collaborating with industry leaders to inspire growth and innovation across the sector.”
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