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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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Week 8/2025 slot games releases
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Tom Horn Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest Hold & Win slot game, Majestic Coins. This high-volatility 3×3 slot takes players on a winning quest, where shimmering coins, respins, and grand jackpots lead to massive wins. Set against a sleek black 3×3 reel grid with 5 win lines, Majestic Coins offers classic slot excitement with a modern twist.
Candy Links Bonanza 2 is the newest slot game from Stakelogic, inviting you to wander through magical realms filled with delightfully sweet treats. Amidst this charming backdrop, two 5×5 grids are placed side by side. The grid on the right is where all the gameplay unfolds, while the other grid collects coins. Forming lines of coins wins their values and activates the powerful Wheels of Fortune!
Step into a world where opulence meets nature in Zillion’s latest release, Royal Crown Fruits – a dazzling slot experience filled with vibrant fruit symbols, golden crowns, and thrilling rewards. With 20 winning lines, the game blends classic charm with modern excitement, offering players a chance to strike royal-sized wins.
Big Time Gaming is back with its most exhilarating instalment yet. Max Megaways III invites players to gear up and embark on a high-stakes Arctic mission that’s shaken, stirred, and loaded with epic rewards. In this 6-reel Megaways™ slot, players get up to 117,649 ways to win, and that’s just the start of the action. Armed with MegaDozer™ mechanics, Free Spins, and a treasure trove of bonuses, Max Megaways III is set to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement like never before.
Play’n GO delves into the mysteries of ancient Egypt with the release of Myth of Dead, a visually stunning slot that combines engaging gameplay with the allure of legendary treasures. This 5-reel, 3-row game with 10 paylines offers a captivating journey into a world ruled by powerful deities and golden riches.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has released Blast the Bass, a brand new title that immerses players into an adventure on the open seas. Set out in the deep ocean, Blast the Bass brings together engaging mechanics, big bonus features and fun graphics that entertain players on every spin. A salty old skipper acts as the Wild symbol and will substitute for all regular symbols to combine for winning lines.
Push Gaming has launched Mad Blast, a volatile, multiplier-focused, pay-anywhere game that builds crazy robots along with wild winnings. Set in the workshop of the Mad Tinkerer, quirky, colourful bomb symbols populate the reels, with eight or more required to award a win. Winning symbols are removed from play, and the cascade of replacement icons allows subsequent wins to be formed.
Relax Gaming has revealed Glyph of Gods, an Egyptian-themed slot where hieroglyphs hold the key to wins. Bringing a fresh take on the much-loved Egyptian theme, this game features Glyph Positions which allow for Wild, Bonus, and Glyph symbols to land in dedicated spots, opening up multiple opportunities for big winning moments.
Blueprint Gaming returns in style with Big Catch Even Bigger Bass, offering a plethora of modifiers to maximise players’ winning potential. After years of success with its iconic Fishin’ Frenzy™ series, Blueprint has moved from the ocean to a picturesque lake where a bait box of aquatic symbols take their place on the 6×4, 4,096 win matrix, nestled in a mountainous landscape.
Amusnet announces the exclusive launch of 20 Wild Goals at Betano in Romania from February 20th to March 24th, 2025. 20 Wild Goals is a 5-reel video slot set in a stadium environment, offering 20 paylines. The Wild symbol, represented by a ball, expands to cover the entire reel, boosting the potential for higher wins. The tumbling reel feature adds a layer of excitement by removing winning combinations and increasing multipliers with each subsequent spin.
The post Week 8/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell
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International Game Technology PLC announced that it has achieved an environmental, social and governance (ESG) Score of 4.3 out of 5.0 from FTSE Russell, positioning IGT in the 97th percentile within the Travel and Leisure sector of FTSE Russell’s ESG Scores. This was an improvement from IGT’s previous ESG Score of 4.2 out of 5.0 in 2023, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to enhancing ESG performance.
“As a company committed to continually elevating our sustainability practices and leadership, IGT is proud to once again achieve an improved ESG score from FTSE Russell. Through our global Sustainable Play program, we execute sustainable practices and policies throughout our company and this improved score validates our ongoing efforts,” Wendy Montgomery, SVP of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability at IGT, said.
FTSE Russell’s ESG Scores and data model allows investors to understand a company’s exposure to, and management of, ESG issues in multiple dimensions. The ESG Scores are comprises an overall rating that breaks down into underlying pillar and theme exposures. Scores built on over 300 individual indicator assessments are applied to each company’s unique circumstances. The ESG Scores align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which are reflected in FTSE Russell’s ESG framework.
The post IGT Achieves Improved ESG Score from FTSE Russell appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Playtech’s Bingo Technology Powers Buzz Bingo’s Launch of Innovative Omni-channel Experience
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Playtech announced the launch of Buzz Bingo’s groundbreaking omni-channel bingo game, Big Money Live.
Big Money Live sets a new standard in the bingo proposition by seamlessly combining online and land-based players across all Buzz Bingo clubs into a shared and exciting experience, powered by a low latency video stream with an engaging live presenter.
Officially launched at the end of 2024, Big Money Live debuted with a record-breaking £100,000 prize pool, the largest omni-channel bingo prize in the UK. Players nationwide participated in the exciting new chapter of bingo history, enjoying the game from both the vibrant atmosphere of bingo halls and the comfort of their own homes, showcasing the flexibility of this bingo offering.
Big Money Live is broadcasted from Buzz Bingo’s state-of-the-art studio in Derby and streamed live twice daily, seven days a week. Playtech, in collaboration with its ECM Systems platform, has worked closely with Buzz Bingo to develop a cutting-edge offering that caters to both digital and retail bingo enthusiasts. The seamless delivery of bingo games alongside live video enables entertaining and engaging features to be created around the core games, creating opportunities to attract new and younger audiences to play bingo together online and in-venue.
Marat Koss, VP of Interactive Gaming at Playtech, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Buzz Bingo on this project. Big Money Live represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the gaming industry. This collaboration showcases our ability to deliver top-tier technology solutions, such as the ECM handheld machines, that enhance player experiences across multiple channels, including online and retail. We’ve already received great feedback from the industry over this offering and functionality.”
Dave Evans, Chief Product Officer at Buzz Bingo, said: “The launch of Big Money Live marks an exciting new phase for bingo in the UK. Our partnership with Playtech has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and we are confident that this game will attract more players and offer bigger prizes than ever before.”
Richard Kearns, Head of Bingo at Buzz Bingo, said: “This new concept is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our teams and Playtech. We are dedicated to providing innovative and engaging bingo experiences, and Big Money Live is a perfect example of this commitment.”
The post Playtech’s Bingo Technology Powers Buzz Bingo’s Launch of Innovative Omni-channel Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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