TIDMENT
RNS Number : 4585D
Entain PLC
03 March 2022
3 March 2022
Entain plc
("Entain" or the "Group")
Strong 2021 performance demonstrating strength of our
diversified growth model and global platform
Entain plc (LSE: ENT), the global sports betting, gaming and
interactive entertainment Group, is pleased to announce its results
for the year ended 31 December 2021. The strong performance
reflects the capabilities and diversification provided by the
Group's industry leading platform in driving growth.
Operational Highlights:
-- Strong growth across the Group with NGR up 7% (8%cc) in the year
o Online NGR up 12% (13%cc) in 2021, the ninth consecutive year
of double-digit online growth
o Growth in actives of 25% in the year as we expand our appeal
to a broader audience
o Good performance in Retail as year end volumes returned to
over 90% of pre-Covid levels
-- BetMGM continues to go from strength to strength as a leader in the fast growing US market
o Established as the number two operator for sports betting and
iGaming with a 23% market share in the fourth quarter across the
markets in which it operates
o Market leader in iGaming with 29% market share in Q4 2021 in
the markets in which it operates
o Live in 21 markets, reaching over 37% of the U.S. adult
population , with launches in Illinois and Ontario planned for the
coming months
o Upgraded expectations for net revenue from operations of over
$1.3bn in 2022 and anticipates reaching positive EBITDA in 2023
-- Continued execution of growth strategy into new markets
o Completed acquisitions of Bet.pt in Portugal and Enlabs AB in
the Baltics as well as UNIKRN to drive access to the esports skill
based wagering market
o Further growth secured since the start of the new financial
year with three transactions, including the acquisition of Avid
Gaming to drive growth across Canada
o Launch of the Ennovate hub to explore use of innovative
technologies, products and services to further enhance the customer
experience
-- Further progress under the Group's Sustainability Charter delivering industry leading ESG
o ARC(TM) ("Advanced Responsibility & Care") programme
continues to progress well, with real-time customer interaction
trials underway, along with initial stages of international
rollout
o A number of initiatives launched across the year, including a
commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2035, and EnTrain to
benefit the lives of 1m people through access to technology
o Named EGR Operator of the Year, as well as Socially
Responsible Operator of the Year at the SBC Awards North
America
o Entain continues to be the only online-led gaming company
included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, in addition to
its continued inclusion in the FTSE4Good index
Financial Highlights:
-- Strong financial performance; Group Underlying EBITDA(1,4) up
+5% at GBP881.7m at the upper end of guidance
o Online Underlying EBITDA(1,4) up +12% at GBP899.0m reflecting
the double digit growth in all key markets excluding Germany and
the Netherlands (excluding Germany and the Netherlands online NGR
was +21cc%)
o Total Retail NGR -7%cc (-3%cc(9) ) and Underlying EBITDA(1,4)
of GBP66.9m was GBP31.4m behind the prior year
o Total Group Revenue of GBP3,830.0m up +8% (+9%cc) in 2021
o Including 50% share of BetMGM joint venture, Group FY21 NGR
was up 14% (15% cc)
-- BetMGM (the Group's joint venture in the US) continues to
perform strongly, with FY21 NGR of approximately $850m(7) , up
nearly 5 times versus the prior year
-- To repay GBP44m received under the Coronavirus Job Retention
Scheme ("furlough scheme") in FY21
-- Group profit after tax(1) was GBP275.6m, up 142% compared to 2020
-- Underlying free cashflow(8) , before the investment into
BetMGM and acquisitions/disposals, of GBP537.3m
-- Year end net debt of GBP2 ,086.4m with leverage at 2.4x
ensuring balance sheet flexibility to support our growth
strategy
Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO of Entain, commented:
"Our Full Year results demonstrate yet again that Entain is a
business with growth built into its business model. Our strong
performance is underpinned by the Entain platform which encompasses
the compelling combination of our proprietary technology, our
outstanding people around the world, and our industry-leading
operational capabilities. It is this unique platform that enables
us to deliver an ever-improving customer experience, to embrace
emerging consumer and technological trends, and to grow into new
markets and product areas.
All of our major markets have performed well. In particular,
BetMGM in the US has delivered a five times increase in net gaming
revenue versus the previous year, and is ready to challenge for the
number one position across the markets in which it operates.
Elsewhere, our retail business has recovered strongly and volumes
have now returned to 90% of pre-Covid levels as restrictions have
eased and customers have returned to our shops.
As ever, I would like to thank each and every one of our
colleagues for their dedication, hard work and professionalism in
helping to achieve these results. Given the quality of our people,
the ongoing broad-based growth of the business, its continuing
momentum, and the investments that we are making in innovation to
support our future expansion, we remain confident in our financial
performance for FY22 and beyond."
Group Reported (1,2)
Year ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC(3)
GBPm GBPm % %
-------- -------- ------- ------
Net gaming revenue (NGR) 3,886.3 3,628.5 7% 8%
Revenue 3,830.0 3,561.6 8% 9%
Gross profit 2,435.8 2,308.6 6%
Underlying EBITDAR(4) 898.8 862.1 4%
Underlying EBITDA(4) 881.7 843.1 5%
Underlying operating profit(5) 484.1 529.5 (9%)
Underlying profit before
tax(5) 527.3 350.6
Profit after tax 275.6 113.8
Diluted EPS (p) 44.7 15.6
Continuing adjusted diluted
EPS(6) (p) 53.8 62.8
Continuing adjusted diluted
EPS excl US(6) (p) 81.1 73.1
Dividend per share (p) - -
-------------------------------- -------- -------- ------- ------
Dividend
The Board has not proposed a final dividend for FY2021.
Recognising the importance of dividends to shareholders alongside
our capital allocation priorities in supporting the Group's growth
strategy, the Board continue to keep the recommencement of the
payment of dividends under on-going review.
Outlook
The Group has delivered strong results in FY2021, reflecting
both the diversified nature of our business model, the strength of
our platform and the quality of our people. As we start 2022 we see
retail heading towards pre-Covid levels and online performing
inline with expectations against tough prior year comparables. As
global economies steadily emerge from the impact of the pandemic,
we continue to provide our customers with great products and
experiences. As a result, we remain confident in our financial
performance for 2022 as well as our long-term prospects.
Notes
(1) 2021 and 2020 reported results are audited and relate to continuing operations
(2) Reported results are provided on a post IFRS 16 implementation basis
(3) Growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by
translating both current and prior year performance at the 2021
exchange rates
(4) EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation, rent and associated costs, share
based payments and share of JV income. EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR
after charging rent and associated costs. Both EBITDAR and EBITDA
are stated pre separately disclosed items
(5) Stated pre separately disclosed items
(6) Adjusted for the impact of separately disclosed items,
foreign exchange movements on financial indebtedness and
losses/gains on derivative financial instruments (see note 10 in
the financial statements. EPS is also disclosed excluding BetMGM as
this gives a better view of the EPS attributable to the Entain
trading businesses)
(7) BetMGM revenues comprise of sports (Online and Retail) and iGaming revenues
(8) Underlying free cashflow is EBITDA less working capital,
capital expenditure, finance lease, corporate taxes and before the
investment in BetMGM and acquisitions/disposals
(9) Retail numbers are quoted on a LFL basis. During 2021 there
was an average of 4,540 shops in the estate, compared to an average
of 4,727 in the same period last year
Enquiries:
Investor Relations - Entain plc investors@entaingroup.com
David Lloyd-Seed, Chief IR & Communications Officer david.lloyd-seed@entaingroup.com
Davina Hobbs, Head of Investor Relations davina.hobbs@entaingroup.com
Callum Sims, IR Manager callum.sims@entaingroup.com
Media - Entain plc media@entaingroup.com
Lisa Attenborough, Head of Corporate Communications lisa.attenborough@entaingroup.com
Jay Dossetter, Head of ESG and Press Office jay.dossetter@entaingroup.com
Jodie Hitch, PR Manager Jodie.hitch@entaingroup.com
Powerscourt Tel: +44 (0) 20 7250 1446
Rob Greening/Nick Hayns/Sam Austrums entain@powersco urt-group.com
Presentation and webcast
The Full Year 2021 Results presentation for analysts and
investors will be held today, Thursday 3(rd) March at 9:00am
GMT.
Participants may join via webcast or by conference call dial in,
approximately 15 minutes ahead of the event.
Live webcast link: https://brrmedia.news/ENT_FY21
To participate in the Q&A, please also connect via the
conference call dial in details:
UK +44 (0) 330 336 9601
US +1 646 828 8073
Access Code: 8740864
The presentation slides will be available on our website shortly
before the event:
https://entaingroup.com/investor-relations/results-centre/
A replay of the presentation and transcript will be available on
our website :
https://entaingroup.com/investor-relations/results-centre/
Upcoming dates:
Q1 Trading Update: 7 April 2022
BetMGM CMD: May 2022
Q2 Trading Update: 7 July 2022
2022 Interim results: 11 August 2022
Forward-looking statements
This document contains certain statements that are
forward-looking statements. They appear in a number of places
throughout this document and include statements regarding our
intentions, beliefs or current expectations and those of our
officers, directors and employees concerning, amongst other things,
results of our operations, financial condition, liquidity,
prospects, growth, strategies and the business we operate. These
forward-looking statements include all matters that are not
historical facts. By their nature, these statements involve risks
and uncertainties since future events and circumstances can cause
results and developments to differ materially from those
anticipated. Any such forward-looking statements reflect knowledge
and information available at the date of preparation of this
document . Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory
obligations (including under the Market Abuse Regulation
(596/2014), the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules and the Prospectus Rules), the Company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such
forward-looking statements. Nothing in this document should be
construed as a profit forecast. The Company and its directors
accept no liability to third parties in respect of this document
save as would arise under English law.
About Entain plc
Entain plc (LSE: ENT) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the
world's largest sports-betting and gaming groups, operating both
online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive
portfolio of established brands; Sports Brands include bwin,
Bet.pt, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds and
Sportingbet; Gaming Brands include CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala,
GiocoDigitale, Ninja Casino, Optibet, Partypoker and PartyCasino.
The Group owns proprietary technology across all its core product
verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services
to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis.
The Group has a 50/50 joint venture, BetMGM, a leader in sports
betting and iGaming in the US. Entain provides the technology and
capabilities which power BetMGM as well as exclusive games and
products, specially developed at its in-house gaming studios. The
Group is tax resident in the UK with operations in a total of 31
regulated or regulating territories . Entain is a leader in ESG, a
member of FTSE4Good, the DJSI and is AA rated by MSCI. The Group
has set a science-based target, committing to be carbon net zero by
2035 and through the Entain Foundation supports a variety of
initiatives, focusing on safer gambling, grassroots sport,
diversity in technology and community projects. For more
information see the Group's website : www.entaingroup.com
LEI: 213800GNI3K45LQR8L28
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW
A global leader for our industry
Entain is a consumer-focused growth business delivering
profitable and sustainable returns for our stakeholders. We
continue to make progress on our ambition as a global leader in
betting, gaming and interactive entertainment.
Having substantially increased our online revenues year on year
for the last nine years and grown at a compound annual rate of
20%cc over the last two years, we are clearly a business delivering
growth. Our customer base has 25% more actives than in 2020. Our
operations now span 31 regulated or regulating territories and we
have established leading positions in each of our key markets. We
also have further significant growth opportunities ahead of us with
our addressable markets set to grow to over $160bn over the medium
term - providing us with the opportunity to treble the size of our
business. Entain is a business with growth built into our model,
driven by our industry leading platform comprising our unique
technology, people and capabilities. It is this platform that
enables us to deliver an ever-better customer experience, evolve
into emerging customer trends and grow into new markets and
products. We continue to evolve as a business and position
ourselves as a leader in our industry across growth, innovation,
capabilities, player protection and customer centricity.
By expanding content, products and experiences to broaden our
customer appeal, creating moments of excitement across betting,
gaming and interactive entertainment, we are rapidly laying the
foundations to drive customer centric growth into new markets and
products. This will further broaden our customer base, increase
loyalty, drive greater diversification in our revenue streams and
reduce acquisition costs.
We have established ourselves at the forefront of sustainability
in our industry with recognition across a number of indices as well
as earning numerous awards. Importantly we are delivering
ground-breaking improvements in player protection through our
Advanced Responsibility and Care programme ("ARC(TM) ").
We delivered a strong performance in 2021 with Group NGR up
+8%cc (up +15%cc including our 50% share of BetMGM) and EBITDA up
+5%. Online NGR was up +13%cc with signs of the new normal emerging
during the final quarter.
We have made great progress in 2021 and I am delighted all my
colleagues hard work has been recognised externally, especially in
being awarded Operator of the year by EGR and being recognised as
one of the most admired companies in 2021 by Management Today.
These great achievements are testament to the high quality and
talented team we have at Entain. I would like to thank each and
everyone of them for the dedication and the commitment they have
demonstrated throughout the year.
Customer Centric Entain platform
Our Entain platform distinguishes us from competitors, powering
our growth, supporting our customer centric focus and driving value
creation. It comprises our unique in-house technology, our industry
leading talent and our customer focused capabilities. It enables us
to act differently, be flexible and agile and deliver on being a
responsible entertainment company whilst also driving significant
competitive advantages in five key strategic areas:
-- Customer centric continuous improvement - customer centricity
is the backbone of our growth across the Group. Ensuring our
customers' experience is engaging, exciting, relevant and always
improving means a continuous refreshment and evolution of our
content, our offering and the way we support our customers. By
focusing on what makes a better customer experience and creating
those little moments of excitement, we have grown our active base
25% in 2021 and improved customer loyalty.
-- Driving growth - with flexibility, agility and scalability built in, we are able to expand internationally, integrate new acquisitions, support growth in existing markets - including the US - understand and evolve into changing customer behaviours and grow into new products as demonstrated by our successful M&A and integration delivery to date.
-- Player protection and Advanced Responsibility and Care -
ARC(TM) is Entain's industry-leading approach to customer
protection. It is a proactive player protection programme that
navigates each customer journey in real-time, using advanced
analytics to monitor markers of protection and behavioural triggers
to identify risks specific to that customer. Early trials have
delivered encouraging results, with a 30% overall reduction in
customers increasing their risk levels, and we are now starting to
roll out internationally.
-- Innovation engine - continuous product evolution keeps the
customer experience fresh and engaging and with the launch of
Ennovate our innovation hub in London, supported by a GBP100m
investment, we are exploring new technologies including AI, both
virtual and augmented reality to create new moments of excitement
for our customers.
-- Driving efficiencies - maximising cost and revenue synergies
from both acquisitions and efficiencies across the Group. Operating
our own platform enables us to operate at a lower cost than our
competitors. Having launched our Evolve programme in 2021, we are
on track to deliver GBP100m of efficiencies over three years.
As Entain continues to grow, we are evolving our operational
structures, processes and capabilities around the Entain Platform.
This will enable us to drive an even better customer experience and
ensure that we are able to deliver on the significant growth
opportunities open to us as a leading global sports betting, gaming
and interactive entertainment company.
We have a clear strategy that levers our platform to deliver on
our core pillars of growth and sustainability. Our ambition is to
be the world's leading betting, gaming and interactive
entertainment company with our customers at the core of everything
we do. It is through this strategy that we will continue to drive
significant value for our stakeholders.
Growth
Entain is a growth business. We have grown Online revenues at a
compound annual growth rate of 20%cc over the last two years. We
operate in 31 regulated or regulating territories across betting
and gaming and we have ambitious plans to expand into new markets
and new products as we lean into interactive entertainment
opportunities.
Our growth strategy has four pillars that will enable us to
continue to drive the Group's performance and increase our scale.
These include delivering on our clear ambition to be the leading
operator in the US through BetMGM, growing in our core markets,
entering new regulated markets - both organically and via M&A -
and expanding to reach new audiences.
Leadership in North America
BetMGM is firmly established as a leading operator in the US
market built on the strength of the technology and capabilities of
the Entain platform as well as the brand strength of our joint
venture partner, MGM Resorts International. The North American
market is expected to be worth around $32bn over the long term.
Throughout 2021, BetMGM has gone from strength to strength and, in
the three months to December 2021, delivered a market share across
sports betting and iGaming of 23% in the markets in which it
operated. This is in line with our long-term objective of 20% to
25%, and while that secured BetMGM as the number two operator, we
are ready to challenge for the number one position in these
markets.
BetMGM continues to lead in iGaming with a 29% market share in
Q4, and in Sports betting BetMGM further built its position across
its markets with an 18% share in Q4. The unique range of bespoke
and exclusive products provided through the Entain platform
differentiate BetMGM's offer, provides a competitive advantage and
supports growth with over 70% of BetMGM customers engaging with
these exclusive products.
During the year BetMGM went live in 9 markets. In the first two
months of 2022 we added a further 4 jurisdictions taking the total
to 21. BetMGM is live with 11 retail, 15 online sports betting and
4 iGaming markets, reaching approximately 37% of the US adult
population. In addition, it has launched its horse racing product
in 3 further markets leveraging our global expertise in this
category. With Ontario opening up to regulation, we look forward to
taking the BetMGM brand into that market as well as launching in
Illinois during the first half.
In 2021, we launched our first national advertising campaign
featuring Jamie Foxx which resonated strongly with customers as a
differentiated approach in the emergent betting and gaming market.
This was followed by a further campaign and a refreshed advert
ahead of the 2022 NFL Superbowl.
BetMGM benefits from the powerful Entain platform that provides
best in class digital marketing tools, deep database analytics and
bespoke in-house products. BetMGM also benefit from MGM Resorts
omni-channel presence and loyalty programme with around 14% of new
sign-ups having a pre-existing relationship through one of these
channels. During the year we leveraged Entain's global leadership
in bingo and horse racing to launch several ground-breaking
products such as Borgata Bingo in New Jersey and a horse racing app
in three states where we did not have pre-existing operations.
As a result, BetMGM has grown its leadership position rapidly
while maintaining financial discipline. Same state revenues were up
around 140% year on year and overall revenues were up nearly five
times to $850m in the full year. Costs per acquisition were in line
with forecasts which reaffirms our expectation of achieving a
long-term cost per acquisition of $250. We are already achieving
positive contribution in several markets, some within 12 months of
opening. We anticipate that we will deliver revenues of over $1.3bn
in 2022 and reach positive EBITDA in 2023.
In summary, BetMGM is firmly on track to realising its ambition
of being a leader in the US sports-betting and iGaming market and
expects to achieve a 20-25% market share.
Grow our core markets
Our operations now span 31 regulated or regulating territories
and we have established leading positions in each of our key
markets. Our combination of customer focus, strong brands, great
products and digital marketing expertise has enabled us to grow
across all our major online markets. Our current markets are
expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate of over 8% and
are expected to be worth around $60bn (up from around $40bn today)
over the medium term.
The Entain platform enables us to deliver a great experience for
our customers with ease of use, stability, great service, and
protection enhanced by fresh, unique and exciting content. We
continue to evolve our offering and appeal to create moments of
excitement for a broader, more recreational customer base. Not only
will this grow and deepen our presence in our markets, but it will
deliver earnings with greater stability and of a higher
quality.
In the UK, our brands continue to resonate with, and be enjoyed
by, a growing number of customers with online actives growing by
15% in 2021. We have made significant progress in re-positioning
the UK brands, particularly Ladbrokes and Coral, to maximise their
appeal to a broader audience. Our new advertising saw us launch the
industry's first brand-led marketing campaigns with both our
"Drummers" and "Balloon" adverts captivating and exciting
audiences, whilst our new range of TV adverts for Foxy and
sponsorship of First Dates also landed well. We also further
enhanced our offering and user experience, engaging customers with
new games, products and content. We are creating free-to-play games
in sports and gaming to provide more options for customers. Our
partnership with ITV to create documentaries around inspiring
stories in sports has reached an average 800k viewers plus five
million on social channels.
Our digital businesses in Italy and Belgium both performed
strongly, despite the retail environment across Europe facing
challenges due to Covid restrictions. The online winners during
2021 were those operators with the largest retail network, with
omnichannel operations seeing a significant advantage. In Italy
actives and NGR both saw strong growth, +18% and +31%cc
respectively, as our offering benefited from product and feature
enhancements as well as user experience improvements. We also
introduced new NBA game footage, new pre-match football player
markets and in-house Eurobet games across Bwin and Gioco Digitale.
Eurobet continued to bring new and exciting content to customers
with the release of over 300 new casino games as well as adding
esports streaming to Bwin.tv. The relaunch of Ladbrokes.be in
Belgium drove almost 72% growth in actives, with the digital
offering also benefitting from refreshed advertising campaigns and
Bwin's sponsorship of Jupiler Pro League enabling live streaming of
football matches both online and mobile.
During 2021, the German market further digested the new
regulatory regime including both the Interstate Treaty and the new
Turnover Tax. This structure brought welcome clarity to the German
online betting and gaming market, however, challenges remain. We
look forward to full licensing and regulatory oversight creating an
orderly market that delivers a properly regulated environment and
protects customers from unregulated operators. We have continued to
differentiate bwin's offer with a number of products and
enhancements. During the year bwin entered into a sponsorship
agreement with UEFA that provides significant brand exposure
through stadia and media backdrops, not just in Germany, but also
in many other countries around the world that follow the Europa
League and the Europa Conference League. In addition, bwin's
exclusive free to play product partnership with football focused
content platform, 433, has helped to drive a 40% increase in bwin
Instagram followers.
Our Australian business continues to go from strength to
strength with excellent performances from both Ladbrokes and Neds
brands with actives +9%, versus strong 2020 comparators, and NGR
+20% (+18%cc) year on year. Its refreshed approach has engaged with
new and lapsed customers delivering exciting content, engaging
material, eye-catching adverts, and an unwavering focus on customer
experience. Since kicking off our content-led growth strategy, we
have produced over 250 content pieces with Ladbrokes Deep Dives for
both the Melbourne Cup and the Ladbrokes Cox Plate, as well as our
'Moody on the Mic' podcast. To date, this content has had more than
440m impressions, with Peter Moody's podcast reaching an average of
2.5m people per episode. We launched free-to-play games and a new
quiz-based game to coincide with the launch of the domestic 20/20
cricket season.
Enlabs in the Baltics continues to perform ahead of our
expectations with Entain's core products now fully integrated in
the Optibet offering helping to drive actives up +38% on a proforma
basis. During H2 2021, Optibet rolled out a new esports betting
product in Latvia and Estonia, with customers now able to bet and
watch gaming such as eFIFA, eNBA, Fortnite, and Call Of Duty.
Our acquisition of Bet.pt saw Entain enter Portugal, one of
Europe's fastest growing markets. Since its platform migration and
brand alignment to bwin.pt the business now benefits from a larger
and broader range of products with greater availability of live
games whilst also leveraging our existing sportsbook strength
alongside bwin's partnership with Liga Portugal.
Crystalbet continues to deliver strong growth with a leading
market share of 32% and retaining its position as number one
operator in the Georgian market.
Our business in Brazil continues to be market leader, delivering
exceptional growth with actives +156% and NGR +111%cc in 2021.
Performance remains very strong and despite the heightened
competition ahead of regulation of sports betting expected during
2022 (and gaming in 2023), the strength of our Sportingbet brands
and operational expertise ensure we continued to outperform other
operators, as there is clear demand for the high quality experience
and breadth of product offering which Entain provides.
Party Casino and partypoker brands were consolidated to become
One Party. The business performance was in-line with expectations,
with pleasing growth in casino actives in particular. One Party
continues its renewed focus on recreational players and their
entertainment experience.
The impact of Covid restrictions and associated disruptions
impacted all our Retail operations throughout 2021, but to varying
degrees. However, we were encouraged by the resilience of our
retail operations as customers demonstrated that they enjoy the in
store experience with volumes growing quickly as restrictions
eased.
Our shops in Europe were a step behind the UK on the recovery
path due to the later easing of restrictions. Early reopening
activity was machine led with sports volumes returning with the
football season and broader sporting calendar.
Evolving the customer experience across retail, leveraging
digitalisation and improving the omni-channel journey is a key
driver across our retail business in the UK with customers highly
engaged with the range and depth of our offering. As part of our
brand reinvigoration we leveraged the media value of our store
windows through digitalisation of displays. Omnia, our proprietary
EPOS system, is now fully rolled out in Great Britain and our
in-house Betstation terminals, being enjoyed by customers in over
200 shops, have supercharged our machine-led growth for both sports
and gaming. Positive feedback and encouraging data suggests
customers are enjoying our Digital Hubs in the current 30
locations.
Expanding into new markets
There are significant growth opportunities across the globe with
around $40 billion in long term gross gaming revenues in over 50
regulated markets in Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America
and Africa where we do not currently operate today.
We have a strong track record of integration and value creation
through M&A and completed four acquisitions during 2021
including Enlabs across the Baltics, Bet.pt in Portugal, Impala to
drive access across Africa and UNIKRN to take us into the esports
wagering market. We have already been active in 2022 with three
transactions to date.
In February 2022, we acquired Avid Gaming which, through Sports
Interaction, provides access to the highly attractive, fast growing
and regulating sports betting and gaming market in Canada. Sports
Interaction's sports-led offering is highly complementary to
Entain's existing business, and the combination will provide
customers with a broader offering of engaging products and services
for customers in the Canadian market.
With a portfolio of strong brands across the Group, some with
global recognition such as bwin and Party, we are able to grow into
new markets organically. We were one of the first operators to
launch in Colombia as that market regulated and having acquired the
enabling tools in Impala we will launch organically across Africa
through 2022 and beyond.
New markets entries, both through M&A and organic expansion,
collectively contributed 3% of Online NGR during the year.
We continue to look for further opportunities to enter new,
growing and regulated or regulating markets where we can drive
further value for shareholders.
Engaging and attracting new audiences
Technology is changing consumer behaviour with new trends and
ecosystems creating exciting opportunities. We are listening to the
customers, we understand these changes, and we adapt and innovate
to drive further growth across new audiences.
Customers are seeking more content, more engagement, more
interactive and social experiences, more video, more audio and more
free to play entertainment. Simply put, interactive entertainment
and media are converging with our traditional markets of betting
and gaming.
Entain sits at the heart of this convergence and provides us
with a tremendous opportunity to leverage our platform to meet
customers' needs whilst attracting more customers into our network.
This not only increases engagement and stickiness, but also starts
creating powerful flywheel effects that enhance product cross sell
and reduce acquisition costs.
During the year, we laid some of the foundations to grow into
these markets and start to benefit from those flywheel effects. As
discussed above, in markets like the UK, Australia and Germany we
have created rich content and media to engage customers around
sports. These have already shown significant success in broadening
our actives base. We have created new products across both our free
to play and real money offering that broadens engagement with
customers.
In August, we acquired UNIKRN to provide access to the esports
wagering market that we expect to be worth c$12bn over the medium
term. Since the acquisition we have been re-setting the product
suite and working with partners and regulators to develop a product
that we will launch later this year.
The casual mobile gaming market has grown rapidly in recent
years and our technology, data analytics and other capabilities
align with how this market operates. To fully benefit from this
market we will likely acquire or partner with an existing operator.
We believe that this market aligns closely with the evolving
demands of our customers and will help drive flywheel effects of
reducing costs, increasing stickiness and diversifying our revenue
base.
As we evolve Entain to address these changing customer needs and
broaden our product markets, we will increasingly look to
partnerships to expand our growth. For example, our partnership
with McLaren provides richer and more engaging experiences for
Formula 1 fans that are not available anywhere else. Our
partnerships with BT & Verizon will help us benefit from
innovative new experiences for customers.
Technology continues to evolve and the Entain platform puts us
in a unique position to be able to explore and innovate to create
exciting new unique products and experiences for our customers. In
order to accelerate that we have created the Ennovate hub supported
by a GBP100m investment over three years. The Ennovate hub will
develop new products around AR/VR, 5G and edge computing technology
both directly and through funding for incubators and accelerators.
We recently acquired an interest in Draw & Code, a leading
immersive experience studio to develop VR products. We will also
work with a number of partners such as Verizon, BT and Theta Labs
in developing the technology and products that drive the emerging
ecosystems within the metaverse. In addition, it will support
initiatives in Entain's Sustainability Charter around environmental
and social issues as well as supporting EnTrain the Group's global
D&A initiative to provide more opportunities in technology and
technology-related careers.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we
firmly believe that the most sustainable business will be the most
successful business in our industry. Our Sustainability Charter
underpins this approach and is built around four core principles:
an exclusive focus on regulated markets; continuing to take the
lead on responsible betting and gaming; best in class corporate
governance; and investing in our people and local communities.
We made significant progress across all four of these during the
year, many of which we highlighted at our first Entain Sustain
event in November. Globally, we lead the industry on
responsibility, with revolutionising player protection at the core
of our approach. We continue to make great progress with ARC(TM)
with both the real-time customer interaction trials and the
international rollout well underway.
It is pleasing to see our efforts being recognised externally
with Entain being awarded Operator of the Year by EGR, and Socially
Responsible Operator of the Year at the SBC Awards North America,
our continued participation in the FTSE4Good index and the Dow
Jones Sustainability index as well as being recognised as a most
admired company in Management Today's annual awards.
Focus on regulated markets
We continue to make progress towards our commitment that all our
revenues will come from regulated markets by the end of 2023. As at
end of 2021, almost 100% of our NGR was from regulated or
regulating markets, with Brazil, Canada and Netherlands being the
most significant in the process of regulating within this.
Being a trusted entertainment provider, protection of our
customers is fundamental to our customer centric strategy.
Operating in a well-structured regulatory regime ensures revenues
have greater clarity and certainty and are ultimately more
sustainable and therefore are of higher quality than earnings from
non-regulated markets.
Having withdrawn from a number of markets since November 2020,
we continue to monitor the regulatory timetable for other
countries, working closely with the relevant authorities to help
develop a robust framework that protects players and maintains the
highest regulatory standards. In October 2021, we ceased trading in
the Netherlands whilst we await the licensing process to
complete.
We actively engage with regulators in order to help support a
well-structured regulatory environment that balances a fair and
open recreational market with the need to provide protections for
the small minority of customers who may run into problems. In the
UK, the 2005 Gambling Act is currently under a much-needed review
that will set out the regulatory framework for years to come. We
are contributing to this process both directly and with our
industry peers through the Betting & Gaming Council to help
find the right balance for a well-regulated market that protects
the minority at risk, polices the fringes of the industry such as
the black market and preserves the market as entertainment for the
vast majority of customers who enjoy betting and gaming as part of
their recreational activity.
We are also engaging with regulators around the world to support
emerging regulation around esports skill-based wagering as this
market opens up across the world.
Lead on Responsibility
We continue to lead the market in the critically important area
of responsible betting and gaming. As a reflection of the
importance of this across our business, in 2021 we introduced a
responsible betting and gaming metric to our Group wide
remuneration policy which, in 2022, will expand its measurement and
accountability further into our international markets.
Through our award-winning Changing for the Bettor safer betting
and gaming programme, we take a holistic approach to protecting
customers, investing millions into research, education and
treatment. In 2021, we introduced ARC(TM) which, using
revolutionary AI technology, operates in real-time, and, crucially,
is individually tailored for each customer. It is built on a
foundation of academic research and is designed to work invisibly
in the background stepping in when needed.
ARC(TM) employs sophisticated algorithms, using 26 different
markers of protection to identify signs of risk and, when needed,
steps in to interact with the customer, modify the operation of
games such as limiting stakes or slowing down play and supressing
marketing activity. Our initial trials have been very encouraging,
with results showing a risk assessment accuracy of over 80%, a 120%
uplift in the use of safer gambling tools by those most at risk and
a 30% overall reduction in customers increasing their risk
levels.
We continue to refine ARC(TM) , as the programme continuously
improves through machine-learning. Having been initially trialled
in the UK, the programme is now being rolled-out
internationally.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, mindful of the impact of
restrictions on customers, we expanded our monitoring and markers
of protection and increased communication and messaging to all
customers on the importance of safer betting and gaming.
Best in class corporate governance
As a world-leading company we are committed to the highest
standards of governance in all areas of our operations and our
board has been strengthened and revitalised during the year. In
March 2021, Mark Gregory was appointed to the Board as an
independent Non-Executive Director and as the Chair of the
Remuneration Committee. The Board is now made-up of a Chairman,
three Executive Directors and seven independent Non-Executive
Directors, with a 64%:36% male to female gender split.
In line with our objective to operate best in class corporate
governance, we commissioned Alvarez & Marsal (A&M"), an
independent professional firm to conduct a comprehensive review of
the group's governance and compliance practises. Having completed
their review, A&M concluded the Group had "put in place all the
key components of a compliance framework to enable it to identify
and manage its general compliance and regulatory risks". While
welcoming this positive assessment, the Group is taking on a number
of specific recommendations within A&M's report to further
strengthen our processes.
Best place to work and investing in our people and
communities
We want Entain to be a great place for our people to thrive,
develop careers and feel empowered to do what's right for our
customers, our colleagues and our communities.
We positively promote an inclusive culture as we believe that
the more diverse your colleague group the better the business will
be and, as importantly, will be better representative of our
customer base.
We have always had a flexible approach to office-based working
and with the evolution taking place as a result of the Covid
pandemic, we are further evolving that flexibility recognising the
needs of different teams and different global offices will vary. We
want to provide the right environment to continue to attract the
best talent and to enable them to thrive. However, the power of
collective thought and idea creation, particularly in face-to-face
environments will remain a core part of how we do business and so
we are evolving our workspaces to enable that flexible
co-ordination to evolve. We have completely refurbished our offices
in Stratford, London to create the right sort of collaborative
environment for our people. We will be testing and reviewing our
findings from this and take those into development of our other
offices.
We are committed to lightening our footprint on the planet and
have already reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 15% from 2018
to 2021. Last year, we committed to Net Zero carbon emissions by
2035 - 15 years ahead of the target set by the Paris Agreement on
climate change. In doing so we have formally joined the Science
Based Target initiative and are seeking to demonstrate leadership
within our sector.
Our two Foundations - the Entain Foundation and the Entain
Foundation US, continue to support research into problem gambling,
education initiatives that align with our sustainability ambitions
as well as investing into local communities and grass roots sports
across our key markets. In November we launched EnTrain, an
initiative to provide access, education and technology for groups
underrepresented across all sectors. EnTrain set the ambitious
target to positively impact 1 million people through increased
diversity in technology by the end of the decade. This builds on
our partnerships with organisations such as Girls Who Code, the
international non-profit body working to close the gender gap in
technology and redefine the image of what a programmer does; and
The Tech Girls Movement Foundation, the Australian based foundation
which is challenging gender stereotypes to increase female
participation in STEM industries. The Entain Foundation is looking
to build on these partnerships throughout 2022.
The Entain Foundation has also continued to invest in grassroots
sports through its Pitching In programme and partnered with the
Pitching In Trident Leagues containing 245 clubs and over 15,000
community based non-league football players. In addition to funding
the running of the leagues, the Foundation is also the Founding
partner in the Trident Community Fund, which enables clubs to run
community engagement projects. In 2021 we also extended our long
term-collaboration with SportsAid, the UK based sports charity,
through which we sponsor and provide personal development coaching
to 50 young athletes each year. We are also internationalising our
investment in grassroots sport and are backing projects in Italy,
Greece and Colombia.
In Canada, since our recent acquisition of Avid Gaming and its
Sports Interaction brand, Entain are delighted that our new unique
relationship allows us to support the socioeconomic efforts of the
Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke through our Mohawk Online agreement.
Financial Results and the use of Non-GAAP measures
The Group's statutory financial information is prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
("IFRS") and IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRS IC")
pronouncements as adopted for use in the European Union. In
addition to the statutory information provided, management has also
provided additional information in the form of Contribution,
EBITDAR and EBITDA as these metrics are industry standard KPIs
which help facilitate the understanding of the Group's performance
in comparison to its peers. A full reconciliation of these non-GAAP
measures is provided within the Income Statement and supporting
memo.
The Group's operating segments are now aggregated into five
reportable segments; Online, Retail, New Opportunities, Other and
Corporate. This represents a change from 2020 with our former UK
and European Retail segments now combined to form one Retail
segment and the introduction of a New Opportunities segment to
reflect the investment strategy in innovation and new products and
verticals such as esports wagering products as announced in August
2021. Both changes are in line with the changes in the Group's
reporting to the executive management team ("CODM"), with the
Retail consolidation also a product of our Retail segment
displaying consistent trading patterns and risk profiles across
territories and all Retail businesses now reporting into the Chief
Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
BUSINESS REVIEW
Group
Reported results(1,) (2)
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC (3)
GBPm GBPm % %
--------- --------- --------- -------
NGR 3 ,886.3 3 ,628.5 7% 8%
VAT/GST (56.3) ( 66.9 ) 16% 16%
--------- --------- --------- -------
Revenue 3,830.0 3,561.6 8% 9%
Gross profit 2,435.8 2,308.6 6%
Contribution 1,851.5 1,740.2 6%
Operating costs (952.7) (878.1) (8%)
Underlying EBITDAR(4) 898.8 862.1 4%
Rent and associated costs (17.1) (19.0) 10%
Underlying EBITDA(4) 881.7 8 43.1 5%
Share based payments (12.3) (14.8) 17%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (222.8) (238.6) 7%
Share of JV (l oss) /income (162.5) (60.2) (1 70 %)
Underlying operating profit(5) 484.1 529.5 (9%)
------------------------------------------ --------- --------- ---------
Reported Results(1,2) :
While 2021 was another year disrupted by Covid-19 and temporary
shop closures, the Group still delivered strong underlying year on
year growth in NGR of +7% (+8%cc). Online NGR was +28% (+27%cc)
ahead in the first half as Online benefited from Retail customers
playing Online. Covid-19 restrictions on Retail saw all of our
Retail stores closed in Q1 and extended closures in Europe
continuing into Q2, resulting in H1 NGR in Retail -46%cc behind the
prior year. H2 saw a return to more normal trading patterns with
Retail open and Covid-19 restrictions abating. Resulting Retail NGR
was +20%cc ahead in H2 with Online NGR a more modest 1%cc ahead as
it lapped Covid-19 restrictions in H2 2020. While Covid-19
restrictions have distorted the year on year comparisons,
pleasingly we are exiting 2021 with Online NGR in Q4 +29% ahead of
2019 (+14% 2 year CAGR) and Retail over 90% of pre Covid-19 NGR on
a like-for-like basis. Resulting full year NGR was +13%cc ahead in
Online but -7%cc (-3%cc LFL) behind in Retail.
Contribution for the year of GBP1,851.5m was 6% higher than last
year, representing a contribution margin of 47.6%, -0.4pp lower
than last year due to a higher Online segmental mix and the
implementation of gaming taxes in Germany. Operating costs (before
rent) were 8% higher due to acquisitions and investment in our
product, technology and people, leaving underlying EBITDA (4) of
GBP881.7m, +5% higher than 2020.
Share based payment charges were GBP2.5m lower than last year,
while underlying depreciation and amortisation was 7% lower as the
impact of historic M&A on depreciation starts to reduce. Share
of JV losses of GBP162.5m includes a loss of GBP161.9m relating to
BetMGM, which is in line with expectations. Group underlying
operating profit (5) was -9% behind 2020. After separately
disclosed items of GBP128.3m excluding GBP5.8m recorded in interest
(2020: GBP170.6m excluding GBP5.3m recorded in interest), operating
profit was GBP355.8m, a decrease of GBP3.1m on 2020.
Online
Reported results(1,2)
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC (3)
GBPm GBPm % %
--------- --------- ------- -------
Sports wagers 14,165.9 11,780.9 20% 21%
Sports margin 12.7% 12.7% - -
Sports NGR 1,444.3 1,196.8 21% 22%
Gaming NGR 1,595.9 1,534.8 4% 6%
B2B NGR 26.3 15.9 65% 68%
--------- --------- ------- -------
Total NGR 3,066.5 2,747.5 12% 13%
VAT/GST (56.3) (66.9) 16% 16%
--------- --------- ------- -------
Revenue 3,010.2 2,680.6 12% 14%
Gross profit 1,871.5 1,708.7 10%
Contribution 1,294.7 1,147.4 13%
Contribution margin 42.2% 41.8% 0.4pp
Operating costs (393.7) (342.5) (15%)
Underlying EBITDAR(4) 901.0 804.9 12%
Rent and associated costs (2.0) (1.4) (43%)
Underlying EBITDA(4) 899.0 803.5 12%
Share based payments (5.3) (4.3) (23%)
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (116.7) (120.1) 3%
Share of JV (loss)/income (1.0) 0.1 n/m
Underlying operating profit(5) 776.0 679.2 14%
------------------------------------------ --------- --------- -------
Reported Results(1,2) :
Our Online business continues to go from strength to strength
attracting new customers in all of our major markets through the
provision of high quality products, a market leading approach to
player safety and an excellent customer experience. NGR for the
year was up 12% (+13%cc) year on year, representing a two year CAGR
of +20%cc. While our long run of quarterly double-digit growth (at
constant currency) took a pause in Q4, as we lapped a lockdown
benefitted 2020, we are exiting 2021 in an excellent position with
Q4 NGR +14%cc ahead of 2019 on a 2 year CAGR basis. Excluding
Germany and the Netherlands, where regulatory changes are
significantly impacting the market, Online NGR was up +21%cc year
on year with strong growth in all of our key markets (2 year CAGR
+27%cc).
Underlying EBITDAR (4) of GBP901.0m and underlying EBITDA (4) of
GBP899.0m were 12% ahead of 2020. U nderlying operating profit (5)
of GBP776.0m was 14% ahead and, after charging GBP154.0m of
separately disclosed items, operating profit was GBP622.0m,
GBP247.3m ahead of last year.
In the UK, NGR was +10% ahead of the prior year. UK sports
brands NGR was +12%cc ahead driven by investment in marketing and
product innovation including the launch of Ladbrokes 5-a-side, a
product which gave fans an "epic new way to bet". More than 50% of
our football active customer base played 5-a-side during the Euro
2020, where it was promoted and offered on every match in the
tournament. We have begun to change our advertising, making it more
entertaining and high impact to engage and excite new and existing
audiences. During the year, we saw the release of two major TV
campaigns for Ladbrokes; "Drummers", which captured the excitement
and anticipation of the return of football, and "Balloon", an
industry first brand led campaign for casino and gaming, capturing
the enjoyment of playing together. Our gaming offering across both
brands continues to expand giving our customers access to the
latest content including Coral's Free to Play slots tournaments as
well as introducing the best live games to Ladbrokes. We have
innovated the way we use digital channels to create more engaging
and personalised interactions with our customers, including Coral's
hugely successful "Against the Odds" sporting documentary series on
ITV4 which delivers a unique insight into some of the most
inspiring sporting stories and the "All to Play For" weekly
podcast, which takes a look at the biggest football games of the
season with a special guest line up.
UK Gaming brands NGR were +9%cc ahead of last year. Our Foxy
brand continues to go from strength to strength, up +46%cc on the
prior year and up +58%cc on a 2-year CAGR basis. The strong
performance in the UK has been driven by continued investment in
product and marketing including the migration of our bingo product
on to the Group's proprietary technology, the sponsorship of First
Dates and a new range of Foxy Bingo TV campaigns. During the year,
Foxy was awarded the Bingo Operator of the Year at the EGR Awards
recognising our stand-out proposition.
In Italy, NGR across the three major brands (Eurobet, bwin and
Gioco Digitale) was 31%cc ahead of 2020. NGR growth was driven by
investment in product and feature enhancements, giving our
customers greater experiences and exciting entertainment online.
This included the release of new NBA game footage, pre-match
football player markets and 300 new casino games in Eurobet. In
Bwin and Gioco Digitale, our in-house Eurobet games went live as
well as launching eSports streaming to Bwin.tv. We continue to
benefit from the strength of our omni channel offering, compared
with our online only competitors, particularly when Covid
restrictions caused temporary retail closures.
In Australia, we have seen strong underlying growth again in
2021 with NGR +20% (+18%cc) ahead of 2020 and up +35% on a 2-year
CAGR basis. Both our brands, Ladbrokes and Neds, continue to
resonate with customers and our team continue to work on several
exciting content and product releases in addition to those already
released in 2021. Both brands continue to gain market share with
the strategic focus on product innovation, brand activation and
customer engagement continuing to be reflected in top line growth.
We have a strong pipeline of feature products and brand campaigns
planned for release in 2022 that focus on expanding on the customer
experience and revolutionising the way consumers engage with our
brands.
In Germany, sports NGR was 22%cc ahead of 2020 whilst gaming was
-61%cc behind as the impact of the tolerance regime annualises and
the ongoing impact of non-compliant operators continues to create
an uneven market. However, this was ahead of expectations and,
although we still await a decision on deposit limits on sports and
the issuance of gaming licences, we continue to be excited by the
long-term prospects for the German market. In September, we
announced a sponsorship agreement with UEFA for the Europa League
and Europa Conference League to further drive bwin's exposure in
Germany as well as the rest of Europe.
In the Netherlands, we saw regulatory changes come into effect
in October 2021 and as a result, Entain ceased all operations in
the Netherlands from 1 October 2021. We have since applied for a
new licence and await the next steps in the licence allocation
process which we expect to conclude around the middle of 2022.
NGR in Brazil was +111%cc ahead of 2020, further confirming
Sportingbet as the market leader. Underlying customer metrics also
remain strong with actives up +156% in the year. We anticipate that
the Brazilian market will regulate sports in 2022 (and gaming in
2023) and see this as an exciting opportunity to further establish
the Sportingbet brand and grow market share.
Enlabs, which was acquired at the end of Q1, has performed
exceptionally well during 2021 with NGR and EBITDA ahead of our
initial expectations. On a proforma basis, NGR is up +49% year on
year and our market share in the Baltics has increased to 30%, up
+3.0pp on 2020. Following its integration into the Entain family,
Enlabs is now offering Entain's core products and leveraging its
systems and marketing capabilities in order to drive further
growth. Optibet has joined the Partypoker network, doubling poker
active users in the first month, as well as launching Pragmatic
Play live games. We continue to work on the integration of the bwin
sports feed into the Enlabs business which will enable us to offer
more live betting events to our customers in 2022.
In Georgia, NGR was +26%cc ahead year on year with Crystalbet
maintaining its position as the number 1 operator with 32% market
share in 2021. Given the position of the Crystalbet brand in the
market, we believe we are well positioned to absorb the impact of
the new regulations and tax restrictions announced in November.
In 2021, we have consolidated our Party branded businesses into
One Party, with a renewed focus on recreational players. During the
year, we also launched Party Responsibly, a new initiative which
uses the partnership between our two brands, Party Casino and
partypoker and McLaren Racing, to promote safer betting and gaming,
to ensure our players respect their limits and enjoy a great
entertainment experience. In the year, One Party NGR was in line
with 2020, which represents 20% growth on a 2-year CAGR basis.
Bet.pt, which was acquired at the end of Q1, was successfully
rebranded bwin and migrated onto the Entain platform during the
third quarter. Since the acquisition the business has also become
the sponsor of Liga Portugal which, when combined with our
sponsorship of UEFA and the partnership with the German FA, further
extends bwin's presence in football across Europe. We are already
seeing the benefits of improved product and marketing capabilities
following migration to the Entain platform.
Online contribution margin of 42.2% was +0.4pp higher than last
year, with the impact of adverse geographical mix and the new
German gaming tax more than offset by savings in marketing rate
which was particularly low in 2021. The marketing rate is expected
to return to a more normalised 21% in 2022 with a contribution
margin of 40%-41%.
Operating costs (before rent) were 15% higher than last year.
Acquisitions accounted for +7pp of the increase, and inflation and
ongoing investment in our people, product and technology accounted
for high single digit cost increases year on year.
Rent and associated costs were GBP2m in the year, compared with
GBP1.4m in the prior year, leaving underlying EBITDA(4) of
GBP899.0m, +12% ahead.
Share based payments were GBP1.0m higher than last year and
underlying depreciation and amortisation of GBP116.7m was 3% lower.
Share of JV losses of GBP1.0m is GBP1.1m adverse to prior year,
leaving underlying operating profit (5) +14% higher at
GBP776.0m.
Retail
The Retail business is made up of our Retail estates in the UK,
Italy, Belgium and Republic of Ireland.
Reported results(1,2)
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC(3)
GBPm GBPm % %
---------- --------- -------- --------
S ports wagers(6) 2 ,330.0 2 ,582.0 (10%) (9 %)
S ports margin 18.1% 19.3% (1.2pp) (1.3pp)
Sports NGR/Revenue 426.1 531.4 (20%) (20 %)
Machines NGR/Revenue 365.0 325.7 12% 12%
NGR/Revenue 791.1 857.1 (8%) (7%)
Gross profit 535.8 577.5 (7%)
Contribution 529.0 571.7 (7%)
Contribution margin 6 6.9% 66.7% 0.2pp
Operating costs (447 .5 ) (456.1) 2%
Underlying EBITDAR(4) 8 1.5 115.6 (29%)
Rent and associated costs (14.6) (17.3) 16%
Underlying EBITDA(4) 66.9 98.3 (32%)
Share based payments (1.9) (1.5) (27%)
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (1 02.4 ) (115.8) 12%
Share of JV income - - -
Underlying operating loss(5) (37 .4 ) (19.0) ( 97%)
------------------------------------------ ---------- --------- --------
Reported Results(1,2)
Retail NGR of GBP791.1m was 8% behind last year (-3%cc on a
like-for-like basis) with national lockdowns and Covid-19
restrictions continuing to affect the business through much of
2021. The first half was significantly impacted by lockdown
restrictions with the entire estate closed in Q1. The UK reopened
under restrictions in April with Europe opening progressively
throughout Q2, resulting in NGR which was -46%cc behind year on
year in H1. In the second half, restrictions continued to ease and,
with the benefit of lapping lockdowns in late Q4 in 2020, NGR was
20%cc ahead of H2 2020. Whilst year on year comparisons are
difficult given the distortions caused by Covid-19 restrictions,
encouragingly we are exiting 2021 with like for like NGR at over
90% of pre Covid-19 levels, and within 5% (6) in our largest
estates in the UK and Italy, while underlying EBITDA (4) is
marginally ahead of 2019 in H2. Underlying EBITDAR (4) of GBP81.5m
was GBP34.1m behind 2020 and underlying EBITDA (4) of GBP66.9m was
GBP31.4m behind as savings in operating costs were more than offset
by the reduction in NGR resulting from Covid-19 enforced shop
closures. The underlying operating loss(5) was GBP37.4m and, after
including separately disclosed income of GBP1.4m, operating loss
was GBP36.0m, GBP243.3m behind last year, a year in which the
Retail segment received a GBP223.0m UK VAT receipt.
In the UK, NGR was -3% behind 2020 with sports -17% behind 2020
but machines +12% ahead. Since reopening, we have seen our machines
business return more quickly than our sports business as the
in-person gaming experience is difficult to replicate online. While
sports volumes continue to improve further into 2022, we anticipate
a rebalancing of the Retail income post Covid-19 with machines
making up a greater proportion of NGR than was the case pre
Covid-19. With the customer at the centre of our organisation, we
recognise the need for continued evolution of our retail offering.
With this in mind, we are progressing with our digitalisation
projects at pace. We continue to focus on in house technology and
innovation and, at the start of 2022, we successfully completed the
rollout of our proprietary EPoS system, Omnia in Great Britain.
This system brings a host of customer and colleague benefits plus
many service delivery improvements. Our Betstations now represent a
third of our sportsbook, growing 33% in the last quarter on a
2-year LFL basis. They provide our customers with an improved
digitalised in-shop experience offering significantly greater depth
of products and promotions not available over the counter. In
addition, our own proprietary Betstations are now live in over 200
shops with initial results encouraging. Digital Hubs are now live
in 30 locations across the UK, showcasing new technologies and
appealing to a broader customer base. Initial trials of the Digital
Hubs are delivering strong returns with positive feedback from our
customers.
At the heart of the customer experience is the in-person
interaction with our shop colleagues. Given the important role our
shop staff play, we are delighted that we will now be paying a
minimum of GBP10 per hour to all colleagues from April 2022.
In Italy, Belgium and Ireland, our Retail shops were closed for
a majority of the first half, re-opening progressively throughout
May and into June, albeit under restrictions which continued into
the second half. Despite the Green Pass in Italy preventing
unvaccinated customers from entering our shops, our Eurobet estate
demonstrated its resilience with NGR within 5% of pre-Covid levels
by the end of the year. Trading in Belgium recovered more slowly,
particularly in the last quarter as the impact of the Covid-19
variants escalated, resulting in Belgium shops closing again on the
26 December, only reopening on 27 January 2022. Resulting NGR
across Europe was -27% (-26%cc) behind in Italy, -25% (-24%cc) in
Belgium and -23% (-22%cc) in Republic of Ireland.
Operating costs (before rent) were 2% lower than 2020, largely
due to cost mitigation actions in response to lockdowns and robust
underlying cost control. During H1, the Retail business claimed
furlough in line with Government guidelines, albeit the amounts
received were c25% lower than in 2020.
Rent and associated costs of GBP14.6m in the year were 16% lower
than the prior year following a number of shop closures in the UK,
leaving underlying EBITDA(4) of GBP66.9m, 32% lower than 2020.
Charges for share based payments were GBP0.4m higher than last
year and underlying depreciation and amortisation of GBP102.4 was
12% lower as the impact of depreciation charges arising from the
fair value exercise on the acquisition of Ladbrokes Coral starts to
reduce, leaving an underlying operating loss(5) of GBP37.4m,
GBP18.4m behind 2020.
As at 31 December 2021, there were a total of 4,346
shops/outlets (2020: 4,589): UK 2,580 (2020: 2,845), Italy 940
(2020: 905), Belgium shops 291, outlets 402 (2020: shops 304,
outlets 402) and Ireland 133 (2020: 133).
Given the more certain medium-term outlook, we have taken the
decision to repay the GBP44m received under the Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme ("furlough scheme") in FY21. The scheme was a
sensible and highly welcome policy intervention that helped us, as
one of the country's largest retailers, to maintain the livelihoods
of more than 14,000 retail colleagues on full pay. We have kept the
situation under review since we first made use of the scheme and
are pleased to be in a position to repay these monies.
New Opportunities
Reported results(1,2)
Year ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC(3)
GBPm GBPm % %
------ ----- ------- ------
Underlying EBITDAR(4) (8.8) - -
Rent and associated costs - - -
Underlying EBITDA(4) (8.8) - -
Share based payments - - -
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (0.4) - -
Share of JV (loss) /income - - -
Underlying operating loss(5) (9.2) - -
----------------------------------------- ------ ----- -------
Reported Results(1,2) :
New Opportunities costs (4) of GBP8.8m primarily reflect GBP1.2m
of operating costs associated with Unikrn and GBP7.0m of innovation
costs. Across operating costs and capital expenditure, the Group
has committed to investing GBP100m in innovation spend over three
years with the launch of an innovation hub announced in January
2022. After depreciation and amortisation, New Opportunities
underlying operating loss (5) was GBP9.2m. Separately disclosed
items for the year were GBPnil, resulting in an operating loss of
GBP9.2m.
Other
Reported results(1,2)
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC(3)
GBPm GBPm % %
------- ------- ------- ------
NGR/Revenue 3 2.8 27.8 18% 18%
Gross profit 28.5 22.4 27%
Contribution 27.8 21.1 32%
Operating costs (22.1) (25.0) 12%
Underlying EBITDAR(4) 5.7 (3.9) 246%
Rent and associated costs (0.1) (0.3) 67%
Underlying EBITDA(4) 5.6 (4.2) 233%
Share based payments (0.1) - 0%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (2.9) (2.7) (7%)
Share of JV income 0.4 0.3 3 3%
Underlying operating profit/(loss)(5) 3.0 (6.6) 145%
------------------------------------------ ------- ------- -------
Reported Results(1,2) :
NGR of GBP32.8m was 18% higher than 2020 as volumes start to
return to our greyhound stadia. Underlying EBITDAR(4) of GBP5.7m
and underlying EBITDA(4) of GBP5.6m were GBP9.6m and GBP9.8m ahead
respectively predominantly due to the NGR improvement and robust
cost control. U nderlying operating profit (5) of GBP3.0m was 145%
ahead and, after charging GBP1.7m of separately disclosed items,
operating profit was GBP1.3m, GBP7.9m ahead of last year.
Corporate
Reported results(1,2)
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC(3)
GBPm GBPm % %
---------- -------- -------- ------
Underlying EBITDAR(4) (80.6) (54.5) (48%)
Rent and associated costs (0.4) - n/m
Underlying EBITDA(4) (81.0) (54.5) (49%)
Share based payments (5.0) (9.0) 44%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (0.4) - n/m
Share of JV loss (161.9) (60.6) ( 167%)
Underlying operating loss(5) (2 48.3 ) (124.1) ( 100%)
------------------------------------------ ---------- -------- --------
Reported Results(1,2) :
Corporate costs (4) of GBP80.6m were GBP26.1m higher than last
year driven by increases in our contributions to Research,
Education and Treatment including GambleAware, additional
contributions to the Entain foundation and other Group ESG
initiatives and investment in our governance policies and
procedures. After share based payments, depreciation and
amortisation and share of JV losses, Corporate underlying operating
loss (5) was GBP248.3m, an increase of GBP124.2m, largely as a
result of the expected incremental loss in the US JV, BetMGM. After
separately disclosed income of GBP26.0m, the operating loss of
GBP222.3m was GBP5.8m behind 2020.
Notes
(1) 2021 and 2020 reported results are audited and relate to continuing operations
(2) Reported results are provided on a post IFRS16 implementation basis
(3) Growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by
translating both current and prior year performance at the 2021
exchange rates
(4) EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation, rent and associated costs, share
based payments and share of JV income. EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR
after charging rent and associated costs. Both EBITDAR and EBITDA
are stated pre separately disclosed items
(5) Stated pre separately disclosed items
(6) Retail numbers are quoted on a LFL basis. During 2021 there
was an average of 4,540 shops in the estate, compared to an average
of 4,727 in the same period last year
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S REVIEW
Reported results(1,2)
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020 Change CC(3)
GBPm GBPm % %
-------- -------- ------- ------
NGR 3,886.3 3,628.5 7% 8%
Revenue 3,830.0 3,561.6 8% 9%
Gross profit 2,435.8 2,308.6 6%
Contribution 1,851.5 1,740.2 6%
Underlying EBITDAR(4) 898.8 862.1 4%
Underlying EBITDA(4) 881.7 843.1 5%
Share based payments (12.3) (14.8) 17%
Underlying depreciation and amortisation (222.8) (238.6) 7%
Share of JV loss (162.5) (60.2) (170%)
Underlying operating profit(5) 484.1 529.5 (9%)
Net finance costs (75.0) (74.2)
Net foreign exchange/financial
instruments 118.2 (104.7)
Profit before tax pre separately
disclosed items 527.3 350.6
Separately disclosed items:
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (144.2) (307.0)
Other 10.1 131.1
Profit before tax 393.2 174.7
Tax (117.6) (60.9)
Profit after tax from continuing
activities 275.6 113.8
Discontinued operations (14.9) (34.4)
Profit after tax 260.7 79.4
------------------------------------------ -------- -------- ------- ------
NGR and Revenue
Group reported NGR was 7% ahead and revenue was 8% ahead of last
year, with strong online performance more than offsetting Covid-19
related shop closures. Further details are provided in the Business
Review section.
Underlying operating profit (5)
Group reported underlying operating profit(5) of GBP484.1m was
9% behind 2020 (2020: GBP529.5m), with underlying EBITDA(4) ahead
by 5% as a result of the revenue outperformance offset by an
expected increase in losses from the Group's share of the BetMGM
joint venture. BetMGM losses in the year were GBP161.9m, GBP101.3m
higher than 2020 as the business invests in new jurisdictions as
they open. Analysis of the Group's performance for the year is
detailed in the Business Review section.
Financing costs
Finance costs of GBP75.0m excluding separately disclosed items
(2020: GBP74.2m) were GBP0.8m higher than 2020. The incremental
interest costs associated with the increased lending on the Group's
US dollar loan, which raised an additional $351m, was partially
offset by a full year of benefits from the 2020 refinancing.
Net gains on financial instruments, driven primarily by foreign
exchange gains on debt related items, were GBP118.2m in the year
(2020: GBP104.7m loss). This gain is partially offset by a foreign
exchange loss on the translation of assets in overseas subsidiaries
which is recognised in reserves and forms part of the Group's
commercial hedging strategy.
Separately disclosed items
Items separately disclosed before tax for the period amount to a
GBP134.1m charge (2020: GBP175.9m) and relate primarily to
GBP144.2m of amortisation on acquired intangibles (2020:
GBP307.0m), a GBP3.3m (2020: GBP5.0m) impairment of certain head
office premises which are now vacant and our exchange business
Betdaq, integration costs of GBP17.3m (2020: GBP25.1m), corporate
transaction costs of GBP9.4m (2020: GBPnil) and GBP26.2m of onerous
costs associated with Covid-19 related shop closures and other
one-off legal and litigation expenses (2020: GBP8.9m). In addition,
the Group recorded a GBP6.1m charge associated with the
reassessment of contingent consideration payments under historic
acquisitions (2020: GBP42.4m) and GBP9.7m of other exceptional
items primarily due to the write-off of issue costs on refinancing
(2020: GBP9.6m). During the prior year the Group also incurred
GBP8.3m of costs associated with right-sizing the UK Retail estate
post the introduction of the GBP2 FOBT stakes restrictions.
During the year, the Group also recorded a net GBP80.2m income,
predominantly against the Group's 2010/11 Greek Tax Assessment
following a court ruling in the Group's favour during the latter
part of 2021 (2020: GBP223.5m predominantly a UK VAT claim in our
Ladbrokes business) and a profit on sale of assets of GBP1.9m
(2020: GBP6.9m).
Separately disclosed items
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (144.2) (307.0)
Impairment (3.3) (5.0)
Integration costs (17.3) (25.1)
Corporate transaction costs (9.4) -
Tax litigation/one-off legislative
impacts 80.2 223.5
Legal and onerous contract costs (26.2) (8.9)
Movement in fair value of contingent
consideration (6.1) (42.4)
Other including issue cost write-off (9.7) (9.6)
Profit on sale of assets 1.9 6.9
Triennial restructuring costs - (8.3)
Total (134.1) (175.9)
-------------------------------------- --------
Profit before tax
Profit before tax and separately disclosed items was GBP527.3m
(2020: GBP350.6m), a year-on-year increase of GBP176.7m, largely
driven by EBITDA growth and the foreign exchange gain on the
retranslation of debt, partially offset by an increase in our share
of BetMGM losses. After charging separately disclosed items, the
Group recorded a pre-tax profit from continuing operations of
GBP393.2m (2020: GBP174.7m).
Taxation
The tax charge on continuing operations for the year was
GBP117.6m (2020: charge of GBP60.9m), reflecting an underlying
effective tax rate pre-BetMGM losses and foreign exchange gains on
external debt of 14.2% (2020: 12.2%) and a tax charge on separately
disclosed items of GBP27.5m (2020: income GBP2.1m).
Cashflow
Y ear ended 31 December 2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------- --------
Underlying EBITDA (4) 881.7 843.1
Discontinued EBITDA (5.3) (14.1)
Underlying working capital 23.7 (12.6)
Capital expenditure (176.2) (158.3)
Finance lease principal (incl. IFRS 16
leases) (87.9) (85.9)
Corporate taxes (98.7) (59.2)
-------- --------
Underlying free cashflow 537.3 513.0
Investment in BetMGM (164.4) (61.8)
Acquisitions/disposals net of cash (510.6) -
Free cashflow (137.7) 451.2
Interest paid (incl. IFRS 16 leases) (73.3) (95.3)
Separately disclosed items (225.1) 24.6
Net movement on debt and associated instruments 212.0 (30.0)
Equity issue 0.7 8.6
Dividends paid (24.5) (12.4)
-------- --------
Net Cashflow (247.9) 346.7
Foreign exchange (14.8) 13.0
-------- --------
Net cash generated (262.7) 359.7
------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
During the year, the Group had a net cash outflow of GBP247.9m
(2020: inflow of GBP346.7m), but an inflow of GBP427.1m before
acquisitions and disposals and investment in BetMGM (2020:
GBP408.5m).
Underlying free cashflow for the year was GBP537.3m (2020:
GBP513.0m) with underlying EBITDA of GBP881.7m (2020: GBP843.1m)
and a working capital inflow of GBP23.7m (2020: GBP12.6m outflow)
partially offset by investment in capital expenditure of GBP176.2m
(2020: GBP158.3m), lease payments of GBP87.9m (2020: GBP85.9m)
including those on non-operational shops and GBP98.7m in corporate
tax payments (2020: GBP59.2m). Discontinued operations incurred a
GBP5.3m EBITDA loss during the year (2020: GBP14.1m). Including
cash outflows for M&A activity and additional investment in
BetMGM during the year, free cash outflow was GBP137.7m (2020:
GBP451.2m inflow).
During the year, the Group paid GBP73.3m of interest (2020:
GBP95.3m) and GBP225.1m on separately disclosed items (2020:
GBP24.6m income) including GBP130.7m of contingent consideration on
previous acquisitions (2020: GBP24.8m), GBP37.0m on tax litigation
items (GBP102.6m inflow), GBP27.7m on integration costs (2020:
GBP30.1m), GBP18.8m on legal and onerous contract costs (2020:
GBP22.1m) and GBP9.4m on acquisition and deal related costs (2020:
GBPnil). GBP212.0m was received on debt related instruments (2020:
GBP30.0m payment), primarily on the refinancing of the USD loan
which raised net proceeds of GBP238.2m (2020: GBP35.0m repayment of
drawndown RCF), partially offset by GBP19.1m of costs on the
settlement of one of the Group's external swap arrangements (2020:
GBP12.6m receipt). During the year, the Group also paid GBP24.5m in
dividends to the minority holding in Crystalbet (2020: GBP12.4m)
and raised GBP0.7m on the issue of equity under legacy share
incentive schemes (2020: GBP8.6m). No equity dividends were paid
during either the current or prior year.
Net debt and liquidity
As at 31 December 2021, net debt was GBP2,086.4m and represented
a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.4x. There was no drawdown on the
Group's revolving credit facility.
Par value Issue costs/ Total
Premium
GBPm GBPm GBPm
----------- ------------- ----------
Bonds (500.0) (10.8) (510.8)
Term loans (1,772.6) 14.6 (1,758.0)
Interest accrual (13.6) - (13.6)
----------- ------------- ----------
(2,286.2) 3.8 (2,282.4)
Cash 487.1
----------
Accounting net debt (1,795.3)
Cash held on behalf of customers (205.9)
Fair value of swaps held against debt instruments 57.4
Short term investments/Deposits
held 20.3
Balances held with payment service
providers 130.8
Lease liabilities (293.7)
----------
Adjusted net debt (2,086.4)
---------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------
Going Concern
In adopting the going concern basis of preparation in the
financial statements, the Directors have considered the current
trading performance of the Group, the financial forecasts and the
principal risks and uncertainties, including the ongoing impact of
Covid-19. In addition, the Directors have considered all matters
discussed in connection with the long-term viability statement
including the modelling of "severe but plausible" downside
scenarios such as legislation changes impacting the Group's Online
business and new lockdowns affecting the Group's Retail
operations.
Despite the net current liability position, the level of the
Group's available cash (cGBP400m), available financing facilities
(including an undrawn revolving credit facility of cGBP500m) and
the forecast covenant headroom even under the sensitised downside
scenarios, the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to
manage the risks and uncertainties that it faces. As such, the
Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have
adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence
and have, therefore, considered it appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of preparation in the financial statements.
Notes
(1) 2021 and 2020 reported results are audited
(2) Reported results are provided on a post IFRS16 implementation basis
(3) Growth on a constant currency basis is calculated by
translating both current and prior year performance at the 2021
exchange rates
(4) EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation, rent and associated costs, share
based payments and share of JV income. EBITDA is defined as EBITDAR
after charging rent and associated costs. Both EBITDAR and EBITDA
are stated pre separately disclosed items
(5) Stated pre separately disclosed items
Principal and emerging risks
Key risks are reviewed by the executive directors, other senior
executives and the Board of Entain plc on a regular basis and,
where appropriate, actions are taken to mitigate the key risks that
are identified. The Board has overall responsibility for risk
management as an integral part of strategic planning.
The principal risks and uncertainties which could impact the
Group are detailed in the Group's Annual Report and Accounts 2021
and are as follows:
Data privacy and cyber security
The Group processes sensitive personal customer data (including
name, address, age, bank details and betting and gaming history) as
part of its business and therefore must comply with strict data
protection and privacy laws in all jurisdictions in which the Group
operates. The Group is exposed to the risk that this data could be
wrongfully obtained through either a cyber-attack or a breach in
data security. This could result in prosecutions including
financial penalties, sanctions, the loss of the goodwill of its
customers and an inability to deliver growth and deliver technology
synergies.
Laws, regulations, licensing and regulatory compliance
Regulatory, legislative and fiscal regimes for betting and
gaming in key markets around the world can change, sometimes at
short notice. Such changes could benefit or have an adverse effect
on the Group's profitability and additional costs might be incurred
in order to comply with any new laws or regulations in multiple
jurisdictions.
Technology failure
The Group's operations are highly dependent on technology and
advanced information systems and there is a risk that such
technology or systems could fail. In particular, any damage to, or
failure of, online systems and servers, electronic point of sale
systems and electronic display systems could result in
interruptions to financial controls and customer service systems
and may impact the Group's ability to retain existing, and attract
new, customers to deliver the Group's growth strategy.
Taxes
The Group is subject to a range of taxes, duties and levies in
many of the countries where we have operations or in which our
customers are located. The taxes imposed upon betting and gaming
companies have changed over time, and the levels of taxation to
which the Group is subject may change in the future. If additional
taxes are levied, this may have an adverse effect on the amount of
tax payable by the Group.
Further taxes may include corporate income tax, value added tax
(VAT) or other indirect taxes. Group companies may be subject to
VAT or similar taxes on transactions, which have previously been
treated as exempt.
Delivery of US strategy
Effective execution of BetMGM's strategy in the US is key to the
Group's growth forecasts. Ineffective execution of the strategy may
impact the Group's ambition of leadership in the US and
opportunities for NGR growth in already regulated states and new
states as they regulate.
Safer betting and gaming
Providing a safe and enjoyable betting and gaming experience for
our customers in at the centre of everything that Entain does.
Failure to meet the high standards we, and others, expect of Entain
could have a significant impact on our customers and their
wellbeing as well as impact the Group's profitability and
reputation.
Increased cost of product
The Group is subject to certain arrangements intended to support
the industries in which it operates. Examples are the horseracing
and the voluntary greyhound racing levies, which respectively
support the British horseracing and greyhound racing industries. In
addition, the Group enters into contracts for the distribution of
television pictures, audio and other data that are broadcast across
the various routes to market. A number of these are under
negotiation at any one time.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing of Customers, Communities and
Employees
Failure to meet the requirements of the various domestic and
international rules and regulations relating to the health and
safety of our employees and customers in both retail and digital
markets could expose the Group, including individual employees and
directors, to material civil, criminal and or regulatory action
with the associated financial and reputational consequences.
In addition, as a large corporate we recognise our impact on
society and local communities in which we operate and as a large
Group the expectations on us. Failure to meet these expectations
could have widespread reputational consequences.
Trading, liability management and pricing
The Group may experience significant losses as a result of a
failure to determine accurately the odds in relation to any
particular event and/or any failure of its sports risk management
processes.
Loss of key locations
Whilst the Group operates out of a number of geographical
locations, there are several key sites which are critical to the
day to day operations of the Group. Disruption in any of these
locations could have an impact on day to day operations.
Recruitment and retention of key employees
The people who work within Entain are pivotal to the success of
the company and our failure to attract or retain key individuals
may impact our ability to deliver on our strategic goals.
Ukraine developments
Along with the rest of the world, the Group is concerned by the
recent developments in the Ukraine. Whilst the Group does not have
any operations in either Russia or the Ukraine, and it generates
only a very small amount of revenue from Ukraine having previously
withdrawn from the Russian market, the Group does have a small
number of employees based in the Ukraine. We continue to support
our employees based in the Ukraine and surrounding areas and hope
for a swift and peaceful resolution to the current situation.
Emerging and Evolving Risks
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group has recognised the
need to re-evaluate emerging risks on a regular basis. While this
exercise now forms part of the regular cadence of our Risk
Management function, no new significant risks have been identified.
In particular and most pleasingly, even with the Covid-19 pandemic,
whilst the Group still considers the loss of key locations a
significant risk, it has proven that it has adequate business
continuity plans in place to cater for colleagues working at home
across the globe.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2021 2020
Notes Underlying Separately Total Underlying Separately Total
items disclosed items disclosed
Items Items
(note (note
6) 6)
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Net Gaming Revenue 3,886.3 - 3,886.3 3,628.5 - 3,628.5
VAT/GST (56.3) - (56.3) (66.9) - (66.9)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Revenue 5 3,830.0 - 3,830.0 3,561.6 - 3,561.6
Cost of sales (1,394.2) - (1,394.2) (1,253.0) - (1,253.0)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Gross profit 2,435.8 - 2,435.8 2,308.6 - 2,308.6
Administrative costs (1,789.2) (128.3) (1,917.5) (1,718.9) (170.6) (1,889.5)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Contribution 1,851.5 - 1,851.5 1,740.2 - 1,740.2
Administrative costs excluding
marketing (1,204.9) (128.3) (1,333.2) (1,150.5) (170.6) (1,321.1)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Group operating profit/(loss) before
share of results from joint ventures
and associates 646.6 (128.3) 518.3 589.7 (170.6) 419.1
Share of results from joint ventures
and associates (162.5) - (162.5) (60.2) - (60.2)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Group operating profit/(loss) 484.1 (128.3) 355.8 529.5 (170.6) 358.9
Finance expense 7 (77.1) (5.8) (82.9) (76.5) (5.3) (81.8)
Finance income 7 2.1 - 2.1 2.3 - 2.3
Gains/(losses) arising from change
in fair value of financial instruments 7 62.0 - 62.0 (61.8) - (61.8)
Gains/(losses) arising from foreign
exchange on debt instruments 7 56.2 - 56.2 (42.9) - (42.9)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Profit/(loss) before tax 527.3 (134.1) 393.2 350.6 (175.9) 174.7
Income tax 8 (90.1) (27.5) (117.6) (63.0) 2.1 (60.9)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Profit/(loss) from continuing
operations 437.2 (161.6) 275.6 287.6 (173.8) 113.8
Loss for the year from discontinued
operations after tax (5.6) (9.3) (14.9) (14.4) (20.0) (34.4)
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Profit/(loss) for the year 431.6 (170.9) 260.7 273.2 (193.8) 79.4
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent 420.2 (170.9) 249.3 251.6 (193.8) 57.8
Non-controlling interests 11.4 - 11.4 21.6 - 21.6
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
431.6 (170.9) 260.7 273.2 (193.8) 79.4
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Earnings per share on profit for
the year
54.3p
from continuing operations (1) 45.1p 63.5p 15.8p
53.3p
From profit for the year 10 (1) 42.6p 61.0p 9.9p
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Diluted earnings per share on profit
for the year
53.8p
from continuing operations (1) 44.7p 62.8p 15.6p
52.8p
From profit for the year 10 (1) 42.2p 60.4p 9.8p
--------------------------------------- ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Memo
EBITDAR(2) 898.8 19.2 918.0 862.1 141.4 1,003.5
Rent and associated costs(3) (17.1) - (17.1) (19.0) - (19.0)
-------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
EBITDA 881.7 19.2 900.9 843.1 141.4 984.5
Share based payments (12.3) - (12.3) (14.8) - (14.8)
Depreciation, amortisation and
impairment (222.8) (147.5) (370.3) (238.6) (312.0) (550.6)
Share of results from joint ventures
and associates (162.5) - (162.5) (60.2) - (60.2)
-------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Group operating profit/(loss) 484.1 (128.3) 355.8 529.5 (170.6) 358.9
-------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
1. The calculation of underlying earnings per share has been
adjusted for separately disclosed items, and for the removal of
foreign exchange volatility arising on financial instruments as it
provides a better understanding of the underlying performance of
the Group. See note 10 for further details
2. Included within the Income Statement and Memo above are
certain non-statutory measures. The use of these items and the
reconciliation to their statutory equivalents is provided above
within the financial results and the use of non-GAAP measures
section
3. Rent and associated costs include VAT and rent not captured
by IFRS 16.These are predominantly driven by VAT on rental charges
not being recoverable and held over leases
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
P rofit for the year 260.7 79.4
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
Other comprehensive (expense)/income:
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Currency differences on translation of foreign operations (128.3) 137.7
Total items that may be reclassified to profit or loss (128.3) 137.7
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Re-measurement of defined benefit pension scheme 31.2 (0.2)
Tax on re-measurement of defined benefit pension scheme (10.9) 0.1
Share of associate other comprehensive (expense)/income - 0.3
Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss 20.3 0 .2
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax (108.0) 137.9
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
Total comprehensive income for the year 152.7 217.3
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
Attributable to:
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
Equity holders of the parent: 141.3 195.7
Non-controlling interests 11.4 21.6
---------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ---------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
At 31 December 2021 2020
Notes GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill 11 3 ,217.0 3,061.1
Intangible assets 11 2 ,152.5 2,105.4
Property, plant and equipment 4 67.2 470.2
Interest in joint venture 9.7 6.2
Interest in associates and other investments 58.4 29.4
Trade and other receivables 3 .0 3.8
Other financial assets 0 .3 4.4
Deferred tax assets 8 1 41.4 129.8
Retirement benefit asset 9 5.1 64.2
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
6 ,144.6 5,874.5
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 53 9 .8 475.8
Income and other taxes recoverable 23.1 13.6
Derivative financial instruments 5 7.4 -
Cash and cash equivalents 4 87.1 706.7
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
1 ,107.4 1,196.1
Assets in disposal group classified as held
for sale - 1 99.1
Total assets 7 ,252.0 7,269.7
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (695 .8) (687.4)
Balances with customers 13 ( 205.9) (241.1)
Lease liabilities (78 .2) (89.8)
Interest bearing loans and borrowings (1 21.1) (14.1)
Corporate tax liabilities (59.1) (66.4)
Provisions (43.5) (49.4)
Derivative financial instruments - (26.1)
Other financial liabilities (36.1) (147.5)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
(1,23 9 .7) (1,321.8)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings (2,161.3) (2,085.7)
Lease liabilities (215.5) (248.2)
Deferred tax liabilities 8 (408.0) (331.7)
Provisions (6.4) (19.5)
Other financial liabilities (52.6) (9.3)
(2,843.8) (2,694.4)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
L iabilities in disposal group classified
as held for sale - (172.0)
Total liabilities (4,083.5) (4,188.2)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Net assets 3,168.5 3,081.5
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Equity
Issued share capital 4.8 4.8
Share Premium 1,207.3 1,206.6
Merger Reserve 2,527.4 2,527.4
Translation reserve 63.4 191.7
Retained earnings (635.8) (901.3)
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Equity shareholders' funds 3,167.1 3,029.2
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Non-controlling interests 1.4 52.3
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 3,168.5 3,081.5
--------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- ---------
J Nygaard-Andersen R Wood
(Chief Executive Officer) (Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Chief
Financial Officer)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Issued Share Merger Translation Retained Equity Non- Total
share premium Reserve reserve1 earnings shareholders' controlling Shareholders'
capital funds Interests equity
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
GBPm
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
At 1 January
2020 4 .8 1 ,198.0 2 ,527.4 5 4.0 ( 971.4) 2 ,812.8 4 3.1 2 ,855.9
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Profit for the
year - - - - 57.8 57.8 21.6 79.4
Other
comprehensive
income - - - 137.7 0.2 137.9 - 137.9
Total
comprehensive
income - - - 137.7 58.0 195.7 21.6 217.3
Share options
exercised - 8.6 - - - 8.6 - 8.6
Share-based
payments
charge - - - - 12.1 12.1 - 12.1
Equity
dividends
(note
9) - - - - - - (12.4) (12.4)
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
At 31 December
2020 4.8 1,206.6 2,527.4 191.7 (901.3) 3,029.2 52.3 3,081.5
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
At 1 January
2021 4.8 1,206.6 2,527.4 191.7 (901.3) 3,029.2 52.3 3,081.5
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Profit for the
year - - - - 249.3 249.3 11.4 260.7
Other
comprehensive
income - - - (128.3) 20.3 (108.0) - (108.0)
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total
comprehensive
income - - - (128.3) 269.6 141.3 11.4 152.7
Share options
exercised - 0.7 - - - 0.7 - 0.7
Share-based
payments
charge - - - - 6.9 6.9 - 6.9
Business
combinations
(note 15) - - - - (50.0) (50.0) 14.2 (35.8)
Purchase of n
on-controlling
interests - - - - 39.0 39.0 (52.0) (13.0)
Equity
dividends
(note
9) - - - - - - (24.5) (24.5)
At 31 December
2021 4.8 1,207.3 2,527.4 63.4 (635.8) 3,167.1 1.4 3,168.5
--------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- --------- -------------- --------------- --------------
1. The translation reserve is used to record exchange
differences arising from the translation of the financial
statements of subsidiaries with non-sterling functional
currencies.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 31 December Notes 2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
Cash generated by operations 14 803.8 864.8
Income taxes paid (9 8 .7) (59.2)
Net finance expense paid (7 3 .3) (95.3)
Net cash generated from operating activities 6 31 .8 710.3
Cash flows from investing activities:
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Acquisitions ( 449 .8) -
Cash acquired on business combinations 22.3 -
Cash disposed on sale of business (53.7) -
Purchase of intangible assets ( 106.4) (101.6)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment ( 69.8) (62.6)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment
including disposal of shops 1.9 6.9
Purchase of investments in associates and other investments (29 .4) -
Investment in joint ventures ( 164.4) (61.8)
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities ( 849 .3) (21 9 .1)
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 0 .7 8.6
Net proceeds from borrowings 7 97 .2 -
Repayment of borrowings (56 6 .1) (43.5)
Settlement of derivative financial instruments and
other financial liabilities (149 .8) ( 11.3)
Payment of lease liabilities (87.9) (85.9)
Equity dividends paid(1) (24.5) (12.4)
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities (3 0 .4) (144 .5)
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Net ( decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents (24 7 .9) 346.7
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates (14.8) 13.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 749.8 390.1
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year(2) 487.1 749.8
------------------------------------------------------------ ----- --------- ---------
1. Equity dividends paid represent dividends paid to
non-controlling interests of GBP24.5m (2020: GBP12.4m).
2. Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
include GBP43.1m of cash within assets in disposal group classified
as held for sale.
1 Corporate information
This announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 3
March 2022. Entain PLC (the Company) is a company incorporated and
domiciled in the Isle of Man on 5 January 2010 whose shares are
traded publicly on the London Stock Exchange. The principal
activities of the Company and its subsidiaries ("the Group") are
described in the strategic report. The consolidated financial
statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2021 were
authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the
directors on 3 March 2022.
The nature of the Group's operations and its principal
activities are set out in note 5.
2 Basis of preparation
The financial information set out above does not constitute the
company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2021
or 2020 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for
2020 have been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those
for 2021 will be delivered in due course. The auditor has reported
on those accounts; their reports were (i) unqualified and (ii) did
not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been
prepared in accordance with international financial reporting
standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it
applies in the European Union and with the Isle of Man Companies
Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRSs. The
accounting policies set out in this section as detailed have been
applied consistently year on year other than for the changes in
accounting policies set out in note 3.
Going concern
The Group financial statements are prepared under the historical
cost convention unless otherwise stated. In adopting the going
concern basis of preparation in the financial statements, the
directors have considered the current trading performance of the
Group, the financial forecasts and the principal risks and
uncertainties, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19. In
addition, the directors have considered all matters discussed in
connection with the long-term viability statement including the
modelling of "severe but plausible" downside scenarios such as
legislation changes impacting the Group's Online business and new
lockdowns affecting the Group's Retail operations.
Despite the net current liability position, the level of the
Group's available cash (cGBP400m), available financing facilities
(including an undrawn revolving credit facility of cGBP500m) and
the forecast covenant headroom even under the sensitised downside
scenarios, the directors believe that the Group is well placed to
manage the risks and uncertainties that it faces. As such, the
directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have
adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence
and have, therefore, considered it appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of preparation in the financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Pounds
Sterling (GBP). All values are in millions (GBPm) rounded to one
decimal place except where otherwise indicated. The separately
disclosed items have been included within the appropriate
classifications in the consolidated income statement. Further
details are given in note 6.
3 Changes in accounting policies
From 1 January 2021 the Group has not been required to adopt,
for the first time, any new standards, interpretations, or
amendments as there have been no new issues effective in the
reporting year.
4 Summary of significant accounting policies
4.1 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial information requires the use of
assumptions, estimates and judgements about future conditions. Use
of available information and application of judgement are inherent
in the formation of estimates. Actual results in the future may
differ from those reported.
Judgements
Management believes that the areas where judgement has been
applied are:
- accounting for uncertain tax positions (note 16);
- separately disclosed items (note 6).
Accounting for uncertain tax positions
The Group is subject to various forms of tax in a number of
jurisdictions. Given the nature of the industry within which the
Group operates, the tax and regulatory regimes are continuously
changing and, as such, the Group is exposed to a small number of
uncertain tax positions. Judgement is applied in or order to
adequately provide for uncertain tax positions where it is believed
that it is more likely than not that an economic outflow will
arise. In particular, during 2021 judgement has been applied in the
Group's accounting for Greek tax and further disclosure is given in
note 16.
Separately disclosed items
To assist in understanding the underlying performance of the
Group, management applies judgement to identify those items that
are deemed to warrant separate disclosure due to either their
nature or size. Whilst not limited to, the following items of
pre-tax income and expense are generally disclosed separately:
- amortisation of acquired intangibles resulting from IFRS 3
"Business Combinations" fair value exercises;
- profits or losses on disposal, closure, or impairment of non-current assets or businesses;
- corporate transaction and restructuring costs;
- legal, regulatory and tax litigation;
- changes in the fair value of contingent consideration; and
- the related tax effect of these items.
Any other non-recurring items are considered individually for
classification as separately disclosed by virtue of their nature or
size. During 2021 the Group separately disclosed a net charge on
continuing operations of GBP134.1m including GBP144.2m of
amortisation of acquired intangibles resulting from IFRS 3.
The separate disclosure of these items allows a clearer
understanding of the trading performance on a consistent and
comparable basis, together with an understanding of the effect of
non-recurring or large individual transactions upon the overall
profitability of the Group.
The separately disclosed items have been included within the
appropriate classifications in the consolidated income statement.
Further details are given in note 6.
Estimates
Management believes that the area where significant estimates
have been made within the financial statement are:
- accounting for business combinations (note 15).
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in
the period in which the estimate is revised.
Further information about key assumptions concerning the future
and other key sources of estimation uncertainty are set out
below;
Business combinations
For business combinations, the Group estimates the fair value of
the consideration transferred, which can include assumptions about
the future business performance of the business acquired and an
appropriate discount rate to determine the fair value of any
contingent consideration.
The Group then estimates the fair value of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed in the business combination, including any
separately identifiable intangible assets. These estimates also
require inputs and assumptions including future earnings, customer
attrition rates and discount rates. The Group engages external
experts to support the valuation process, where appropriate. IFRS 3
'Business Combinations' allows the Group to recognise provisional
fair values if the initial accounting for the business combination
is incomplete.
The fair value of contingent consideration recognised in
business combinations is reassessed at each reporting date, using
updated inputs and assumptions based on the latest financial
forecasts for the relevant business. Fair value movements and the
unwinding of the discounting is recognised within the income
statement as a separately disclosed item. See note 6 and note 15
for further details.
Goodwill on acquisition is initially measured at cost, being the
excess of the cost of the business combination over the Group's
interest in the net fair value of the separately identifiable
assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at the date of
acquisition. In accordance with IFRS 3 Business Combinations,
goodwill is not amortised but reviewed for impairment at the first
reporting period after acquisition and then annually thereafter. As
such it is stated at cost less any provision for impairment of
value. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the consolidated
income statement and is not subsequently reversed.
On acquisition, any goodwill acquired is allocated to cash
generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. Where
goodwill forms part of a cash generating unit and part of the
operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated
with the disposal is included in the carrying amount of the assets
when determining the gain or loss on disposal.
4.2 Other accounting policies
Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired separately are capitalised at cost
and those acquired as part of a business combination are
capitalised separately from goodwill if the fair value can be
measured reliably on initial recognition. The costs relating to
internally generated intangible assets, principally software costs,
are capitalised if the criteria for recognition as assets are met.
Other expenditure is charged in the year in which the expenditure
is incurred. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are
carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any
accumulated impairment losses.
The useful lives of these intangible assets are assessed to be
either finite or indefinite. All indefinite lived assets are
subject to an annual impairment review from the year of
acquisition. Where amortisation is charged on assets with finite
lives, this expense is taken to the consolidated income statement
through the 'operating expenses, depreciation and amortisation'
line item. Useful lives are reviewed on an annual basis.
A summary of the policies applied to the Group's intangible
assets is as follows:
Retail licences Lower of 15 years, or duration
of licence
-------------------------------
Software - purchased & internally 2-15 years
capitalised costs
-------------------------------
Trademarks and brand names 10-15 years, or indefinite
life
-------------------------------
Customer relationships 3-15 years
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
The useful lives of all intangible assets are reviewed at each
financial period end. Impairment testing is performed annually for
intangible assets which are not subject to systematic amortisation
and where an indicator of impairment exists for all other
intangible assets.
An intangible asset is derecognised on disposal, with any gain
or loss arising (calculated as the difference between the net
disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) included in
the consolidated income statement in the year of disposal.
Pensions and other post-employment benefits
The Group's defined benefit pension plans, the Ladbrokes Pension
Plan and the Gala Coral Pension Plan hold assets separately from
the Group. The pension cost relating to both plans are assessed in
accordance with the advice of independent qualified actuaries using
the projected unit credit method.
Actuarial gains or losses are recognised in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they
arise.
Any past service cost is recognised immediately. The retirement
benefit asset recognised in the balance sheet represents the fair
value of scheme assets less the value of the defined benefit
obligations.
In accounting for the Group's defined benefit pension plans, it
is necessary for management to make a number of estimates and
assumptions each year. These include the discount rates, inflation
rates and life expectancy. In making these estimates and
assumptions, management considers advice provided by external
advisers, such as actuaries. Where actual experience differs to
these estimates, actuarial gains and losses are recognised directly
in other comprehensive income. Although the Group anticipates that
plan surpluses will be utilised during the life of the plans to
address member benefits, the Group recognises its pension surplus
in full on the basis that it does not consider there to be
substantive restrictions on the return of residual plan assets in
the event of a winding up of the plans after all member obligations
have been met.
The Group's contributions to defined contribution schemes are
charged to the consolidated income statement in the period to which
the contributions relate.
There is a degree of estimation involved in predicting the
ultimate benefits payable under defined benefit pension
arrangements. The pension scheme liabilities are determined using
actuarial valuations. The actuarial valuation involves making
assumptions about discount rates, mortality rates and future
pension increases. Due to the long-term nature of these plans, such
estimates are subject to uncertainty.
The group's defined benefit pension schemes both have a net
asset position when measured on an IAS 19 basis. Judgement is
applied, based on legal, actuarial, and accounting guidance in
IFRIC 14, regarding the amounts of net pension asset that is
recognised in the consolidated balance sheet.
Impairment
On acquisition, any goodwill acquired is allocated to cash
generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. Where
goodwill forms part of a cash generating unit and part of the
operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated
with the disposal is included in the carrying amount of the assets
when determining the gain or loss on disposal.
An impairment review is performed for goodwill and other
indefinite life assets on at least an annual basis. For all other
non-current assets an impairment review is performed where there
are indicators of impairment. This requires an estimation of the
recoverable amount which is the higher of an asset's fair value
less costs to sell and its value in use. Estimating a value in use
amount requires management to make an estimate of the expected
future cash flows from each cash generating unit and to discount
cash flows by a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the
present value of those cash flows. Estimating an asset's fair value
less costs to sell is determined using future cashflow and profit
projections as well as industry observed multiples and publicly
observed share prices for similar gambling companies. See note 12
for details on sensitivity analysis performed around these
estimates.
Within UK and European Retail, the cash generating units are
generally an individual Licenced Betting Office ("LBO") and
therefore, impairment is first assessed at this level for licences,
right of use ("ROU") assets and property, plant and equipment, with
any impairment arising booked to licences and property, plant and
equipment on a pro-rata basis.
Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income
statement.
Property, plant and equipment
Land is stated at cost less any impairment in value.
Buildings, plant and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and any impairment in value.
Depreciation is applied using the straight-line method to
specific classes of asset to reduce them to their residual value
over their estimated useful economic lives.
Land and buildings Lower of 50 years, or estimated useful
life of the building, or lease. Indefinite
lives are attached to any freehold
land held and therefore it is not
depreciated
--------------------------------------------
Plant and equipment 3-5 years
--------------------------------------------
Fixtures and fittings 3-10 years
---------------------- --------------------------------------------
ROU assets are depreciated over the lease term (as defined in
IFRS 16) being the period to the expiry date of the lease, unless
it is expected that a break clause will be exercised when the lease
term is the period to the date of the break.
The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are
reviewed for impairment where an indicator of impairment exists as
to whether there are events or changes in circumstances indicating
that the carrying values may not be recoverable. If any such
indication exists and where the carrying values exceed the
estimated recoverable amount, the assets or cash generating units
are written down to their recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment is the
greater of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In
assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money
and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not
generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount
is determined for the cash generating unit to which the asset
belongs. Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated
income statement.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon
disposal, with any gain or loss arising (calculated as the
difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying
amount of the item) included in the consolidated income statement
in the year of disposal.
Leases
The Group has applied IFRS 16 only to those contracts that were
previously identified as a lease under IFRS 17 Leases, any
contracts not previously identified as leases have not been
reassessed for the purposes of adopting IFRS 16. Accordingly, the
definition of a lease under IFRS 16 has only been applied to
contracts entered into on or after 1 January 2019.
Leases, other than those with a lease period of less than one
year at inception, or where the original cost of the asset acquired
would be a negligible amount, are capitalised at the inception at
the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are
apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease
liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the
remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged
directly against income.
ROU assets are included within property, plant and equipment at
cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which
normally equates to the lives of the leases, after taking into
account anticipated residual values.
ROU assets which are sub-leased to customers are classified as
finance leases if the lease agreements transfer substantially all
the risks and rewards of usage to the lessee. All other sub-leases
are classified as operating leases. When assets are subject to
finance leases, the present value of the sub-lease is recognised as
a receivable, net of allowances for expected credit losses and the
related ROU asset is de-recognised. The difference between the
gross receivable and the present value of the receivable is
recognised as unearned finance lease income. Finance lease interest
income is recognised over the term of the lease using the net
investment method (before tax) so as to give a constant rate of
return on the net investment in sub-leases. Operating lease rental
income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the life of the
lease.
Financial assets
Financial assets are recognised when the Group becomes party to
the contracts that give rise to them. The Group classifies
financial assets at inception as financial assets at amortised
cost, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss or
financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive
income.
Financial assets at amortised cost are non-derivative financial
assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in
an active market. On initial recognition, financial assets at
amortised cost are measured at fair value net of transaction
costs.
Trade receivables are generally accounted for at amortised cost.
Expected credit losses are recognised for financial assets recorded
at amortised cost, including trade receivables. Expected credit
losses are calculated by using an appropriate probability of
default, taking accounts of a range of possible future scenarios
and applying this to the estimated exposure of the Group at the
point of default.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include
derivative financial instruments. Financial assets through profit
or loss are measured initially at fair value with transaction costs
taken directly to the consolidated income statement. Subsequently,
the fair values are remeasured, and gains and losses are recognised
in the consolidated income statement.
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive
income comprise equity investments that are designated as such on
acquisition. These investments are measured initially at fair
value. Subsequently, the fair values are remeasured, and gains and
losses are recognised in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables,
interest bearing loans and borrowings, contingent consideration,
ante-post bets, guarantees and derivative financial instruments. On
initial recognition, financial liabilities are measured at fair
value net of transaction costs where they are not categorised as
financial liabilities at fair value. Financial liabilities measured
at fair value include contingent consideration, derivative
financial instruments, ante-post bets and guarantees.
Financial liabilities at fair value are measured initially at
fair value, with transaction costs taken directly to the
consolidated income statement. Subsequently, the fair values are
remeasured and gains and losses from changes therein are recognised
in the consolidated income statement.
Trade and other payables are held at amortised cost and include
amounts due to clients representing customer deposits and winnings,
which is matched by an equal and opposite amount within cash and
cash equivalents.
All interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially
recognised at fair value net of issue costs associated with the
borrowing. After initial recognition, interest bearing loans and
borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the
effective interest rate method.
Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets are derecognised when the right to receive cash
flows from the assets has expired or when the Group has transferred
its contractual right to receive the cash flows from the financial
assets or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows
in full without material delay to a third party, and either:
- substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred; or
- substantially all the risks and rewards have neither been
retained nor transferred but control is not retained.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation is
discharged, cancelled or expires.
Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as cross
currency swaps, foreign exchange swaps and interest rate swaps, to
hedge its risks associated with interest rate and foreign currency
fluctuations. Derivative financial instruments are recognised
initially and subsequently at fair value. The gains or losses on
remeasurement are taken to the consolidated income statement.
Derivative financial instruments are classified as assets where
their fair value is positive, or as liabilities where their fair
value is negative. Derivative assets and liabilities arising from
different transactions are only offset if the transactions are with
the same counterparty, a legal right of offset exists, and the
parties intend to settle the cash flows on a net basis.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present
obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it
is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic
benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable
estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Provisions are measured at the directors' best estimate of the
expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet
date and are discounted to present value where the effect is
material using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to
the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a
finance expense.
Foreign currency translation
The presentational currency of Entain PLC and the functional
currencies of its UK subsidiaries are Pounds Sterling (GBP).
Other than Sterling the main functional currencies of
subsidiaries are the Euro (EUR), the US Dollar ($) and the
Australian Dollar (A$). At the reporting date, the assets and
liabilities of non-sterling subsidiaries are translated into Pounds
Sterling (GBP) at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet
date and their cash-flows are translated at the weighted average
exchange rates for the year. The post-tax exchange differences
arising on the retranslation are taken directly to other
comprehensive income.
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the
subsidiary's functional currency and translated at the foreign
currency rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
retranslated at the foreign currency rate of exchange ruling at the
balance sheet date.
All foreign currency translation differences are taken to the
consolidated income statement. Non-monetary items that are measured
at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the
exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary
items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated
using the exchange rate at the date when the fair value was
determined.
On disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred cumulative
retranslation differences previously recognised in equity relating
to that particular foreign entity are recognised in the
consolidated income statement as part of the profit or loss on
disposal.
The following exchange rates were used in 2021 and 2020:
2021 2020
----------------- --------------
Currency Average Year end Average Year
end
Euro (EUR) 1.159 1.190 1.131 1.112
U S Dollar
($) 1.375 1.354 1.286 1.365
Australian
Dollar (A$) 1.832 1.862 1.876 1.765
------------- ------- -------- ------- -----
Revenue
The Group reports the gains and losses on all betting and gaming
activities as revenue, which is measured at the fair value of the
consideration received or receivable from customers less free bets,
promotions, bonuses and other fair value adjustments. Revenue is
net of VAT/GST. The Group considers betting and gaming revenue to
be out of the scope of IFRS 15 Revenue, and accounts for those
revenues within the scope of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.
For licensed betting offices (LBO's), on course betting, Core
Telephone Betting, mobile betting, Digital businesses (including
sportsbook, betting exchange, casino, games, other number bets),
revenue represents gains and losses, being the amounts staked and
fees received, less total payouts recognised on the settlement of
the event. Open betting positions ("Ante-post") are carried at fair
value and gains and losses arising on these positions are
recognised in revenue.
The following forms of revenue are accounted for within the
scope of IFRS 15 Revenue. Revenue from the online poker business
reflects the net income (rake) earned from poker hands completed by
the year end. In the case of the greyhound stadia, revenue
represents income arising from the operation of the greyhound
stadia in the year, including sales of refreshments, net of VAT.
Given the nature of these revenue streams they are not considered
to be subject to judgement over the performance obligations, amount
received or timing of recognition.
Government assistance
Receipts from government assistance programs such as, furlough,
are recorded as reductions in the costs against which they have
been received.
Finance expense and income
Finance expense and income arising on interest bearing financial
instruments carried at amortised cost are recognised in the
consolidated income statement using the effective interest rate
method. Finance expense includes the amortisation of fees that are
an integral part of the effective finance cost of a financial
instrument, including issue costs, and the amortisation of any
other differences between the amount initially recognised and the
redemption price. All finance expenses are recognised over the
availability period.
Share-based payment transactions
Certain employees (including directors) of the Group receive
remuneration in the form of equity settled share-based payment
transactions, whereby employees render services in exchange for
shares or rights over shares (equity settled transactions).
The cost of equity settled transactions is measured by reference
to the fair value at the date on which they are granted. In valuing
equity settled transactions, no account is taken of any performance
conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares
of Entain PLC (market conditions).
The cost of equity settled transactions is recognised in the
consolidated income statement, with a corresponding credit in
equity, over the period in which the performance conditions are
fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees
become fully entitled to the award (vesting date). The cumulative
expense recognised for equity settled transactions at each
reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which
the vesting period has expired and the number of awards that, in
the opinion of the directors of the Group at that date, based on
the best available estimate of the number of equity instruments,
will ultimately vest.
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest,
except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market
condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or
not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other
performance conditions are satisfied.
The dilutive effect of outstanding options is reflected as
additional share dilution in the computation of earnings per share
as shown in note 10.
5 Segment information
The Group's operating segments are based on the reports reviewed
by the Executive management team (which is collectively considered
to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM")) to make
strategic decisions and allocate resources.
IFRS 8 requires segment information to be presented on the same
basis as that used by the CODM for assessing performance and
allocating resources. The Group's operating segments are now
aggregated into the five reportable segments as detailed below.
This represents a change from 2020 with our former UK and European
Retail segments now combined to form one Retail segment and a New
Opportunities segment created to reflect the investment strategy in
innovation and new products and verticals as previously
communicated. Both changes are in line with the changes in the
Group's reporting to the executive management team (CODM), with the
Retail consolidation also a product of our Retail segment
displaying consistent trading patterns and risk profiles across
territories and all geographies now reporting into the Deputy Chief
Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer.
- Online: comprises betting and gaming activities from online
and mobile operations. Sports Brands include bwin, Coral,
Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes and Sportingbet; Gaming Brands
include CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, partypoker
and PartyCasino, Optibet, Ninja;
- Retail: comprises betting and retail activities in the shop
estates in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Republic of
Ireland, Belgium and Italy;
- New opportunities: Unikrn and innovation spend;
- Corporate: includes costs associated with Group functions
including Group executive, legal, Group finance, US joint venture,
tax and treasury; and
- Other segments: includes activities primarily related to
telephone betting, Stadia and on course pitches.
The Executive management team of the Group has chosen to assess
the performance of operating segments based on a measure of net
revenue, EBITDAR, EBITDA, and operating profit with finance costs
and taxation considered for the Group as a whole. See page 14 for
further considerations of the use of Non-GAAP measures. Transfer
prices between operating segments are on an arm's-length basis in a
manner similar to transactions with third parties.
The segment results for the year ended 31 December were as
follows:
2021 Online Retail All other New Opportunities Corporate Elimination Total
segments of internal Group
GBPm revenue
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
NGR(1) 3,066.5 791.1 32.8 - - (4.1) 3,886.3
VAT/GST (56.3) - - - - - (56.3)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Revenue 3,010.2 791.1 32.8 - - (4.1) 3,830.0
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Gross Profit 1,871.5 535.8 28.5 - - - 2,435.8
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Contribution(2) 1,294.7 529.0 27.8 - - - 1,851.5
Operating costs excluding marketing
costs (393.7) (447.5) (22.1) (8.8) (80.6) - (952.7)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Underlying EBITDAR before separately
disclosed items 901.0 81.5 5.7 (8.8) (80.6) - 898.8
Rental costs (2.0) (14.6) (0.1) - (0.4) - (17.1)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Underlying EBITDA before separately
disclosed items 899.0 66.9 5.6 (8.8) (81.0) - 881.7
Share based payments (5.3) (1.9) (0.1) - (5.0) - (12.3)
Depreciation and Amortisation (116.7) (102.4) (2.9) (0.4) (0.4) - (222.8)
Share of joint ventures and
associates (1.0) - 0.4 - (161.9) - (162.5)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Operating profit/(loss) before
separately disclosed items 776.0 (37.4) 3.0 (9.2) (248.3) - 484.1
Separately disclosed items
(note 6) (154.0) 1.4 (1.7) - 26.0 - (128.3)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Group operating profit/(loss) 622.0 (36.0) 1.3 (9.2) (222.3) - 355.8
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Net finance income 37.4
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Profit before tax 393.2
Income tax (117.6)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Profit for the year from continuing
operations 275.6
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Loss for the year from discontinued
operations
after tax (14.9)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
Profit for the year after
discontinued
operations 260.7
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- ----------------- --------- ------------ -------
1. Included within NGR are amounts of GBP82.6m (2020: GBP116.6m)
in relation to online poker services and GBP20.5m (2020: GBP14.9m)
arising from the operation of greyhound stadia recognised under
IFRS 15 Revenue.
2. Contribution represents gross profit less marketing costs and
is a key performance metric used by the Group, particularly in
Online.
5 Segment information (continued)
2020 Online Retail All other Corporate Elimination Total Group
Re-presented segments of internal
revenue GBPm
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
NGR 2,747.5 857.1 27.8 - (3.9) 3,628.5
VAT/GST (66.9) - - - - (66.9)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Revenue 2,680.6 857.1 27.8 - (3.9) 3,561.6
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Gross Profit 1,708.7 577.5 22.4 - - 2,308.6
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Contribution(1) 1,147.4 571.7 21.1 - - 1,740.2
Operating costs excluding
marketing costs (342.5) (456.1) (25.0) (54.5) - (878.1)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Underlying EBITDAR before
separately disclosed items 804.9 115.6 (3.9) (54.5) - 862.1
Rental costs (1.4) (17.3) (0.3) - - (19.0)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Underlying EBITDA before separately
disclosed items 803.5 98.3 (4.2) (54.5) - 843.1
Share based payments (4.3) (1.5) - (9.0) - (14.8)
Depreciation and Amortisation (120.1) (115.8) (2.7) - - (238.6)
Share of joint ventures and
associates 0.1 - 0.3 (60.6) - (60.2)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Operating profit/(loss) before
separately disclosed items 679.2 (19.0) (6.6) (124.1) - 529.5
Separately disclosed items
(note 6) (304.5) 226.3 - (92.4) - (170.6)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Group operating profit/(loss) 374.7 207.3 (6.6) (216.5) - 358.9
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Net finance expense (184.2)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Profit before tax 174.7
Income tax (60.9)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Profit for the year from continuing
operations 113.8
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Loss for the year from discontinued
operations after tax (34.4)
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
Profit for the year after
discontinued operations 79.4
------------------------------------ ------- ------- --------- --------- ------------ -----------
1. Contribution represents gross profit less marketing costs and
is a key performance metric used by the Group, particularly in
Online.
Geographical information
Revenue by destination and non-current assets on a geographical
basis for the Group, are as follows :
2020
2021 re-presented
--------------------- ------- ----------- ------- -------------
Revenue Non-current Revenue Non-current
assets assets3
3 GBPm
GBPm GBPm GBPm
--------------------- ------- ----------- ------- -------------
United Kingdom 1,754.5 3,007.2 1,675.5 3,116.4
Australia 458.1 507.0 383.3 557.8
Italy 392.4 483.0 353.6 428.4
Rest of Europe(1) 966.2 1,807.0 962.9 1,569.0
Rest of the world(2) 258.8 103.6 186.3 4.5
--------------------- ------- ----------- ------- -------------
Total 3,830.0 5,907.8 3,561.6 5,676.1
--------------------- ------- ----------- ------- -------------
1. Rest of Europe is predominantly driven by markets in Germany,
Belgium and Georgia.
2. Rest of the world is predominantly driven by the market in
Brazil.
3. Non-current assets excluding other financial assets, deferred
tax assets and retirement benefit assets
6 Separately disclosed items
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Amortisation of acquired intangibles1 144.2 3 07.0
Integration costs2 17.3 2 5.1
C orporate transaction costs(3) 9.4 -
Tax litigation/ one-off legislative impacts(4) (8 0 .2) (223.5)
Legal and onerous contract provisions(5) 26.2 8.9
P rofit on disposal of property, plant and equipment(6) (1.9) (6.9)
Movement in fair value of contingent consideration(7) 6.1 42.4
Issue costs write off (8) 5.8 5.3
Impairment loss(9) 3.3 5 .0
Triennial restructuring costs - 8.3
Other one-off items(10) 3.9 4.3
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Total before tax 134.1 175.9
Tax on separately disclosed items (11) 27.5 (2.1)
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Separately disclosed items for the year from continuing
operations 161.6 173.8
Separately disclosed items for the year from discontinued
operations 9 .3 2 0.0
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Separately disclosed items for the year after discontinued
operations 170.9 1 93.8
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
1. Amortisation charges in relation to acquired intangible
assets arising from the various acquisitions made by the Group in
recent years, including Ladbrokes Coral, Crystalbet, Enlabs,
Portugal and Unikrn.
2. Final costs associated with the integration of the Ladbrokes
Coral Group and legacy GVC businesses, including redundancy
costs.
3. During the year, the Group incurred a number of transaction
costs associated with M&A activity including Enlabs, Portugal
and Unikrn as well as the approaches for the Entain Group by US
based betting and gaming businesses.
4. In November 2021, the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal
found in favour of the Group on the 2010/11 Greek Tax case. The
ruling stipulated that the previous amounts paid by the Group plus
interest were now due to Entain. Whilst the Greek authorities have
appealed the decision by the courts, the Group has recognised the
full receivable due under the court ruling including reversing
charges previously recognised in the Income Statement in respect of
2010/11. The credit of GBP80.2m recognised also includes GBP7.1m in
respect of the final amount received in respect of the UK VAT claim
(2020: GBP223.0m).
5. Includes costs associated with complying with the HMRC
investigation as well as a provision for potential settlement costs
on matters associated with past trading activity.
6. Relates to the sale of various retail assets.
7. Costs associated with discount unwind and movements in the
fair value of contingent consideration on acquisition activity from
previous years.
8. Issue costs written off on the refinancing of US denominated
loans and the Group's revolving credit facility in the year.
9. During the current year, the Group recorded a non-cash
impairment charge against certain leased assets which are now
vacant and against assets relating to the disposed Betdaq
business.
10. Relates predominantly to the one-off costs associated with Covid-19.
11. The tax charge on separately disclosed items of GBP27.5m
(2020: credit of GBP2.1m) represents -20.5% (2020: 1.2%) of the
separately disclosed items incurred of GBP134.1m (2020: GBP175.9m).
This is lower than the expected rate of 19.0% (2020: 19.0%) as
certain corporate transaction costs and integration costs are
non-deductible for tax purposes, as well as the impact of
significant elements of amortisation of acquired intangibles being
subject to lower overseas tax rates. In addition, the changes in
future UK and Gibraltar corporation tax rates have been applied to
deferred tax liabilities recognised against acquired intangibles
resulting in a current year charge.
The items above reflect incomes and expenditures which are
either exceptional in nature or size or are associated with the
amortisation of acquired intangibles. The Directors believe that
each of these items warrants separate disclosure as they do not
form part of the day-to-day underlying trade of the Group and are
not expected to persist beyond the short term (excluding the
amortisation of acquired intangibles).
7 Finance expense and income
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------ --------
Bank loans and overdrafts (63.3) (60.2)
Interest on lease liabilities(1) (13.8) (16.3)
Issue costs write off (note 6) (5.8) (5.3)
Total finance expense (82.9) (81.8)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------ --------
Interest receivable 2.1 2.3
Gains/(losses) arising on financial derivatives 62.0 ( 61.8)
Gains/(losses) arising on foreign exchange on debt instruments 56.2 ( 42.9)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------ --------
Net finance income/(expense) 3 7.4 ( 184.2)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------ --------
1. Interest on lease liabilities of GBP13.8m (2020: GBP16.3) is
net of GBP0.2m of sub-let interest receivable (2020: GBP0.4m).
8 Income tax
The total tax charge on continuing operations was GBP117.6m
(2020: GBP60.9m) Excluding the tax credit on separately disclosed
items, the total tax charge on continuing operations was GBP90.1m
(2020: GBP63.0m).
Deferred tax assets are considered recognisable based on the
ability of future offset against deferred tax liabilities of the
same taxable entity or against future taxable profits.
As at 31 December 2021, the Group had GBP1,621.6m (2020:
GBP1,660.7m) of gross unrecognised deferred tax assets This
unrecognised deferred tax asset consists of GBP213.3m of capital
losses (2020: GBP213.3m), GBP1,408.7m of trading losses (2020:
GBP1,407.2m), GBPnil of deferred interest relief (2020: GBP40.2m)
and GBP0.4m of other deferred tax assets (2020: GBPnil). These
assets have not been recognised as they are not expected to be
utilised in the foreseeable future.
There are no significant unrecognised taxable temporary
differences associated with investments in subsidiaries.
The standard rate of UK corporation tax throughout the period
was 19.0%.
In the UK Budget on 3 March 2021, the Chancellor announced that
the standard rate of UK Corporation Tax would be increased from 19%
to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023. This was substantively
enacted on 24 May 2021. Both the 19% and the 25% rate have
therefore been used in measuring the UK deferred tax items at the
date of this Report, depending on the expected date of reversal of
any timing differences. The impact of the UK Corporation Tax
increase in this Report is a credit of GBP13.0m to Underlying
Items, and a charge of GBP10.6m to Separately Disclosed Items.
In the Gibraltar Budget on 20 July 2021, the Chief Minister
announced that the standard rate of Gibraltar Corporate Income Tax
would be increased from 10% to 12.5% with effect from 1 August
2021. This was substantively enacted on 26 July 2021. The 12.5%
rate has therefore been used in measuring the Gibraltar deferred
tax items at the date of this Report. The impact of the Gibraltar
Corporate Income Tax increase in this Report is a credit of GBP5.8m
to Underlying Items, and a charge of GBP36.7m to Separately
Disclosed Items. The Gibraltar Budget also introduced a temporary
enhanced tax deduction for qualifying business marketing and
promotion costs, which will apply for the years ending 31 December
2021 and 31 December 2022. This was substantively enacted on 30
July 2021. The impact of this temporary measure in this Report is a
credit of GBP18.4m to Underlying Items.
The Group's future tax charge, and effective tax rate, could be
affected by a number of factors including the mix of profits
arising in each country, changes to statutory corporate tax rates
and the impact of continuing global tax reforms.
The Group has noted the OECD's work on the taxation of the
digital economy and the EU Proposal for a Council Directive on
ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational
groups, issued on 22 December 2021. If implemented, these are
expected to apply to the Group from the year ended 31 December
2023. The Group expects this to increase the future Effective Tax
Rate on Underlying Items. It is not yet possible to quantify the
impact these changes will have until further details on the
proposals and their implementation become available.
The deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax
rates of the respective territories which are expected to apply to
the year in which the asset is realised or the liability is
settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted
or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax on
retirement benefit assets is provided at 35.0%, which is the rate
applicable to refunds.
9 Dividends
The dividends in the year of GBP24.5m relate entirely to
dividends paid out to non-controlling interests (2020:
GBP12.4m).
10 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the
profit for the year attributable to shareholders of the Company of
GBP249.3m (2020: GBP57.8m) by the weighted average number of shares
in issue during the year of 585.7m (2020: 583.7m).
At 31 December 2021, there were 586.6m EUR0.01 ordinary shares
in issue.
The calculation of adjusted earnings per share which removes
separately disclosed items and foreign exchange gains and losses
arising on financial instruments has also been disclosed as it
provides a better understanding of the underlying performance of
the Group. Separately disclosed items are defined in note 4 and
disclosed in note 6.
Total earnings per share
Weighted average number of shares (millions) 2021 2020
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ -----
Shares for basic earnings per share 5 85.7 583.7
Potentially dilutive share options and contingently issuable
shares 5.4 6.2
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ -----
Shares for diluted earnings per share 591.1 589.9
------------------------------------------------------------- ------ -----
2021 2020
Total profit GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ -------
24 9
Profit attributable to shareholders .3 57 .8
------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ -------
26 4
* from continuing operations .2 92 .2
* from discontinued operations (14.9) (3 4.4)
(Gains)/losses arising from financial instruments (62.0) 6 1.8
(Gains)/losses arising from foreign exchange debt instruments (56.2) 4 2.9
Associated tax charge on gains arising from financial instruments
and foreign exchange debt instruments 9 .9 -
17 0
Separately disclosed items net of tax (note 6) .9 1 93.8
------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ -------
3 11
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders .9 356.3
------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ -------
* from continuing operations 317.5 370.7
* from discontinued operations (5 .6) ( 14.4)
------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ -------
Standard earnings Adjusted earnings
per share per share
Earnings per share (pence) 2021 2020 2021 2020
------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Basic earnings per share
* from continuing operations 45 .1 1 5 .8 5 4 .3 6 3 .5
(1 .0
* from discontinued operations (2 .5) (5.9) ) (2.5)
------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
From profit/(loss) for the period 42 .6 9.9 5 3 .3 6 1 .0
------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Diluted earnings per share
* from continuing operations 44 .7 1 5 .6 5 3 .8 6 2 .8
* from discontinued operations (2 .5) (5.8) (1.0) (2.4)
------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
From profit/(loss) for the period 42 .2 9.8 5 2 .8 60.4
------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------- --------
The earnings per share presented above is inclusive of the
performance from the US joint venture BetMGM. Adjusting for the
removal of the BetMGM performance would result in a basic adjusted
earnings per share of 81.9p (2020: 73.9p) and a diluted adjusted
earnings per share of 81.1p (2020: 73.1p) from continuing
operations.
11 Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill Licences Software Customer Trade-marks Total
relationships & brand
names
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- ----------- ---------
Cost
At 1 January 2020 3,238.8 15.7 595.9 935.9 1,925.7 6,712.0
Exchange adjustment 128.3 - 11.3 20.6 30.3 190.5
Additions - - 101.6 - - 101.6
Disposals and assets classified
as held for sale (14.9) - (169.5) (7.9) (2.0) (194.3)
At 31 December 2020 3,352.2 15.7 539.3 948.6 1,954.0 6,809.8
(28 .0
Exchange adjustment (132.8) ( 0.3) ) (22.5) (32.7) (2 16 .3)
Additions - 12.8 96.7 - - 109.5
A dditions from business
combinations (note 15) 273.1 22.3 21.1 78.9 96.2 491.6
Disposals and assets classified
as held for sale - (0.8) (8.2) - - (9.0)
R eclassification - - 1.1 - - 1.1
At 31 December 2021 3,492.5 49.7 622.0 1,005.0 2,017.5 7,186.7
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- ----------- ---------
Accumulated amortisation
and impairment
At 1 January 2020 272.4 6.3 379.3 593.2 96.4 1,347.6
Exchange adjustment 18.7 - 6.0 17.4 6.8 48.9
Amortisation charge - 1.1 115.8 262.2 39.3 418.4
Disposals - - (169.1) (1.2) (1.3) (171.6)
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- ----------- ---------
At 31 December 2020 291.1 7.4 332.0 871.6 141.2 1,643.3
Exchange adjustment (15.6) (0.1) (22.3) (19.4) (8.6) (66.0)
Amortisation charge - 6.8 102.7 89.8 48.0 247.3
I mpairment charge - - 1.6 - - 1.6
Disposals and assets classified
as held for sale - (0.8) (8.2) - - (9.0)
At 31 December 2021 275.5 13.3 405.8 942.0 180.6 1,817.2
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- ----------- ---------
Net book value
At 31 December 2020 3,061.1 8.3 207.3 77.0 1,812.8 5,166.5
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- ----------- ---------
At 31 December 2021 3,217.0 36.4 216.2 63.0 1,836.9 5,369.5
-------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------------- ----------- ---------
At 31 December 2021, the Group had not entered into contractual
commitments for the acquisition of any intangible assets (2020:
GBPnil).
Included within trade-marks & brand names are GBP1,398.4m
(2020: GBP1,398.4m) of intangible assets considered to have
indefinite lives. These assets relate to the UK Ladbrokes and Coral
brands which are considered to have indefinite durability that can
be demonstrated, and their value can be readily measured. The
brands operate in longstanding and profitable market sectors. The
Group has a strong position in the market and there are barriers to
entry due to the requirement to demonstrate that the applicant is a
fit and proper person with the "know-how" required to run such
operations.
Goodwill reflects the value by which consideration exceeds the
fair value of net assets acquired as part of a business combination
including the deferred tax liability arising on acquisitions.
Licences comprise the cost of acquired betting shop
licences.
Software relates to the cost of acquired software, through
purchase or business combination, and the capitalisation of
internally developed software. Additions of GBP96.7m (2020:
GBP101.6m) include GBP46.0m of internally capitalised costs (2020:
GBP31.1m).
Customer relationships, trade-marks and brand names relate to
the fair value of customer lists, trade-marks and brand names
acquired as part of business combinations, primarily relating to
the Bwin, Ladbrokes Coral Group plc and Enlabs businesses.
An impairment charge of GBP1.6m (2020: GBPnil) has been made
against assets relating to the disposed Betdaq business . See notes
6 and 12 for further details of the impairment charge.
12 Impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite life intangible
assets
An impairment loss is recognised for any amount by which an
asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The
recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less
costs to sell and its value in use. For the purposes of assessing
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there
are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units).
Within UK and European Retail, the cash generating units
("CGUs") are generally an individual Licenced Betting Office
("LBO") and therefore, impairment is first assessed at this level
for licences (intangibles) and property, plant and equipment, with
any impairment arising booked to licences and property, plant and
equipment on a pro-rata basis. Since goodwill and brand names have
not been historically allocated to individual LBOs, a secondary
assessment is then made to compare the carrying value of the
segment against the recoverable amount with any additional
impairment then taken against goodwill first.
For Online the CGU is the relevant geographical location or
business unit, for example Australia, European digital (defined as
websites hosted by proprietary platforms based in European
constituent countries), Digital (defined as websites hosted by
Entain proprietary platforms) etc. and any impairments are made
firstly to goodwill, next to any capitalised intangible asset and
then finally to property, plant and equipment. The expected cash
flows generated by the assets are discounted using appropriate
discount rates that reflect the time value of money and risks
associated with the group of assets.
For both tangible and intangible assets, the future cash flows
are based on the forecasts and budgets of the CGU or business
discounted to reflect time value of money. The key assumptions
within the UK and European Retail budgets are OTC wagers (customer
visits and spend per visit), the average number of machines per
shop, gross win per shop per week, salary increases, the potential
impact of the shop closures and the fixed costs of the LBOs. The
key assumptions within the budgets for Online are the number of
active customers, net revenue per head, win percentage, marketing
spend, revenue shares and operating costs.
The value-in-use calculations use cash flows based on detailed,
board approved, financial budgets prepared by management covering a
three-year period. These forecasts have been extrapolated over
years 4 to 8 representing a declining growth curve from year 3
until the long term forecast growth rate is reached. The growth
rates used from years 4-8 range from 0% to 16%. From year 9 onwards
long term growth rates used are between 0% and 2.0% (2020: between
0% and 3.0%) and are based on the long term GDP growth rate of the
countries in which the relevant CGUs operate or the relevant
outlook for the business. An 8-year horizon is considered
appropriate based on the Group's history of underlying profit as
well as ensuring there is an appropriate decline to long term
growth rates from those growth rates currently observed in our key
markets. A 0% growth rate has been used for the UK Retail operating
segment due to the ongoing uncertainty following covid-19. All key
assumptions used in the value-in-use calculations reflect the
Group's past experience unless a relevant external source of
information is available.
The discount rate calculation is based on the specific
circumstances with reference to the WACC and risk factors expected
in the industry in which the Group operates.
The pre-tax discount rates used and the associated carrying
value of goodwill by CGU is as follows:
2021 202 0 2021 2020
Goodwill % % GBPm GBPm
------------------- ------ ------ ------- -------
Digital 10.9 9.1 2,121.5 2,101.1
UK Retail 10.9 9.1 76.4 76.4
Australia 11.7 10.6 331.2 349.5
9.3 - 8.5 -
European Retail 11.5 10.4 153.0 163.7
10.9 - 9 .9 -
European Digital 11.5 10.4 332.0 355.2
Enlabs 1 2.7 n/a 187.7 -
All other segments 10.9 9.1 15.2 15.2
------------------- ------ ------ ------- -------
3,217.0 3,061.1
------------------- ------ ------ ------- -------
It is not practical or material to disclose the carrying value
of individual licences by LBO.
Impairment recognised during the year
Impairments of intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment are recognised as separately disclosed items within
operating expenses.
During the current year, the Group recorded a non-cash
impairment charge of GBP3.3m (2020: GBP5.0m) on certain head office
locations which are now vacant (within the Retail segment), and
against assets relating to the disposed Betdaq business (within All
other segment).
Sensitivity analysis
A reduction to 0% for the terminal growth rate applied to the
cashflows (with other assumptions remaining constant) would result
in no additional impairment to any CGU.
A 5% decrease in all cash flows used in the discounted cash flow
model for the value in use calculation (with other assumptions
remaining constant) would result in no additional impairment to any
CGU.
A 0.5pp increase in discount rates used in the discounted cash
flow model for the value in use calculation (with all other
assumptions remaining constant) would result in no additional
impairment to any CGU.
No other reasonable change in assumptions to the CGUs would
cause any additional impairment.
13 Net debt
The components of the Group's net debt are as follows:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Current assets
Cash and short-term deposits 487.1 749.8
Current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings (121.1) (14.1)
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings (2,161.3) (2,085.7)
------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Accounting net debt (1,795.3) (1,350.0)
------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Cash held on behalf of customers (205.9) (396.1)
Fair value swaps held against debt instruments (derivative
financial assets) 57.4 (26.1)
Deposits 20.3 171.2
Balances held with payment service providers 130.8 172.4
Adjusted net debt (1,792.7) (1,428.6)
------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Lease liabilities (293.7) (338.0)
------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Net debt including lease liabilities (2,086.4) (1,766.6)
------------------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Cash held on behalf of customers represents the outstanding
balance due to customers in respect of their online gaming wallets.
Included within this balance is GBPnil (2020: GBP155.0m) classified
as held for sale. Included within deposits is GBPnil (2020:
GBP149.5m) classified as held for sale.
14 Notes to the statement of cash flows
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
Profit before tax from continuing operations 3 93.2 174.7
Net finance (income)/expense ( 37.4) 184.2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Profit before tax and net finance expense from continuing operations 3 55.8 358.9
Loss before tax and net finance expense from discontinued operations (1 4.9) (35.7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Profit before tax and net finance expense including discontinued operations 3 40.9 323.2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjustments for:
Impairment 3 .3 34.3
Loss/(p rofit) on disposal 7.3 (6.9)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 120.0 127.5
Amortisation of intangible assets 247.3 421.8
Share based payments charge 12.3 14.8
Increase in other financial assets - (2.3)
Increase in trade and other receivables (73.7) (161.2)
Increase in other financial liabilities 3.5 25.2
Increase in trade and other payables 1.9 33.4
Decrease in provisions (18.5) (22.7)
Share of results from joint venture and associate 162.5 60.2
(3.0
Other non-cash items ) 17.5
86 4
Cash generated by operations 803.8 .8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
15 Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition
method. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, and
contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are
measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The
identification and valuation of intangible assets arising on
business combinations is subject to a degree of judgement. We
engaged independent third parties, including Duff & Phelps to
assist with the identification and valuation process. Duff &
Phelps have utilised a Relief from Royalty Method and the Excess
Earnings Method approach to determine the fair value of acquired
intangibles. This was performed in accordance with the Group's
policies. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value
of the Group's share of the identifiable assets acquired is
recorded as goodwill. Costs related to the acquisition are expensed
as incurred, see note 6 for details.
Summary of acquisitions:
Enlabs
On 30 March, the Group acquired 95.9% of the share capital of
Enlabs AB. The acquisition of the share capital resulted in control
being obtained and as a result Enlabs is consolidated as a
subsidiary from this date forward. Enlabs operates predominantly
via an online platform across sports betting and gaming markets and
provides the Entain Group with access to the regulated Baltic
markets. Consideration consisted of GBP304.5m for its 95.9% share
in Enlabs with GBP14.2m recognised as a non-controlling interest
within equity for the 4.1% of remaining holding not acquired by the
Group. During Q4 the Group acquired the remaining share capital of
Enlabs AB leaving a small non-controlling interest in one of the
historic acquisitions performed by Enlabs prior to the Entain
acquisition.
Bet.pt
On 31 March, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of
Entertainment Technologies Group Limited which owns the Bet.pt
business, an online sports betting and gaming business operating in
Portugal. The acquisition of the Bet.pt brand provides the Group
with access to the regulated Portuguese market. In accordance with
IFRS 3, as control has been obtained, the business has been
consolidated from this point forwards. Including relevant
adjustments for the net debt acquired with the business and
potential payments under contingent arrangements, consideration
amounted to GBP51.3m.
Impala
During the year, the Group established a 51% owned subsidiary
GVC (Impala) Limited, subsequently renamed Impala Digital Limited,
("Impala Digital"). On 29 March 2021, Impala Digital acquired the
trade and assets of a B2B business operating in the African betting
and gaming market for $40m. This acquisition provides the Entain
Group with a platform with which the Group can access the African
market. In accordance with IFRS 3, as the Entain Group exercises
control, Impala Digital has been consolidated within the Group
financial statements.
The shareholder agreement for Impala Digital provides an
opportunity for the Group to purchase the remaining 49% of share
capital. Based on the expectation that the second completion
requirements will be met, a financial liability has been recorded
at GBP50.0m at acquisition. The estimate of the financial liability
was based on forecast results and the likely payment due under the
second completion conditions with GBP50m still provided at the year
end. The shareholder agreement contains a cap of $309.9m in
relation to the second purchase.
Finnplay
On 1 April 2021, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of
Finnplay Technologies Oy, the platform provider for the Ninja brand
of Enlabs for GBP10.3m. In accordance with IFRS 3, the business has
been consolidated from this point forwards.
Unikrn
On 19 October 2021, the Group acquired the trade and assets of
the Unikrn business for $72.2m. Unikrn provides the Group with a
platform and expertise to enter the esports market. In accordance
with IFRS 3 the Unikrn businesses results are consolidated from the
point of acquisition.
Given the proximity of some of the acquisitions to the period
end and as permitted by IFRS 3 'Business Combinations', the fair
value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities have been
presented on a provisional basis. Fair values were determined on
the basis of an initial assessment performed by an independent
professional expert.
Details of the purchase consideration, the net assets acquired
and goodwill are as follows:
Provisional
fair value
GBPm
---------------------------------------- ------------
Intangible assets (excluding goodwill) 2 18.5
Property, plant and equipment 3 .3
Investments 2 .9
Trade and other receivables 1 2.6
Cash and cash equivalents 2 2.3
Deferred tax asset 0 .5
Deferred tax liability ( 32.7)
Trade and other payables (31.3)
Lease liabilities (0.9)
------------------------------------------ ------------
Total 195.2
------------------------------------------ ------------
Net assets acquired 195.2
Goodwill 273.1
------------------------------------------ ------------
Total net assets acquired 468.3
------------------------------------------ ------------
Consideration:
Cash 436.5
Non-controlling interests 14.2
Deferred and contingent consideration 17.6
------------------------------------------ ------------
Total consideration 468.3
------------------------------------------ ------------
The acquired businesses contributed revenues of GBP99.4m and
profit before tax of GBP19.9m.
Had the acquisitions occurred on the first day of the financial
year the revenue for the Group would have been GBP3,916.1m with a
profit before tax of GBP401.1m.
Non-controlling interests have been stated at their fair value
on acquisition, which has been determined by reference to the
amount paid for the Group's controlling interest.
Included in the valuation of goodwill is the value attributed to
acquired workforce, and the benefit of future trading potential
including synergies arising as part of the acquisition.
16 Commitments and contingencies
Greek tax
In November, The Athens Administrative Court of Appeal ruled in
favour of the Group on the 2010/11 Greek Tax Assessment, a ruling
which has subsequently been appealed by the Greek authorities.
Following the ruling, the Group is now entitled to recover all
amounts paid under the 2010/11 Assessment plus interest and, as
such, a receivable of EUR227.5m has been recorded.
Whilst the Group expects to be successful in defending the
appeal by the Greek authorities, should the Greek Supreme
Administrative Court rule in favour of the Greek tax authorities,
then the Group may become liable for the full 2010/11 Assessment
plus interest. Whilst the outcome of the appeal hearing, which is
not expected until 2024, remains uncertain, the Group remains
confident that the Supreme Court will also find in favour of the
Group.
HMRC investigation
On 28 November 2019, one of our UK subsidiaries, GVC Holdings
(UK) Limited, received a production order from HM Revenue &
Customs ("HMRC") requiring it to provide information relating to
the group's former Turkish facing online gambling business, sold in
2017. At that time, the group understood that HMRC's investigation
was directed at a number of former third party suppliers, relating
to the processing of payments for online gambling in Turkey. On 21
July 2020, GVC Holdings Plc announced that HMRC was widening the
scope of its investigation and was examining potential corporate
offending by the GVC group. It had previously been understood that
no group company was a subject of HMRC's investigation. Through
ongoing engagement with HMRC we understand that the group remains a
corporate suspect and that the offences under investigation
include, but are not limited to, offences under sections 1 and 7 of
the Bribery Act 2010. The group continues to co-operate fully with
HMRC's enquiries, which are ongoing.
In addition to the items discussed above, the Group is subject
to number of other potential litigation claims that arise as part
of the normal course of business and continue to arise in 2022.
Provision has not been made against these claims as they are either
not considered likely to result in an economic outflow or they do
not represent an obligation at the year end date. Consistent with
any claims of this nature there can be uncertainty with the final
outcome.
17 Related party disclosures
Other than its associates and joint venture, the related parties
of the Group are the executive directors, non-executive directors
and members of the Executive Committee of the Group.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are
related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not
disclosed in this note. Transactions between the Group and its
associates and joint venture and other related parties are
disclosed below.
During the year, Group companies entered into the following
transactions with related parties who are not members of the
Group:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------- ----- -----
Equity investment
- Joint venture1 164.4 61.8
Loans
Sundry expenditure
- Associates 2 59.3 56.6
------------------- ----- -----
1. Equity investment in Bet MGM
2. Payments in the normal course of business made to Sports
Information Services (Holdings) Limited and bwin eK Neugersdorf
Details of related party outstanding balances
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- ----- -----
Other amounts outstanding
- Associates 0.1 0.1
-------------------------- ----- -----
Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties
Sales to, and purchases from, related parties are made at market
prices and in the ordinary course of business. Outstanding balances
at 31 December 2021 are unsecured and settlement occurs in cash.
For the year ended 31 December 2021, the Group has not raised any
provision (2020: GBPnil) for doubtful debts relating to amounts
owed by related parties as the payment history has been good. This
assessment is undertaken each financial year through examining the
financial position of the related party and the market in which the
related party operates.
Transactions with directors and key management personnel of the
Group
The remuneration of key management personnel is set out below in
aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 Related
Party Disclosures. Key management personnel comprise executive
directors, non-executive directors and members of the Executive
management team. Further information about the remuneration of
individual directors is provided in the directors' remuneration
report.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------------- ----- ------
Short-term employee benefits 9.7 5.8
Share-based payments 5.2 7.3
---------------------------------------------------- ----- ------
Total compensation paid to key management personnel 14.9 1 3 .1
---------------------------------------------------- ----- ------
Peter Isola is a director of Europort (International) Holdings
Limited and Europort Five Limited, a property firm in Gibraltar
which charged rental expenses of GBP2.6m to the Group during the
year (2020: GBP2.5m).
18 Subsequent Events
Given the more certain medium-term outlook, the Group has taken
the decision to repay the GBP44m received under the Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme ("furlough scheme") in FY21. The scheme was a
sensible and highly welcome policy intervention that helped us, as
one of the country's largest retailers, to maintain the livelihoods
of more than 14,000 retail colleagues on full pay. We have kept the
situation under review since we first made use of the scheme and
are pleased to be in a position to repay these monies.
Following the year end, the Group announced the acquisition of
Deis Ltd ("Avid Gaming") for CAD300 million from Middlebrook
Investments Limited. Avid Gaming owns Sports Interaction, Canada's
leading online sports betting brand. It is headquartered in Jersey
(Channel Islands), with offices in the Mohawk Territory of
Kahnawà:ke and Ireland.
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END
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March 03, 2022 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
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