18th Jan 2024 17:27
(Alliance News) - The old adage of the bookie always winning did not ring as true for Flutter Entertainment PLC's final quarter in the US, though the Paddy Power owner is still in confident mood.
All-in-all, it was a mixed final quarter for the FTSE 100 constituent, but as the company sizes up making more waves in the ever-growing US gambling sector, investors are still optimistic.
Flutter said it traded well over the fourth quarter, reporting double-digit revenue growth at the end of 2023, and for the year as a whole.
In the fourth quarter, total revenue rose 11% to GBP2.67 billion from GBP2.41 billion a year before - up 15% at constant currency - while average monthly players rose 12% to 13.6 million.
In 2023 overall, revenue jumped 24% to GBP9.51 billion from GBP7.69 billion in 2022, as average monthly players rose 20% to 12.3 million.
In the US, net revenue was USD1.42 billion in the fourth quarter, about USD225 million below its prior guidance, amid the "customer friendly" sports results. It said the hit from this to gross revenue was USD343 million, partly offset by gross revenue margin being better than expected.
However, Flutter noted its performance excluding the US was in line with its annual guidance provided in the third quarter.
"In the US, FanDuel consolidated its sports leadership position during the peak quarter for sporting activity, while FanDuel Casino went from strength to strength. While sports results were very customer friendly, particularly on the [National Football League] in November, the underlying momentum in the business remains very strong heading into 2024," said Chief Executive Peter Jackson.
Flutter plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange, saying on Thursday this is on track for January 29. At that point it will de-list its shares from its home city of Dublin but keep a premium listing in London, remaining in the FTSE 100 index as a result.
"We expect this to be a significant driver of the share price as US domestic investors invest in a local market leader," analysts at Peel Hunt commented.
Peel said there is "no doubt about the health" of Flutter's US arm, which had 51% share of US net sports revenue.
Peel analysts added: "Following today's reassuring results, we reiterate our 'buy' recommendation and 16,000p target price."
Flutter shares closed 15% higher at 15,225.00 pence each in London on Thursday.
By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor
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