The execution of the company’s strategic plans has allowed its operating profit to improve by 8.6% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
The company incorporates 7 new casinos in Colombia and opens operations with Sportium in Puerto Rico.
The company has published its new ESG 2023 report, which includes its commitments and results in terms of environmental protection, social responsibility and governance.
Terrassa, May 23, 2024.– CIRSA, a leading multinational in gaming and entertainment and the first company in the sector in Spain, generated 513 million euros in operating revenues and an operating profit of 164 million euros in the first quarter of 2024, once again beating its best quarterly records.
These results confirm the solid growth trend of the company’s business thanks to its strategy of focusing on key markets and continuously improving the offer and quality of service. They represent an improvement in operating income of 6.3% and operating profit of 8.6% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Additionally, the company has recently published its new ESG 2023 report, which includes CIRSA’s commitment to growing its business in a responsible and sustainable manner, as well as the strategic lines of action in terms of environmental sustainability, social responsibility and governance for the future. The report uses both the Global Reporting standards Initiative (GRI), as well as the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) regarding materiality analysis. The Report and other ESG-related materials can be found on the Company’s website at https://www.cirsa.com/sostenibilidad/
Highlights of the first quarter of 2024
CASINOS The results of the Casinos division during the first quarter of 2024 continue the good trend thanks to the improvement in results in all the countries present compared to the previous year. The roadmap outlined in recent years involves the renewal of the machines footprint, the casino facilities, where we have begun to remodel more than 10 sites during this quarter, as well as the strict execution of the commercial plans and cost control policies. In line with our multi-channel strategy, we also promote Sportium’s online offer in our casinos in regulated markets. During this quarter, 7 new casinos in Colombia have joined the group, adapting them to the group’s quality and service standards to improve customers’ entertainment experience.
SLOTS MACHINES SPAIN In the first quarter of 2024, the good results of the division stem from the continuity of the commercial plans focused on attracting the most suitable points of sale for recreational games and the offer of the most suitable product for each customer. The successful evolution of the Manhattan platform and the success in incorporating new games have contributed significantly to the success of this strategy.
The activity in the industrial area continues at a very good pace thanks to the great success of the launches of new models such as Manhattan Boom and Hit the link Bar for the Bars and Restaurants channel, and Pyramid Cash in the Gambling Halls channel. Inflation in raw materials and components costs has stabilized, and supply chain delivery times have normalized. In the Interactive area, specialized in gambling halls management systems, the growth of Forward Systems installations throughout Spain continued at a solid rate.
SLOTS MACHINES ITALY In Italy during the first quarter we have observed a significant improvement in Revenue and Ebitda largely thanks to the incorporation of the Modena Giochi operator in the second quarter of 2023 and the positive results of the product turnover plan.
The redesign of the premises and the reorganization of the machines footprint has borne positive results and continuity in the results, strengthening the betting areas and consolidating volumes.
ONLINE GAMING AND BETTING The online gaming and sports betting division significantly increased its betting volumes compared to the same period last year, although it suffered from lower margins as a common trend in the sports betting sector across Europe. The division continues to grow and strengthen its multichannel strategy, now in 8 countries (with the recent addition of Puerto Rico). In February, the activation of the exclusive sponsorship of the Kings League America kicked off, a sports property with a multi-jurisdictional impact, which joins the regional sponsorship of Manchester City with which the brand has been linked since 2022.
The Company consolidates a year of growth in all the markets where it operates, allowing it to achieve excellent results in income and profit.
The company increased its operating profit by 14.1% compared to 2022.
The Group makes significant progress in ESG and receives accreditation by Sustainalytics as the third best company in its sector in the world.
Terrassa, 22 February 2024. CIRSA, a multi-national gaming and entertainment leader and Spain’s first company in the sector, generated €1,991 million in operating revenues and an operating profit of €630 million in 2023.
In 2023, results progressed very favourably quarter after quarter, both in terms of revenue growth and operating profit, which was 14.1% higher than in 2022. In a complex economic environment, due to the widespread cost increases and geopolitical instability, this achievement has been possible thanks to the efforts of the entire organisation in implementing the scheduled business, efficiency and productivity plans.
In the fourth quarter, the Company achieved operating revenues of €515 million (+7.7% vs. Q4’22) and an operating profit of €163 million (+5.5% vs. Q4’22). The return to pre-pandemic levels of activity already in 2022, which were fully consolidated in 2023 and the implementation of the plans described above have contributed to improved results in all business areas.
According to Joaquim Agut, Executive Chairman of the CIRSA Group, “the favourable evolution of our results is a consequence of the disciplined execution of our strategic plan, focusing on the businesses and geographies where we operate with leadership positions.”
Agut added that “maintaining CIRSA’s leadership and continuing to be a reliable, responsible, and trust-generating company is based on in-depth knowledge of our business and our clients, as well as managing our operations efficiently. Thanks to this, we continue to contribute at the economic, social and environmental levels in the 9 countries where we are present”.
In addition, Sustainalytics recently placed the Group in the top 3 companies in the gaming sector and top 10 in the “Consumer Services” category worldwide in terms of sustainability.
2023 Highlights CASINOS
The positive results of the Casino division in 2023 were due to the improvement in results in all the countries present compared to the previous year. During last year, the Company added several new casinos in Mexico and Panama, and the Tangier casino acquired in 2022 was fully consolidated. The strategy of recent years has continued, with the strict execution of commercial
and efficiency plans, the selective renewal of the facilities and the machines park in more than 20 casinos.
SLOT MACHINES SPAIN
In the fourth quarter, the Slot Machines division in Spain consolidated the best quarter in recent years in both revenue and Ebitda. As a whole, the 2023 financial year finished in an optimal shape thanks to the great performance of the human teams, their orientation towards the end customer, and the adaptation of the products to their tastes and needs, as in the case of the new Manhattan, which reached 35,000 units sold since its launch and has established itself as the best product on the market..
SLOT MACHINES ITALY
In Italy, after a very positive first half of the year in revenues in both AWP and VLT compared to 2022, a slight slowdown was recorded in the second part of the year, due to a less favorable macro context, which was offset by the recent acquisition of Modena Giochi.
In the Retail division, we added two gambling halls that will allow us to boost growth in 2024. The main focus was placed on increasing the performance of the machines, through a product, layout and service review plan, as well as cost control initiatives.
ONLINE GAMING AND BETTING
The year ended with excellent results, with growth in both revenue and EBITDA as compared to the previous year in all geographies, based on our omnichannel strategy. Although the fourth quarter results benchmarked against the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the strength of the business allowed us to continue on the path of growth. The improvement in operating profit in Italy stands out, which practically doubles compared to 2022, as well as the double-digit growth of the digital business in Spain. Additionally, in Mexico, where revenues grew by 50%, we finalised the local brand migration to Sportium and successfully launched of the sponsorship agreement with the América’s Kings League.
Sustained growth and the efficient execution of its strategy led to a 7.1% improvement in operating profit compared to the third quarter of 2022.
Terrassa, 22 November 2023 – CIRSA, the leading global gaming and entertainment company and the market leader in Spain, reported an operating revenue of €493 million and an operating profit of €158 million in the third quarter of 2023.
These results confirm the company’s strong business growth trend thanks to its strategy of focusing on key markets and of continuously improving service quality and offering. As compared to the third quarter of 2022, the company has exceeded operating revenue by 8.6% and operating profit by 7.1%.
In the first nine months of 2023, the company has accumulated EBITDA of €467.1 million and operating revenue of €1,475.2 million.
These results confirm the upward revision of EBITDA guidance that the company made last June and respond to the effective implementation of operating plans by different business units despite an environment of global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Highlights of the third quarter of 2023
CASINOS
The results of the Casinos division for the third quarter continue to be marked by the improvement of the trend with respect to 2022. We continue with the execution of the commercial and cost efficiency plans, the selective renovation of the points of sale, as well as the incorporation of new state-of-the-art machines for the renewal of the fleet.
SLOT MACHINES – SPAIN
We have maintained a very good pace of improvement in both revenue and EBITDA thanks to good product management (Manhattan Party), which has captured the interest and preference of our customers at the point of sale, as well as the launch of a new model of mixed machine. Cost containment and efficiency in the execution of plans has led us to achieve the defined plan and to maintain the positive results with which we already closed the first half.
SLOT MACHINES – ITALY
After a very positive first half in organic revenue from both AWP and VLT machines compared to 2022, we saw a consolidation of growth in Italy in the third quarter. The full incorporation of Modena Giochi and the synergies gained from it have provided our operations in Italy an improvement and consolidation of our revenue and EBITDA.
ONLINE GAMING AND BETTING
The results of the online gaming and sports betting division were favourable in the third quarter versus the same quarter last year, with significant growth in both volume and margin in all markets where it operates. Efficient marketing management, as well as multichannel and customer intelligence strategies continue to push for consistent improvement in the results. In addition to Spain, growth in Italy and Mexico stand out. The brand continues to gain strength thanks to its partnership agreement with Manchester City for the second consecutive season and the sponsorship agreement with the Americas Kings League Santander to consolidate itself in the regulated Latin American markets.
The sustained growth in all the markets where the company operates and the efficient execution of its strategy allowed it to improve its operating profit by 19,5% compared to the second quarter of 2022.
The Group has earned a 12-point rating in the Sustainalytics assessment of its ESG commitments and results, placing it among the industry’s top three companies in the world.
Terrassa, 7th September 2023 – CIRSA, the leading global gaming and entertainment company and the market leader in Spain, reported an operating revenue of €500 million and an operating profit of €158 million in the second quarter of 2023.
These results confirm the company’s strong business growth trend thanks to its strategy of focusing on key markets and of continuously improving service quality and supply. This means that it has exceeded operating revenue by 26,5% and operating profit by 19,5% with respect to the second quarter of 2022.
Additionally, the Group has obtained a 12-point rating in the assessment carried out by Sustainalytics(1) annually, a score that places CIRSA in the low risk category in ESG matters. This places it among the top 3 companies in the gaming sector and among the top 10 in the category of Consumer Services worldwide in terms of sustainability.
Joaquim Agut, Executive Chairman of the CIRSA Group, points out the value of the rating, highlighting ‘the great progress the company has made in ESG over the past few years as a result of the effort and good work performed by all of the company’s divisions.’ He adds, ‘ESG criteria are a fundamental pillar in our corporate strategy and we will remain committed to the initiatives identified as being the most relevant to our industry.’
Highlights of the second quarter of 2023 CASINOS
CASINOS
The results of the casino and gaming room division have continued to grow thanks to service improvements and to the continued expansion of the product offering with innovative models demanded by our customers. At the same time, our actions have focused on the execution of commercial plans focused on improving the quality of points of sale, the growth of the customer base and the improvement of margins. This is a result of both the increase in revenue and the execution of cost efficiency projects in all the geographical areas where the company operates. In the Interactive area, which specialises in gaming room management systems, the growth in Forward Systems installations throughout Spain continued.
SLOT MACHINES – SPAIN
The business and results of the division continue to evolve at a very good pace thanks to the strong performance of the latest generation of products recognized for their reliability and innovation, such as the new Manhattan Party machine for the Bars and Restaurants channel. The priority has been to continue with the correct execution of commercial plans based on a selective search for the highest quality points of sale, with the installation of the product being adapted to each location and improved efficiency in our logistics and service platform.
In the industrial area, actions taken in raw material and component cost improvements and the progressive normalization of supply chain lead times have been decisive factors in improving results.
SLOT MACHINES – ITALY
Operations in Italy have seen a significant improvement in revenue from 2022, where we highlighted the speed in the installation of products in new premises and in existing ones.
The full incorporation of Modena Giochi and the implementation of the synergies produced by the purchase have significantly contributed to the EBITDA growth of Slot Machines Italy.
ONLINE GAMING AND BETTING
The online gaming and sports betting division continues to show its strength with significant growth in both volume and margin across all the markets where it operates, progressively increasing its weight within the Group. Multichannel and customer intelligence strategies continue to pay off and have been complemented by the good performance of procurement channels, which in turn are favoured by both the sports agenda and the excellent activation of Manchester City sponsorship.
The full recovery of activity levels in all the markets where the Group operates and the efficient execution of its strategy allowed it to improve its operating profit by 27.9% compared to the first quarter of 2022.
Today the company releases its new 2022 ESG report, which outlines its commitments and results on environmental issues, social responsibility and governance.
Terrassa, 24th May 2023 – CIRSA, a leading global gaming and entertainment company and Spain’s market leader, reported operating revenues of €482.5 and an operating profit of €151 million in the first quarter of 2023.
These results confirm the full recovery of pre-pandemic levels of activity and the continuous improvement of the Company’s results, allowing it to outperform in terms of operating revenues by 29.2% and of operating profit by 27.9%, compared to the first quarter of 2022.
On the other hand, the company publishes its new 2022 ESG report today, which outlines CIRSA’s commitment to grow its business responsibly and sustainably. It also highlights its strategic lines of action in environmental sustainability, social responsibility and good governance for the future. The Report uses both the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, as well as what is defined in the draft ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) regarding the materiality assessments of companies. The Report and other ESG-related materials can be found on the Company’s website at https://www.cirsa.com/cirsa/investor-relations/esg-report/
According to Joaquim Agut, Executive Chairman of the CIRSA Group, “in the first quarter of 2023, all our business units have demonstrated strong performance and confirmed the trend for continuous improvement, with the entire CIRSA team having been involved in the implementation of our operational plans. Despite current global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, our commitment remains focused on aligning the execution of our business strategy with the ESG principles that are most relevant to our industry.”
Highlights of the first quarter of 2023 CASINOS
The results from the casino and gaming halls division have been marked by an upward trend in all geographic areas where the company operates, thanks to the execution of commercial and cost- efficiency plans. A new casino has been added in Tuxtla (Mexico) during this first quarter.
In addition, we have continued to improve our gaming and entertainment offer in our halls, incorporating ESG criteria into all of our investments.
SLOT MACHINES – SPAIN
The priority has been to continue with the correct execution of commercial plans based on a selective search for the highest quality points of sale, the adaptation of best product to each location and the improved productivity in our logistics and service platform.
The activity in the industrial area continues at a very good pace, thanks to the high performance of product launches, such as the new Manhattan models for the bar and restaurant channel and the Link Mix models in the arcades channel. The division has also launched Manhattan Party, a new product from the Manhattan saga that continues to be a bestseller. Raw materials and components inflation has stabilised, and lead times are normalising in the supply chain. In the Interactive area, which specialises in gaming hall management systems, the growth in Forward Systems installations throughout Spain continued at a steady pace.
SLOT MACHINES – ITALY
The Italian operation experienced a positive impact on recurring organic revenues of AWP and VLT over 2022, thanks to the various improvement actions implemented during the previous year in innovation and sales.
ONLINE GAMING AND BETTING
Results from the online gaming and sports betting division, focused solely on regulated markets, exceeded expectations raised in the operating plan, with growth in both revenue and market share across channels and markets. The division continues to strengthen its multichannel strategy as well as customer intelligence management. In addition, during this period the use of Manchester City’s geo-located digital assets was initiated as part of the sponsorship agreement with the club.
The return to normality in virtually all the markets where the Company operates enabled it to exceed the pre-pandemic result for 2019.
The company increased its turnover by 55.8% compared to 2021.
First Spanish Group to obtain Responsible Gaming certification from the international certifying body G4.
Terrassa, 22 February 2023. CIRSA, a multi-national gaming and entertainment leader and Spain’s first company in the sector, generated €1,741.2 million in operating revenues and an operating profit of €552.5 million in 2022.
In 2022, results developed very favourably quarter after quarter, both in terms of revenue growth and operating profit, which was +66.7% higher than in 2021. In a complex economic environment, due to the impact of Covid restrictions on revenues and widespread cost increases, this achievement has been possible thanks to the efforts of the entire organisation in implementing the scheduled business, efficiency and productivity plans. It is also worth noting the acquisition of the Italian online gaming company E-Play24, which reinforces the Group’s omni-channel strategy.
In the fourth quarter, the Company achieved operating revenues of €496 million (+31.1% vs. Q4’21) and an operating profit of €154.6 million (+27.6% vs. Q4’21). The return to pre-pandemic levels of activity and the implementation of the plans described above have contributed to improved results in all business areas.
According to Joaquim Agut, Executive Chairman of the CIRSA Group, “without the commitment of the entire organisation in achieving both our financial and sustainability objectives, it would not have been possible to return to the path of historic quarterly growth, and thus exceed the results achieved in 2019, just before the pandemic”.
2022 Highlights CASINOS
The results of the Casinos division improved in line with the favourable evolution of Covid restrictions in the different countries. A particular impact was felt from the third quarter of the year due to the opening of the Moroccan market in May, as well as the strict execution of business and efficiency plans, which exceeded the 2019 results in the second half of the year. In the Division, the incorporation of the Tangiers casino in May is noteworthy.
SLOT MACHINES
In the fourth quarter, the Slot Machines division in Spain consolidated the clear recovery in revenues and Ebitda that had been taking place throughout 2022. This also allowed it to improve on the results obtained in the fourth quarter of 2019.
The warm acceptance by our customers of our gaming offer through the operation of successful models such as Manhattan and Kong Chita, and the rigorous implementation of various productivity plans, explain these results.
In Italy, we started 2022 still with significant restrictions that had a direct impact on consumption. However, in the last two quarters of the year we observed an improvement in the trend of the two business areas (AWP and VLT), which should allow for a positive inertia at the beginning of 2023.
ARCADES
The Arcades division continued to improve the level of activity of previous months due to the operational management of the business and the continuity of the customer loyalty and recovery actions implemented.
SPORTIUM
The results of the online gaming and sports betting division were very positive, with growth in both revenue and market share compared to the previous year. Seasonality was marked by the World Cup in Qatar, with favourable results across all channels and geographies. Following the strategy of strengthening the brand’s position in the different markets, an agreement was initiated with Manchester City, as the club’s official sponsor for the main countries where the company operates (Spain, Italy and Latin America).
BINGO HALLS
The Bingo Halls division, which experienced significant growth from annex halls, maintained the trend of positive results thanks to the action plans implemented that focused on customer loyalty and satisfaction.
B2B – UNIDESA
Activity in the industrial area experienced a full recovery thanks to sales of Manhattan Reelvolution, Fireshot Bar, Kong Chita and China Legends in the hospitality channel, and Fireshot Link and Link Mix in the arcades channel. The month of December witnessed a milestone in the history of Unidesa, and also for the sector, as the 25,000th Manhattan machine was manufactured and sold. This was despite continued price increases in raw materials and components, as well as delays in the supply chain. In the Interactive area, which specialises in gaming room management systems, the growth of Forward Systems installations throughout Spain continued.
Terrassa, 23 November 2022 – CIRSA, a leading global gaming and entertainment company and Spain’s market leader, reported an operating profit of €147,5 million in the third quarter of 2022 (+46,7% vs. Q3 2021). Operating income from July to September was €466,8 million (+39,4% vs. Q3 2021). Compared to pre-COVID figures in 2019, operating profit in the third quarter increased by +24,3%.
In the first nine months of 2022, the company accumulated an EBITDA of €397,9 million and an operating
income of €1.245,2 million.
These results confirm the company’s upward revision from last October, which it provided to the markets, improving its third-quarter forecast by more than €12 million. This improvement is due to the excellent implementation of operational plans by the different business units amid an environment of macroeconomic and geopolitical adversity.
Q3 2022 Highlights
CASINOS
In the third quarter, we were able to increase pre-pandemic activity thanks to the recovery, an increase in visits and the strict execution of commercial plans. Our revenue continued to improve in all countries, surpassing those of 2019 in this quarter, despite some restrictions being maintained in some of them. It is worth noting the good performance of the three casinos in Morocco after they opened on 5 May.
SLOT ROUTE OPERATION
The Slot Route Operation division maintained its positive trend from previous periods despite being a challenging quarter for hospitality establishments in Spain, especially as a result of significant cost increases, and those related to energy. Continued investment in curating our innovative and cutting-edge product offering has been a determining factor. In this aspect, the good performance of UNIDESA’s Manhattan and Kong Chita models (Division B2B) continued to stand out.
ITALY
The first two quarters of the year were still impacted by the effects of the pandemic on the economy. Even so, Italy managed to improve revenues on VLT machines and Bingo halls, maintaining the AWP’s activities in the hospitality channel.
ARCADES
The Arcades division maintained the trend of positive results due mainly to the action plans implemented that focused on customer satisfaction.
SPORTIUM
The results of the online gaming and sports betting division were very favourable, with significant increases compared to the previous year. All of this was due to an excellent reactivation, coinciding with the start of the main sports competitions. In addition, efficient marketing management, as well as customer intelligence, continue pushing the consistent improvement in results. In addition, the recent acquisition of 60% of the Italian company E-Play24 has allowed the division to enter the Italian online gaming market and double its turnover.
BINGO HALLS
During the third quarter, the Bingo Halls Division continued to improve activity levels compared to the previous quarter, due to continued customer loyalty and recovery actions, implemented since the lifting of hourly restrictions.
B2B – UNIDESA
The Fire Shot Bar and China Legends models for hospitality were introduced in September and will help maintain UNIDESA’s leadership in this channel. The Manhattan Reelvolution model continued to be the gold standard in the Spanish market.
For the Arcades subsector, Link Mix was also introduced. This is a LINK product that incorporates two multi-game bundles, Hit The Link and Fire Shot Link, with Jackpot sharing.
In the Interactive area, there was a significant increase in numbers for Spain and Mexico in arcades that adopted the Forward Systems management system.
Operating revenue grew by 61.7% thanks to the favourable evolution of Latin America and the good level of activity in Europe
Terrassa,7 September 2022 – CIRSA, a leading global gaming and entertainment company and Spain’s market leader, has reported an operating profit of €132.2 million in the second quarter of 2022 (+63.1% vs. 2021). Operating revenue from April to June amounted to
€400.2 million (+61.7% vs. 2021). Compared to pre-COVID figures in 2019, operating profit in the second quarter stood at +18.8%.
In the first half of 2022, EBITDA was €250.3 million (+128.2% vs. H1 2021) and operating revenue reached €778.4 million (+92.7%), successfully consolidating the recovery that began in the second half of 2021 and improving the 2019 results for the same period.
These results have been made possible thanks to the implementation of the operational plans prepared by different business units, which were already put into operation in all markets under normal conditions in terms of operating hours and other restrictions. The Group’s commitment will remain focused on improving results, concentrating on customer service and productivity, the two fundamental pillars in the Group’s sustainable growth, even in an adverse macroeconomic environment.
In line with the strategy relating to selective purchases in markets where the Group is present, the Company reached a management agreement to operate the only casino in the city of Tangier (Morocco). Already at the start of the third quarter, was closed the acquisition of a 60% stake in Eplay24, an Italian sports betting and online gaming operator with a strong omnichannel activity.
Q2 2022 Highlights CASINOS
The division maintained the recovery that started in the first quarter of 2022 thanks to the recovery and increase in visitors, the excellent implementation of commercial plans and the reopening of casinos in Morocco in May, after more than two years of inactivity. Revenue performance has continued to improve month-on-month in all countries, with revenues in June over those of 2019.
SLOT MACHINES
Models developed by the B2B division (UNIDESA) continued contributing to the great results of this division, which consolidated the revenue recovery in the first quarter of 2022.
ITALY
Following the same trend, Italy recorded an improvement in revenue in both VLT and AWP machines and in halls.
ARCADES
The Arcades Division also consolidated the improvement that began in the first quarter, achieving levels of activity higher than the pre-COVID period thanks to the systematic execution of commercial plans and the operational improvements implemented.
SPORTIUM
The results of the sports betting division were very positive, supported by the favourable seasonality of the sports calendar. Excellent customer intelligence management and the brand’s omnichannel approach continued to be key to maintaining the pace of growth in all its channels and markets.
BINGO HALLS
From April to June, the division continued to improve the level of results based on the customer loyalty and recovery actions, implemented since the lifting of restrictions.
B2B – UNIDESA
The second quarter saw the consolidation of the new product in the Manhattan line, Manhattan Reelvolution, the best-selling product in the Hospitality channel, which, together with the Kong Chita model, allowed the brand to reaffirm its leadership in the Horeca channel in Spain. In the Arcades subsector, the marketing of Dragon Bonus and Fireshot Link was launched.
The Interactive division, which specialises in arcade management systems, also saw an increase in market share thanks to new functionalities.
The recovery of the activity, practically in all markets where the Company operates, allowed to overcome the pre-pandemic results from the first quarter of 2019 (+14.2%)
Terrassa, 25 May 2022 – CIRSA, a leading global gaming and entertainment company and Spain’s market leader, reported an operating profit of €118.1 million in the first quarter of 2022 (+312% vs. 2021). Operating income from January to March totalled €378.2 million (+141.8% vs. 2021).
These results indicate the Company’s positive performance, which started in the second half of 2021, allowing it to achieve operating income and exceed EBITDA (+14.2%) from the first quarter of 2019 (pre-COVID period).
According to Joaquim Agut, Executive Chairman of the CIRSA Group, “the key to maintaining the positive trend of our results is having an organisation and a team capable of optimally executing the operating and business plans. These plans have allowed us to cope with and respond to a past context of strong restrictions and, above all, record a quick and robust recovery as those restrictions have been lifted and allowed for more hours of activity”. “This planning and response capacity is a line of action that we will continue to apply with the utmost prudence and efficiency considering the current global economic and geopolitical uncertainty”, Agut said.
Overall, the first quarter highlighted the good performance of different businesses in Spain, where an average of 100% of operating hours was reached considering the strict restrictions imposed during the first quarter of 2021. In Latin America, the positive trend continued in all countries as operating hours increased and capacity restrictions and other pandemic prevention measures eased.
Q1 2022 Highlights CASINOS
The results of this business unit were marked by the impact of the Omicron variant in January, and some normality was restored in several countries from February with an easing of restrictions and an improvement in operating hours very similar to before the pandemic. Morocco remained closed during the entire first quarter.
SLOT MACHINES
The Slot Machines business unit outperformed last year’s first quarter result thanks to the correct execution of the business and production plans. It was also a fundamental piece in the good development of this business unit the management of the park with the success of the models of the B2B division (UNIDESA).
ITALY
In Italy, the most noteworthy revenue recovery for both VLT and AWP machines began at the end of the first quarter, which coincided with the improvement of country consumer rates following a strong impact of the Omicron variant in January and February.
ARCADES
The Arcades business unit maintained the positive results trend thanks to having 100% of operating hours, as well as to the business plans and operational improvements implemented.
SPORTIUM
The results of the sports betting business unit were very positive thanks to the multichannel approach (retail and online) in different markets, as well as the brand’s advanced CRM systems.
BINGO HALLS
During the first quarter, the level of activity of this business unit improved substantially thanks to the lifting of restrictions, especially in Catalonia, as well as confidence in the health protocols still in force and the commercial actions implemented in all halls.
B2B – UNIDESA
The Madrid International Gambling and Gaming Trade Show held in March marked the course of the first quarter. UNIDESA introduced Manhattan Reelvolution to the Hospitality channel, a new product from the Manhattan saga that continued to be a bestseller. This model, along with the Kong Chita mixed machine, placed the industrial division as undisputed leader of the Horeca Chanel
For the arcade business, the industrial area launched two new products, Fire Shot Link and Dragon Bonus, which started off a good roll-out nationwide despite supply chain delays.
Finally, the Interactive area, specialising in arcade management systems, presented the new Forward Systems modules focused on access control and the mobile-integrated loyalty card, among other functionalities.
Terrassa, 23 February 2022.- CIRSA, a leading multi-national gaming and entertainment company and Spain’s market leader, reported an operating profit of €331.4 million and €1,117.3 million in operating income in 2021. In the fourth quarter, an Operating Profit of €121.2 million (+137% vs. Q4 2020) and an operating income of €378.4 million (+79% vs. Q4 2020) were achieved.
In 2021, despite being a fiscal year significantly conditioned by generalized restrictions in every country where the Group operates, the company’s results evolved quarter after quarter very favourably, both in terms of revenue growth and Operating Profit growth, surpassing what was achieved in 2020 by +163%. The improvement in the results achieved throughout the year is completely aligned with the progressive recovery of pre- pandemic activity levels, as well as with the effort of the entire Organization to implement the previously outlined commercial and efficiency-productivity plans.
With regard to the fourth quarter (specifically in December), both Spain and Italy were affected by the different restrictions due to the impact of the Omicron variant. On the other hand, the Latin American markets behaved differently when dealing with the same issue, ranging from the recovery of operating hours in Panama and Colombia to severe restrictions in Countries such as Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica.
According to Joaquim Agut, President and CEO of CIRSA Group: “The implementation of our strategy, which is fully aligned with the current sustainability criteria, has been possible thanks to the efforts surrounding the implementation of plans carried out by the Organisation as a whole, and has allowed us to achieve results that are already very close to those reached before the pandemic.”
2021 Highlights CASINOS
The profits from the Casinos division began a strong recovery starting in the second quarter of the year as a result of the progressive easing of restrictions in all of the company’s markets. It reached 90% of operating hours during the third and fourth quarters, compared to the 50% average recorded in the first quarter. In the last three months of the year, countries such as the Dominican Republic and Colombia, which had eliminated pandemic restrictions, were able to surpass 2019 profits in local currency. Morocco remained closed all year round.
SLOT
The Slots division showed a strong recovery starting in the second half of the year, since the first half was conditioned by total or partial closures in Spain. The recovery of this division is due in part to the warm reception of the latest machine models launched by Unidesa, Manhattan and Kong Chita, the correct implementation of their sales strategies, and the rapid adaptation of operations and their structures to each scenario caused by the pandemic.
ITALY
The reopening of activities in Italy began at the end of May in a staggered manner and in different regions. It was completed in the last days of June. From then on, the results of the AWP and VLT machines gradually recovered. It is worth noting that in mid-August, Italy established the mandatory Green Pass to access hospitality establishments, among others, and also maintained restrictions on room capacity during the third and fourth quarter.
ARCADES
The Arcades division benefitted from 100% of the stores being open in the last months of the year, although there was an increase in restrictions in some Spanish Autonomous Communities. Despite this, the trend in the division was positive due to the sales strategies that were implemented, clients’ trust in the health procedures in effect and the management of business operations.
SPORTIUM
The evolution of Sportium was very positive throughout the year thanks to the unique multichannel approach that characterises the brand. Strong growth in the digital channel, as well as the return to pre-pandemic volumes in the in-person channel after the lifting of restrictions, allowed us to continue improving our market share. Additionally, our efficiency plans and advanced CRM systems represented a substantial improvement in Sportium’ s profitability levels.
BINGO HALLS
Throughout 2021, the Bingo Halls division managed to improve its activity level thanks to the gradual lifting of restrictions (this was especially noteworthy in Catalonia, one of the Autonomous Communities where the division has the greatest number of Halls), as well as the implementation of specifically designed sales strategies and health procedures in order to gain our clients’ trust.
MEXICO
Also in the fourth quarter, Mexico lifted its strict time and capacity restrictions that existed throughout the year, allowing an increase in the number of customers, volume of activity and profits.
B2B – UNIDESA
The activity in the industrial area began its greatest recovery period in the middle of the second quarter, with revenue reaching 90% of pre-COVID levels, despite increases in the cost of raw materials and parts, as well as delays in the supply chain. The excellent market acceptance of the Manhattan Advanced model in its two cabinet modalities, as well as the Kong Chita mixed machine, was decisive in consolidating UNIDESA’s leadership in the Hospitality channel. The Interactive area, specialised in arcade management systems, experienced a recovery similar to that of the HORECA channel.
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