Mike Ybarra, PrizePicks CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's partnership with Polymarket, the distinction between online sports betting vs. prediction markets, impact of sports betting scandals, future of prediction markets, and more. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Retail segment generated revenues of $1.4 billion with adjusted EBITDAR of $465.8 million, resulting in segment adjusted EBITDAR margins of 32.8% [16] - The Interactive segment reported revenues of $297.7 million, including a tax gross-up of $139.5 million, and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $76.6 million [18] - Total liquidity at the end of 2025 was $1.1 billion, including $660 million in cash and cash equivalents [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North America iCasino business achieved its highest quarterly gaming revenue to date, improving nearly 40% year over year, driven by record cross-sell from OSB of 62% [8] - The introduction of a standalone app and improved cross-sell from online sports betting led to a 79% increase in iCasino monthly active users (MAUs) during the third quarter [9] - The company expects fourth quarter 2025 revenues for the Retail segment to range from $1.41 billion to $1.43 billion, with adjusted EBITDAR ranging from $455 million to $475 million [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted stable demand across gaming and non-gaming amenities, particularly in markets not impacted by new supply and increased competitor promotional activity [11] - The new Hollywood Casino in Joliet has seen a 42% increase in its active database since opening, with over 50% of that growth coming from previously inactive customers [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting its interactive focus to prioritize digital assets in Canada and Hollywood iCasino products, emphasizing cross-sell opportunities across its ecosystem [5] - The transition to the Score Bet brand is expected to optimize the digital business and operate more efficiently, including replacing fixed media spends with performance-based marketing [7] - The company plans to continue investing in growth capital while also focusing on share repurchases and deleveraging [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning to compete effectively in the evolving industry landscape, highlighting the importance of an omnichannel strategy [28] - The company aims to achieve breakeven or better in its interactive segment by 2026, with a focus on profitability and operational efficiency [10][96] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by increased competition and promotional activity but remains optimistic about the company's ability to maintain its market position [41][44] Other Important Information - The company announced an early termination of its exclusive online sports betting marketing agreement with ESPN, ceasing cash payments at the end of 2025 [15] - A total of $38.1 million will be paid to ESPN for marketing services incurred through December 1, with an additional $5 million for traditional media support [15] - The company has repurchased $354 million of shares as of November 5, with a new three-year $750 million share repurchase authorization commencing on January 1, 2026 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the near-term and long-term profitability for interactive following the ESPN exit? - Management highlighted that the digital investments aimed to attract younger customers and cross-sell to retail businesses, with a focus on profitability moving forward [32][34][38] Question: How has increased competition and promotional activity impacted operations? - Management noted that while new competition has led to increased marketing costs, properties not impacted by new supply are performing well [41][44] Question: Can you clarify the expected marketing costs post-ESPN? - Management indicated that marketing costs will be significantly lower than those previously paid to ESPN, allowing for more targeted spending in high-return markets [48][49] Question: What are the strategies for customer retention during the rebranding to Score Bet? - Management expressed confidence in retaining customers due to improved user experience and a comprehensive marketing plan, emphasizing that the app experience will remain unchanged [84][90] Question: What is the company's leverage target moving forward? - Management stated that the optimal lease-adjusted leverage level is below five times, with a focus on deleveraging while remaining opportunistic in capital allocation [76][78]

Core Insights - The article discusses the competitive landscape for DraftKings, highlighting its potential for growth despite emerging threats from prediction markets [1][2]. Company Overview - DraftKings and FanDuel have established a strong presence in the online sports betting market, leveraging their early entry from daily fantasy sports [3]. - DraftKings has a current market capitalization of $15 billion, with a stock price of $30.59, reflecting a 1.49% increase [6][7]. Competitive Threats - The rise of prediction markets, such as Kalshi, poses a challenge to DraftKings and FanDuel, as these platforms can operate across the U.S. regardless of state laws on sports betting [4]. - Kalshi's introduction of "combo" contracts allows users to create same-game parlays, which could impact DraftKings' profitability since parlays yield higher margins [4][7]. Strategic Responses - DraftKings is countering the threat by acquiring Railbird, a licensed prediction contracts exchange, to operate in markets where online sports betting is illegal [8]. - FanDuel is also planning to establish a prediction contract exchange, indicating a strategic response to the competitive landscape [8]. Analyst Outlook - Needham analyst Bernie McTernan has set a price target of $65 for DraftKings, suggesting a potential upside of 105% from its current price [10]. - The median price target of $51 per share also indicates significant upside potential for investors [10]. Market Growth Potential - The North American online sports betting market is projected to grow at a rate of 11.5% annually through the end of the decade [12]. - DraftKings has historically increased its market share, positioning itself well for future growth [12]. Competitive Advantages - DraftKings maintains a strong brand and technological edge, allowing it to optimize bet pricing and maximize user engagement [13]. - The regulatory environment may favor DraftKings, as prediction markets operate in a gray area, potentially benefiting established sportsbooks if regulations tighten [14]. Financial Metrics - DraftKings is considered undervalued with an enterprise value-to-EBITDA ratio of less than 22, especially given management's expectations for 150% EBITDA growth this year [15].

Core Viewpoint - DraftKings has experienced a significant decline in stock value, dropping nearly 28% from its peak in September, attributed to increased competition from online prediction markets and unfavorable betting trends during the football season [2][21]. Company Performance - DraftKings reported a strong quarter in August but did not raise its full-year forecast, leading to initial stock stability [1]. - The stock peaked at approximately $48 in early September but has since fallen to $35.37, marking a nearly 5% decline for the year [2][3]. - The company faces challenges as NFL favorites have been winning at a higher rate than the previous year, leading to increased losses for sportsbooks [4][5]. Competitive Landscape - DraftKings is facing heightened competition from online prediction markets like Poly Market and Kshi, which allow betting on a wider range of events and operate with different odds structures [6][7]. - These prediction markets are less regulated than traditional sportsbooks, allowing them to operate in states where sports betting is illegal, which poses a competitive threat to DraftKings [8][10]. - Analysts suggest that while prediction markets may attract new users, they might not significantly impact DraftKings' core business, as many users prefer regulated platforms [15][16]. Market Dynamics - The prediction markets have seen substantial trading volumes, with Kshi reporting $260 million in trading volume on a recent Sunday, surpassing previous records [11]. - New features introduced by competitors, such as customizable betting options, are drawing users away from traditional sportsbooks [12][13]. - Despite the competition, some analysts believe that the fears surrounding prediction markets are overblown and that DraftKings remains a viable investment opportunity [21][29].

Core Insights - DraftKings Inc. has entered into a multi-year advertising agreement with NBCUniversal, enhancing its presence in sports broadcasting through exclusive integrations and digital sponsorships across NBCUniversal's sports properties [1][2] - The deal includes major sports events such as the Super Bowl LX, NBA All-Star Weekend, and the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, providing DraftKings with access to a vast audience of sports fans [2][3] - This partnership aims to enhance the customer experience by integrating DraftKings' live betting capabilities with NBCUniversal's extensive sports content, thereby transforming viewer engagement [2][3] Company Overview - DraftKings is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company that offers products in daily fantasy, regulated gaming, and digital media, headquartered in Boston and launched in 2012 [4] - The company operates sports betting in 28 states and Ontario, Canada, and has a presence in iGaming and daily fantasy sports across multiple jurisdictions [4] - DraftKings is recognized as an official partner of major sports leagues, including the NFL, NHL, and NBA, and operates the DraftKings Network, a multi-platform content ecosystem [4]

Group 1 - FanDuel has announced a new market access agreement with St. Louis CITY SC ahead of the launch of mobile sports betting in Missouri [1][2] - Missouri will become the 25th state or territory where FanDuel offers mobile sports betting, joining a list of states including Arizona, Colorado, and New Jersey [2] - The partnership aims to engage with the local community and support St. Louis CITY SC while introducing FanDuel's leading sportsbook to Missouri [2] Group 2 - FanDuel Group is recognized as the premier mobile gaming company in the United States, with a portfolio that includes FanDuel Sportsbook, FanDuel Casino, and FanDuel Racing [3] - The company operates across all 50 states, serving approximately 17 million customers and maintaining 25 retail locations [3] - FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, which is the world's largest sports betting and gaming operator [4]

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment plc has announced the pricing of a significant offering of senior secured notes and a new term loan facility, aimed at funding strategic acquisitions and partnerships in the gaming industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering includes $625 million of 5.875% senior secured notes, €300 million of 4.000% senior secured notes, and £250 million of 6.125% senior secured notes, all due in 2031 [1]. - The notes will be issued at par and are part of a further issuance of previously issued notes from June 4, 2025 [1]. - The settlement for the offering is expected to occur around August 7, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the offering and the Fourth Incremental TLB Facility will be used to acquire the remaining 5% minority interest in FanDuel and to extend a strategic partnership with Boyd Interactive Gaming Holdings, L.L.C. [3]. - The issuer plans to utilize cash on its balance sheet to cover certain costs, fees, and expenses related to these transactions [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Flutter is recognized as the world's leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, holding a strong market position in the US and globally [4]. - The company aims to leverage its scale and innovative approach to drive long-term growth while promoting sustainability through its Positive Impact Plan [4]. - Flutter operates a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, and PokerStars, among others [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 8% year over year, with net income growing by 289% and adjusted EBITDA rising by 20% [19][20][29] - Earnings per share increased to $1.57 from a loss of $1.1, with adjusted earnings per share up by 51% [20] - Net cash from operating activities reduced by 44%, and free cash flow decreased by 52% year over year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue was 18% higher year over year, with sportsbook growth of 15% and iGaming growth of 32% [21][22] - International revenue was $2 billion, reflecting constant currency growth of 32%, driven by strong performance in SEA and CEE regions [22][23] - iGaming in India saw a remarkable year-over-year revenue growth of 45% [16][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - SEA region experienced excellent growth of 14%, driven by 25% AMP growth [23] - UKI saw overall growth moderate to 2%, but iGaming growth remained strong at 9% [23] - CEE's strong growth of 15% was driven by performance in Georgia and Serbia [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on scaling its U.S. business and leveraging its international operations for diversification [6][11] - The acquisition of SNAI in Italy is expected to enhance scale and operational benefits [14][17] - The company is excited about its outcome-based pricing technology, which aims to innovate across U.S. and international markets [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business despite potential economic pressures, citing historical performance during consumer pressure periods [7][11] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities in the global regulated market [18] - Management highlighted the importance of net revenue growth as a key metric, emphasizing a disciplined approach to promotions and customer acquisition [57][63] Other Important Information - The company is committed to a share repurchase program, expecting to return approximately $1 billion to shareholders during 2025 [28] - The acquisition of Snai is expected to generate synergies of €70 million over three years [48] - The company is monitoring developments in prediction markets and exploring opportunities in this space [10][86] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the basketball-related factors affecting handle? - Management acknowledged some weakness in basketball handle but noted strength in NFL and MLB performance, indicating handle growth is in line with expectations [36][39] Question: How is iGaming performing compared to peers? - Management expressed satisfaction with iGaming performance, highlighting product delivery and unique content as key drivers [37] Question: What is the integration process for Snai? - Management is optimistic about the integration, expecting to realize synergies and operational benefits quickly [47] Question: How does the company view the impact of favorable sports results on guidance? - Management noted that while favorable results can impact cash balances, they remain confident in pricing and structural margin assumptions [87][88] Question: What are the strategic merits of bidding for the Italian Lotto? - Management highlighted the opportunity to cement leadership in Italy and the potential for digital growth in the lottery market [78][79] Question: Is there potential for maturity in U.S. states? - Management indicated that no states have reached maturity yet, with ongoing growth expected in existing states [95]