Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment plc is launching an offering of senior secured notes in multiple currencies to fund strategic acquisitions and partnerships, indicating a proactive approach to growth and market positioning [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - Flutter is offering USD, EUR, and GBP-denominated senior secured notes due in 2031, which will be a further issuance of previously issued notes [1]. - The total amount intended to be raised through the notes and an incremental debt facility is $1,755 million [3]. Group 2: Purpose of Funds - Proceeds from the offering will be used to acquire a 5% minority interest in FanDuel and to extend a strategic partnership with Boyd Interactive Gaming Holdings, L.L.C. [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Flutter is recognized as a leading online sports betting and iGaming operator globally, with a strong market presence in the US [4]. - The company operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, and PokerStars, among others [5].

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment has announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation to 2038 and the acquisition of Boyd's 5% stake in FanDuel for approximately $1.755 billion, increasing Flutter's ownership in FanDuel to 100% at an implied valuation of around $31 billion [1][2][3]. Group 1: Strategic Partnership and Acquisition - The acquisition involves a payment of approximately $1.755 billion, which includes $1.55 billion for the stake in FanDuel and $205 million for revised commercial terms [2][12]. - The strategic partnership extension with Boyd will lead to significantly reduced market access costs, expected to save Flutter approximately $65 million annually starting July 1, 2025 [2][6][12]. Group 2: Market Position and Financial Impact - FanDuel holds a 43% market share in sports betting and 27% in iGaming in the US, making it the clear market leader [6][12]. - The transaction is anticipated to enhance Flutter's long-term profitability profile and mitigate potential tax increases, with the expected annual savings contributing to a more favorable adjusted EBITDA margin [6][12]. Group 3: Financial Arrangements - Flutter has entered into a bridge credit agreement for a senior secured first lien term loan of $1.75 billion to finance the acquisition [5][7]. - The leverage ratio is expected to increase initially but is projected to decrease due to visible profitable growth opportunities, with a commitment to maintain a medium-term leverage ratio of 2.0-2.5x [3][6].

Core Insights - DraftKings Inc. is shifting from a high-growth model to a disciplined, cash-generating business, with 2025 expected to be a pivotal year for the company [1] - The company has reaffirmed its free cash flow target of $750 million, indicating improvements in core business fundamentals such as margin expansion and promotional efficiency [1][5] - Despite short-term volatility from sports outcomes, DraftKings is leveraging strong operational capabilities to pursue long-term cash generation [1] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, DraftKings reported $103 million in adjusted EBITDA, a significant increase from $22.4 million in the same period last year, despite a $170 million revenue hit from unfavorable sports outcomes [2] - Management anticipates a substantial increase in EBITDA for Q2, projecting it to exceed $200 million, driven by sportsbook handle [2] - The structural sportsbook hold is expected to rise from 10.4% in Q1, contributing to improved net revenue margins in the range of 7-7.5% [3] Margin and Revenue Expectations - DraftKings expects to generate an additional $50 million in revenues and $37 million in EBITDA in 2025 through optimized promotional spending and improved margins [3] - The company forecasts an adjusted gross margin of 46% in 2025, reflecting an increase of over 300 basis points year-over-year [3] Regulatory Environment - The operating environment remains challenging due to regulatory issues, including Maryland's tax hike on sports betting and Jackpocket's exit from digital lottery operations, which together are expected to impact revenues by $30 million and EBITDA by $26 million [4] Capital Discipline - DraftKings is maintaining strong capital discipline, with an expected $100 million gap between adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, supported by low capital expenditures and controlled working capital [5] - The company has $1.1 billion in cash on its balance sheet, positioning it well to meet its 2025 free cash flow target [5] Stock Performance and Valuation - DraftKings shares have increased by 24% over the past three months, compared to the industry's growth of 40.5% [6] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales multiple of 5.31X, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.66X [7] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DraftKings' 2025 earnings per share has been revised upward from $1.40 to $1.46, indicating strong analyst confidence in the stock's near-term prospects [8] - Projections suggest a 239.1% rise in earnings for DraftKings in 2025, while competitors like Accel Entertainment and Boyd Gaming are expected to see declines [10]

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment, a leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, is responding to the Illinois State legislature's decision to introduce a betting transaction fee for licensed operators starting July 1, 2025, which will impact the cost structure for operators in the state [1][2]. Group 1: Company Response - FanDuel, Flutter's US market-leading brand, will implement a $0.50 transaction fee on each bet placed on its platform in Illinois starting September 1, 2025, due to increased operational costs from the new Illinois Transaction Fee [2]. - The introduction of the transaction fee follows a significant increase in the betting tax rate in Illinois in 2024, which FanDuel had previously attempted to absorb without passing costs to customers [2]. Group 2: Industry Impact - Flutter's CEO, Peter Jackson, expressed concerns that the Illinois Transaction Fee will disproportionately affect lower wagering recreational customers and may drive some customers to unregulated operators, which do not contribute tax revenue or provide the same level of customer protection [4]. - The company emphasizes the importance of optimal gaming tax rates for maximizing market growth and revenue for states over time [4]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Flutter reported global revenue of $14,048 million for fiscal 2024, representing a 19% year-over-year increase, and $3,665 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 [6].

PENN Entertainment ( PENN) is infamously known for its purchase and subsequent sale of Barstool Sports, marking an entrance into the online sports betting industry and sending the stock roaring to over $120 a share. After theMy name is Mehul Singh, a student at NYU Stern School of Business. I started my investment journey 7 years ago, trading public equities under a custodial account and have since written several pitches and reports while learning through internship opportunities here in NYC. I've had expe ...

 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION,DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFULTO DO SO Flutter announces the pricing of $1,000 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2031, €550 million aggregate principal amount of 4.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 and £450 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 DUBLIN and TORONTO, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flutter Entertainment plc ("Flutter") (NYSE:FLUT; LSE:FLTR), ...

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment plc is launching an offering of senior secured notes in multiple currencies to raise a total of $2,800 million, primarily to repay existing debt and cover acquisition-related costs [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering includes USD-denominated, EUR-denominated, and GBP-denominated senior secured notes, all due in 2031 [1]. - Flutter is also raising incremental debt under its existing U.S. dollar-denominated term loan B facility [2]. - The total amount targeted for the offering and the incremental facility is $2,800 million [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the offering will be used to repay all amounts due under a bridge facility, which was partially utilized for the acquisition of Snaitech S.p.A. [3]. - Additional funds will 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 significant market position in the US and globally [4]. - The company aims to leverage its scale and competitive advantages to foster long-term growth and promote sustainability through its Positive Impact Plan [4]. - Flutter operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, and PokerStars, among others [5].

Core Insights - The company reported a solid start to 2025 with double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth across all activities, indicating strong operational performance and alignment with 2025 guidance targets [2][10][31] Financial Highlights - Revenue increased by 7.8% to €1,084 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 16.5% to €191 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin improvement of 120 basis points to 17.6% compared to Q1 2024 [8][15][56] - Adjusted net income grew by 10.5% to €81 million, while net income reached €36 million, a significant increase from €19 million in Q1 2024 [8][15][60] - Adjusted free cash flow conversion was approximately 79%, slightly down from 81% in Q1 2024 [8][61] Business Highlights - Content production and distribution revenue grew by 4.7% at constant exchange rates, driven by strong scripted deliveries and performance of superbrands [8][32][41] - Live experiences revenue decreased by 10.8% due to seasonality, with major show deliveries expected in the second half of 2025 [8][50][33] - Online sports betting and gaming revenue surged by 18.2%, with a 33% increase in Unique Active Players, supported by a robust sportsbook app and successful poker platform launch [8][12][53] Strategic Developments - The company announced a strategic alliance with Base and AWS to enhance its digital transformation and operational efficiency [18] - The merger of Shine Fiction and Banijay Studios France aims to strengthen the scripted content offering in France [19] - The acquisition of Lotchi and the launch of Banijay Live Studio are key initiatives to expand immersive live experiences [20][21] Market Outlook - The company anticipates mid-single digit organic revenue growth in content production and distribution, mid-teens growth in online sports betting and gaming, and mid-to-high single digit organic adjusted EBITDA growth for 2025 [35][36] - The impact of increased public levies on online gaming in France is expected to affect profitability, with an estimated €20 million reduction in adjusted EBITDA for 2025 [26][27]

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment has acquired a 56% stake in NSX Group, a Brazilian operator, for approximately $350 million, aligning with its strategy to invest in leading positions in attractive international markets [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves a cash payment of about $350 million and the contribution of Flutter's existing Betfair Brazil business [3] - The deal is expected to generate an additional $220 million in revenue and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $70 million in 2025 [2][4] - Flutter has established mechanisms for increasing its shareholding in NSX through reciprocal put/call arrangements in the fifth and tenth years post-completion [3] Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - The Brazilian online sports betting and iGaming market is characterized by a population exceeding 200 million, with a strong cultural affinity for sports, particularly soccer [6] - NSX has rapidly grown to become the fourth-largest operator in Brazil since its market entry in 2021, capturing a 9% market share by the end of 2023 [6][12] - The acquisition is expected to enhance Flutter's competitive position in Brazil and leverage its proprietary pricing and risk management capabilities to improve NSX's sportsbook offerings [6] Group 3: Financial Outlook - Flutter anticipates an increase in leverage due to the acquisition, but expects it to decrease over time as profitable growth opportunities materialize [4] - The company remains committed to maintaining a medium-term leverage ratio of 2.0-2.5x [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record quarterly revenue of €311 million, representing a 17% year-over-year increase [7][22] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 25% year-over-year to €59 million, with adjusted EBITDA margins expanding by 20 basis points to 19% [25][28] - Free cash flow generated during the quarter was €32 million, compared to breakeven cash flow in the same period last year, with a free cash flow conversion rate of 54% [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Technology and solutions revenue reached €250 million, growing 14% year-over-year, driven by a 13% increase in betting and gaming content [23] - Sports content, technology, and services revenue increased by 33% year-over-year to €61 million, led by a 36% growth in marketing and media services [24] - Managed betting services grew by 16% year-over-year, supported by increased turnover and higher trading margins [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. revenue grew by 31% and now represents 28% of total company revenues, reflecting strong growth in the domestic market [9][24] - Revenue from the rest of the world grew by 12% year-over-year [24] - The global sports betting market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% through 2027, with established markets like Europe continuing to perform well [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The growth strategy is driven by four key pillars: global market expansion, increasing take rates, unlocking adjacent market opportunities, and driving innovation through technology and AI [7][16] - The company is focused on expanding its product offerings and enhancing client relationships, with only 40% of clients currently using four or more products, indicating significant growth potential [10][22] - The pending acquisition of IMG Arena's sports rights portfolio is expected to enhance growth strategy and strengthen premium content offerings [16][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to weather uncertainties and highlighted the resilience of the global online sports betting market [19][18] - The company anticipates continued strong revenue and EBITDA growth, with guidance for at least €1.273 billion in revenue and €281 million in adjusted EBITDA for 2025 [31][32] - Management noted that the acquisition of IMG Arena is expected to be immediately accretive to adjusted EBITDA and cash margins [17][30] Other Important Information - The company completed a secondary offering, purchasing $65 million worth of shares under its existing $200 million share repurchase program, bringing total repurchases to $86 million [17][29] - The company has approximately $2 billion in contractual revenue commitments locked in over the next two years, providing strong visibility for future growth [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the outperformance in U.S. growth? - Management attributed the 31% growth in the U.S. to executing their strategy effectively, leveraging their extensive portfolio in major sports leagues [36][37] Question: Is there any softness in the industry or player demographics? - Management indicated that the U.S. market is still adapting, and while some sportsbooks are quicker to adopt in-game betting, the overall trend is positive [40][41] Question: What are the expectations for the IMG acquisition? - Management confirmed that expectations for EBITDA accretion remain unchanged, with the deal expected to close by the end of Q3 or beginning of Q4 [45][46] Question: What is the roadmap for computer vision data capture? - Management stated that they aim to cover about 90% of events with computer vision, which enhances product offerings and monetization opportunities [62][64] Question: What are the key variables that could push revenue growth above 15% CAGR? - Management highlighted market expansion, new product opportunities, and growth in adjacent markets as potential drivers for exceeding the 15% CAGR target [92][95]