Flutter Entertainment PLC (LSE:FLTR) hailed an “exceptional” performance in the US ahead of plans for a US listing, as it reported a return to profit and a big jump in revenue in the first half.
US business FanDuel returned first-half adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £49 million and Flutter said it expects the secondary listing to happen late in the fourth quarter or early in the first quarter of next year.
Peter Jackson, chief executive, commented: “The first half of 2023 marks a pivotal moment for the group, with our US business now at a profitability inflection point, helping transform the earnings profile of the group and significantly enhance our financial flexibility.”
The owner of Betfair and Paddy Power reported a 42% rise in revenue to £4.81 billion in the six months ended 30 June 2023 from £3.39 billion the year before and swung to a profit after tax of £128 million from a loss of £112 million last time.
Player numbers leapt 28% in the first half driven by US growth (+43%) and the addition of Sisal, which has performed strongly since joining the group.
UK & Ireland revenue rose 13%, Australia revenue fell 1% and International revenue climbed 8%.
Flutter said the second half has started in line with expectations and it expects full-year adjusted EBITDA to be “broadly in line with market expectations”, with net revenue between £3.6-£3.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA between £90- £190 million.