COVID-19 disruptions see Flutter revise 2020 guidance
FTSE100-listed Flutter Entertainment has become the first UK betting firm to revise its full-year 2020 corporate guidance.
Issuing a market filing, Flutter governance at present anticipates that COVID-19 disruptions across core betting territories may result in a £90-110m decline in its group-wide full-year EBITDA results.
Flutter governance has predicted that the COVID-19 outbreak will affect operations, as 78% of its group revenues are currently generated through bets placed on global sporting events.
The estimated figures are based on the current assumption that the group’s UK and Irish shops will remain open, and that scheduled UK, Irish and Australian horse racing fixtures continue to run, albeit behind closed doors.
A cancellation of horse racing events across the three regions, however, is expected to ‘incrementally reduce Group EBITDA by approximately £30m per month’.
Commenting on the figures, Peter Jackson, Chief Executive, said: “The challenge currently facing our business and the industry more widely is unprecedented in modern times. Our focus, first and foremost, is on protecting the welfare of our employees and our customers and we will leave nothing to chance in this regard.
“While our near-term profitability will be impacted by the essential measures being taken globally, the Board will remain focused on protecting shareholder value and managing the business through these turbulent times.”
In its statement, Flutter confirmed that prior to the announcement of cancellations, trading in the quarter had been running ahead of expectations, which has largely been driven ‘by good customer momentum and favourable sporting results’.
Source: SBC News
