FDJ Reports Strong Second Half Performance Despite Pandemic Impact

The French betting behemoth Française des Jeux (FDJ) reported that a robust performance in the latter half of the year aided the organization in counteracting a dip in sales and income, ensuring profitability for the entire year.

Wagers on lottery sales and sporting events climbed by 2.8% in the six-month period ending December 31, following a 18.4% year-over-year decrease in turnover during the initial six months of the year.

This assisted FDJ in attaining full-year turnover of €159.6 billion (£140.2 billion/$193.1 billion), despite a 6.8% drop from the modified €171.3 billion total in 2019. The 2019 figures have been adjusted to reflect France’s new fiscal and regulatory framework, the complete performance of the sports group, and expenses connected to FDJ’s initial public offering.

Lottery sales reached €127.3 billion, down 6.0%, with instant game revenue at €77.2 billion (down 5.9%) and draw-based game revenue at €50.1 billion (down 6.2%).

FDJ stated that growth in online lottery sales only partially balanced the decline in physical point-of-sale activity, which was particularly noticeable during the initial quarter when France implemented a lockdown starting March 12. The lockdown was eased from June onward, resulting in an improvement in activity, but a second lockdown was imposed from October 30.

During the previous twelve months, internet lottery sales surpassed €1.1 billion, representing nearly 9% of the industry’s total wagers.

In the meantime, sports betting wagers decreased by 10.0% to €3.19 billion. Double-digit growth in the latter half of the year counteracted a 38.8% decline in the initial six months, which was attributed to the suspension of nearly all sporting events from mid-March to mid-May.

This also accelerated the movement of customers to the web, due to the launch of FDJ’s new website Parions Sport En Ligne, as well as the introduction of the Loto Foot 8 and 12 games. FDJ’s online sports betting platforms accounted for over 80% of stakes, compared to 70% in 2019.

“2020 was an unusual year, filled with contrasts, and FDJ exhibited resilience and solidarity,” stated Stéphane Pallez, CEO of the operator. “The health crisis had a particularly significant impact on our operations in the first half of the year.”

“However, the recovery in the latter half, combined with the group’s responsiveness and associated digital strategy, enabled us to maintain our performance and annual outcomes,” she stated. “I would like to express my gratitude to our employees for their dedication and reiterate our support for our retail network, some of whom have been severely affected.”

Over the previous year, FDJ customers won €10.85 billion, resulting in total revenue of €5.11 billion, down 6.4%. After deducting €3.24 billion in public taxes for the operator (including lottery and sports betting rights payments) and €13.9 million in sports betting revenue, the company’s annual net income was €1.

FDJ disclosed earnings of €880 million, a reduction of 6.5%.

Their FDJ International B2B branch, payment solutions, and entertainment sector produced €40.9 million in income, bringing the total to €1.92 billion. This signifies a 6.3% drop compared to the previous year.

Nevertheless, the closures at the start and finish of 2020 did lessen expenses, due to efforts to trim spending as the company aimed to minimize the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. This resulted in a 28.8% rise in non-recurring operating profit to €324.7 million.

After accounting for €102 million in depreciation and amortization charges, FDJ’s EBITDA climbed slightly to €427 million.

Non-recurring items related to internal restructuring expenses brought operating profit for the year to €292.7 million, slightly lower than the previous year. This figure increased to €2.987 billion in pre-tax profit after considering FDJ’s share of profits from joint ventures and financial income.

Tax savings reduced the year’s income tax to €85 million due to equity investment capital losses resulting from the restructuring of the sports group acquired in June 2019.

This led to a net profit for the year of €2.137 billion, an increase of 5.9% compared to the previous year.

Looking ahead, FDJ stated it is focused on providing an increasingly global gaming experience and solidifying its leading position in the French market.

However, the company added: “There is still uncertainty for 2021.”

In spite of this, numerous instant game releases and relaunches are planned for the lottery, and more than ten promotions showcasing specially boosted Lotto and EuroMillions jackpots will be held throughout the year, injecting excitement into draw games.

FDJ continues: “The growth of online lottery game products will persist, providing novel and more immersive gaming experiences. In addition to its natural momentum, sports betting will also profit from the European Football Championship and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will inject excitement into the event schedule.”

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