La Française des Jeux (FDJ), France’s premier lottery and gaming operator, has announced its financial results for the first half of 2024, showcasing impressive growth across various segments. With a turnover of €1.43bn ($1.5bn), FDJ has achieved a 10.8% increase year-on-year, reflecting the company’s robust performance and strategic expansions.
FDJ Reports Strong Financial Results for H1 2024
Impressive Growth in Gaming Activities
FDJ’s gaming activities in France recorded a turnover of €1.3bn, marking a 7% rise compared to the previous year. This growth was significantly driven by the lottery segment, which saw a turnover of €1bn, representing a 5% increase. The strong performance in instant games and draw-based games like Ticket d’Or, Maxi Black Jack, EuroDreams, and Euromillions were pivotal in this growth trajectory.
Lottery Segment: A Major Contributor
The lottery segment remains a cornerstone of FDJ’s revenue stream. With a 5% increase in turnover reaching €1bn, the segment benefited from the popularity of its instant and draw-based games. The successful launch of games like Ticket d’Or and Maxi Black Jack contributed to this rise, alongside the continued appeal of EuroDreams and Euromillions.
Surge in Sports Betting and Online Gaming
FDJ’s sports betting and competitive online gaming activities saw a substantial increase, with turnover rising by 14.5% to €294m. This growth was bolstered by favorable sports results, despite lower-than-expected bets on the Euro football tournament. The online segment showed a remarkable 28.3% increase on a comparable scope basis, fueled by the popularity of ParionsSport and poker.
Digital Activities: A Growth Engine
The digital transformation strategy has paid off for FDJ, with digital activities exhibiting a notable 39.8% growth to reach €201m. This surge was largely attributed to the acquisitions of PLI and ZEturf, elevating the share of digital activities to 15% of total turnover. The integration of these platforms has significantly enhanced FDJ’s digital footprint and market presence.
Strong Financial Performance
FDJ’s financial health remains robust, with current EBITDA for the first half of 2024 standing at €370m, up 23.5%, resulting in a margin of 25.9%. Adjusted net income saw a 28% increase to €235m. These figures underscore the company’s operational efficiency and successful execution of its strategic initiatives.
Point-of-Sale Turnover and International Operations
Point-of-sale turnover grew by 8%, with a 3% increase within France. Meanwhile, FDJ’s international operations and payment services experienced significant growth, with turnover rising to €129m, up 72%. This increase was largely due to the successful integration of PLI.
Future Prospects and Strategic Initiatives
FDJ has reaffirmed its 2024 objectives, targeting an 8% increase in total turnover and a 5% rise in gaming activities in France. The company remains focused on expanding its market reach and enhancing its product offerings to sustain growth.
Public Takeover Offer for Kindred
A public takeover offer for Kindred is currently in progress, pending regulatory approval from the French Competition Authority. This acquisition is expected to bolster FDJ’s international and online gaming capabilities, further diversifying its portfolio and revenue streams.
CEO’s Statement on Future Growth
In a statement, FDJ’s CEO emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and market expansion. The strategic acquisitions and partnerships, along with a focus on digital transformation, are set to drive FDJ’s growth in the coming years.
Conclusion: The Financial Results
FDJ’s financial results for the first half of 2024 highlight the company’s strong performance and strategic foresight. With impressive growth in gaming activities, significant digital expansion, and robust financial health, FDJ is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The ongoing initiatives and strategic acquisitions are expected to further strengthen FDJ’s market leadership and drive sustained growth.
FAQs About FDJ Financial Results for H1 2024
1. What was FDJ’s turnover for the first half of 2024?
FDJ reported a turnover of €1.43bn ($1.5bn) for the first half of 2024, marking a 10.8% increase year-on-year.
2. How did FDJ’s gaming activities perform in France?
FDJ’s gaming activities in France recorded a turnover of €1.3bn, showing a 7% rise compared to the previous year.
3. What contributed to the growth in FDJ’s lottery segment?
The lottery segment saw a turnover of €1bn, a 5% increase driven by the strong performance of instant games and draw-based games like Ticket d’Or, Maxi Black Jack, EuroDreams, and Euromillions.
4. How did FDJ’s sports betting and online gaming segments perform?
Sports betting and competitive online gaming activities experienced a 14.5% increase in turnover, reaching €294m. This growth was supported by favorable sports results and the popularity of online platforms like ParionsSport and poker.
5. What growth did FDJ see in its digital activities?
FDJ’s digital activities grew by 39.8%, with a turnover of €201m. This increase was largely due to the acquisitions of PLI and ZEturf, which elevated digital activities to 15% of total turnover.
6. What were FDJ’s EBITDA and net income for the first half of 2024?
FDJ reported an EBITDA of €370m, up 23.5%, with a margin of 25.9%. The adjusted net income stood at €235m, marking a 28% increase.
7. How did FDJ’s point-of-sale turnover perform?
Point-of-sale turnover grew by 8%, with a 3% increase within France.
8. What was the performance of FDJ’s international operations and payment services?
FDJ’s international operations and payment services saw a turnover increase to €129m, up 72%, primarily due to the integration of PLI.
9. What are FDJ’s financial targets for 2024?
FDJ has set a target of an 8% increase in total turnover and a 5% rise in gaming activities in France for 2024.
10. What is the status of FDJ’s public takeover offer for Kindred?
FDJ’s public takeover offer for Kindred is in progress, awaiting regulatory approval from the French Competition Authority. This acquisition is expected to enhance FDJ’s international and online gaming capabilities.
11. How does FDJ plan to sustain its growth?
FDJ plans to sustain growth through strategic acquisitions, digital transformation, and expanding its market reach. The company remains committed to innovation and enhancing its product offerings to drive future growth.
