Return to Revenue Growth
Reported revenue of EUR 86 million in Q1 2026, up 5% year-over-year (9% growth in constant currencies).
Improved Operational Earnings and Margin
Operational earnings (EBITDA before special items) increased 14% year-over-year to EUR 25 million, delivering an EBITDA margin of 29%.
Stronger Recurring Revenue Base
Recurring revenue totaled EUR 50 million in Q1, of which EUR 40 million came from revenue share, underlining the quality and stability of the recurring earnings base.
North America Momentum
North American revenue share grew 46% year-over-year to EUR 6 million. Profitability in North America improved with margin rising to 31% from 18% a year earlier.
Growth in Value of Deposits
Value of deposits (deposits into revenue share accounts during the quarter) rose 15% year-over-year to EUR 799 million, indicating higher player value and healthier revenue-share cohorts.
Paid Media Strength and Investment
Paid Media delivered revenue growth of 12% and operational earnings growth of 25%; management increased investment in Paid Media during Q1 (additional EUR 2 million of cost as a deliberate growth investment).
Strategic Partnerships and Product Expansion
Expanded Playbook partnership to become official global partner to X, enabling private message integration, enhanced analytics and scaled social-native betting experiences ahead of major sports calendar (incl. FIFA World Cup 2026).
New Growth Initiatives: Prediction Markets
Company is positioning for prediction markets with dedicated hubs, social-first formats and product integrations; market context cited: monthly trading volume >$13 billion in 2025 and external TAM estimates ~ $1 trillion by 2030.
Brand & Talent-Led Media Momentum
Playmaker HQ and other talent-led properties performed well (example: 'Man On' podcast launch), and HLTV hosted a major esports awards show—supporting diversification into sponsorships and non-endemic advertisers.
Strong Cash Generation and Capital Allocation
Cash conversion of 101% before special items in Q1; launched EUR 40 million share buyback program and repurchased nearly EUR 7 million of shares in Q1. Capital reserves at quarter end: EUR 75 million (EUR 20 million cash, EUR 55 million unused bank facilities).
Guidance and Multi-Year Targets Intact
2026 guidance unchanged: organic revenue growth 7%–12%, EBITDA growth 8%–18%, annual share buyback of EUR 40 million and net debt/EBITDA below 3x. 2027–2028 targets remain: positive organic growth, EBITDA margin 35%–40% and net debt/EBITDA <3x.