Market Update 18/6/03 9:47:00 AM EBET LIMITED 2003-06-18 ASX-SIGNAL-G
HOMEX - Sydney +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Leading gaming technology company eBet Limited (ASX/NZSE: EBT) ("eBet") today provided a market update on its anticipated revenue and EBITDA for the Half Year to 30 June 2003.
The Company said it would achieve group revenue to around $9.0 million for the Half (nearly three times the prior Half), with positive group EBITDA in excess of $1.0 million. This compares to First Half group revenue of $3.1 million and EBITDA of negative $1.8 million.
Around $5.4 million of the group revenue result of $9.0 million for the Half will fall into the April-June Quarter, demonstrating the growth momentum now being achieved.
This significant turnaround in sales and profitability has been driven by the Company's acquisition of the Turbo Bonus business and the NSW gaming industry's acceptance of its card-based gaming system ("EPS").
Earlier this year the Company provided market guidance that anticipated group revenue for the Half would reach $11.0 million, with anticipated EBITDA of $3.55 million. The Company said that the variance was due largely the timing of installations and the completion of "deliverables" associated with some sales orders, which would contain bookable revenue for the period.
The Company highlighted the following achievements for the Half Year to-date:
* Its Gaming Systems Division has achieved new system sales (15 venues) and major system upgrades (10 venues) to more than 25 leading NSW venues, representing more than 4,600 machines.
* Gross sales orders for the gaming systems division will reach around $9 million for the Half Year, up from less than $2 million in the First Half.
* Around $7 million of these orders will be reflected in the Company's group revenue for the Half, with the balance reflected in the First Half of FY2004. This will also impact gross margins and therefore EBITDA for the period.
* The above sales orders, once all deliverables have been completed, will increase gaming systems recurring revenue (expected to be $1.4 million for FY2003) by around $800,000 per annum.
* The Online Division will contribute approximately $2 million to group revenue for the Half Year, up from $1.4 million in the First Half, through significant improvement in the performance of its sports and racing betting business, Sports Acumen.
* Significant restructuring has enabled the Company to contain group expenses (including payroll) for the Half at $4.0 million, to be in line with their "pre Turbo acquisition" levels. This represents a reduction in combined expenses (eBet + Turbo) of around $750,000 for the Half.
* The Company expects to maintain and improve upon the above growth as its gaming systems division continues to build momentum in NSW, and later elsewhere.
The Company said that, while bookable revenue will fall below that anticipated earlier in the year, it is pleased with the significant value that is now being realised from its acquisition of Turbo and the roll out of EPS.
New sales and major upgrades to 4,600 machines in NSW have driven the substantial revenue improvements. However, with a market exceeding 100,000 machines in NSW, the Company considers that it has further significant growth potential. Additionally, the Company is continuing with its international expansion plans.
In concluding its market update, the Company said that it would conduct a review of its intangible asset carrying values and depreciation schedules as part of its Full Year audit process. The Company will be in a position to provide an accurate estimate of the net profit for the Half or Full Year after this review.
It said that a number of one-off write-downs would be considered in consultation with its auditors. This will ensure that the Companys balance sheet accurately reflects the significant evolution of its business over the past 12 months and that the Company is positioned for positive bottom line performance for FY2004.
Further Information: Keith Cullen MANAGING DIRECTOR
02 8748 8000
ITQ Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held