The Nasdaq Stockholm-listed firm, Kindred Group, which owns well-known brands like Unibet and 32Red, has declared its financial aspirations for 2025, targeting a revenue of £1.6 billion. This comes after its primary investor urged a sale of the enterprise.
The organization unveiled its new financial objectives and priorities ahead of a capital markets gathering in London. These goals encompass a fresh revenue target, aiming for a 21-22% underlying EBITDA margin through ongoing cost optimization and scalability. They also intend to distribute 75-100% of free cash flow (following mergers and acquisitions) by 2025.
Kindred anticipates revenue growth, a 27.1% increase from their 2021 total revenue of £1.26 billion, to be achieved through expansion in existing markets.
These goals were declared after the company reported a 32.2% decrease in revenue for the first half of 2022, facing criticism from its largest individual shareholder, Corvex Management, and reports that its representatives have contacted numerous operators and private equity firms seeking a sale of the business.
“Kindred possesses a balanced portfolio across markets in various maturity stages, which presents opportunities to benefit from both anticipated underlying market growth and further market share gains,” the group stated in a press release.
The Dutch nation is anticipated to become a major player in the years ahead, while also boosting product distinction and unique content provision.
The organization will focus on further expanding its market share in existing key markets like Europe and Oceania, which are projected to increase at a rate of 7% annually between 2021 and 2026.
The enterprise will also endeavor to establish a solid presence in the Netherlands, a market where its performance was considerably affected in early 2022 due to licensing regulations. The company re-entered the market after a nine-month absence. Kindred asserts that its strong brand recognition and local expertise will contribute to its growth in the Netherlands.
Other priorities include utilizing strategic investments, such as the recent acquisition of supplier Relax Gaming, and developing its own sports wagering platform.
The company will also aim to broaden its reach in North America.
Kindred Group CEO Henrik Tjärnström stated in a release: “I am pleased to share a more detailed perspective of our strategic direction and priorities.”
“We have been a trailblazer of industry change and have recognized early on the requirements for success in locally regulated and intricate environments. We now have the essential components in place and I am confident in the path we are taking.”
Kindred is making significant strides with their sports betting platform, set to debut in chosen regions by year’s end. They’ve also surpassed expectations in the Netherlands, aiming for a 15% share of the market by the close of the year.
Following a sluggish start in the initial half of 2022, Kindred witnessed robust growth in the third quarter, fueled by high activity across various regions. Daily gross earnings were down 12% compared to the same period last year, but up 6% excluding the Dutch market. Kindred anticipates daily gross earnings in the Dutch market to reach between £270 million and £280 million in the third quarter.
Corvex Management, an activist investor, became Kindred’s largest stakeholder in August. They had previously urged the board to contemplate a sale and requested participation in the nomination of new board members. Corvex founder Keith Meister expressed his anticipation of collaborating with Kindred’s other significant shareholders and chairman Evert Carlsson on the nominating committee.
We are confident that the committee ought to concentrate on appointing directors who can amplify long-term worth for all Kindred stakeholders, while effectively managing risk.
Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.