GAN Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

GAN Limited reports unaudited financial results for Q4 and full year 2023, showing a decrease in total revenue, net loss improvement, and approval of merger with Sega Sammy Holdings expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

Positive

• Total revenue for Q4 2023 decreased by 17% compared to Q4 2022, with B2B segment revenue at $11.8 million and B2C segment revenue at $18.9 million.
• Operating expenses decreased significantly to $29.5 million from $172.4 million in the prior year, resulting in a net loss improvement to $9.4 million from $147.7 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $(3.9) million compared to $(0.4) million, primarily due to a decrease in revenue partially offset by cost-saving initiatives.
• Full year 2023 total revenue decreased by 9% compared to 2022, with B2B segment revenue at $43.2 million and B2C segment revenue at $86.2 million.
• Net loss for the full year improved to $34.4 million from $197.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $(8.4) million compared to $6.0 million.
• Cash as of December 31, 2023, was $38.6 million compared to $45.9 million in 2022, primarily impacted by contractual revenue rate decreases and cost-saving initiatives.
• B2B Gross Operator Revenue increased by 35% to $1,657.8 million driven by organic growth in existing customer bases.
• The merger with Sega Sammy Holdings is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to certain conditions.
• No conference call will be held to discuss the financial results for Q4 and full year 2023.

Negative

• Total revenue decrease in both Q4 and full year 2023 compared to the previous year.
• Significant decrease in operating expenses due to non-cash impairment charges and cost-saving initiatives.
• Net loss improvement driven by non-cash impairment charge in the prior year.
• Adjusted EBITDA decrease primarily due to revenue decrease.
• Cash decline due to contractual revenue rate decreases and cost-saving initiatives.
• B2C segment revenue decline attributed to Latin America.
• No significant international sports events impacting B2C KPIs in the current year.
• No discussion on B2B and B2C segment strategies or future plans in the PR.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The recent financial results reported by GAN Limited reveal a significant 17% decline in total revenue for Q4 2023 compared to the same quarter in the previous year, with a notable 20% decrease in B2B segment revenue for the full year. This downturn is largely attributed to the expiration of an exclusivity period with a key B2B customer, which suggests a potential vulnerability in GAN's revenue model to the loss of preferential agreements. The net loss improvement from $147.7 million to $9.4 million is, however, less indicative of operational success and more reflective of the prior year's non-cash impairment charge. The reported Adjusted EBITDA, which is often used to evaluate a company's operating performance, turned more negative from $(0.4) million to $(3.9) million for Q4 and from $6.0 million to $(8.4) million for the full year, raising concerns about the company's ability to generate earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

On the positive side, the B2B Gross Operator Revenue (GOR) saw a 5% increase in Q4 and a strong 35% increase for the full year, indicating robust organic growth within the company's existing customer base in key states. This growth metric is crucial as it reflects the underlying health of the company's B2B operations independent of the contractual revenue rates. Nevertheless, the decline in cash reserves from $45.9 million to $38.6 million signals a potential need for careful cash flow management, especially in the context of the upcoming merger with Sega Sammy Holdings.

Market Research Analyst

The online gaming and sports betting industry is characterized by high competition and regulatory challenges, which are evident in GAN's financial performance. The decline in active customers in the B2C segment, particularly in Latin America, points to potential issues with customer retention and market penetration. It's essential to analyze the competitive landscape in these regions to understand the factors contributing to this decline. The impact of the World Cup on B2C KPIs highlights the importance of major sporting events in driving customer engagement and revenue, which is a seasonal factor that investors should consider when evaluating performance in this sector.

The upcoming merger with Sega Sammy Holdings is a strategic move that could potentially expand GAN's product offerings and market reach. The merger's expected completion in late 2024 or early 2025 introduces a long-term transformative element to the company's prospects. However, the lack of a conference call to discuss the financial results may be perceived as a lack of transparency, potentially impacting investor sentiment. Market analysts would closely monitor the progress of the merger and its implications on market share and competitive positioning.

Legal Expert

The merger with Sega Sammy Holdings is contingent upon regulatory approvals, including the change in control of GAN by certain gaming authorities. This aspect underscores the highly regulated nature of the gaming industry. The timeline for the merger's completion suggests a lengthy regulatory process, during which GAN must maintain compliance with existing regulations and prepare to meet any new requirements that may arise from the merger. The legal complexities of such a transaction are non-trivial and could affect the timeline and final terms of the merger. Stakeholders should remain cognizant of the legal hurdles and the potential impact on the company's strategic direction and operations.

Following Shareholder Approval of Merger with Sega Sammy Holdings, the Company Expects Completion of Transaction in Late 2024 or Early 2025

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GAN Limited (NASDAQ: GAN) (the “Company” or “GAN”), a leading North American B2B technology provider of real money internet gaming solutions and a leading International B2C operator of Internet sports betting, today reported its unaudited financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2022

• Total revenue of $30.7 million decreased 17%, or $6.2 million, compared to the prior year quarter.
• B2B segment revenue was $11.8 million versus $14.1 million. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in our contractual revenue rates related to the expiration of an exclusivity period with a B2B customer.
• B2C segment revenue was $18.9 million versus $22.8 million. The decrease was primarily driven by increased activity from the World Cup occurring in the fourth quarter of 2022.
• Total segment contribution was $20.9 million versus $26.9 million. The decrease was primarily driven by decreases in both the aforementioned factors in the B2C and B2B segment revenues.
• Operating expenses were $29.5 million versus $172.4. The decrease was primarily related to a $137.1 million non-cash impairment charge during the quarter ended December 31, 2022. In addition, Sales & Marketing, Product & Technology, and General & Administrative all decreased from the prior year period, which included cost savings initiatives largely consisting of a reduction in headcount.
• Net loss of $9.4 million versus $147.7 million. The improvement in net loss was driven primarily by the non-cash impairment charge of $137.1 million recorded in the prior year.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $(3.9) million versus $(0.4) million, primarily related to a decrease in revenue, which was partially offset by cost savings initiatives largely consisting of a reduction in headcount.
• B2C KPI’s during the year were impacted by the World Cup in the prior year period while the current year did not have any significant international sports events.
• B2B Gross Operator Revenue (“GOR”) totaled $384.7 million versus $365.8 million in the prior year quarter, a 5% increase. This increase was primarily driven by organic growth with our existing customer base in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
• Subsequent to quarter end, GAN shareholders approved the previously announced merger agreement and merger of GAN and a subsidiary of SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC., an affiliate of SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC.

Full Year 2023 Compared to Full Year 2022

• Total revenue of $129.4 million decreased 9% compared to the prior year.
• B2B segment revenue was $43.2 million versus $54.1 million. The 20% the decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in our contractual revenue rates related to the expiration of an exclusivity period with a B2B customer.
• B2C segment revenue was $86.2 million versus $87.5 million, which was attributable to a decline in active customers in Latin America.
• Total segment contribution was $90.7 million versus $99.9 million. The decrease was primarily related to the factors noted above impacting B2B revenue.
• Operating expenses were $121.0 million versus $292.4 million. The decrease was primarily related to a $166.0 million non-cash impairment charge during the prior year period. The remaining decrease relates to a reduction in development activities that qualify for capitalization within our B2B segment.
• Net loss of $34.4 million versus $197.5 million. The decrease in net loss was primarily driven by decreased operating expenses including a non-cash impairment charge in the prior year period as noted above.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $(8.4) million versus $6.0 million primarily due to a decrease in revenue and development activities that qualify for capitalization within our B2B segment.
• Cash was $38.6 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $45.9 million as of December 31, 2022. The decline was primarily related to a decrease in our contractual revenue rates related to the expiration of an exclusivity period with a B2B customer. This was partially offset by lower operating expenses related to cost savings initiatives and exiting our content licensing arrangement in March of 2023.
• B2C KPI’s during the year were impacted by the World Cup in the prior year period while the current year did not have any significant international sports events.
• B2B Gross Operator Revenue (“GOR”) totaled $1,657.8 million versus $1,224.4 million in the prior year, a 35% increase. This increase was primarily driven by organic growth with our existing customer base in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Sega Sammy Transaction

The closing of the merger is expected to occur in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to closing, including the approval of the merger and change in control of GAN by certain gaming authorities.

Conference Call Details

GAN will not host a conference call to discuss its quarterly financial results for the fourth quarter ended and year-end 2023 earnings release.

GAN Limited

Key Financial Highlights

(Unaudited, in thousands unless otherwise specified)

		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Revenues
B2B		$	11,802			$	10,178			$	14,140			$	43,154			$	54,045
B2C			18,913				19,639				22,807				86,265				87,483
Total revenues		$	30,715			$	29,817			$	36,947			$	129,419			$	141,528
Profitability Measures
B2B segment contribution (1)		$	9,507			$	8,123			$	11,907			$	34,730			$	42,797
B2B segment contribution margin (1)			80.6	%			79.8	%			84.2	%			80.5	%			79.2	%
B2C segment contribution (1)		$	11,396			$	12,452			$	15,004			$	55,989			$	57,097
B2C segment contribution margin (1)			60.3	%			63.4	%			65.8	%			64.9	%			65.3	%
Net loss		$	(9,376	)		$	(8,160	)		$	(147,709	)		$	(34,444	)		$	(197,498	)
Adjusted EBITDA (7)		$	(3,884	)		$	(2,522	)		$	(368	)		$	(8,395	)		$	6,042
Key Performance Indicators
B2B Gross Operator Revenue (2) (in millions)		$	384.7			$	424.1			$	365.8			$	1,657.8			$	1,224.4
B2B Take Rate (3)			3.1	%			2.4	%			3.9	%			2.6	%			4.4	%
B2C Active Customers (in thousands) (4)			236				244				331				500				559
B2C Marketing Spend Ratio (5)			28	%			26	%			24	%			24	%			21	%
B2C Sports Margin (6)			6.5	%			6.0	%			6.5	%			7.0	%			6.9	%

About GAN Limited

GAN is a leading business-to-business supplier of internet gambling software-as-a-service solutions predominantly to the U.S. land-based casino industry and is a market-leading business-to-consumer operator of proprietary online sports betting technology internationally with market leadership positions in selected European and Latin American markets. In its B2B segment, GAN has developed a proprietary internet gambling enterprise software system, GameSTACK, which it licenses to land-based U.S. casino operators as a turnkey technology solution for regulated real money internet gambling, encompassing internet gaming, internet sports betting and social casino gaming branded as Simulated Gaming.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s strategic review, the Company’s anticipated trends in revenues (including new customer launches) and operating expenses, the anticipated improvement in profitability, the anticipated launch of regulated gaming in new U.S. states, the continued integration of Coolbet’s sports betting technology and international B2C operations, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements including those risks detailed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent periodic reports. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Key Performance Indicators and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release uses certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The Company reports financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and also communicates with investors using certain non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, nor are they a substitute for or superior to, the comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement the presentation of the Company’s financial results that are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

⁽¹⁾ The Company excludes depreciation and amortization in certain segment calculations.

⁽²⁾ The Company defines B2B Gross Operator Revenue as the sum of its B2B corporate customers’ gross revenue from virtual simulated gaming (SIM), gross gaming revenue from RMiG, and gross sports wins from sportsbook offerings. B2B Gross Operator Revenue, which is not comparable to financial information presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP, gives management and users of our financial statements an indication of the extent of transactions processed through the Company’s B2B corporate customers’ platforms and allows management to understand the extent of activity that the Company’s platform is processing.

⁽³⁾ The Company defines B2B Take Rate as a quotient of B2B segment revenue retained by the Company over the total Gross Operator Revenue generated by our B2B corporate customers. The B2B Take Rate gives management and users of our financial statements an indication of the impact of the statutory terms and the efficiency of the commercial terms on the business.

⁽⁴⁾ The Company defines B2C Active Customers as a user that places a wager during the period. This metric allows management to monitor the customer segmentation, growth drivers, and ultimately creates opportunities to identify and add value to the user experience. This metric allows management and users of the financial statements to measure the platform traffic and track related trends.

⁽⁵⁾ The Company defines B2C Marketing Spend Ratio as the total B2C direct marketing expense for the period divided by the total B2C revenues. This metric allows management to measure the success of marketing costs during a given period. Additionally, this metric allows management to compare across jurisdictions and other subsets, as an additional indication of return on marketing investment.

⁽⁶⁾ The Company defines B2C Sports Margin as the ratio of wagers minus winnings to total amount wagered, adjusted for open wagers at period end. Sports betting involves a user placing a bet on the outcome of a sporting event with the chance to win a pre-determined amount, often referred to as fixed odds. Our B2C sportsbook revenue is generated by setting odds that are intended to provide a built-in theoretical margin in each sports bet offered to our users. This metric allows management to measure sportsbook performance against its expected outcome.

⁽⁷⁾ Management uses the non-GAAP measure of Adjusted EBITDA to measure its financial performance. Specifically, it uses Adjusted EBITDA (i) as a measure to compare its operating performance from period to period, as it removes the effect of items not directly resulting from core operations, and (ii) as a means of assessing its core business performance against others in the industry, because it eliminates some of the effects that are generated by differences in capital structure, depreciation, tax effects and unusual and infrequent events. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net loss before interest expense (income), net, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, impairments, share-based compensation expense and related expense, restructuring costs, and other items which the Board of Directors considers to be infrequent or unusual in nature. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be used in isolation or as a substitute for any measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Adjusted EBITDA may exclude financial information that some investors may consider important in evaluating the Company’s performance. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not a U.S. GAAP measure, the way the Company defines Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in the industry.

GAN Limited

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Revenue		$	30,715			$	29,817			$	36,947			$	129,419			$	141,528
Operating costs and expenses
Cost of revenue(1)			9,812				9,242				10,036				38,700				41,634
Sales and marketing(2)			7,268				7,196				8,011				28,972				28,303
Product and technology(2)			8,277				9,150				10,267				38,243				35,195
General and administrative(1,2)			9,562				7,060				10,541				36,657				37,848
Impairment			—				—				137,149				—				166,010
Restructuring			—				—				—				—				1,771
Depreciation and amortization			4,378				4,339				6,414				17,161				23,276
Total operating costs and expenses			39,297				36,987				182,418				159,733				334,037
Operating loss			(8,582	)			(7,170	)			(145,471	)			(30,314	)			(192,509	)
Other loss (income), net			1,041				1,264				(1,191	)			3,992				1,047
Loss before income taxes			(9,623	)			(8,434	)			(144,280	)			(34,306	)			(193,556	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			(247	)			(274	)			3,429				138				3,942
Net loss		$	(9,376	)		$	(8,160	)		$	(147,709	)		$	(34,444	)		$	(197,498	)
Loss per share, basic and diluted		$	(0.21	)		$	(0.18	)		$	(3.46	)		$	(0.78	)		$	(4.66	)
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, basic and diluted			44,866,086				44,699,951				42,637,897				44,180,600				42,359,523

⁽¹⁾ Excludes depreciation and amortization expense.
⁽²⁾ During the second quarter of 2023, the Company completed a reorganization which resulted in the Company reclassifying its operating expenses between the sales and marketing, product and technology, and general and administrative. Prior year figures reflect this reclassification for analogous comparatives.

GAN Limited

Segment Revenue and Gross Profit (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Revenue
B2B
Platform and content license fees		$	8,357			$	7,240			$	12,311			$	31,466			$	43,519
Development services and other			3,445				2,938				1,829				11,688				10,526
Total B2B revenue			11,802				10,178				14,140				43,154				54,045
B2C
Gaming			18,913				19,639				22,807				86,265				87,483
Total B2C revenue			18,913				19,639				22,807				86,265				87,483
Total revenue		$	30,715			$	29,817			$	36,947			$	129,419			$	141,528
Gross Profit
B2B
Revenue		$	11,802			$	10,178			$	14,140			$	43,154			$	54,045
Cost of revenue (1)			2,295				2,055				2,233				8,424				11,248
B2B segment contribution			9,507				8,123				11,907				34,730				42,797
B2B segment contribution margin			80.6	%			79.8	%			84.2	%			80.5	%			79.2	%
B2C
Revenue			18,913				19,639				22,807				86,265				87,483
Cost of revenue (1)			7,517				7,187				7,803				30,276				30,386
B2C segment contribution			11,396				12,452				15,004				55,989				57,097
B2C segment contribution margin			60.3	%			63.4	%			65.8	%			64.9	%			65.3	%
Total segment contribution		$	20,903			$	20,575			$	26,911			$	90,719			$	99,894
Total segment contribution margin			68.1	%			69.0	%			72.8	%			70.1	%			70.6	%

⁽¹⁾ Excludes depreciation and amortization expense

GAN Limited

Revenue by Geography (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Revenue by geography *
United States		$	8,487			$	7,459			$	12,084			$	31,758			$	45,615
Europe			12,114				10,890				11,749				47,788				45,092
Latin America			7,145				9,132				11,168				39,935				44,078
Rest of the world			2,969				2,336				1,946				9,938				6,743
Total		$	30,715			$	29,817			$	36,947			$	129,419			$	141,528

* Revenue is segmented based on the location of the Company’s customer.

GAN Limited

Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

		Three Months Ended												Year Ended
		December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Net loss		$	(9,376	)		$	(8,160	)		$	(147,709	)		$	(34,444	)		$	(197,498	)
Income tax expense (benefit)			(247	)			(274	)			3,429				138				3,942
Interest expense, net			1,118				1,264				1,758				5,003				4,279
Gain on amendment of Content Licensing Agreement			—				—				—				(9,718	)			—
Loss on debt extinguishment			—				—				—				8,784				—
Contingent liability and related revaluation			(542	)			(509	)			(3,000	)			(830	)			(3,000	)
Depreciation and amortization			4,378				4,339				6,414				17,161				23,276
Share-based compensation and related expense			785				818				1,591				5,511				7,262
Impairment			—				—				137,149				—				166,010
Restructuring			—				—				—				—				1,771
Adjusted EBITDA		$	(3,884	)		$	(2,522	)		$	(368	)		$	(8,395	)		$	6,042

GAN Limited

Historical Normalized Revenue (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

		Three Months Ended,
		December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Revenue
Revenue		$	30,715			$	29,817			$	33,758			$	35,129
Normalized adjustments (1)			1,433				1,441				(2,331	)			(529	)
Normalized Revenue		$	32,148			$	31,258			$	31,427			$	34,600
Sports Margin
Actual sports margin			6.5	%			6.0	%			8.5	%			7.1	%
Normalized sports margin			7.0	%			7.0	%			7.0	%			7.0	%

⁽¹⁾ The adjustments are based on the effects of a normalized sports margin of 7.0% for the year.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240312414714/en/

Investors:

GAN

Robert Shore

Vice President, Investor Relations & Capital Markets

(610) 812-3519

rshore@GAN.com

Alpha IR Group

Ryan Coleman or Davis Snyder

(312) 445-2870

GAN@alpha-ir.com

Source: GAN Limited

FAQ

What was GAN Limited's total revenue for Q4 2023?

GAN Limited reported total revenue of $30.7 million for Q4 2023, a 17% decrease from Q4 2022.

What was the net loss for GAN Limited in Q4 2023?

GAN Limited reported a net loss of $9.4 million in Q4 2023, an improvement from $147.7 million in the prior year.

What was the B2B segment revenue for GAN Limited in full year 2023?

GAN Limited's B2B segment revenue for the full year 2023 was $43.2 million, a 20% decrease from the previous year.

What was the B2C segment revenue for GAN Limited in full year 2023?

GAN Limited's B2C segment revenue for the full year 2023 was $86.2 million, showing a decline compared to the previous year.

What was GAN Limited's cash position as of December 31, 2023?

GAN Limited's cash position as of December 31, 2023, was $38.6 million, lower than $45.9 million in 2022.

What was the B2B Gross Operator Revenue for GAN Limited in the full year 2023?

GAN Limited's B2B Gross Operator Revenue for the full year 2023 was $1,657.8 million, a 35% increase from the previous year.

When is the merger with Sega Sammy Holdings expected to be completed?

The merger with Sega Sammy Holdings is expected to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025, subject to certain conditions.

Will GAN Limited host a conference call to discuss its financial results for Q4 and full year 2023?

GAN Limited will not host a conference call to discuss its financial results for Q4 and full year 2023.