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23.07.2024
888 Acquisitions Bond Yield Rises After Evoke Profit Warning
888 Acquisitions Bond Yield Rises After Evoke Profit Warning
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The 888 Acquisitions 7.558% Jul 2027 EUR bond yield surged by 148 basis points to 9.3% after British betting firm Evoke issued a profit warning, leading to an over 8% drop in its shares.

The 888 Acquisitions 7.558% Jul 2027 EUR bond (XS2498543102) has experienced a substantial shift in its yield, surging by 148 basis points to 9.3% over the span of the week.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the 888 Acquisitions Limited bond (XS2498543102), with a 7.558% coupon, due on July 15, 2027, in Euros.

The significant rise in the bond's yield follows a profit warning issued by British betting firm Evoke on July 18, 2024. Evoke, formerly known as 888 Holdings and the parent company of 888 Acquisitions Limited, announced that its first-half earnings would fall short of expectations. This shortfall was primarily attributed to weaker-than-anticipated online revenue growth in the second quarter and lackluster returns from marketing efforts.

The news sent shockwaves through the market, resulting in an over 8% drop in Evoke's shares, marking the largest percentage decline on the FTSE Small Cap index. The disappointing earnings guidance was exacerbated by the fact that it came just a few months after the appointment of a new CEO, Per Widerström, and a revamped management team. Investec analysts highlighted the timing as "very unhelpful," noting that it added to investor concerns.

Evoke's strategy, unveiled in March, focused on core markets and cost-saving measures through automation and artificial intelligence. However, the anticipated benefits of this strategy have yet to materialize. Despite a return to online revenue growth in the second quarter, the performance fell short of the company's estimates. Evoke expects a significant increase in second-half profits driven by reduced marketing costs but maintained its fiscal year 2025 expectations and medium-term revenue growth targets of 5%-9% per year.

The company's senior unsecured debt holds ratings of 'B+' from Fitch, 'B' from S&P, and 'B1' from Moody’s. Fitch notes that while Evoke's business profile suggests a higher rating, its weaker profitability and higher EBITDAR net leverage—around 6.0x in 2024, decreasing to below 5.5x by 2026—result in a higher interest burden that limits free cash flow generation.

About Evoke plc

Evoke Plc is involved in offering online gaming entertainment and solutions. The company operates through two segments: B2C and B2B. The B2C segment provides casino games, poker, and bingo. The B2B segment delivers comprehensive gaming services under the Dragonfish trading brand. The company was established in May 1997 by Avi Shaked, Aharon Shaked, Ron Ben-Yitzhak, and Shay Ben-Yitzhak, and is headquartered in Gibraltar. The company has a market capitalization of €342 million as of July 23, 2024.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.
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